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      Man City ‘close in on transfer signing of striker RELEASED by Premier League rivals’ in shock move

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      MANCHESTER CITY are expected to pull off a surprise move for a club-less England Under-20 striker.Etihad chief Pep Guardiola wants to recruit top young British talent and eventually replace Julian Alvarez – sold to Atletico Madrid for £81million.Divin Mubama could soon join Prem champs Man CityCredit: ReutersAnd it’s claimed the Premier League champs are “close” to landing Divin Mubama, who left West Ham after failing to agree a new deal.Mubama, 19, and  24-year-old English defender Ben Johnson both became free agents once their Hammers’ contracts expired in June.The six-foot frontman has since been linked with clubs on the continent.Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano believes French giants Lyon and Portuguese top-flight side Famalicao have held talks over signing him.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut Romano now reckons City are poised to “hijack” any overseas move.And Etihad chiefs are reportedly negotiating with the Hammers over paying “training compensation” – for developing Mubama since he was eight.Guardiola would love more home-grown prospects at the Etihad.But if Mubama does switch to the Etihad, it’s likely he’ll first be allowed to progress away from the senior squad.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSChanges 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.He only made five Prem appearances for West Ham last season, failing to score.But it’s thought the Hammers were keen to keep hold of him – only for Mubama to decide he should build his career at another club.Jack Grealish sneaks out of Bernardo Silva’s birthday party in underground tunnel as Man City stars hit town with Wags (1)In all, he played 19 senior games for his childhood club, notching one goal and a single assist.But Mubama has played for England at all levels since U-15s.And he was prolific for West Ham below senior level.He netted 18 times in 34 matches for the club’s U-21s.And as a member of the Hammers’ team that won the 2023 FA Youth Cup, he netted a semi-final hat-trick.–Dream Team’s Fantasy Football GamePLAY DREAM TEAM AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON!£5,000 prize for the manager who earns the most points in Gameweek 1 – master the opening weekend for a HUGE payout!Play in Mini Leagues against your mates£50,000 jackpot for overall winner plus other weekly prizesPlay for FREE via Dream Team’s app or website today! More

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      Alan Shearer predicts Premier League table in full with Chelsea to finish NINTH and Man City denied title

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      ALAN SHEARER has made a bold set of Premier League predictions as he names the table in FULL ahead of the new season starting on Friday.Manchester City are aiming for an historic fifth consecutive title with Arsenal the favourites to challenge their dominance.Alan Shearer has made his Prem predictionsCredit: GettyHe backs Arsenal to overcome their demons and lift the titleCredit: RexBut his projections are bad news for Chelsea and Todd BoehlyCredit: GettyAnd Shearer backed the Gunners to do just that – and overcome their 21-year title drought to be crowned Prem champions for the fourth time.He did press that Arsenal need to land themselves a “statement” striker before the window slams shut to give them a real chance.The Newcastle icon expects Chelsea’s misery to continue, predicting the Blues to finish NINTH after they climbed up to sixth last season.Shearer can hardly be blamed though – Chelsea did come 12th two years ago and are onto their fourth manager of the Todd Boehly era.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSStamford Bridge chiefs have forked out £185m on ten new faces this summer to rank the American’s total bill up to £1.2billion.Shearer told Betfair: “I don’t see Chelsea getting into the top four at all. They’re not ready yet.”While the Match of the Day star also predicted Newcastle to pip Manchester United and Tottenham to a fourth place finish, while Liverpool will come third under new boss Arne Slot.The Red Devils finished eighth last season – their worst ever position- and have brought in some clever signings, but Erik ten Hag is forecasted to struggle to find a way for his side to gel again.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAlan Shearer’s full Premier League tableShearer added: “It’s a big season for Ten Hag and Man United because they’re going to have to improve massively in the league.”He is projecting a tight relegation battle but thinks the three who got promoted, also including Ipswich and Leicester, will go straight back to the Championship.Fans can’t stop laughing at Roy Keane’s blunt response to bizarre Mikel Arteta Arsenal ‘pickpocket’ storyThe ex-Southampton man is predicting the Saints to be relegated and former Premier League winners Leicester to finish rock bottom.Shearer believes Aston Villa will follow in Newcastle’s footsteps and drop from fourth to seven amid the constraints of playing Champions League football this season.As for the golden boot race, Shearer, who knows a thing or two about putting the ball in the back of the net, thinks Man City’s Erling Haaland will claim his third successive award.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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      How pundits predict Premier League title race will unfold with Man City slump and Arsenal to finally end drought

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      THE Premier League RETURNS this weekend to cap off an incredible summer of sport.And predictions aplenty have already been made for what promises to be another exciting season in the English top flight.The Premier League resumes action this weekendCredit: THE TIMESDefending champions Manchester City will bid to win an incredible FIFTH straight titleCredit: PAPlayers-turned-pundits like Paul Scholes have been chiming in with their predictions for the seasonCredit: GETTYWill Pep Guardiola be able to guide Manchester City to an unprecedented FIFTH straight Premier League title?Or will Arsenal finally be able to break the Sky Blues’ stranglehold on the league and end their 21-year-long wait for domestic glory?Footie fans up and down the country have been chiming in with their predictions for the new season, which kicks off on Friday night.Pundits galore – both those on TV and those in their YouTube armchairs – are starting to weigh in with their thoughts on outcomes for the new campaign.READ MORE PREM NEWSAnd SunSport has rounded up predictions from some of the biggest names in the game for you to cast your eye over.Paul ScholesThe former Manchester United and England midfielder told beIN Sports: “I think the favourites are the same as last year. “Man City will be favourites, closely followed by Arsenal.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I do expect Arsenal to be the team to win it this year. I think they’ve progressed over the last couple of years under Mikel Arteta.Most read in Football”I just think this year is the time where they are ready to win it. Incredible timelapse video shows Premier League stadium transform for multiple different sports weeks before new season”It’s not going to be easy, there’s going to be a lot of competition because the top seven or eight teams in England are all good teams.”But I just think Arsenal will be the team to break the Manchester City cycle this season.”Jamie CarragherThe Liverpool legend told Sky Bet: “I’ll go Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool. Fourth? I think that will be… I’m gonna go [with] Tottenham.”Fifth, I’m gonna go [with] Manchester United. And sixth, I’m gonna for; I’ll go with Aston Villa.”Jamie Carragher reckons Manchester City’s reign of dominance will continueCredit: GETTYMark Lawrenson“I think that Arsenal can finally pip Manchester City to the title this season, they’ve got better season by season.”Mikel Arteta is a driven man, and nearly all of the players there are players he has brought in.“Signing Riccardo Calafiori as well, they will hardly concede.”Scoring has been a little bit of a problem for them, but I think they’ll sign a striker before the end of the transfer window.”That could be what secures them the Premier League title.”Mark Lawrenson is tipping Arsenal for Premier League gloryCredit: AlamyMichael Owen”Arsenal and Manchester City will go in virtually everybody’s top four predictions,” the former Liverpool and Manchester United man told Casino Hawks. “And I think Liverpool will probably be in there as well despite there being some questions over how well Arne Slot will fit in.”I had a thought about Newcastle but Aston Villa are solid and look to be still improving.”In terms of the order, my thought process is if City are not gonna win it, they could actually drop away a little bit.”It’s almost like if City are not gonna be really in the race after 10 games then their priority could go elsewhere – I think there could be a big surprise this season.”I’m going to go for Arsenal first, Liverpool second, Aston Villa third and Manchester City fourth.”Michael Owen reckons Arsenal will lift the Prem trophy aloft at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyAdrian ClarkeThe former Arsenal midfielder said: “Manchester City will be favourites to win their fifth consecutive title, but I do feel it could be Arsenal’s time to be champions.”The team has improved under Mikel Arteta season after season, and if that happens again the Gunners will reach 90 plus points.”With a few additions and fire in their belly, I fancy Arsenal to end their wait for the title.”He added: “I see the title race being more of a two-horse race this season as Liverpool adjust to Arne Slot’s rebuild at Anfield.”I do feel that Tottenham Hotspur have a great chance of landing top four this season, but Ange Postecoglou will want more players to come in before the end of August that suit his style.”Several high-profile pundits believes Arsenal’s title drought will come to an endCredit: REXGary NevilleFormer Red Devils right-back Gary Neville revealed his top four predictions on Stick to Football, brought to you by Sky Bet.Neville backed Man City to make it five-in-a-row with Arsenal following closely behind in second.Controversially, the outspoken pundit stuck Manchester United in third and Tottenham in fourth – leaving Liverpool to miss out on a spot in the top four.Explaining his decision, he said: “I think that Tottenham fell away badly [last year], but they’ve got something.”I think they’ve got something and I’m going for Tottenham [above Liverpool.”Later adding that he thinks Liverpool may not even make the top six under new boss Arne Slot.Gary Neville thinks Man City will come out on top once againCredit: PAIan WrightArsenal icon Ian Wright has backed his former side to finally lift the league title after missing out to City for the past two seasons.Wrighty told The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet, that he thinks the Gunners will finish first with City in second, and Manchester United and Aston Villa making up the final two spots in the top four.Backing Villa to have another great season, he said: “You can’t not have Villa in the top four.”Not with the way they’ve been moving and the signings they’ve made.”I thought Liverpool, but I’ve changed my mind. We’re making predictions before we know everything, but they’ve made a few really good signings.”Adding: “That manager [Unai Emery] knows what he’s doing. They’ve got a goalscorer, a really good midfield.”[Amadou] Onana has gone there, they have [Ian] Maatsen at left back and [Ezri Konsa] at the back. I’m telling you man, their whole spine is brilliant.”Ian Wright has backed his former club to finally lift the league title againCredit: GettyRoy KeaneRoy Keane, also speaking to the Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet, explained he expects Man City to retain their title with Arsenal chasing behind in a close second once again.The Man Utd legend backed his old club to finish third and Aston Villa to sneak in behind them and grab fourth spot.Speaking on that final top four spot, Keane said: “I don’t think it’ll be Spurs. Villa have got more chance than Spurs.”Adding that Unai Emery will be able to balance Villa’s Champions League campaign with their Premier League fixture list.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe explained: “I think he’s used to European football that manager, he knows it.”The format has changed in the Champions League this year, it’ll be different – I’m telling you.”Roy Keane has faith in Manchester United to restore their spot back in the top four, but thinks Man City will still come out on top as championsCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League clubs ‘may have to sue Man City for compensation over 115 alleged breaches BEFORE case closes’

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs wishing to sue Manchester City may reportedly have to do soon – and without knowing the outcome of the legal case against the champions. Etihad chiefs are defending 115 separate alleged breaches of financial fair play rules, with their 10-week hearing set to begin next month. Man City face 115 financial chargesThe champions deny all allegations called against themCredit: ReutersLegal experts have told The Times that clubs have a six-year deadline to sue for breach of contract.That deadline is in November after German outlet Der Spiegel published the Football Leaks documents in 2018.This means that clubs interested in suing Man City for compensation on loss of earnings will have to launch their suit before November and without knowing the outcome of the case.Man City’s 10-week hearing starts next month and the verdict will not be known until as early as March next year.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe champs deny wrongdoing and are confident their case will be cleared at the independent inquiry. The club have been accused of financial impropriety spanning nine years from 2009 and the strongest punishment if found guilty is relegation, while a fine and huge points deduction is also possible.The Premier League charged City with a failure to provide accurate financial information and accurate details for player and manager payments. It is believed some clubs have taken legal advice over possible compensation claims, which could total hundreds of millions of pounds.Most read in FootballIf the serious charges against City are proved, clubs could claim for loss of income for missing out on league titles or European competitions over the course of several campaigns.When Everton were docked points last season for a breach of Profitability and Sustainability Rules, the same independent commission was also given the power to rule on compensation claims from rival clubs. Erling Haaland ‘never beating the robot allegations’ as Man City ace joins in on bizarre ‘raw dogging’ flight trendBut clubs have been given no assurances that the same arrangement will be set up for City’s case and may have to lodge direct claims.Man City, like Everton, will have the right to appeal any decision, which means the saga could go on for another year. A lawyer told The Times: “There is a six-year limitation period under the Limitation Act.”In which case you must bring the claim within six years of when you could have discovered the breach acting reasonably.”It could be argued therefore that the six years might begin from Der Spiegel’s first publication.”Pep Guardiola set for final Man City seasonBy Martin BlackburnAFTER eight glorious years of stability, Manchester City now head into an uncertain 12 months.The FA Cup final defeat to neighbours United was a reminder that this glittering and unforgettable era will not go on for ever.Around this time in 2025, City will be preparing for the highly-lucrative Fifa Club World Cup in the US.Yet in all likelihood they will also be getting ready to say their goodbyes to manager Pep Guardiola, who has brought so much success to the east side of Manchester.Meanwhile, there could be a verdict on 115 charges of financial irregularity which have been levelled at the club by Premier League chiefs.City continue to deny any wrongdoing and are confident they will be cleared by the independent commission.Read Martin Blackburn’s full column here. More

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      Premier League chief breaks silence on Man City case with fines, points hit and EXPULSION possible if club found guilty

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      PREM chief Richard Masters has told Manchester City the legal case against them must be resolved NOW for the good of the league.An independent disciplinary commission will begin ruling on the 115 financial charges facing Pep Guardiola’s City next month, with the verdict expected early next year.Prem chief Richard Masters wants Man City’s legal case to be resolved as soon as possibleCredit: GettyCity face 115 financial chargesCredit: GettyMasters said: “It’s been going on for a number of years and it is time now for the case to resolve itself.”City, who start their bid for a FIFTH straight Prem title at Chelsea on Sunday, have been charged with allegedly breaching the League’s financial rules, with some dating back to 2009.The champions deny all the charges.But asked if this case is a big issue for the League, Masters replied: “It does matter. It creates uncertainty and frustration.Read More on Man City“But there is no alternative to enforcing the rules, which everyone agreed.“They have looked each other in the eye and shaken each other’s hand and said, ‘We will abide by these rules’. So the Premier League has to enforce them.“Whatever difficulty or frustration that creates is part of protecting the Premier League’s competition, its core values.”If found guilty, City face a points deduction, fines and even expulsion from the Prem.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThere are also cases outstanding involving Leicester and Everton, while Chelsea are being investigated over possible rule breaches  under ex-owner Roman Abramovich.Everton were docked eight points and Nottingham Forest four last term for breaching PSR rules.SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesMasters added: “We must let the panel get on with it.” More

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      Chelsea’s Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones and Manchester City’s Khiara Keating shortlisted for PFA award

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      CHELSEA’S Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones are among six WSL stars nominated for the PFA’s women’s young player of the year award.Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating has also been shortlisted for the gong after winning last season’s WSL Golden Glove.Lauren James is one of the six nominees for this year’s PFA women’s young player awardCredit: GettyThe Blues forward finished as the second-highest scorer in the WSL last season helping Chelsea win a seventh league titleCredit: GettyAggie Beever-Jones is also on the shortlist for this year’s prize after impressing in front of goal for Chelsea last seasonCredit: ReutersThis year’s award winner is due to be announced next Tuesday at a ceremony in Manchester. Keating, 20, who emerged as a first team regular for her club last term, kept nine clean sheets in the women’s top-flight with City finishing runners-up in the title race.And her England team-mate James, 22, ended the 2023-24 season as the WSL’s second-highest scorer behind Man City’s Khadija Shaw.The Blues forward, who won the PFA’s young player award last year, registered 13 goals and two assists in 16 league games helping Chelsea win a fifth successive WSL title.Read More Football StoriesJames’ fellow Blue Beever-Jones, 21, has also been shortlisted for the first time in her career, after impressing in her senior breakout season for her club.The London-born striker, who made her senior England debut in a 2-1 Euros qualifier defeat of the Republic of Ireland last month, scored 11 times in 17 WSL appearances last term.Man City forward Jess Park, 23, is one of the three remaining players in the running for the PFA’s award.The versatile winger played an influential role in City’s attack during the second half of last term, after her attacking midfielder team-mate Jill Roord sustained a knee ligament injury in January.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHer four goals and five assists in 18 games helped Gareth Taylor’s side bag a Champions League place a season after they finished fourth and missed out on a spot in last term’s contest.  Manchester United duo Grace Clinton and Maya Le Tissier are the other two nominees for the women’s young player award.Arsenal release 2024-25 third kit with bold new colour as fans say ‘I speak for us all when I say we’re in love with it’ Clinton flourished during her season-long loan at Tottenham helping the team reach a Women’s FA Cup final for the first time ever this year.Her commanding displays in midfield at club level, which include four goals and four assists in 20 WSL games, also led to her receiving her first senior England call-up last October.Khiara Keating is one of two Manchester City players nominated by the PFA for their women’s young player gongCredit: GettyThe Liverpool-born midfielder went net on her senior Lionesses debut four months later in a 7-2 friendly win against Austria in February.Meanwhile Clinton’s Man United team-mate Maya Le Tissier started in all 22 of the team’s league games last season.The England defender, 22, helped the Red Devils win the Women’s FA Cup for the first time in their history when they beat Spurs 4-0 at Wembley in May. More

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      ‘A couple of people have said to that to me’ hints Alan Shearer as he lifts lid on who could be next England manager

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      ALAN SHEARER admitted that he’s “heard” that Pep Guardiola could become the next England manager.Guardiola’s contract at Manchester City expires next summer and there have been persistent rumours that the FA will try and woo him into the England role.Alan Shearer says he has heard England may be interested in appointing Pep GuardiolaCredit: GettyGuardiola has a year remaining on his City contractCredit: AlamyThat talk intensified over the weekend after the FA opted to appoint Lee Carsley as interim manager rather than making a full-time appointment.In a statement they said: “Lee Carsley has been appointed interim head coach of England senior men ahead of the start of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League campaign.”Carsley will step up from his role in charge of the Men’s U21s, initially for September’s fixtures away to Republic of Ireland and at home to Finland.”But with a view to remaining in the position throughout autumn while the FA’s recruitment process for a new permanent head coach continues.”READ MORE ON ENGLANDAsked about becoming England manager as Manchester City beat neighbours Man Utd on penalties to win the Community Shield, Guardiola was coy and did not rule out the possibility.The City boss admitted: “I have to decide what I want to do in my life.“If I want to continue here, take a break, train national teams or not – many things.”On The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer said: “There are a couple of people who have actually said that [Guardiola being on the FA’s wishlist] to me, but maybe that’s just rumour.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHarry Redknapp: Lampard or Gerrard should be next England managerI’VE a message for all those who reckon the search for England’s next manager is a two-horse race — you’re bang on!And while we’re at it, here’s another… I bet very few of you have narrowed it down to the same couple of candidates as me.If the odds are spot-on, finding Gareth Southgate’s replacement is a toss-up between Eddie Howe and Graham Potter.Well in my book it’s a straight head-to-head, too. But I’m even more convinced that the men I see as obvious front-runners will be lucky to even get an interview.I doubt there are many who’d agree with me either, when I say the FA should look no further than Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard for the next Three Lions boss.Either of them could do the job standing on their head, yet probably neither will get so much as a phone call.Mind you, plenty of people will insist there’s no reason why they should because they’ve already written off both as failures.Forgetting that Frank reached an FA Cup final and finished fourth in his first spell at Chelsea.Or the fact that Everton were in such a mess, he never had a prayer when he went there.There’s every chance they’ll gloss over Stevie’s time at Rangers, despite their first title win in a decade — unbeaten as well — and say he was a flop at Aston Villa.But you show me a manager who’s not had a tough time of it somewhere down the line. Potter certainly did at Chelsea — he only lasted 31 games and lost 11 of them.So did Unai Emery, the man who replaced Stevie as boss at Villa, when he was Arsenal manager. It happens to everyone out there.So what’s the difference between Potter and Frank?Why is one an obvious candidate for England, yet the other not even worthy of a mention?Nothing against Eddie or Graham, by the way. Eddie’s doing well enough at Newcastle without absolutely tearing it up.And Potter did a good job at Brighton before Chelsea but he had good recruitment and was working with good players.Look at some of the names he had and where they ended up.Alexis Mac Allister won the World Cup and went to Liverpool. Leandro Trossard is at Arsenal, Marc Cucurella and Moises Caicedo joined Chelsea, Yves Bissouma is with Tottenham.There’s no doubt Potter or Howe would be a safe pair of hands. A steady Eddie. Just like Gareth was eight years ago — which is why they will probably get a chance.But if the FA want someone steeped in football knowledge — at international level too — and who knows the game inside out at that level, both Frank and Stevie leave them standing.The players would love it as well. They’d be desperate to play for them.They would have nothing but respect whether it was Lampard or Gerrard as boss.So, are they both on the scrapheap for good because they’ve had a failure somewhere down the line? There won’t be any managers left before long if that’s all it takes.And here’s another thing as well. While you need a thick skin to be a club manager, it’s not a patch on the one demanded at international level.That goes for players — certainly the senior ones — as well. And Stevie and Frank could tell you all about that better than most.Some of the stuff Frank had to put up with back in the day was horrendous, horrible stuff.It was the same for Gerro, especially when he was captain.But the pair of them stood up and came through it. And that’s the sort of character you want and need as England manager.It’s not about being a fantastic coach. When do you really get the chance to prove that with England? You don’t.You’re not out there every day doing shape, shadow play and the like. For one thing you tend to pick the team at the last minute because you don’t want it leaking out!It’s about managing, not coaching and there is a difference. It’s about picking the best players in the right positions.It’s about attacking and being positive — and in my book, nothing would be more positive than giving Stevie or Frank a call.But I’d be very surprised if anyone at the FA even picks up the phone and dials their numbers.He then added: “You never know…”Co-host Gary Lineker asked if it was important for the next manager to be English to which co-host Micah Richards responded: “If Pep was to go to England and win the World Cup, no one would care [that he isn’t English].”England appoint Lee Carsley interim bossLineker then responded: “The difference with someone like Pep or [Jurgen] Klopp or [Carlo] Ancelotti is that they’ve had experience in English football… so we can pretend they’re English.”It’s understood the FA want to interview a wide range of candidates before making a call on Gareth Southgate’s successor, a move which Shearer said: “I think it’s a wise decision to give it to Lee Carsley and just take their time and see what happens.”It would have been really difficult to appoint someone in that short amount of time, so this gives them time to sit back and look at the bigger picture.”Aside from Guardiola – Eddie Howe, Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino have all been tipped as frontrunners for the job. 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      Man Utd ratings: Alejandro Garnacho scores at Wembley again in stunning cameo but Mason Mount fails to make an impact

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      MANCHESTER UNITED weren’t able to hold onto their lead in the Community Shield as they lost 7-6 on penalties to Manchester City.Alejandro Garnacho – who put United up in the FA Cup final – did so again with 10 minutes of normal time remaining, before Bernardo Silva’s 89th minute header brought a penalty shootout.Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring for United with 10 minutes of normal time remainingCredit: GettyMason Mount struggled to make an impact on the gameCredit: GettyManuel Akanji converted the winning penalty as Man City beat United at WembleyCredit: GettyPep Guardiola’s side started off the better team and were unlucky not to go ahead, with Oscar Bobb curling over and James McAtee striking against the post.Bruno Fernandes scored the best disallowed goal in recent memory in the 53rd minute, after smashing a 20 yard shot top bins before the linesman waved his flag for offside. Marcus Rashford missed two sitters after the ball clashed with his shin and bounced off the post, before Scott McTominay kicked air from five yards out.But Garnacho put United 1-0 up with a fantastic finish past Ederson in the 80th minute.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSilva – who had only been on the pitch six minutes, but later missed a penalty in the shootout – brought things level nine minutes later with a header from a brilliant Bobb assist.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated every Man Utd performance…Manchester City lifted the Community Shield for the first time since 2019Credit: GettyANDRE ONANA – 6A steady performance from the Man Utd stopper.But he couldn’t get near any of Man City’s penalties after Silva missed the first kick.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDrew criticism from fans for his antics in the shootout, after pointing to the side Erling Haaland should shoot, before diving the other way.Andre Onana was up to his usual antics in the shootoutCredit: GettyDIOGO DALOT – 7Defended really well against a dangerous Jeremy Doku for large parts of the game, but failed to make a real impact on the attacking side of the game where we know he can be a threat. Harsh result for Man Utd but Marcus Rashford misses a concernMoved to left back in the second half, where the cross came from for Man City’s equaliser, but it was more Bobb’s brilliance than Dalot’s negligence. HARRY MAGUIRE – 6A solid first game back for Man Utd’s number five. Dealt with the physicality of Haaland well and refused to be overpowered at the back – passed out well when required and made some crucial blocks too. JONNY EVANS – 6Led by example at the back, and did a solid job for his team. Struggled to cope with the pace of the City attack at times, but ultimately limited Haaland to another goalless display at Wembley. Was left embarrassed later after shockingly blazing his penalty over the bar, to put City in prime position.LISANDRO MARTINEZDidn’t offer anything going forwards, and Man Utd missed Luke Shaw’s threat on the left-hand side. Bobb gave him a run for his money, and his mistake could have had United 1-0 down at half-time but for the woodwork. CASEMIRO – 6Was solid in midfield and almost got himself a great assist with a neat pass to Marcus Rashford in the first half, but was let down by the finish. Didn’t control the game in the way we have seen him do in his golden years, but put in a decent display nonetheless. Scored his penalty in the shootout.Casemiro was delighted with Garnacho before Man City equalisedCredit: ReutersKOBBIE MAINOO – 7Looked composed as ever on the ball and was United’s best operator in midfield on the day, as we have got used to him being.Man Utd look a better team with him in the side. AMAD DIALLO – 6Looked the most dangerous of United’s attackers in the first half, but was let down by poor finishing and decision making at the vital moments. MASON MOUNT – 4Failed to really do anything of note. Showed good energy and pressing, but his passes were often over or undercooked and it was more of what we have seen from him since leaving Chelsea. MARCUS RASHFORD – 5Had a big chance to open the scoring in both halves leaving fans frustrated, on another day he would have had a brace. Did pose a threat on the left hand side, but really missed his shooting boots – Garnacho may have been better placed in his position from the off. It was another disappointing afternoon for RashfordCredit: AFPBRUNO FERNANDES – 8His disallowed goal would have been the perfect curtain raiser, but it wasn’t to be. Still, he did a fantastic job in the false nine role for his club, and put in a captain’s performance playing out-of-position.He was central to everything good done by his side, and was rewarded with an assist in the second half. Subs: GARNACHO (DIALLO, 59 – 8Was Man Utd’s best player since he came on for Amad Diallo, and re-created his FA Cup final moment with a great finish at the near post. He really is excitement personified, what a player. Garnacho shined again in United defeat to their city rivalsCredit: PASCOTT MCTOMINAY  (MOUNT, 59) – 5Made a few good runs but didn’t make a massive impact as a target man in the box. SANCHO (RASHFORD, 83) – 5Didn’t inject the same level of energy as Garnacho on the opposing side, but didn’t have much time to impact the game. Was unlucky to miss his penalty.Jadon Sancho missed another penalty at WembleyCredit: GettyFACUNDO PELLISTRI  (MAGUIRE, 59) – 5Was caused trouble by Man City new boy Savinho, but ultimately limited him to a few good touches and nothing more than that, solid shift from a winger at full-back.  READ MORE SUN STORIESTOBY COLLYER (MAINOO, 59) – 6A pretty good debut performance from the young lad who has been touted for big things. Neat passing combinations, a good first touch and made things difficult for Rico Lewis. You’ve got to love those low socks too.  More