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    Man Utd 4 Aston Villa 2: Hosts twice fight from goal down in frantic second half to keep Carabao Cup hopes alive

    MARCUS RASHFORD celebrated his World Cup call up by leading Manchester United’s stirring fight-back.Gareth Southgate’s number two Steve Holland was in the stands at Old Trafford just hours after the Three Lions party for Qatar had been confirmed.
    Marcus Rashford enjoyed a great evening for United on the day he got an England call-upCredit: Rex
    It took until the second-half for the game to get going but six goals followedCredit: Reuters
    The Red Devils forward is part of it for the first time since his Euro 2020 heartache – in recognition of his recent return to form.
    And he vindicated Southgate’s decision by pulling his team level with a well taken goal – before goals from Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay completed the turnaround late on.
    It capped a breath-taking second half which was in stark contrast to a desperately poor opening 45 minutes.
    And United claimed their revenge over Villa just four days after Unai Emery’s men had beaten them at Villa Park in the Prem.
    READ MORE ON MAN UNITED
    Both managers made seven changes from that game and among those dropping out was Cristiano Ronaldo – who was not in the United squad due to illness.
    Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, who arrived at Old Trafford from Newcastle in August – was handed his Red Devils debut.
    Meanwhile England’s Harry Maguire was handed only his second start since early September – and was desperately in need of minutes.
    Maybe the teams knew each other too well after meeting only four days earlier because there was little of note in the opening exchanges.
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    Tyrell Malacia scooped a cross over which Diogo Dalot met with a header on the bounce but it was deflected narrowly over the bar.
    There was no great urgency from either side to win this tie in the opening half hour. 
    A trademark Douglas Luiz corner needed a clearance off the line by Scott McTominay – although Dubravka will feel he had it covered anyway.
    Minutes later, another one was only half cleared and former United man Ashley Young whistled a volley over the bar.
    Yet after a thoroughly forgettable first half, the game sprang into life after the break.
    Jacob Ramsey found space in the middle and played a perfect pass in to Ollie Watkins who had drifted off the shoulder of Maguire.
    He showed the class which once put him in the England frame to race clear and lift the ball brilliantly over Dubravka. 
    Yet the home side were furious claiming there had been a handball by Boubacar Kamara in the build up.
    Only hours after being named in Portugal’s World Cup squad, Bruno Fernandes gave everyone a reminder of his qualityCredit: Getty
    With no VAR in operation, the goal stood and United showed their frustration by hitting back within a minute.
    The smoke from the flares set off in the away end had still not cleared when Dalot played a lovely pass to find Fernandes who had drifted into space.
    He rolled the ball across the box for Anthony Martial to slot home a simple equaliser.
    The French ace was left out of his nation’s World Cup squad this week – maybe this will have put a smile back on his face.
    After such a dismal first half – suddenly the game was alive and the visitors were back in front just after the hour. 
    Leon Bailey had only just replaced Ramsey when he was picked out at the back post by Young’s cross.
    His header back across goal was not going in before Dalot stuck out a leg and diverted it into his own net. 
    That was three goals in 17 minutes – and there was almost another one soon afterwards.
    Scott McTominay got in on the scoring act right at the end of this ding-dong encounterCredit: AP
    Malacia picked out Rashford with a long ball and he took it past Tyrone Mings before blasting his effort just wide. 
    The England hopeful was not to be denied though – as he flicked on another pass from the full-back into the path of sub Christian Eriksen.
    When Villa failed to clear he pounced on the loose ball and took advantage of a slip by Mings before stabbing a shot low into the corner.
    Fernandes forced a low save from Robin Olsen as United chased a winner while the Swedish keeper also kept out Maguire’s thumping header.  
    But when Olsen fluffed his clearance sub Alejandro Garnacho pounced and played it into Fernandes.
    The Portuguese shot was on target but a deflection off the hapless Mings sent it flying into the corner.
    McTominay rattled a shot against the bar but wrapped up the scoring late on when he touched home Garnacho’s cross. More

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    Man City vs Liverpool headlines Carabao Cup fourth-round draw as Man Utd get Vincent Kompany’s Burnley after Villa win

    MANCHESTER CITY will face Liverpool in a tantalising Carabao Cup fourth-round clash.The Premier League rivals were drawn against one another shortly after the third round of the EFL cup wrapped up on Thursday night.
    The draw for the fourth round of the Carabao Cup took place on Thursday eveningCredit: Rex
    The draw threw up a tasty clash between Premier League big boys Manchester City and LiverpoolCredit: The Times
    Manchester United have been drawn at home against Championship table-toppers BurnleyCredit: GETTY
    16 teams were involved in the draw, including the ten top-flight clubs.
    Manchester United – who closed out the round with a 4-2 win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford – were drawn against Burnley.
    In-form Newcastle were pitted against manager Eddie Howe’s former club Bournemouth.
    New Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui was handed a home clash with League Two side Gillingham. It’ll be the former Spain gaffer’s first match in charge.
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    Southampton also drew League Two opposite in a St Mary’s clash with Lincoln City.
    Nottingham Forest, who dumped Tottenham out of the cup on Wednesday, will face Championship high fliers Blackburn at Ewood Park.
    Leicester City, meanwhile, will travel to Milton Keynes to take on MK Dons.
    And Brighton – who dumped out Premier League table toppers Arsenal – will travel to the Valley to take on League Two outfit Charlton.
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    The fourth-round fixtures are expected to take place on the week commencing December 19 – just days after the World Cup final in Qatar.
    Manchester City – who have won the league cup in four of the last five seasons – will have home advantage for their clash with Liverpool.
    Pundit Dion Dublin said of the tasty cup clash: “It’s the tie of the round.
    “I don’t think either side would’ve wanted that tie.
    “But, you know, big game. If you wanna things, you’ve got to beat the best.”
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    Burnley’s visit to Old Trafford to take on the inconsistent Manchester United will see a familiar face try to put the Red Devils to the sword.
    The Clarets are currently managed by former Man City skipper Vicent Kompany, who has shone in his debut season at Turf Moor.
    Carabao Cup Fourth Round Draw in full
    Wolves vs Gillingham
    Southampton vs Lincoln
    Blackburn vs Nottingham Forest
    Newcastle United vs Bournemouth
    Manchester City vs Liverpool
    Manchester United vs Burnley
    MK Dons vs Leicester City
    Charlton Athletic vs Brighton
    Erling Haaland and Virgil van Dijk will once again do battle this yearCredit: Reuters More

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    Man Utd ratings: Maguire sluggish with World Cup around the corner while Fernandes shows why he’s Red Devils’ main man

    MANCHESTER UNITED came from behind TWICE to beat Aston Villa 4-2 in the Carabao Cup.Ollie Watkins opened the scoring for the visitors, ghosting in behind Man Utd captain Harry Maguire.
    Fernandes scored the winner for UnitedCredit: Getty
    United came from behind twice to beat Aston VillaCredit: AP
    The striker, who missed out on England’s World Cup squad, lifted the ball over Martin Dubravka finishing off a well-worked move.
    However, it didn’t take United long to draw level.
    Diogo Dalot found Bruno Fernandes in behind Villa’s backline with a searching ball.
    The Red Devils No8 then squared it to Anthony Martial, who tapped home from close range.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    The equaliser didn’t deter Villa, who continued to press for a winner.
    And the restoration of their lead came through some good work by Leon Bailey, who forced Dalot to steer the ball into the back of his own net.
    Marcus Rashford then grabbed United’s second equaliser of the night before Bruno Fernandes’ deflected effort and Scott McTominay’s added time goal sealed the win.
    Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Mbu rated the Red Devils.
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    Martin Dubravka – 5
    Didn’t have much to do in the opening 45.
    Had no chance stopping Watkins’ opener with the England striker getting his shot off unopposed.
    Diogo Dalot – 5
    Chugged up and down the line, as per usual.
    Caught napping for Villa’s goal and desperately tried to recover.
    Redeemed himself with a searching ball down the line to Fernandes for Martial’s equaliser.
    But then shot himself in the foot by turning Villa’s second into the back of his own net.
    Harry Maguire – 5
    Arrived late on Ollie Watkins just before half-time and picked up a booking.
    More minutes under his belt heading into the Qatar World Cup but his sluggish performance could be a cause for concern.
    Couldn’t get near Watkins for Villa’s goal.
    Should’ve scored a free header late on in the second half.
    Victor Lindelof – 6
    Didn’t put a foot wrong in the first half.
    Held his line well and wasn’t at fault for the first goal, with that coming down Dalot and Maguire’s side.
    Tyrell Malacia – 7
    Man Utd’s biggest attacking threat in the first half.
    The flying Dutchman overlapped Rashford well but saw multiple crosses be blocked in the first half.
    A decent performance, putting his Europa League horrors behind him.
    Could start to push Luke Shaw for the starting spot again in the New Year.
    Scott McTominay – 7
    Stopped Douglas Luiz from opening the scoring, clearing the ball off the line from a direct corner in the first half.
    Picked up the first booking of the game, clattering United legend Ashley Young.
    Was the more defensive of the midfield pairing until Fred’s substitution.
    Got forward in the latter stages and got his goal.
    Fred – 6
    Played a more advanced midfield role while McTominay did the sweeping.
    Was slow to pick up Jacob Ramsey for Villa’s opener.
    Focus has probably shifted to the World Cup, where Brazil are favourites.
    Was subbed for Christian Eriksen.
    Bruno Fernandes – 8
    Played out wide to allow Van De Beek to play through the middle.
    Played some clever passes into Martial at times and got the assist for United’s equaliser.
    Scored the winner with a deflected effort, proving why he’s United’s main man.
    Donny van de Beek – 5
    Largely a passenger in the Red Devils team.
    Really struggling to impress, even under Erik ten Hag, who managed him at Ajax.
    Was subbed for Anthony Elanga.
    Marcus Rashford – 7
    Relatively quiet night for Rashford, who received good news earlier on Thursday that he was heading to Qatar.
    Grabbed the equaliser after Villa made a mess of their defending.
    Anthony Martial – 6
    The Frenchman is just returning to fitness and struggled to make an impact in the opening 45.
    Got a goal on his return.
    Was subbed for Alejandro Garnacho with just under half an hour to go.
    Subs
    Alejandro Garnacho (for Anthony Martial, 62) – 7
    Bright when he came on, proving he can compete against Premier League teams.
    Got the assist for McTominay’s goal.
    Deserves more league minutes.
    Anthony Elanga (for Van De Beek, 62) – 5
    Added some energy, which Van De Beek simply wasn’t offering.
    Allowed United to play a lot wider.
    Christian Eriksen (for Fred, 62) – 6
    Added some much needed control to the midfield when he came on.
    Crisp passing kept United ticking.
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    Casemiro (for Rashford, 82) – 5
    Didn’t have much to do when coming on.
    His job was to keep it tight at the back and maintain United’s lead – which he did.
    Lisandro Martinez (for Lindelof, 86) – N/A More

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    YouTube star IShowSpeed flies from America to Old Trafford just to watch Cristiano Ronaldo.. but Man Utd star ruled out

    YOUTUBER IShowSpeed was left red-faced after flying all the way from America to watch his idol Cristiano Ronaldo… only for the Manchester United star to miss the game against Aston Villa.The internet star is a self-proclaimed mega-fan of the Portuguese attacker and he would have been immensely excited to see his “hero” play live.
    IShowSpeed flew from America to Old Trafford to watch Cristiano Ronaldo play, but the star missed the game.Credit: Sky Sports
    However, he was still happy to make it onto television.Credit: Sky Sports
    Ronaldo was ruled out due to illness.Credit: Rex
    The 17-year-old has even released his own song tribute to the former Real Madrid star titled Ronaldo [Sewey].
    However, much to his disappointment, Ronaldo was not even on the bench for the Red Devils’ Carabao Cup fixture against Aston Villa.
    After finding out the news, he tweeted: “I’m crying right now I flew all the way to Manchester to see Ronaldo and he is not playing.”
    Before the game manager Erik ten Hag confirmed that Ronaldo would miss the game.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Ten Hag told MUTV: “Jadon [Sancho] ill, Cristiano [Ronaldo] ill, and Antony injured.”
    Although it is not expected to affect the 37-year-old’s World Cup place, which will be his fifth international tournament with Portugal.

    Ronaldo has struggled for consistent game time this season following the arrival of Ten Hag, as the manager has tried to establish a new style of play.
    The forward has been in and out of the side as the Dutchman tries to find his best team.
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    He did play on the weekend, but the result was not what he would have liked as Manchester United succumbed to a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
    Ronaldo’s Old Trafford future has been up in the air recently as he has been reportedly trying to get a move away from the club.
    Most recently, in his biography, he revealed that he “could see himself” playing at Ligue 1 side PSG. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo ruled out of Man Utd’s Carabao Cup clash vs Aston Villa due to ‘illness’

    CRISTIANO RONALDO was ruled out of Manchester United’s Carabao Cup win over Aston Villa due to illness, according to boss Erik ten Hag. The 38-year-old was completely absent from the squad for the third-round clash at Old Trafford.
    Cristiano Ronaldo played against Aston Villa on Sunday but missed out tonightCredit: PA
    The manager named a slightly-weakened side ahead of the club’s final pre-World Cup Premier League game at Fulham on Sunday.
    But it was announced only before the game that one of the Red Devils’ biggest stars would miss out.
    Ten Hag insisted illness was the issue and it had nothing to do with the fast-approaching World Cup.
    The Dutchman told Sky Sports: “[He has a] illness. So not available.
    READ MORE ON MAN UNITED
    “It’s difficult to say [whether he will be available for Fulham] how he recovers.”
    When the reporter pressed ten Hag on whether the World Cup had anything to do with Ronaldo’s absence, the boss insisted simply: “No, illness.”
    Ronaldo was named in Portugal’s World Cup squad earlier in the day along with his United team-mates Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot.
    Players around Europe have one final weekend of domestic action to get through before jetting off for Qatar.
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    Many will be hoping they don’t fall victim to last minute injuries which has affected a whole host of stars.
    Despite Ronaldo’s absence, Man Utd managed to beat Aston Villa 4-2.
    Their reward is a fourth round tie against Vincent Kompany’s Burnley. More

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    Carabao Cup fourth round draw LIVE REACTION: Liverpool to visit Man City, Man Utd to host Burnley in last-16 – latest

    LIVERPOOL will visit Manchester City in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. Manchester United have been handed an easier tie as they take on Championship outfit Burnley at home.
    Gillingham face a trip to Wolves while Newcastle host Bournemouth.

    Start time: Approx 10.30pm GMT
    TV/Live stream: Sky Sports Football

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    Carabao Cup fourth round draw
    Let’s take a look at those ties to be played on December 21 and December 22…

    Wolves vs Gillingham
    Southampton vs Lincoln
    Blackburn vs Nottingham Forest
    Newcastle vs Bournemouth
    Man City vs Liverpool
    Man Utd vs Burnley
    MK Dons vs Leicester
    Charlton vs Brighton

    And so we have it
    The tie of the round is definitely Man City vs Liverpool.
    Pep Guardiola’s men have already had to see off Chelsea.
    And their reward for that win is a clash against current holders and fierce rivals Liverpool.
    Elsewhere, Man Utd will welcome City legend Vincent Kompany to Old Trafford.
    Draw 8
    Charlton vs Brighton
    Draw 7
    MK Dons vs Leicester
    Draw 6
    Man Utd vs Burnley
    Draw 5
    Man City vs Liverpool
    Draw 4
    Newcastle vs Bournemouth
    Draw 3
    Blackburn vs Nottingham Forest
    Draw 2
    Southampton vs Lincoln
    Draw 1
    Wolves vs Gillingham
    Carabao draw – here we go
    The presenters are ready.
    The balls are in the pot.
    And the draw for the Carabao Cup fourth round is set to commence.
    Here we go!
    Fourth round draw coming up
    With United in the pot, the draw is set to commence shortly.
    Here are the ball numbers:

    1 – AFC Bournemouth
    2 – Blackburn Rovers
    3 – Brighton & Hove Albion
    4 – Burnley
    5 – Charlton Athletic
    6 – Gillingham
    7 – Leicester City
    8 – Lincoln City
    9 – Liverpool
    10 – Manchester City
    11 – Milton Keynes Dons
    12 – Newcastle United
    13 – Nottingham Forest
    14 – Southampton
    15 – Wolverhampton Wanderers
    16 – Manchester United

    When will ties be played?
    The Carabao Cup fourth round draw is nearly here.
    But the games will be played after the World Cup.
    The precise dates are December 21 and December 22.
    That means Carabao teams will be back in action BEFORE the Premier League resumes.
    FT – Utd 4 Villa 2
    Man Utd are the final team through to the Carabao Cup fourth round after a comeback win against Villa.
    The visitors went ahead twice at Old Trafford during a whirlwind second half.
    But Bruno Fernandes finally put United ahead late on.
    And Scott McTominay’s last-gasp effort sealed the Red Devils’ revenge.
    Latest – Utd 3 Villa 2
    The time has almost come for the balls to be drawn.
    But we are still waiting on the result between Man Utd and Aston Villa.
    The Red Devils are leading 3-2 with less than 10 minutes to go following a strike from Bruno Fernandes.
    Can United hold on after taking the lead for the first time?
    Latest – Utd 2 Villa 2
    Still 20 minutes left of normal time and both sides have found the back of the net.
    Ollie Watkins fired the visitors ahead in the 48th minute.
    Anthony Martial then levelled for United straight from the kick-off.
    Villa went back ahead through a Diogo Dalot own goal in the 62nd minute.
    But Marcus Rashford levelled for 2-2 five minutes later.
    FOLLOW THE ACTION HERE
    Nottingham Forest 2-0 Tottenham
    Spurs torrid form continued as they were knocked out of the competition by lowly Forest.
    Goals from Renan Lodi and Jesse Lingard won the game for the home side.
    Spurs had Harry Kane up front, with Antonio Conte admitting after the game that he needed to play the England star because he had no-one else in his squad who could do the same job due to injuries.
    Arsenal 1-3 Brighton
    The Gunners have been in fine form this season but were undone by Brighton last night at the Emirates.
    Eddie Nketiah put Arsenal ahead early with a curled finish but Danny Welbeck came back to haunt his old side by equalising with a penalty.
    Roberto De Zerbi’s side produced some excellent football in the second half, with both Karol Mitoma and Tariq Lamptey getting on the scoresheet.
    The Seagulls are ball number three and will be hoping for an easier draw in the last-16.
    Martiel equalises for Man Utd
    Thanks to a frantic start to the second half at Old Trafford, the game is now 1-1!
    Ollie Watkins opened the scoring with a chip over Martin Dubravka.
    But Anthony Martial tapped home just moments after the restart.

    Man City 2-0 Chelsea
    Manchester City beat Chelsea last night at the Etihad thanks to goals from Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez.
    The Blues carved City open on numerous occasions but were unable to finish their chances, with youngster Lewis Hall missing a couple of opportunities.
    The 18-year-old was insrusmental throughout, but lacked killer instinct in the box.
    Christian Pulisic also missed a couple of chances for Chelsea, who were eventually punished for their mishaps in front of goal.
    Mahrez scored a free-kick to break the deadlock in the second half before Alvarez tapped in a second moments later.
    Chelse had the ball in the net late, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
    Who won it last season?
    Last season’s Carabao Cup final was played between Liverpool and Chelsea in what was an entertaining clash at Wembley.
    The game finished 0-0, but it wasn’t devoid of chances or disallowed goals.
    The Blues had three goals chalked off and were largely the better side throughout the clash.
    Eventually, the game went to penalties and Liverpool won 11-10, with Kepa Arrizabalaga skying his penalty to gift the Reds a famous win.

    Man Utd vs Aston Villa
    The two sides are currently playing out a very drab 0-0 at Old Trafford.
    Neither side have had any major chances and both keepers are yet to be tested.

    Third round results
    There were certainly some shocks in the third round this year, including Arsenal’s 3-1 home defeat to Brighton.
    But Gillingham also stunend Premier League side Brentford, beating them on penalties.

    Bournemouth 4-1 Everton
    Bristol City 1-3 Lincoln City
    Burnley 3-1 Crawley
    Leicester 3-0 Newport
    MK Dons 2-0 Morecambe
    Stevenage 1-1 Charlton*
    Brentford 1-1 Gillingham*
    Arsenal 1-3 Brighton
    Man City 2-0 Chelsea
    Newcastle* 0-0 Crystal Palace
    Nottginham Forest 2-0 Tottenham
    Southampton* 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday
    West Ham 2-2 Blackburn*
    Wolves 1-0 Leeds

    *Won on penalties.

    Ball numbers confirmed
    Here are the numbers to look out for tonight. Number six for all of you Gillingham fans out there.

    1 – AFC Bournemouth
    2 – Blackburn Rovers
    3 – Brighton & Hove Albion
    4 – Burnley
    5 – Charlton Athletic
    6 – Gillingham
    7 – Leicester City
    8 – Lincoln City
    9 – Liverpool
    10 – Manchester City
    11 – Milton Keynes Dons
    12 – Newcastle United
    13 – Nottingham Forest
    14 – Southampton
    15 – Wolverhampton Wanderers
    16 – Manchester United/Aston Villa

    Welcome to the Carabao Cup 4th round draw
    Hello and welcome to SunSport’s live coverage of the EFL Carabao Cup fourth round draw!
    The next stage of the competition is upon us with ties expected to be played in the week commencing December 19, after the World Cup.
    The big news heading into tonight’s draw is the lack of presence from London-based teams.
    Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham were all knocked out of the competition on Wednesday night in their respective ties with Manchester City, Brighton and Nottingham Forest.
    Liverpool beat Derby on penalties to book their spot, and Manchester United take on Aston Villa tonight.
    Follow along on SunSport for updates from that game, as well as all the build-up to tonight’s draw!
    Load more entries… More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo reacts to being named in Portugal World Cup 2022 squad that’s packed full of Premier League stars

    PORTUGAL have become the latest country to confirm their World Cup squad and it’s packed with Premier League talent. Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo – set to feature in his fifth World Cup – was among the biggest names included with his team-mate Bruno Fernandes also in the squad of 26.
    38-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is incredibly set to star in a fifth World CupCredit: Getty
    Ronaldo was quick to react to the news, posting an image of the squad on his social channels.
    He wrote in the accompanying caption: “Once again, ready to raise the name of Portugal very high! There are 26 names on Mister Fernando Santos’ list, but we’re all summoned! Go Portugal!”
    Ronaldo and Fernandes are just two stars from a talented squad that will be looking to reach the latter stages of the Qatar tournament.
    Also named in the squad by Portugal boss Fernando Santos is Fulham midfield ace Joao Palhinha, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and João Cancelo and the Wolves trio of Ruben Neves, Matheus Nunes and keeper Jose Sa.
    READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
    Diogo Dalot is the third Man United star part of the squad, while Red Devils fans may also be advised to keep an eye on Porto keeper Diogo Costa who is one of the 26 and has been linked with an Old Trafford move.
    The most high-profile stars from European clubs outside of the UK include AC Milan hotshot Rafael Leao and João Félix of Atletico Madrid.
    Unlike many other nations, Portugal have managed to organise a friendly before the World Cup kicks off.
    They will play Nigeria in a warm-up game in a week’s time before they begin their voyage in Group H.
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    The tricky group includes Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea.
    Portugal World Cup squad in full
    Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Rui Patricio (Roma), José Sa (Wolverhampton)
    Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), João Cancelo (Manchester City). Raphael Guerreiro (Dortmund), Antonio Silva (Benfica), Pepe (Porto), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Danilo Pereira (PSG), Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
    Midfielders: João Palhinha (Fulham), Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), João Mario (Benfica), Matheus Nunes (Wolverhampton), Otavio (Porto). Vitinha (PSG), William Carvalho (Real Betis)
    Forwards: André Silva (RB Leipzig), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Goncalo Ramos (Benfica), João Félix (Atlético Madrid), Ricardo Horta (Braga), Rafael Leão (AC Milan) More

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    Man Utd 4 Aston Villa 2 LIVE SCORE: Red Devils THROUGH to Carabao Cup fourth round after six-goal thriller – updates

    MANCHESTER UNITED are through to the fourth round of the EFL Carabao Cup after a 4-2 win over Aston Villa. Ollie Watkins made it 1-0 minutes after the restart but 19 seconds after United kicked off from the next restart, Anthony Martial tapped home to make it 1-1.
    Soon after that, Diogo Dalot’s own goal made it 2-1 to the visitors before Marcus Rashford levelled with a finish of his own.
    And Bruno Fernandes United 3-2 up with a deflected shot from inside the box before Scott McTominay bagged United’s fourth.

    Start time: 8pm BST
    TV/Live stream: Sky Sports Football
    Man Utd XI: Dubravka, Dalot, Lindelof, Maguire, Malacia, Fred, McTominay, Van de Beek, Fernandes, Rashford, Martial
    Aston Villa XI: Olssen, Young, Konsa, Chambers, Augustinsson, Ramsey, Kamara, Douglas Luiz, McGinn, Watkins, Ings

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    Last chance saloon for United
    This weekend is the last chance for a lot of players not involved in the FIFA World Cup to make a statement before the enforced mid-season break.
    United travel to Craven Cottage for tricky tie with ninth-placed Fulham who are having a great start under the guidance of Marco Silva.
    With a three point gap to fourth-placed Tottenham, victory is key to United’s aims of a top four spot this season.
    Answering the call of your country
    Marcus Rashford capped a brilliant day by being awarded the man of the match award today after being named in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad for Qatar.
    Scoring the second goal to put United in front, he was a constant menace to Villa down the left wing in the second half.
    Gareth Southgate will be hoping to see such positive play from the young Man Utd forward later this month in Qatar.
    Beam me up Scotty
    Garnacho has really started to show his potential this season and does not look out of place at all at this level.
    His vision to see the run of Scott McTominay but then to pick him out with a lovely clipped ball into the box was a touch of class.
    The Scottish midfielder sliding in to poke the ball home to seal the win and book their place in the fourth round of the EFL Cup.

    Red Devils show their potential
    After a first half that seemed like both teams had their foot on the brakes the second half did not fail to disappoint.
    After falling behind to an Ollie Watkins goal, the hosts responded in less than a minute to draw the game level.
    From that point onwards they looked capable of scoring every time they cam forward.
    A well deserved win for Erik ten Hag and his team.
    FT: Man Utd 4-2 Aston Villa
    The referee brings the game to an end.
    A fantastic second half giving us six goals to enjoy.
    Control of the game swung back and fore until United scored their fourth to seal the victory.
    Man Utd 4-2 Aston Villa
    90+2. Garnacho does brilliantly to spot the run of McTominay.
    He clips a ball over the defence to the sliding Scotsman.
    Diverting the ball into the back of the Villa net.
    Goal – Scott McTominay (Man Utd)
    Man Utd 3-2 Aston Villa – McTominay chance
    90. Brilliant first time pass around the corner from Eriksen to McTominay.
    Bearing down on goal he looks to bend one in the top corner.
    The ball comes thundering back off the crossbar.
    We are going to have four minutes added.
    Man Utd 3-2 Aston Villa
    88. This second half has been a credit to the EFL Cup.
    Maguire is penalised for a foul on Watkins.
    The Villa players are demanding a second yellow card but the referee is not having it at all.
    Replays show Maguire is a very lucky boy.

    Man Utd 3-2 Aston Villa
    86. United seem to be camped in the Villa half right now.
    The referee gives the visitors some time to gather their breath as he awards them a free kick.
    Garnacho is down as he was caught in a challenge.
    The replay shows minimal contact.
    Looks like Martinez is waiting to come on for United.
    He replaces Victor Lindelof.
    Man Utd 3-2 Aston Villa
    84. Eriksen is looking to pull the strings in midfield, pinging passes around the pitch.
    Game management seems to be key for United now.
    Playing possession football, frustrating the visitors.
    Man Utd 3-2 Aston Villa
    82. Marcus Rashford comes off for Casemiro.
    ten Hag looking to hold on to what the lead they have now.
    Well into the final ten minutes of the game now.
    Man Utd 3-2 Aston Villa
    80. The second half has been a fiesta of football.
    Goals galore and we may not be finished yet.
    The pressure is on Aston Villa to get on the front foot now.

    Man Utd 3-2 Aston Villa
    78. A misplaced pass from Olsen finds Garnacho.
    He threads it to Fernandes who shoots but Mings is sliding in to try and block the shot and sends the ball into the opposite corner.
    Olsen may have got to Fernandes effort but the Portuguese midfielder does not care.
    Goal – Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd)
    Man Utd 2-2 Aston Villa – Fernandes chance
    76. The ball finds its way to Fernandes in the box.
    He swivels and shoots and Olsen makes a great save in the bottom corner to turn the ball wide.
    Maguire meets the corner with his head but the Villa keeper is equal to it once again.
    Man Utd 2-2 Aston Villa
    74. We have to have a winner tonight.
    If neither side can break the current scoreline we will have penalties.
    Both teams are looking to attack when the chance presents itself.
    Man Utd 2-2 Aston Villa
    72. Malacia and McGinn are having a good battle in the middle of the park as they exchange tackles.
    Villa are looking to make some more changes.
    The visitors come forward with Douglas Luiz, the ball is worked to Bailey who tries to bend one in the far corner.
    Easy save for Dubravka.

    Man Utd 2-2 Aston Villa
    70. United are looking dangerous every time they attack now.
    The ball is slipped into the box and Fernandes is through at a tight angle.
    With plenty of options in the box he tries to score from an acute angle and bells the ball out for a throw in.
    Terrible decision making.
    Man Utd 2-2 Aston Villa
    68. What a difference a half makes.
    We are being treated some real entertainment to make up for the first 45 minutes we were all forced to endure.
    Rashford does brilliantly to stay on his feet under the Villa challenge, steadies himself and pokes the ball passed Olsen.
    Goal – Marcus Rashford (Man Utd)
    Man Utd 1-2 Aston Villa
    66. The irony is that at one goal down, Erik ten Hag brings on players from their game on the weekend who lost 3-1 to Villa.
    Unai Emery has a chance to make it a perfect start to his Villa reign.
    Another goal would give them the breathing space they crave.
    Man Utd 1-2 Aston Villa – Rashford chance
    64. Villa are growing in confidence again.
    Knocking the ball around, making United chase shadows.
    Dubravka is able to come out and collect on this occasion.
    Rashford is through on goal, the ball dropping on the half-volley and he smashes it just wide of the post.

    Man Utd 1-2 Aston Villa
    62. Fred comes off for Eriksen.
    Garnacho comes on for Martial.
    Bailey is a thorn in Man Utd’s side as he comes back to haunt them again after his goal on the weekend.
    Goal – Diogo Dalot OG (Man Utd)
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