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      Rio Ferdinand opens up on ‘sticky’ meeting with Man Utd boss Ten Hag after Cristiano Ronaldo’s comments

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand opened up on a “sticky” meeting with manager Erik ten Hag following a tell-all interview with Cristiano Ronaldo.Ronaldo, 39, lasted less than half a season under Ten Hag, 54, at Old Trafford after the pair had a major bust-up and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was axed in 2022.Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo slammed Erik ten Hag while talking to Rio FerdinandCredit: YOUTUBE / UR · CristianoFerdinand opened up on a ‘sticky’ meeting with Man Utd boss Ten Hag after the Ronaldo interviewCredit: PAThe star forward, who now plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, slammed the Dutch tactician on his way out during a sensational interview that led to his contract being terminated.The Portugal captain met fellow United great Ferdinand, 45, last week and doubled down with some more criticism claiming the Red Devils need to “rebuild everything”.The Real Madrid legend also targeted Ten Hag once more for suggesting that a club of Man Utd’s stature can’t compete for the biggest trophies.Ferdinand met Ten Hag about an hour after the heated interview aired and expected an awkward meeting.Read More on Man UtdHowever, the legendary defender found a pleasant environment and the Dutchman didn’t seem shaken by Ronaldo’s statement.Ferdinand told Rio Ferdinand Presents: “It made it a bit sticky I’ve got to be honest with you. “The interview with Cristiano dropped on the Thursday 8am or 9am that morning, I was in the training ground at 10am.”I was walking and talking with Erik ten Hag doing an interview, training had finished, and I walked around. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I was looking at the pitch and two players were on there doing extras – shooting. “Cracking up, laughing, doing a competition. Bruno [Fernandes] and Marcus Rashford.”Cristiano Ronaldo and Rio Ferdinand in hysterics as they remember Man Utd nicknames from ‘Shrek’ and ‘SatNav’ to ‘J-Lo’Ten Hag responded to Ronaldo’s statements before Saturday’s 3-0 win at Southampton.Rather than offering a rebuttal to his swipe, the ex-Ajax boss instead suggested that the Portuguese star was the one who is claiming that United aren’t good enough to compete for the biggest titles.Ten Hag said: “He said that Manchester United can’t win the Premier League. He said this if you read the article very well.”He’s far away in Saudi, far away from Manchester. Everyone can have an opinion. It’s okay.”Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Anthony Martial ‘agrees to transfer’ in U-turn after former Man Utd star turned down ‘biggest contract in club history’

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      ANTHONY MARTIAL has reportedly made a transfer U-turn in his search for a new club.The forward remains a free agent after leaving Manchester United when his contract expired at the end of June.Anthony Martial is set to complete a transfer U-turn in his search for a new clubCredit: PAHe had looked set to join Brazilian side Flamengo earlier this month only for the deal to fall through when the parties could not agree on contract length.A host of clubs have shown an interest in Martial since his Old Trafford exit, including Lille, Atalanta, Marseille and Besiktas.However, he now appears ready to join a team he previously snubbed the chance to sign for.According to Sport24, Martial has reached a verbal agreement with AEK Athens and final documents are now being exchanged.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 28-year-old will pen a three-year deal with the Greek outfit worth £2.5million-per-season.His contract is said to be the most lucrative deal in the club’s 100-year history.Martial will join a host of former Premier League stars at AEK, with Erik Lamela, Nordin Amrabat and Roberto Pereyra already at the club.Meanwhile, the 13-time Greek champions currently top the Super League after making an unbeaten start to the new season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThey are out of Europe, though, following a shock defeat to Armenian side Noah in Conference League qualifying.Martial will arrive off the back of a disappointing final season with the Red Devils.Man Utd fans all tell Antony to do the same thing as Ten Hag gives £86m flop Jadon Sancho-style dressing down Several injury layoffs, most notably following groin surgery in January, limited him to just 19 appearances.Overall, however, the Frenchman scored 90 goals in 317 appearances for United during his nine years in England.If his move to AEK is completed in time, he could make his debut away to Kallithea on Sunday night.Martial has been a free agent since leaving Manchester United earlier this summerCredit: Alamy More

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      Man Utd and West Ham on transfer red alert with Leon Goretzka ‘unhappy’ after Bayern Munich axe

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      BAYERN MUNICH have put a host of Premier League clubs on red alert by admitting that Leon Goretzka is “unhappy”.The 29-year-old German international midfielder has been brutally axed by new boss Vincent Kompany this term following the arrival of Joao Palhinha from Fulham.Leon Goretzka is unhappy at Bayern MunichCredit: GettyAnd his potential availability has put several clubs including Man Utd on alert over a transferCredit: GettyGoretzka has been at Bayern since 2018 and remains under contract until 2026 but he could be set to push for a move in January.He has played just one minute of competitive football under Kompany and failed to even make the bench for Saturday’s 6-1 victory over Holstein Kiel.Manchester United and West Ham have been long-term admirers of the experienced star.A host of other top-flight clubs would also be keen should Goretzka become available.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd the prospect of him departing Bayern appears to be very real as director of sport Max Eberl revealed how miserable the ex-Schalke man is.He said: “We communicated very clearly from the start.“Leon knew that we were relying on Pavlo [Aleksandar Pavlovic], and that we would bring in with Palhinha and that Josh [Kimmich] would play more in the centre again.”He added: “We’ve also said that when Leon is there and ready to face the situation, he’ll be treated completely normally.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Leon’s a great guy. I like him a lot, even though he’s obviously upset at the moment. I understand that too. But that’s part of life in football.”Bayern know that his value will drop significantly once he enters the final 12 months of his contract in June.Manchester United vs SouthamptonThat means that they could look to push him out of the door in January with a potential loan-to-buy agreement.Although his £273,000-a-week wages could be an issue.Man Utd ratings vs Southampton as Onana saves a penalty and Rashford finally scoresMARCUS RASHFORD scored his first Premier League goal in 189 days as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 victory at Southampton.The Red Devils got back to winning ways after suffering defeats in their last two Prem games, with Matthijs de Ligt notching his first Man Utd goal.But United had Andre Onana to thank as the keeper kept out Cameron Archer’s penalty at 0-0.Here’s how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rated United’s stars…Andre Onana – 7Saved the penalty by Cameron Archer, albeit a poor one from the Southampton forward.But that stop and the stopped rebound proved to be absolutely crucial.Noussair Mazraouri – 7Needed treatment after falling awkwardly in the first half but that did not stop him from delivering a solid performance.Also got forward to good effect before being one of three United defenders to be subbed off.Matthijs De Ligt – 8Shaky start defensively but was unmarked to score from Bruno Fernandes cross to calm United’s nerves with the opener.He was delighted to get his first United goal and dedicated his celebration to his wife’s birthday today.Lisandro Martinez – 7Not been in great form so anything was an improvement – although Saints’ attack was toothless.Diogo Dalot – 5Suffered an absolute shocker of a first half courtesy of Southampton’s tricky wingers.Conceded the penalty after bringing down Tyler Dibling but was also constantly exposed throughout the half.Kobbie Mainoo – 6United continue to lean far too heavily on such a young player. And this defensive role does not really suit him.Christian Eriksen – 7A surprise starter although United’s two goals came from his corners.The system, though, still does not play to his strengths as he is too deep.Bruno Fernandes – 7Cracking corner cross ball from Eriksen who plonked the ball on the head of De Ligt.Amad Diallo – 7Looked lively throughout – really encouraging. Teed up Rashford for the second goal.Joshua Zirkzee – 6Forced a couple of saves by Aaron Ramsdale but does not look like a 25 goal-a-season striker.Marcus Rashford – 7Hopefully the second goal will give him a real confidence boost. Also forced a couple of saves from Aaron Ramsdale.SUBSGarnacho (for Rashford 73 mins) 7Was brutally fouled by Stephens who saw red shortly after coming on. Notched United’s third goal of the game in the final minute.He struck high into Ramsdale’s high corner after a brilliant ball from Casemiro.Manuel Ugarte (for Eriksen 73 mins) 6Harry Maguire (for Mazraouri 74 mins) 6Jonny Evans (for Martinez 77 mins) 6 More

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      Ex-Man Utd star Phil Jones opens up on mental health trauma caused by vile trolls that left him not wanting to go out

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      PHIL JONES lifted the lid on years of abuse and mental anguish he suffered at the hands of vile trolls.And the former Manchester United and England defender revealed he was only able to overcome the torment with help from a psychologist and a therapist.Phil Jones has exclusively opened up about how injuries and trolls ruined his mental healthJones won the Premier League under Fergie in 2013Jones, 32, who retired last month, avoided the public, rarely went to restaurants and dodged speaking to team-mates.All the while, fans who abused him were unaware of the true extent of his 14-year injury battle.Opening up about his struggles, Jones confessed that when he did play, the agony of his wrecked right knee was regularly numbed by painkillers and steroids.And while he was struggling physically, there was also a mental toll. READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe said: “I’d been through that much trauma mentally.”Jones first tore his meniscus as an 18-year-old at Blackburn and, although Sir Alex Ferguson signed him for United, it was the beginning of his injury nightmare.As the injury absences became longer, Jones became the subject of horrific abuse and ridicule both online and face to face in the street.Asked if it affected him, he said: “Anybody who tells you that it doesn’t is lying. And as footballers you have to put this mask on.Most read in Football“You get paid a lot of money so you are not allowed to have feelings or emotions.“The physical injuries made me mentally weak at times.“Obviously people will ask, ‘he is always injured?’ as though they  think that I wake up one day and  think, ‘oh, yeah, I fancy being injured  today’.“But my coping  mechanism  was to be  silent, put my   guard up, my shield up around with my really close family.“I wouldn’t even really communicate with my friends that well.”Jones said he tried to stay off social media but his friends would fill him in.Recurring knee injuries would spell disaster for JonesThe heartbreaking injuries heavily impacted his England careerHe said: “You’d go past people in the street and they’d say something and it would really aggravate you and get to you.“You just hear people whispering, ‘Oh there he is, f**king injury-prone’. People say, ‘you shouldn’t take that money then’.“As footballers you have to put this mask onPhil Jones“If they only knew what I was doing behind the scenes to get right.“Flip that on its head and say, ‘I’ll tell you what then, what I’ll do is I’ll take the money away from you and see if you go back into work’. Everybody’s got to earn money.“I found it really hard to go to restaurants for years. You put your head down when you’re walking through crowds and stuff. I didn’t want people to spot me.”Following surgery at Blackburn, Jones appeared to have recovered but his knee went again, a year after his move to Old Trafford and surgeons had to remove the meniscus.Again he fought back but eventually having to play with bone rubbing on bone took its toll.Although he never fully recovered, Jones said he “left no stone unturned” to carry on playing.Speaking to the High Performance podcast released this week, Jones said: “My knee would swell.“I’d be on compression boots, I’d be on the ice, I’d be in the pool, recovery, trying to get every inflammation down.“I would start getting really, really sharp pains every time  I passed the ball. Incredible amount of pain.“When I look back now I think ‘wow’, I give myself a pat on  the back for getting through  those periods.“Players and staff knew I had a bad knee but I hid it really well.”Despite taking strong pain medication, Jones revealed the team doctor would eventually have to inject his knee before games.After years seeing surgeons and specialists, Jones said he spent more time on the treatment table than a pitch.He started deliberately coming in late for physio to avoid well-meaning team-mates constantly asking how his knee was.Jones with wife Kaya at the United player awards in 2019And his anguish began affecting his family life.He even wanted his wife, Kaya, to remove a display of England caps — Jones played 27 times for his country — and a Premier League-winners trophy because he felt “worthless”.But eventually, and partly for the sake of his daughters, Jones realised he had to “deal with it”.Jones also came to accept that his playing days were over.He added: “It was a relief off my shoulders that I didn’t have to put myself through this pain.”United released him in the summer of 2023, a year after his final appearance in a 3-0 Premier League win over Brentford.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut after helping coach Red Devils’ youngsters, he is setting his sights on coaching or management.He says: “I’m looking forward  to the future and I’m positive about it.”WHERE TO GET HELP YOU NEEDIF you are ever worried that someone’s life is in immediate danger, call 999 or go directly to the emergency services.For anyone in crisis, struggling to cope or needing immediate help, use the Shout Crisis text line (text 85258) or The Samaritans (call 116 123) – which are both available 24/7, 365 days a year.CALM offer a confidential helpline (0800 585858) and livechat, both available from 5pm to midnight.Visit nhs.uk/mental-health/ to find NHS mental health support near you, and how to self-refer for talking therapies, such as CBT and counselling for mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, panic, OCD and more.Visit the Movember website for more advice on men’s health and recommended support groups, organisations and charities. Movember Conversations is an online tool that helps you practise difficult conversations with pretend scenarios. More

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      Fans urge Bruno Fernandes to ‘DELETE’ post after commenting on Jadon Sancho’s Instagram pic after stunning Chelsea debut

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has been urged to “delete” a social media comment posted following Jadon Sancho’s Chelsea debut.The Manchester United captain replied to Sancho’s Instagram post following his Man of the Match-winning debut for the Blues against Bournemouth.Fans have urged Bruno Fernandes to delete an Instagram comment replying to Jadon SanchoCredit: instagramFernandes played alongside Sancho during the winger’s three seasons at Man UtdCredit: RexSancho, 24, had come on to replace Pedro Neto at half-time before putting in an impressive display on the left flank and providing the assist for Christopher Nkunku’s match-winning goal.The winger, on loan at the London club from United, took to Instagram to say: “Delighted to make my @chelseafc debut, and to top it off with a win.”Fernandes, who starred alongside and captained Sancho during the Englishman’s three years at Old Trafford, replied: “Some player you 🔥 keep that smile.”However, fans have now urged the 30-year-old to delete the comment. READ MORE ON MAN UTDOne user said: “Be serious, Bruno.”A second simply said: “Delete.”Another said: “You having a laugh Bruno?!!!”A fourth added: “Some captain you are 😂 Roy Keane would have dragged you out by the scruff of your shirt.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA fifth said: “He disrespected the club and fans you play for.”Amid the outcry, one fan argued: “He is praising his friend..? This is the problem with this world.”What does Bruno Fernandes’ celebration mean ?Fernandes provided the opening assist in Man Utd’s 3-0 win over Southampton.Speaking about Sancho’s debut, Maresca appeared to take a subtle swipe at United boss Erik Ten Hag, who froze Sancho out of the club following a public spat after criticising Sancho’s approach to training.Maresca said: ” I have a feeling that Jadon is a guy that needs love. This is what I think when I spoke with him before he join us. “Also I know he has the desire to show the player he is, but for me, it is just to enjoy football. This is the reason why they play.”They are happy and want to play football, they want to enjoy football and then because they are good, they are going to do good things.”Chelsea travel to West Ham next weekend, while United are away at Crystal Palace.Chelsea ratings vs Bournemouth as Sanchez and Sancho are heroes… and Palmer strugglesCHELSEA needed a late moment of magic from Christopher Nkunku to snatch all three points from Bournemouth.Marcus Tavernier crashed a super strike against the crossbar early on and Robert Sanchez saved an Evanilson penalty before the break.Jadon Sancho came on for his debut at half-time and made the difference for the Blues as he set up Nkunku’s winner.Here’s how SunSport’s Graham Nickless rated Maresca’s men…Robert Sanchez – 8Man-of-the-match show with first-half penalty save from Evanilson and a handful of excellent saves.But rather fortunate to stay on the pitch after denying Evanilson a clear goalscoring opportunity with a deliberate foul that led to the spot-kick.Axel Disasi – 5The right-back was given an uncomfortable night down the right side.Given the runaround by Cherries dangerman Antoine Semenyo and was replaced just after the hour.Wesley Fofana – 6Did his best to keep a clean sheet when run ragged by the home strikers.Luckily for the centre-back, he could rely on Sanchez to keep them out.Levi Colwill – 6Did his best to calm the storm that came the Blues’ way for most of the match.Made sure he kept record-signing Evanilson away from notching his first Premier League goal.Marc Cucurella – 7Always busy and making a nuisance of himself when he wasn’t being buffeted by Semenyo’s marking.But overdid it with one stupid, deliberate shoulder barge on the Bournemouth winger.Renato Veiga – 5Suffered like most of his team-mates to open up the home side’s defence.The Portuguese midfielder didn’t see enough of the ball to make an impact.Moises Caicedo – 7The captain was always looking for that defence-splitting pass when he wasn’t on defensive duty.Gave an example to others around him who weren’t putting in a decent shift.Noni Madueke – 5Was quite mad attempting an early shot at the home goal that ended up as a throw-in.And it didn’t get much better than that for the winger who was hauled off just after the hour.Cole Palmer – 5Rested by England for tired muscles and there wasn’t much energy in this performance.But the Cherries, worried by his reputation, did target him in the first half.Pedro Neto – 5Failed to make any impact on the wing but could claim he had little or no service.Boss Maresca had seen enough and brought on Sancho to replace him at half-time.Nicolas Jackson – 5Chelsea fans won’t want to suffer another nine years of this from the big striker.Had one shot comfortably saved and another blocked but will need to show more upfront for his ludicrous long contract.SUBSJadon Sancho (for Neto) – 8Was booked 11 minutes after coming on then, looked likely throughout second half and set up Nkunku’s equaliser on super debut.Tosin Adarabioyo (for Disasi) – 6Was seldom troubled.Joao Felix (for Madueke) – 5Tidied up in midfield.Christopher Nkunku (for Jackson) – 8Burst through three players to score and snatch the winner. 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      Chelsea boss Maresca aims cheeky dig at Erik ten Hag after Jadon Sancho makes dazzling debut following Man Utd transfer

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      ENZO MARESCA appears to have taken a subtle dig at Erik ten Hag over his management of Jadon Sancho.The Chelsea boss brought Sancho on at half-time for him to make his debut against Bournemouth on Saturday evening.Enzo Maresca appears to have taken a subtle swipe at Man Utd boss Erik ten HagCredit: GettyIt comes after Maresca said Jadon Sancho was a player who ‘needs love’Credit: RexSancho had a huge public falling out with Erik ten Hag at Manchester UnitedCredit: PAIt proved to be an inspired substitution as Sancho put in a Man of the Match display and contributed with the game-winning assist for Christopher Nkunku’s late goal in the 1-0 win.When asked about the importance of Sancho making a connection with fans and feeling at home straight away, Maresca appeared to take a jab at Manchester United boss Ten Hag who badly fell out with the winger.Maresca said: “It’s very important. I have a feeling that Jadon is a guy that needs love. “This is what I think when I spoke with him before he join us.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Also I know he has the desire to show the player he is, but for me, it is just to enjoy football. “This is the reason why they play. “They are happy and want to play football, they want to enjoy football and then because they are good, they are going to do good things.”Before the game, Maresca had said he did not consider the Sancho transfer a risk.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said of the 24-year-old’s performance after coming on: “I think we start the second half much better and Jadon helped us a lot but what he did tonight is exactly what we expected from him.”As I said, I know Jadon very good because I watched him many, many times in the past and I know what he can give us.Chelsea ratings vs Bournemouth: Sanchez excellent but returning Palmer puts on lifeless displaySancho was sent on loan from Man Utd after his major falling out with Ten Hag at the start of last season.The Dutchman had criticised his efforts in training, only for Sancho to make a public rebuttal and refuse to apologise before he was frozen out of first-team training.He was eventually sent on loan to former club Borussia Dortmund, where he had a mixed spell as the German club made the Champions League final.The win puts Chelsea seventh in the Premier League table before Sunday’s fixtures, with two wins, one draw and one defeat.Chelsea ratings vs Bournemouth as Sanchez and Sancho are heroes… and Palmer strugglesCHELSEA needed a late moment of magic from Christopher Nkunku to snatch all three points from Bournemouth.Marcus Tavernier crashed a super strike against the crossbar early on and Robert Sanchez saved an Evanilson penalty before the break.Jadon Sancho came on for his debut at half-time and made the difference for the Blues as he set up Nkunku’s winner.Here’s how SunSport’s Graham Nickless rated Maresca’s men…Robert Sanchez – 8Man-of-the-match show with first-half penalty save from Evanilson and a handful of excellent saves.But rather fortunate to stay on the pitch after denying Evanilson a clear goalscoring opportunity with a deliberate foul that led to the spot-kick.Axel Disasi – 5The right-back was given an uncomfortable night down the right side.Given the runaround by Cherries dangerman Antoine Semenyo and was replaced just after the hour.Wesley Fofana – 6Did his best to keep a clean sheet when run ragged by the home strikers.Luckily for the centre-back, he could rely on Sanchez to keep them out.Levi Colwill – 6Did his best to calm the storm that came the Blues’ way for most of the match.Made sure he kept record-signing Evanilson away from notching his first Premier League goal.Marc Cucurella – 7Always busy and making a nuisance of himself when he wasn’t being buffeted by Semenyo’s marking.But overdid it with one stupid, deliberate shoulder barge on the Bournemouth winger.Renato Veiga – 5Suffered like most of his team-mates to open up the home side’s defence.The Portuguese midfielder didn’t see enough of the ball to make an impact.Moises Caicedo – 7The captain was always looking for that defence-splitting pass when he wasn’t on defensive duty.Gave an example to others around him who weren’t putting in a decent shift.Noni Madueke – 5Was quite mad attempting an early shot at the home goal that ended up as a throw-in.And it didn’t get much better than that for the winger who was hauled off just after the hour.Cole Palmer – 5Rested by England for tired muscles and there wasn’t much energy in this performance.But the Cherries, worried by his reputation, did target him in the first half.Pedro Neto – 5Failed to make any impact on the wing but could claim he had little or no service.Boss Maresca had seen enough and brought on Sancho to replace him at half-time.Nicolas Jackson – 5Chelsea fans won’t want to suffer another nine years of this from the big striker.Had one shot comfortably saved and another blocked but will need to show more upfront for his ludicrous long contract.SUBSJadon Sancho (for Neto) – 8Was booked 11 minutes after coming on then, looked likely throughout second half and set up Nkunku’s equaliser on super debut.Tosin Adarabioyo (for Disasi) – 6Was seldom troubled.Joao Felix (for Madueke) – 5Tidied up in midfield.Christopher Nkunku (for Jackson) – 8Burst through three players to score and snatch the winner. 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      Jesse Lingard brutally mocked by K league rival as opponent copies forgotten Man Utd man’s celebration after late winner

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      JESSE LINGARD was on the receiving end of some brutal trolling from a K League rival as his celebration was mocked.Lingard, 31, netted an equaliser for FC Seoul in their match against Daejeon Hana Citizen.Jesse Lingard scored an equaliser for Seoul FCCredit: RexHe celebrated by doing a dance known as the doolyCredit: J LeagueBut his celebration was mocked and copied as Daejeon Hana Citizen scored a late winnerCredit: J LeagueThe former Manchester United star has hit some form recently for his team, with four goals in his last nine league games. In each case prior to the latest match on Saturday, a Lingard goal had resulted in his team winning the game.And he may have believed history would repeat itself when he hit the back of the net with a smart finish into the bottom left corner from just inside the area just after half-time.Ever a player to create a memorable celebration, Lingard whipped out another remarkable routine in front of the home fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt came after Lingard promised to perform the dance – known as the dooly and based on a cartoon character – after appearing on a talk show.However, the visiting team had the last laugh as Hyeon-ug Kim netted a late winner.The 29-year-old then mocked Lingard by doing his own version of the dooly dance routine.Fans were left stunned at the move, with one fan saying: “Didn’t know the Koreans had this amount of s***house.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA second said: “Lingard never change.”A third said: “This is objectively hilarious.”Former Man Utd and England star Jesse Lingard back in training just TWELVE DAYS after undergoing knee surgeryThe result leaves FC Seoul in fifth place, still in the championship bracket due to being in the top half of the table.The K League operates in the same way as the Scottish Premiership whereby the teams are split into championship and relegation rounds.Lingard headed to South Korea in February of this year after being left without a club when Nottingham Forest did not renew his one-year contract in the summer of 2023.The ex-England international had a slow start in Asia before suffering a knee injury which required him to have surgery.He joined Forest on a free transfer after leaving Man Utd in 2022.Lingard had come through the academy ranks at the Red Devils and had made 232 first-team appearances. More

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      Inside Jadon Sancho’s incredible Chelsea debut as ex-Man Utd star named Man of the Match after laying on assist for goal

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      JADON SANCHO marked his Chelsea debut with an impressive Man of the Match display against Bournemouth.Chelsea had been unable to conjure up a goal in the first half of their clash at the Vitality Stadium, with Robert Sanchez denying the hosts from the penalty spot.Jadon Sancho put in an impressive Chelsea debutCredit: GettyHe provided the match-winning assist for Christopher NkunkuCredit: GettyHaving been left unhappy by what he had just seen Enzo Maresca rolled the dice by bringing on Sancho for Pedro Neto at half-time.And it proved to be an inspired move, as the on-loan Manchester United winger provided the match-winning assist for Christopher Nkunku’s decisive goal after 86 minutes.Sancho was one of the liveliest players on the pitch as he put in a stunning display from left midfield.Indeed, for Nkunku’s goal, Sancho beat his marker by cutting back on to his right foot before threading a pass into his team-mate’s path before he slotted home a shot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSancho attempted two dribbles and completed 24 of his 26 passes.He also showed his defensive nous by registering four ball recoveries.Before the game, Maresca had said he did not consider the Sancho transfer a risk.And afterwards, he had a glowing review for the 24-year-old.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “I think we start second half much better and Jadon helped us a lot but what he did tonight is exactly what we expected from him. “As I said, I know Jadon very good because I watched him many, many times in the past and I know what he can give us.Chelsea’s plans for £1bn new stadium (1)”Then also Christoph [Nkunku] was very good and not just because he scored but because he fought without the ball and Jadon was exactly the same. Tosin [Adarabioyo] was very good.”He added: “Very happy, very happy for him.”He was very good, I think Joao [Felix] was very good and Christoph scored but was also very good.”Sancho has often looked a shadow of himself since his return to England from Borussia Dortmund.The former Manchester City had a high-profile fallout with Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag last season that saw him banished from first-team training.He returned to Germany with Dortmund on loan in January and had a mixed spell as he helped them reach the Champions League final.However, Maresca said he believes he knows how to get the best out of him.Maresca said: “It’s very important. I have a feeling that Jadon is a guy that needs love. Chelsea ratings vs Bournemouth as Sanchez and Sancho are heroes… and Palmer strugglesCHELSEA needed a late moment of magic from Christopher Nkunku to snatch all three points from Bournemouth.Marcus Tavernier crashed a super strike against the crossbar early on and Robert Sanchez saved an Evanilson penalty before the break.Jadon Sancho came on for his debut at half-time and made the difference for the Blues as he set up Nkunku’s winner.Here’s how SunSport’s Graham Nickless rated Maresca’s men…Robert Sanchez – 8Man-of-the-match show with first-half penalty save from Evanilson and a handful of excellent saves.But rather fortunate to stay on the pitch after denying Evanilson a clear goalscoring opportunity with a deliberate foul that led to the spot-kick.Axel Disasi – 5The right-back was given an uncomfortable night down the right side.Given the runaround by Cherries dangerman Antoine Semenyo and was replaced just after the hour.Wesley Fofana – 6Did his best to keep a clean sheet when run ragged by the home strikers.Luckily for the centre-back, he could rely on Sanchez to keep them out.Levi Colwill – 6Did his best to calm the storm that came the Blues’ way for most of the match.Made sure he kept record-signing Evanilson away from notching his first Premier League goal.Marc Cucurella – 7Always busy and making a nuisance of himself when he wasn’t being buffeted by Semenyo’s marking.But overdid it with one stupid, deliberate shoulder barge on the Bournemouth winger.Renato Veiga – 5Suffered like most of his team-mates to open up the home side’s defence.The Portuguese midfielder didn’t see enough of the ball to make an impact.Moises Caicedo – 7The captain was always looking for that defence-splitting pass when he wasn’t on defensive duty.Gave an example to others around him who weren’t putting in a decent shift.Noni Madueke – 5Was quite mad attempting an early shot at the home goal that ended up as a throw-in.And it didn’t get much better than that for the winger who was hauled off just after the hour.Cole Palmer – 5Rested by England for tired muscles and there wasn’t much energy in this performance.But the Cherries, worried by his reputation, did target him in the first half.Pedro Neto – 5Failed to make any impact on the wing but could claim he had little or no service.Boss Maresca had seen enough and brought on Sancho to replace him at half-time.Nicolas Jackson – 5Chelsea fans won’t want to suffer another nine years of this from the big striker.Had one shot comfortably saved and another blocked but will need to show more upfront for his ludicrous long contract.SUBSJadon Sancho (for Neto) – 8Was booked 11 minutes after coming on then, looked likely throughout second half and set up Nkunku’s equaliser on super debut.Tosin Adarabioyo (for Disasi) – 6Was seldom troubled.Joao Felix (for Madueke) – 5Tidied up in midfield.Christopher Nkunku (for Jackson) – 8Burst through three players to score and snatch the winner.”This is what I think when I spoke with him before he join us. “Also I know he has the desire to show the player he is, but for me, it is just to enjoy football. “This is the reason why they play. “They are happy and want to play football, they want to enjoy football and then because they are good, they are going to do good things.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIf his first 45 minutes are anything to go by, Sancho looks set to get his career back on track.The win puts Chelsea seventh in the Premier League table before Sunday’s fixtures, with two wins, one draw and one defeat. 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