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    Rio Ferdinand gasps ‘imagine being a player now’ as he spots Man Utd coaches’ instructions for Zirkzee vs Brighton

    RIO FERDINAND admitted he “couldn’t imagine” being a Premier League player now after watching Joshua Zirkzee receive information on a tablet at half-time against Brighton.The Dutch striker was brought on at the break at the Amex after Manchester United saw themselves 1-0 down – before falling to a 2-1 defeat in stoppage time.Rio Ferdinand said he couldn’t “imagine being a player now”Credit: TNT SportsAs Joshua Zirkzee was given instructions on an iPad before being subbed onCredit: TNT SportsZirkzee would later play a pivotal role in the ruled out goal dramaCredit: TNT SportsZirkzee replaced Mason Mount, who was deployed in a joint false-nine role with Bruno Fernandes in the first half.United had started the game strongly but were haunted by former forward Danny Welbeck – who notched his 100th Prem goal inside 32 minutes.Erik Ten Hag summoned reinforcements and sent Zirkzee on to replicate his goalscoring showing from the season opener against Fulham.As the United players lined the tunnel, Zirkzee was seen checking out a tablet that was apparently revealing his role in a zonal marking system. READ MORE ON MAN UTDJust as the TNT cameras returned, Ferdinand said: “I couldn’t imagine being a player today. There’s so much information.”Look at that, there’s pages and pages, scrolls and scrolls and scrolls of different ways to play.”We used to have one hand meant that, and the other hand meant this.”United were struggling to deal with the Seagulls’ high line before Amad Diallo equalised for the visitors.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSZirkzee found himself at the centre of the biggest drama of the afternoon after his freak offside saw Alejandro Garnacho’s goal chalked off.Garnacho thought he had tapped in an easy finish to put United 2-1 up but the ball ricocheted off Zirkzee’s knee on the line – with the striker in an offside position after having already slid in.Did Mazraoui Just Solve Man Utd’s Attacking Problems? | Tactics ExposedHad Zirkzee made contact with the ball once the ball had fully crossed the line, the goal would have stood.Meanwhile, Ferdinand later slammed Antony for a “powder puff tackle” before Joao Pedro’s last-gasp back post winner in the 95th minute.In the build-up to the decisive goal, substitute Antony failed to win the ball off Simon Adingra on the edge of the United box.The ball was then recycled back to the winger, who crossed in for Pedro to head home.Man Utd ratings vs Brighton: Diallo shines again by Maguire costs Red Devils againMANCHESTER UNITED suffered more misery on the seaside as they lost again at the Amex.It was almost all so different for the Red Devils as, at 1-1, fans celebrated what they thought was a winner – only for the goal to be ruled out in a bonkers offside call.And Joao Pedro pounced to snatch the three points for Brighton deep into added time.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated United’s stars…ANDRE ONANA – 4/10Not convincing from a goalkeeper we know can perform with the best in this league.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Has been a good upgrade on Wan-Bissaka judging by his opening performances in a United shirt.HARRY MAGUIRE – 4Was caught ball watching for Danny Welbeck’s opener, and was rendered useless after letting it run past him twice.Improved in the second half with some crucial blocks and was decent in terms of building from the back, but his error may have cost his team three points.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 5Not a particularly noticeable performance from ‘The Butcher’ in a positive or negative sense.Suppose it was a solid showing but was also caught ball watching for the opening goal.DIOGO DALOT – 7Was unlucky not to have an assist in the first half, but played well and put the team on his back at times.Made a crucial goal line block early on in the second half to deny Brighton a two-goal lead and played some good crosses throughout.CASEMIRO – 6Stepped into tackles well when required and is having something of a resurgence at the start of this season – doesn’t look as off the pace as he did last campaign.His final ball was disappointing at times, but overall a solid showing.KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Composure personified, Kobbie played like a midfielder well beyond his years.Was always on hand to break up play, a la N’Golo Kante, but showed a calmness and ability on the half-turn which really puts him up there with the best in the league – a great performance let down by that of his teammates.MASON MOUNT – 5Didn’t play badly in the first half, but also added nothing really going forward for this Man Utd team.Hooked at half-time for the more threatening Joshua Zirkzee.MARCUS RASHFORD – 6Had a goal ruled out in the first half after he had persisted brilliantly to head home.A little unlucky but it was still far from the finest Marcus Rashford performance we have seen, he looked a little low on confidence before being hooked for the more confident Garnacho.AMAD DIALLO – 8Had a great chance to open the scoring early on in the game as he arrived at the back post, but it wasn’t quite at the right height for him.The young winger clearly has bundles of ability, and bagged the equaliser with a fine cut inside and finish with his left foot.Worth a note that after losing his mother it takes a hell of a man to even be out on that pitch at 22-years-old. Well played Amad, we are with you.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Cut a frustrated figure up front for Man Utd in the first half before thinking he’d bagged an assist when Alejandro Garnacho tapped home, only for it to be ruled out by VAR.Just wasn’t his day today, but still created chances for his team and looked the most likely source of a winner for the Red Devils.SUBS:JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (MASON MOUNT, 45) – 4His only real action of note in the game was denying his team the winning goal.Alejandro Garnacho had done the hard work and was about to give Man Utd the lead, only for Zirkzee to slide in and see it ruled out for offside.His mistake did display an eagerness to score, but it was an error which cost his side nonetheless.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (MARCUS RASHFORD, 65) – 6Did his job well in replacing Marcus Rashford and adding the end product which was needed by Erik ten Hag, but was robbed of a goal by his teammate as aforementioned.Looks a danger whenever he plays on that left hand side, but after the goal that never was he was well defended for the remaining minutes.SCOTT MCTOMINAY (BRUNO FERNANDES, 79) – 5Bought on as a target man once again to try and get the winner for United, he wasn’t really provided with many opportunities in just over 10 minutes to really do that.MATTHIJS DE LIGT (HARRY MAGUIRE, 79) – 5Wasn’t really given enough of a chance to show what he is all about, but it’s minutes in the tank for the new man and he did what was asked of him after coming off the bench.ANTONY (AMAD DIALLO, 90) – 5In fairness to him, made a good run as soon as he entered the pitch and crossed well for Scott McTominay.However, he wasn’t given enough time to make any significant impact. 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    Tiny Manchester shop becomes huge hit with Prem stars – with one even travelling up from BIRMINGHAM

    A SMALL convenience store offering foreign fare is on to a winner after netting Premier League stars as customers.Mais Brasil Market in Manchester is a huge hit with City and United players due to its traditional South American offerings.Mais Brasil Market is a hit with Premier League footballers from Brazil and Portugal seeking out home comfortsCredit: NB PRESS LTDPunters include United’s Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, plus Portuguese aces Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot.And from the blue half of the city, Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva has popped in, along with Brazilians Ederson and Matheus Nunes, as well as former players Fernando and Fernandinho.And Philippe Coutinho even made the journey up the M6 from Birmingham while playing for Aston Villa.Borman Ligit, 54, owner of the shop near Salford Central railway station, said: “Among our valuable customers, many are football stars and they appreciate our philosophy to provide a warm and welcoming environment for all. READ MORE ON CASEMIRO”Our aim is to awaken the best memories and feelings that make our friends feel at home.”Borman and his partner Nirlia Batista, 52, opened the store in 2016 after moving to Manchester from Vitoria Espirito Santa in the south east of Brazil.He said the most popular items are cheese bread, the soft drinks Guarana and Acai, Farofa — a toasted snack made from yucca flour — and Pacoca, which is a candy made out of ground peanuts, sugar, honey and salt.Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is among the shop’s customersCredit: ReutersMan Utd Player Ratings vs Brighton social More

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    Amad Diallo goal celebration: Why does the Man Utd winger cover his eye when he scores?

    AMAD Diallo’s journey from a young talent in Abidjan to a key player for Manchester United is nothing short of extraordinary. Discover how his emotional goal celebration honours a late friend and why his career trajectory has captivated fans around the world.Amad Diallo has a special way to celebrate his goalsCredit: ReutersWho is Amad Diallo?Amad Diallo was born on July 11, 2002, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and is an Ivorian professional footballer who plays as a winger or midfielder. He is currently with Manchester United in the Premier League and represents the Ivory Coast national team.Amad emigrated to Italy at a young age and began his football career at Boca Barco’s youth team. He was highly impressive in youth tournaments, which led to his move to Atalanta’s youth academy in 2015.read more on amad dialloAmad progressed through Atalanta’s youth ranks and made his Serie A debut in October 2019, becoming the first player born in 2002 to score in Italy’s top flight. He also made appearances in the UEFA Champions League during his time with Atalanta.In January 2021, Amad signed with Manchester United for a fee that could rise to €40 million. He had a promising start, scoring on his debut for the U-23 team and making his senior debut soon after. Most read in FootballHis time with United included loan spells at Rangers and Sunderland. Amad returned to Manchester United’s first team in December 2023 and scored significant goals, including a memorable FA Cup quarter-final winner against Liverpool in March 2024.He made his senior international debut for Ivory Coast in March 2021 and scored his first international goal in June 2021. He also represented Ivory Coast at the 2020 Summer Olympics.Why does Amad Diallo cover his eye when he scores?Amad is honouring his friend in his celebrationCredit: GettyAmad Diallo’s goal celebration, where he covers his right ear and left eye, is a tribute to his late friend and former Atalanta teammate, Willy Braciano Ta Bi. Willy Ta Bi passed away in February 2021 due to liver cancer.The celebration is a way for Amad to honour Willy’s memory. He said in an interview for Manchester United: “My first thought was… mamma mia!”I have scored a goal in a United shirt! I couldn’t believe it. “My second thought was for Willy.”Willy Braciano Ta Bi, my former team-mate, had died a couple of weeks earlier. “Willy was a good friend of mine, another Ivorian in the youth team at Atalanta, and he had always showed me a specific goal celebration and he said that when he scored his first goal for the Atalanta first-team, that was how he was going to celebrate.“So, as soon as I scored against Milan, that came into my mind. Celebrate like Willy.”So I did his celebration. I wanted to remember him like that.”I had to remember my good friend.” It was a very emotional moment for me, as well as being a great moment in my career.”Amad is not alone in his distinctive goal celebrations; many footballers have their own unique rituals. For instance, Bruno Fernandes often performs his “I can’t hear you” celebration by covering both of his ears, Marcus Rashford points to his head, Rasmus Højlund plays an air guitar, and Kobbie Mainoo salutes the crowd and blows kisses after scoring.READ MORE SUN STORIESHow many goals has Amad Diallo scored for Manchester United?As of August 2024, Amad Diallo has scored a total of 4 goals for Manchester United.He also netted 3 goals during his loan spell at Rangers and added 14 goals while on loan at Sunderland. More

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    Man Utd player ratings: Harry Maguire costs Red Devils when it mattered most as classy Amad Diallo shines again

    MANCHESTER UNITED were not able to continue their winning start to the season as they were haunted by a familiar face and a devastating equaliser at The Amex.Despite having chances early on in the game, Brighton took the lead as Harry Maguire was caught ball watching as Karou Mitoma controlled the ball and squared it for former forward Danny Welbeck to tap home.Amad Diallo netted an equaliser for Man Utd in the second half against BrightonCredit: GettyJoao Pedro netted a late winner to secure a 2-1 winCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford thought he had levelled the scoring at the other end with a header less than 60 seconds after the ball hit the net, only for it to be ruled out for offside.The Red Devils did eventually find their way back into the game, as Amad Diallo – who had devastatingly lost his mother in recent days – cut in on his left foot and slotted home with aplomb.From there it was Erik ten Hag’s side who went hunting for a winner, and thought they’d put the nail in the coffin when Alejandro Garnacho hit a Bruno Fernandes pass off of Joshua Zirkzee and the net bulged.Unfortunately for the travelling fans behind the goal that too, was ruled out by VAR.As the clock ticked down to ninety minutes it was the home side who dominated possession, and with seven minutes of injury time added on, a hero emerged.It was Joao Pedro who wondered in at the back post to direct a header perfectly into the bottom corner and secure all three points for the Seagulls, who now sit pretty at the top of the Premier League table.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated every Man Utd performance…ANDRE ONANA – 4/10Not convincing from a goalkeeper we know can perform with the best in this league. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHis distribution still looked on the dangerous side of risky, and his inability to command the penalty area may well have cost his side.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Claimed his first assist of the season with a pass into Amad Diallo for the equaliser, and impressed again going forwards for the Red Devils.Man Utd’s completed summer transfer dealsHas been a good upgrade on Wan-Bissaka judging by his opening performances in a United shirt.HARRY MAGUIRE – 4Harry Maguire was highlighted for his part in Danny Welbeck’s openerCredit: GettyWas caught ball watching for Danny Welbeck’s opener, and was rendered useless after letting it run past him twice.Improved in the second half with some crucial blocks and was decent in terms of building from the back, but his error may have cost his team three points.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 5Not a particularly noticeable performance from ‘The Butcher’ in a positive or negative sense.Suppose it was a solid showing but was also caught ball watching for the opening goal.DIOGO DALOT – 7Was unlucky not to have an assist in the first half, but played well and put the team on his back at times. Made a crucial goal line block early on in the second half to deny Brighton a two-goal lead and played some good crosses throughout. CASEMIRO – 6Stepped into tackles well when required and is having something of a resurgence at the start of this season – doesn’t look as off the pace as he did last campaign.His final ball was disappointing at times, but overall a solid showing.KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Composure personified, Kobbie played like a midfielder well beyond his years.Was always on hand to break up play, a la N’Golo Kante, but showed a calmness and ability on the half-turn which really puts him up there with the best in the league – a great performance let down by that of his teammates.MASON MOUNT – 5Mason Mount was hooked at half timeCredit: ReutersDidn’t play badly in the first half, but also added nothing really going forward for this Man Utd team.Hooked at half-time for the more threatening Joshua Zirkzee.MARCUS RASHFORD – 6Had a goal ruled out in the first half after he had persisted brilliantly to head home.A little unlucky but it was still far from the finest Marcus Rashford performance we have seen, he looked a little low on confidence before being hooked for the more confident Garnacho.AMAD DIALLO – 8Had a great chance to open the scoring early on in the game as he arrived at the back post, but it wasn’t quite at the right height for him.The young winger clearly has bundles of ability, and bagged the equaliser with a fine cut inside and finish with his left foot.Worth a note that after losing his mother it takes a hell of a man to even be out on that pitch at 22-years-old. Well played Amad, we are with you.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Cut a frustrated figure up front for Man Utd in the first half before thinking he’d bagged an assist when Alejandro Garnacho tapped home, only for it to be ruled out by VAR.Just wasn’t his day today, but still created chances for his team and looked the most likely source of a winner for the Red Devils. SUBS:JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (MASON MOUNT, 45) – 4His only real action of note in the game was denying his team the winning goal. Alejandro Garnacho had done the hard work and was about to give Man Utd the lead, only for Zirkzee to slide in and see it ruled out for offside.His mistake did display an eagerness to score, but it was an error which cost his side nonetheless.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (MARCUS RASHFORD, 65) – 6Alejandro Garnacho had a goal ruled out after the ball hit Joshua ZirkzeeCredit: GettyDid his job well in replacing Marcus Rashford and adding the end product which was needed by Erik ten Hag, but was robbed of a goal by his teammate as aforementioned.Looks a danger whenever he plays on that left hand side, but after the goal that never was he was well defended for the remaining minutes. SCOTT MCTOMINAY (BRUNO FERNANDES, 79) – 5Bought on as a target man once again to try and get the winner for United, he wasn’t really provided with many opportunities in just over 10 minutes to really do that.MATTHIJS DE LIGT (HARRY MAGUIRE, 79) – 5Wasn’t really given enough of a chance to show what he is all about, but it’s minutes in the tank for the new man and he did what was asked of him after coming off the bench.READ MORE SUN STORIESANTONY (AMAD DIALLO, 90) – 5In fairness to him, made a good run as soon as he entered the pitch and crossed well for Scott McTominay. However, he wasn’t given enough time to make any significant impact. 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    What is Kobbie Mainoo’s goal celebration?

    KOBBIE MAINOO is an emerging star at Manchester United whose journey from youth academy prodigy to first-team standout is capturing widespread attention.From his iconic goal celebrations to his crucial performances for both club and country, his story is one of exciting talent and unyielding determination.Kobbie Mainoo celebrated his goal by saluting and blowing kisses to the fansCredit: GettyWho is Kobbie Mainoo?Kobbie Mainoo is an English footballer who plays as a midfielder for Manchester United and the England national team. Born on April 19, 2005, in Stockport, England, Kobbie is of Ghanaian descent. He began his football journey with Cheadle & Gatley Junior Football Club before being scouted and joining Manchester United’s academy at the age of seven.His rise to prominence came through Manchester United’s youth system, where his talent quickly shone.read more on Kobbie MainooIn May 2022, he signed his first professional contract with the club. He made his first-team debut in January 2023 during an EFL Cup match, followed by his Premier League debut in February 2023. Despite suffering an injury during the 2023-24 pre-season, he made a strong comeback, scoring crucial goals and earning praise for his performances.Kobbie has also made strides internationally.Most read in FootballAfter representing England at various youth levels, he made his senior debut in March 2024. He was part of England’s squad for UEFA Euro 2024, where he played in several matches, including the final against Spain.What is Kobbie Mainoo’s goal celebration?Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo celebrated a goal by jumping on the advertising boardCredit: AFPKobbie’s iconic goal celebration, which he shared with teammates Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund, became memorable during a match against West Ham in February 2024. After Alejandro scored, he jumped onto an advertising board, mimicking a celebration inspired by his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. Although he had initially planned to perform the celebration alone, Kobbie and Rasmus spontaneously joined him on the board.Kobbie said in a post-interview: “I always ask Garna before the game what’s the celebration gonna be if he scores. “And he said he wasn’t gonna tell me.”So he was like: ‘I’m not telling you, I’m not telling you.’ So I’m like: ‘Okay.’ “I saw him jump up on the advertising board when he scored and me and Rasmus just jumped up there with him.”He wanted it for himself! But we jumped in there and it was a nice picture. “All of us young guys, with Amad as well, we have a lot of fun together and we’ve definitely grown close this season.”Kobbie celebrates scoring his goal by salutingCredit: The TimesIn April 2024, Kobbie celebrated a goal during Manchester United’s 3-3 draw against Liverpool at Old Trafford.It involved him saluting the crowd and blowing kisses after scoring a goal.This was his first-ever home goal for United, and the celebration reflected his excitement and joy in the moment. However, after the match, Kobbie apologised for his celebration, admitting that he “got ahead of himself” due to the euphoria of scoring such an important goal in a high-stakes fixture.He said: “Yeah, it felt good so I got ahead of myself. Sorry.“An unbelievable feeling, my first professional goal at Old Trafford, and to do it in this fixture is also amazing.“At the end of the day, we don’t walk away with the three points so I can’t be too happy.”His goal celebrations are often accompanied by his Manchester United teammates. READ MORE SUN STORIESBruno Fernandes covers both ears with his hands, Rasmus Højlund pretends to play the guitar, and Marcus Rashford points at his head to mark their goals.How many goals has Kobbie Mainoo scored for Man Utd?Kobbie Mainoo has scored a total of 5 goals for Manchester United across 36 appearances. More

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    Man Utd outcast Jadon Sancho handed career lifeline with Serie A giants holding ‘firm interest’ in shock summer transfer

    JADON SANCHO could be handed a sensational career lifeline by an Italian club, it’s been claimed.The winger’s future at Manchester United is up in the air, despite his recent patching up of his relationship with manager Erik ten Hag.Jadon Sancho’s future at Manchester United is up in the airCredit: GettyItalian champions Juventus are reportedly keen on signing the 24-year-oldCredit: GETTYIt’s understood the Red Devils are willing to cash in on the England international should they receive a suitable offer.And Italian giants Juventus are reportedly interested in acquiring his services.That’s according to Sky Sports, who claim The Old Lady have a “firm interest” in signing the 24-year-old.The Serie A big boys are said to be exploring options to sign the former Borussia Dortmund man.READ MORE ON SANCHOOne of those options could see them offload Italy international Federico Chiesa.Sancho’s future at the Theatre of Dreams was seemingly plunged into further doubt when he was omitted from United’s match squad for their Premier League opener against Fulham last Friday.Ten Hag quickly revealed Sancho’s absence was the result of an ear infection, not because he’s on his way out of the club.But the Dutchman has refused to confirm if he’ll be part of his matchday squad for Saturday’s trip to Brighton.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“We will see,” Ten Hag said when asked if Sancho will be in the squad for the trip to the Amex. “We have a squad.”I hope we will have a squad with double positioning (two players for every role).Man Utd coach reveals why Jadon Sancho refused to apologise to Ten Hag before exile that sparked Dortmund transfer“And when we go into the season after September 1, that means you can’t select all the players but you need them all throughout the season. “We have to manage it.“The attitude of the players is very important. Sometimes they will be disappointed (at being left out).”They have to deal with it.“You win as a squad. The prizes are decided next May and until then we need all the players in the squad and highly motivated.”That is not an expectation. That is a demand on the squad.” More

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    Liverpool want to snatch Man Utd target Jarrad Branthwaite in shock raid of arch-rivals Everton in £70million transfer

    LIVERPOOL want to snatch £70million-rated Jarrad Branthwaite from Merseyside rivals Everton.SunSport understands the Reds will offer £63m plus £7m in add-ons to prise the centre-back across Stanley Park.Liverpool are eyeing up a swoop move for Everton defender Jarrad BranthwaiteCredit: GettyEverton face competition from their fiercest rivals to keep the defenderCredit: PABranthwaite, a summer target for Manchester United, is open to the move and wants to play for a higher-profile club.He is under contract until 2027 on £60,000 a week but knows that his wages would treble if he left for Anfield.Liverpool are growing in confidence that a deal can be done with Arne Slot believed to be a huge admirer of the budding England star.Bookies have the 22-year-old as short as evens for a Kop move in this transfer window.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe last man to be sold by Everton to their local rivals was Abel Xavier for £800,000 in 2002.Toffees boss Sean Dyche has admitted he would be willing to sell any player for the right price.Despite making a £31m profit this summer Dyche says there is “not much wriggle room” to bring in more players amid an injury crisis which has left him down to just 14 fit first-team players.United have twice failed in bids for Carlisle-born Branthwaite — their latest offer was £50m — but they still want him.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKop manager Slot is prepared to sell Joe Gomez — Newcastle failed in a £45m bid early in the window and Chelsea are interested.Valencia keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, 23, is close to arriving at Anfield for £30m but is likely to go straight out on loan.Watch Rafa Benitez ‘do Carragher dirty’ as he reveals how much Liverpool legend would cost todayOn Thursday, Dutch centre-back Sepp van den Berg, 22, joined Brentford for £30m, with the Bees paying £25m up front.Midfielder Bobby Clark, 19, also joined Red Bull Salzburg in a £10m deal – who are managed by former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders.But Liverpool have a week to get the deal done this summer, as the window shuts next Friday, August 30.The Arne Slot era got off to the perfect start in the Prem this season with a comfortable 2-0 win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road. More

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    Man Utd flops set unwanted Premier League record as Arsenal and Man City fill almost entire PFA Team of the Year

    MANCHESTER UNITED hit another new low as they set an unwanted Premier League record.It’s the first time in the Prem era United have gone two seasons in a row without having a player in the PFA Team of the Year.Man Utd hit another new low as they set an unwanted recordCredit: GettyIt’s the first time in the Prem era United have gone two seasons in a row without a player in Team of the YearCredit: GettyIn a season full of unwanted records that saw them finish in an unprecedented eighth in the Prem, the Red Devils have added yet another bad omen.While the red side of Manchester has been subject to a downward spiral since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, players have still managed to often sneak into the Team of the Year XI.Of course, years have come where no United player has featured in the star-studded XI, but it’s never happened for TWO consecutive seasons.Cristiano Ronaldo – who returned for his second spell in 2021 – was the last Old Trafford player to make the top line-up in 2021/22.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWhile Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw made the 2020/21 XI after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer finished second behind Manchester City.Paul Pogba made the XI in 2019 – even though United finished sixth.David de Gea was often their saving grace, featuring as the No1 goalkeeper for four consecutive years between 2015-2018.This time round the PFA Team of the Year features five Arsenal players and four City stars.Most read in FootballThe 2023/24 Premier League Team of the YearFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal loanee David Raya – who joined on a permanent basis from Brentford this summer- edged out Alisson to a spot between the sticks.While William Saliba, Virgil van Dijk, Gabriel and Kyle Walker made up a back line of zero City representatives for the first time since 2020.Arsenal vs Wolves: Player RatingsRodri was named in the heart of the midfield trio, while Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard also got the nod in the XI.Phil Foden, Erling Haaland and Aston Villa’s topscorer Ollie Watkins made up the front three.The last time United went two seasons without a player featuring in the best starting XI was between 1986-87 and 1987-88. But it did happen THREE times in a row between 1979 – 1980, when Liverpool and Arsenal were dominating the league.Arsenal stars dominated the starting XIGianfranco Zola presents Cole Palmer with his PFA Young Player of the Year trophyCredit: PA More