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      Premier League releases 25-word statement on controversial Bruno Fernandes red card during Man Utd thumping by Tottenham

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE have released a 25-word statement following the controversial decision to send off Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes during the club’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham.Fernandes, 30, was sent off by referee Chris Kavanagh for the first time in his Man Utd career after appearing to lash out at Tottenham star James Maddison with the score 1-0.Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the first time in his Man Utd careerCredit: GettyIt came after he appeared to lash out at Tottenham’s James MaddisonCredit: GettyThe Red Devils captain can be seen to lift his boot towards the knee of Maddison after slipping with his standing leg as he went to pressure the ball.An explanation for the decision came from the Premier League’s Match Centre on social media.The statement read: “The referee issued a red card to Fernandes for a challenge on Maddison. The VAR checked and confirmed the referee’s call of serious foul play.”Fernandes faced the music and raged against the decision in an interview with Sky Sports following the game, admitting it was a foul but “never a red card”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Portuguese also claimed that Maddison admitted it was also not a red card – with the pair seen conversing as Fernandes walked off the pitch.He said: “I just wanted to come and talk and be myself because my team-mates deserve that for what they have done in the game playing with one man less – particularly as I was the man sent off, the one that let them down.  “I think we struggled a bit and then the red card makes it worse. I have to appreciate all the effort my team-mates have done to try and return to the game, but it wasn’t possible. “The team showed a lot of character, a lot of resilience, a lot of fight. They tried. It wasn’t easy.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”No one likes to be sent off. It’s not a good feeling. We end up conceding another two goals.”I don’t go in with the studs, it’s a clear foul but never a red card. Maddison said it is a foul but it’s not a red card. Man Utd blasted by pundits after horror Tottenham mauling”If this is a red card we have to look at other incidents. I think it’s never a red card. It’s a foul if he wants to give a yellow. “I don’t understand why VAR doesn’t call the referee to the screen.’Rules on ‘serious foul play’According to the FA’s rulebook, serious foul play is defined as being: “A tackle or challenge that endangers the safety of an opponent or uses excessive force or brutality must be sanctioned as serious foul play.”Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force or endangers the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play.”United had gone down inside three minutes through Brennan Johnson before the 42nd-minute sending-off.Things went from bad to worse in the second half, with Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke scoring to pile on the misery for Erik ten Hag’s side, who have now lost back-to-back home league games 3-0.On the incident, Ten Hag added: “The red card changes the game. I don’t think it was a red card.”The decision to send him off proved controversial, with Jamie Redknapp, Ashley Young and Darren Bent saying it was harsh.MARK HALSEY: Questions must be asked after Bruno Fernandes was sent off for Man Utd against TottenhamIN real time Bruno Fernandes’ first-half challenge on James Maddison looked a poor one.And based on an immediate viewing, it seemed ref Chris Kavanagh’s decision to show a red card was the correct one.But replays clearly showed he slipped and his foot did not make contact as high on Maddison’s leg as it first seemed.In these circumstances a ref has to consider whether a challenge was reckless, which would be worthy of a caution, or if it has endangered a player’s safety with excessive force and brutality — a red-card offence.Looking back at the footage, you would have to say it was reckless rather than a case of serious foul play.There should be no criticism of Kavanagh as he only gets one view of it.But the question to ask is why VAR Peter Bankes did not get involved, as he sees what we see.If VAR had recommended a review I’m sure Kavanagh would have changed his mind.Asked if he deserved to go for an early bath, Redknapp replied: “No, he slips, his feet go under him. I think it is a yellow card.”Young added: “I don’t think it’s serious foul play or it’s reckless. Yes, he is out of control, but he slips, I don’t think he goes to take out Maddison.”And Bent reacted: “First time I saw it I thought that it was naughty. But he slips and it is more petulant than anything. It is a poor decision, a bad one, a poor one.”Under-fire Ten Hag said he would continue to back his captain ahead of the game: “Every season it’s the same and at the end of the season.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Bruno created the most chances in the PL and scored a lot of goals. I’m not worried.”Fernandes will now miss games against Aston Villa, Brentford and West Ham.Man Utd ratings vs TottenhamMANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.Andre Onana – 5Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.Noussair Mazraoui – 5First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.Lisandro Martinez – 5Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.Diogo Dalot – 5Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.Manuel Ugarte – 5Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.Kobbie Mainoo – 5Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.Marcus Rashford – 5Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.Bruno Fernandes – 4Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.Subs:Mount (for Mainoo 45)  5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5. More

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      Tottenham slam their own fans for ‘hugely offensive’ homophobic chanting during Man Utd game

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      TOTTENHAM Hotspur have slammed their owns fans for “hugely offensive” homophobic chanting during their game against Manchester United.Bruno Fernandes saw red as Spurs cruised past the misfiring Red Devils 3-0 at Old Trafford and increased the heat on manager Erik ten Hag.Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou reacts at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersBruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half against SpursCredit: ReutersThe homophobic chanting was said to have been launched at Arsenal manager Mikel ArtetaCredit: GettyBut homophobic chanting was said to have been launched at Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.It is understood to have read: “Dom Solanke is f*** class, Mik Arteta takes it up the a***, 60 million down the drain, Dom Solanke scores again.”A club statement said: “The Club is aware of abhorrent homophobic chanting from sections of our away support at Old Trafford today.”This is simply unacceptable, hugely offensive and no way to show support for the team.Read more Sports News”The Club will be working closely with the Police and stewards to identify anyone instigating or joining in with the chanting – we shall take the strongest possible action in accordance with our Sanctions and Banning Policy.”Supporters in attendance today can report anything they’ve seen or heard in confidence to supporterservices@tottenhamhotspur.com.”We shall be continuing our work with our LGBTQ+ supporters’ association, Proud Lilywhites, to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans on matchdays.”We are justly proud of our superb and loyal support, home and away.Most read in Football”However, we all have a responsibility to act as ambassadors of Tottenham Hotspur and discrimination of any kind has no place at our Club.”Sunday’s Old Trafford encounter was a chance for these top-four hopefuls to kickstart campaigns that had begun in similarly topsy-turvy fashion.Bruno Fernandes rages in live TV interview after being SENT OFF for first time in Man Utd career vs TottenhamBut a month that started for United with a 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool ended in another Old Trafford loss by the same scoreline as Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke struck for Spurs.Skipper Fernandes’ sending off for a challenge on James Maddison at the end of a one-sided first half compounded matters, ruling him out of next weekend’s trip to Aston Villa and two further matches.Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount also went off injured on a nightmare afternoon for Ten Hag, who is under the spotlight as United head to Porto and Villa Park before the international break.As for Ange Postecoglou, they impressed without injured star Son Heung-min and won consecutive Premier League matches for the first time since March. More

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      Team GB Olympics hero Keely Hodgkinson given hero’s welcome as Man Utd fan shows off gold medal at Old Trafford

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      TEAM GB star and Manchester United superfan Keely Hodgkinson received a hero’s welcome at Old Trafford after her Paris 2024 heroics.Hodgkinson, 22, blitzed the competition to win gold in the 800m at the Olympics in the summer and showcased her medal before United’s Premier League clash with Tottenham.Team GB star and Man Utd fan Keely Hodgkinson got a hero’s welcome at Old TraffordCredit: PAHodgkinson won a gold medal in the 800m sprint at Paris 2024Credit: ReutersMan Utd fan Hodgkinson grew up only a stone’s throw away from Old TraffordCredit: GettyHodgkinson was raised a Man Utd fan in ManchesterHodgkinson received a warm ovation at Old TraffordThe Mancunian athlete saluted the fans before kick-off and received a warm ovation from the home crowd as she stood with a big smile on her face.But that was as good as it got for United fans on the day as they were battered by Spurs in a match which saw Bruno Fernandes shown a straight red – his first sending off for the club.The sprinter didn’t have to come a long way as she was raised only a stone’s throw away from Old Trafford.The Olympian grew up adoring the Red Devils and even managed to enjoy a glimpse of the glory years under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.Read More on Man UtdAnd the runner even admitted that she always had a soft spot for United cult hero Javier Hernandez.Hodgkinson previously said: “I live on my own now. An independent woman. Well, as a United fan, I wouldn’t look over Manchester City would I?“Do I hear the crowd noise? It’s not that bad. I can literally see it across from me and see the lights buzzing when it’s a match night. It’s busy round town.“Where I live is really nice. There is MediaCity. It’s near the airport, the train station and the track. It’s very convenient. I love it.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“My mum has had a Manchester United season ticket since she was 19 and her name is on the seats at Old Trafford. She is more of a diehard fan than me.“I got the last glimpses [of the glory years] when I was about eight years old.Keely Hodgkinson challenged to rarely-seen race by Olympic gold medal-winning hurdler“Though I did see his matches, I don’t remember much about Cristiano Ronaldo being at Manchester United the first time round.“I was more a fan of Javier Hernandez or Chicharito as he’s known. I liked him when I was growing up.” More

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      I shared a year with Cristiano Ronaldo at Man Utd – he trained like an ANIMAL and always tried to be the best

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Cristiano Ronaldo worked hard to be the best since a young age as he trained “like an animal”.That is according to fellow United great Dimitar Berbatov who joined the club from Tottenham in 2008, one year before Ronaldo, 39, left Old Trafford for Real Madrid.Cristiano Ronaldo trained ‘like an animal’ at Manchester UnitedCredit: PA:Press AssociationMan Utd legend Dimitar Berbatov spent a year with RonaldoCredit: Getty – ContributorBerbatov was amazed by Ronaldo’s dedication in training at Man UtdCredit: GettyBut during their brief spell together, Berbatov, 43, quickly knew the then-23-year-old was destined for greatness as he never missed a training session and showed incredible dedication.The Portugal captain went on to win a whopping five Ballons d’Or as well as the 2008-09 Premier League title with the Bulgaria legend before his departure to Real.Berbatov told The Telegraph: “We shared a year together, he was starting to grow by leaps and bounds. “He trained like an animal, he tried his best to be the best. It was nice to see that dedication up close. Read More on Man Utd”I don’t remember him missing a single training session.”Berbatov almost never played with Ronaldo as Manchester City came close to hijacking his summer deadline day move to rivals United.Tottenham accepted an offer from City just hours before the striker finalised his move to the Red Devils.But the ex-Bayer Leverkusen star ordered his agent to snub Man City and push for a deal with United with an X-rated statement.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBerbatov added: “They wanted to sign me on the last day of the market.”I told my agent: ‘F*** off, we’re going to United’. Because of the history, the prestige, the players, the manager, the shirt.Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag steals famous Cristiano Ronaldo quote but refuses to name him as furious spat rages on”I never had any doubt that Old Trafford was the right decision.” More

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      Man Utd plotting shock transfer raid on Sunderland that could spell the end for Erik ten Hag signing

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are watching Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson as they look for a new No 2.The Red Devils want a young shot-stopper to understudy Andre Onana, and 24-year-old Patterson is firmly in their sights.Manchester United are watching Sunderland keeper Anthony PattersonCredit: RexPatterson’s arrival could spell the end for Erik ten Hag signing Altay BayindirCredit: AlamyTen Hag is keen to have more competition behind Andre OnanaCredit: AlamyFormer goalie Tony Coton, now United’s keeper scout, is checking out the Black Cats star as he fits the bill in every way.Coach Erik ten Hag is firmly behind Onana as his first choice so Altay Bayindir, 26, has hardly had a chance and may move.Bayindir has won ten caps for Turkey and faced Portugal at Euro 2024 — but his appearance in the 7-0 Carabao Cup win over Barnsley this month was only his second for United since joining in the summer of 2023.Ten Hag is keen to have more competition for Onana.READ MORE ON MAN UTDPatterson has been linked with moves in the past but is yet to get the Premier League call and the England Under-21 cap may have to initially settle for being a reserve at a top-flight club.Crystal Palace have also taken an interest in Patterson but can only offer a reserve role behind Dean Henderson.Liverpool also shortlisted Patterson ahead of a possible exit for Republic of Ireland ace Caoimhin Kelleher, but that would be as cover again.Sunderland price Patterson at around £20million but may take less.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThey will not want to lose him this season as they chase promotion, so a summer switch could be more likely.Meanwhile, Birmingham are plotting a raid on Sunderland’s 17-year-old midfielder Chris Rigg.Their American owners have splashed out since relegation to League One and could offer £10m.Everton are also tracking Rigg who has been on their wish-list for a couple of years. More

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      Erik ten Hag has got to be WAY better… we know Angeball but Man Utd boss’ system is still a mystery

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      I NEVER know from one week to the next what Manchester United are trying to do, what their system is or how they play.That was the case a few weeks after Erik ten Hag had taken over — I’m really none the wiser now and we’re 18 months on.Erik ten Hag is under more pressure than Ange Postecoglou for SundayCredit: GettyMan Utd face a striker in Dominic Solanke who is adjusting well for SpursCredit: RexAnd that’s one of the reasons why there is far more riding on today’s game for Ten Hag than for Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.Ten Hag seems to be under pressure all the time. They get one good result, then a bad one. There’s no consistency at all.This week it was the Europa League and a draw against little FC Twente.At the start of the month it was getting smashed up at home by Liverpool.READ MORE TOP STORIESIt is difficult when you are not winning.If you are winning, you can keep a consistent team. In Sir Alex Ferguson’s time, the team pretty much picked itself every week.When you’re losing, it’s very different. You are looking for that formula, so you are chopping and changing players or even altering systems of play.Of course, Man United and Spurs both have  traditions of playing attacking football. But in the end, it’s all about winning.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLet’s not kid ourselves that everyone is so educated and just wants to see this incredible style of football.Winning games and being up near the top of the league is the only thing that will keep  people happy. Tottenham legend Gus Poyet explains why Ange Postecoglou can end trophy hoodoo and win Carabao Cup despite Coventry horror showIt’s no good playing good football and getting beat 3-0 on a Saturday.If you’re not playing good football AND you’re not winning, you’re bang in trouble, of course.Which is where Ten Hag and United are still.We know all about Angeball and when Spurs are playing  well, they are great to watch. It’s a very open, attacking style.They have some excellent forward players. Dominic Solanke seems to be settling in now that he’s got a couple of goals.Postecoglou can’t really play any other way with the players he has. They don’t have a lot of workhorses. The two full-backs can’t defend. You couldn’t turn that squad into something else.If Spurs are winning games and playing like that, the fans will love it.Having said that, a draw at Old Trafford today would be a decent result for Tottenham.But not for United. They have to be winning their home games.Ten Hag keeps making a point about winning a trophy in both his seasons at the club so far.But at United, you expect more. If you’re a Man United fan, you’ve been spoilt. You’re used to winning league titles and European Cups.Incredibly the way Ten Hag wants to play is still unclearHe needs to do more, he needs to be back up there challenging.The cup wins, well done — but still not good enough. They need to improve, big-time.Both sides will be looking to get back into the Champions League as a minimum.You’d put your shirt on the top three being Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal in whatever order. But it’s going to be a real dogfight for that fourth spot.Villa are in the Champions League this year and that could be a distraction.Spurs and United are in Europe but their  fixtures aren’t anything like the same level.Chelsea are starting to come together and they could be a threat.I still think Spurs have the players to just about take that last spot.And Ten Hag has it all to do at United.A lot of people were surprised he survived the summer, really.It was very strange. All the talk was that he would be going. I still think Gareth Southgate could be lurking on the radar.I can see the former England boss being of interest to the people who run the club if United’s form does not improve.Ten Hag needs results — and quickly.Gareth Southgate could still be on United’s radarCredit: RexHold-up even left our Ron in a rageTHE travel nightmare that Qarabag had on the way to their game at Tottenham reminded me of the worst journey I ever had.As a player at West Ham, we had a League Cup semi-final replay against Stoke at  Hillsborough in 1972.We were stuck in  horrendous traffic and going to be really late.I’d never seen Ron Greenwood lose his  temper but he was going crazy at the driver.He was in such a state that he was trying to  get through gaps that weren’t big enough and ended up hitting six cars on the way.They all followed us to the stadium and then the drivers got out and started having a row.It was like the  Keystone Cops.Was it worth it? No. The game ended 0-0 and then we got beat in the second replay.Sam was a write oneEVERYONE’S banging on  about dark arts — or  whatever people want to call them — after Manchester City and Arsenal’s 2-2 draw last weekend.It’s nothing new, all that verbal and physical stuff. But Wimbledon chairman Sam Hammam once found an amazing way to stir up some trouble.Sam Hammam had a cheeky way of inspiring Vinnie Jones and CoCredit: GettyBefore one game against them with West Ham, I got to Upton Park about 12 o’clock and my groundsman said: “Harry, their chairman has been in their dressing room for an hour and he’s got a big bag of pens.”READ MORE SUN STORIESI opened the door and all over the walls he had  written “Fashanu, you t***er”, “Vinnie, you . . . ”, all that kind of thing, in big writing.It was as though we’d done it, so that when  Wimbledon came in, they would get the raving needle and want to kill us.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Man Utd fans demand Erik ten Hag promotes wonderkid into first-team after scoring FOUR in 9-0 win on his 18th birthday

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans want Erik ten Hag to hand whizkid James Scanlon the ultimate birthday gift – even better than the four goals he hit.The winger, who already has six full Gibraltar caps, celebrated turning 18 by leading a 9-0 rout of Blackburn juniors.Wonderkid James Scanlon has continued where he left off last seasonScanlon, 18, and Jack Fletcher, 17, have shone for the Man Utd academyOld Trafford supporters responded by urging first-team boss Ten Hag to immediately call up the English-born ace.Scanlon sprung to attention last season as part of United’s all-conquering academy side.The young Red Devils won the Premier League North, Premier League Cup and national title. And they already look capable of repeating such glories this term.READ MORE TOP STORIESUnited’s kids have maximum points from five league games, scoring 22 goals.And Scanlon is a Devils’ apprentice who once more is a sorcerer.Gabriele Biancheri struck twice, with Zach Baumann, Scanlon and Dante Plunkett also netting as United led 5-0 at the interval on Saturday.The birthday boy then really came of age after the break, notching three more goals in 21 minutes, while sub Godwill Kukonki scored too.Most read in FootballScanlon, left, has already won six full caps for GibraltarFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBlackburn saw Jackson Shorrocks sent off in stoppage time for his second booking.But fans reckon it’s Ten Hag who should now be on red alert.Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealedSome supporters urged the Dutch boss to pick Scanlon in Sunday’s home Premier League clash against Tottenham.One even reckons a wider sprinkling of starlets should also get the nod.”Play them against Spurs,” he pleaded.However, most of the focus was on Scanlon, with messages like: “Bring him to the first team.”Mid-table United have netted just five times in five Prem matches this campaign.And Ten Hag’s men were also held 1-1 by visitors Twente in the Europa League last Wednesday.One fan noted the academy’s spree and added: ” The first team hasn’t scored 9 goals so far this season.” READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother posted: “Scanlon shouldn’t be playing u18s football – too good.”His sharpshooting was labelled an “incredible performance” while more than one supporter raved: “The future is bright.”Man Utd player ratings vs FC TwenteMANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford.That result dealt a big blow to their chances of finishing in the top eight and avoiding two extra fixtures.See how the players rated on an underwhelming night at Old Trafford.Andre Onana – 6Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 6Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.Harry Maguire – 6Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with a header cleared off the line.Lisandro Martinez – 7Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.Noussair Mazraoui – 6New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front.Christian Eriksen – 7Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser.Manuel Ugarte – 6A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser.Marcus Rashford – 8Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self.Bruno Fernandes – 6Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.Amad Diallo – 6His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund.Find out how the Man Utd subs rated here More

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      Former Man Utd star slams own club’s fans over crowd trouble and fumes ‘what if a child was killed?’

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      ATHLETIC BILBAO star Ander Herrera lambasted a section of his own club’s fans for causing crowd trouble during their Europa League return.Bilbao made their long-anticipated comeback to Europa after a six-year absence on Thursday and took on Roma at the Olimpico where they drew 1-1.A section of Athletic Bilbao fans caused crowd trouble at RomaCredit: RexEx-Man Utd star Ander Herrera criticised the rowdy Bilbao fansCredit: RexThe Giallorossi opened the scoring on 32 minutes with Artem Dovbyk and the visitors equalised with Aitor Paredes five minutes before full-time.And it was after Paredes’ goal when some of the travelling fans started to throw flares and causing an unsafe environment in Rome.Things got so unpleasant that Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde had to walk towards the away end and urge the rowdy supporters to stop.Ex-Manchester United star Herrera was also very frustrated with the incident.Read More on FootballThe midfielder condemned the unruly fans and refused to make any excuses as they could have “killed a child”.Herrera told Cadena Cope: “We have a strange feeling because we played a good game, a positive point but everything is clouded by what we have all seen. “I understand that in a moment of heat, you bring out the worst in yourself in the form of an insult, but it doesn’t enter my mind [to] throw a flare that can kill a person. “It makes you go cold, because it has no explanation.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“The flares used well, when celebrating La Gabarra, give a beautiful colour but in the hands of a person who throws it at the head, you have to cut it out. “A person who throws a flare and you know it can hit someone in the head and you can kill them, what if you kill a child? Or any person? It has no explanation.”Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersHerrera joined United in 2014 from Bilbao and went on to amass a total of 20 goals and 27 assists in 189 appearances.The 35-year-old went on to win the FA Cup, EFL Cup, Europa League and Community Shield during his five-year stint at Old Trafford.The ex-Spain international moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2019 before his return to Bilbao on loan in 2022 which led to a permanent switch a year later. More