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      Man City 3 Feyenoord 3: Pep left scratching his head as he blows 3-0 lead for first time EVER and extends nightmare run

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      ON the plus side – at least the run of five straight defeats is over.But the slump goes on for Manchester City as they somehow blew a three goal lead by conceding three goals in 14 minutes to leave Pep Guardiola black and blue.Manchester City’s threw a three goal lead away to draw 3-3 with FeyenoordPep Guardiola was left with his head in his hands and remains winless in six games after his side collapsed in the final stagesGuardiola’s head looked to have suffered more than most during the second-half collapseThe scratches were clear as he admitted City’s performance was ‘hard to swallow’Erling Haaland looked shell-shocked at full-time at the EtihadFeyenoord scored THREE in the last 14 minutes amid defensive mistakes for CityErling Haaland scored his 45th Champions League goal to open the scoringIlkay Gundogan’s deflected volley doubled City’s lead after half-timeHaaland tapped home his 46th Champions League goalThe manager was left with striking red marks all over his head at the end – no doubt a result of it spending much of the calamitous second half in the beleaguered Spaniard’s hands. City are the first team in Uefa Champions League history to be leading a match by three goals as late as the 75th minute and fail to go on to win.It leaves their European hopes in serious peril with games at Juventus and Paris Saint Germain still to come – as they sit 15th in the competition’s standings.But where does it leave their season with a huge trip to Liverpool looming on Sunday?READ MORE ON MAN CITYIt looked like normal service was resumed as they took a three goal lead in the 53rd minute – thanks to two goals from Erling Haaland.Somehow though they let it slip as the Dutch side came storming back and grabbed an astonishing equaliser a minute from time.It was Bernardo Silva who said City were in a dark place after they were beaten at Sporting Lisbon earlier this month.Guardiola didn’t agree then – but they have lost twice more since, including a 4-0 hammering by Spurs last Saturday.Most read in Champions LeagueKevin De Bruyne admitted it has been “chaotic” with all their problems.But it has now got that little bit darker.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThere were flashes of the City we have come to know over recent seasons though – but also of how fragile their confidence has become in their dismal run.With tricky games still to come, this was one City simply had to win.Glum Pep Guardiola says Man City ‘cannot deny reality’ after slipping to FIFTH defeat in a rowIt is the kind of European tie they have normally made light work of in recent years but these are not normal times for Pep Guardiola’s men.A run of five straight defeats – across three different competitions – made it the worst run of the Catalan’s managerial career.In fact it was 2006 last time a City team last went on a six-match losing streak – back in the days when Stuart Pearce was in charge.Early on they looked in determined mood and came close to going ahead as Haaland’s flick header hit the base of the post before Timon Wellenreuther clawed away the reboundA volley from Jack Grealish looked destined for the net but hit the back of team-mate Phil Foden and ballooned over the bar.Foden almost made amends with a low shot that was pushed around the post by Wellenreuther at full stretch.The home side were in full control and should have been ahead by more before a triple change in the 60th minute.City fans were starting to worry they have seen this script before.Hadj Moussa brought one back for the visitors in the 75th minuteIt marked a historic night for FeynoordGuardiola’s side travel to Anfield eight points behind Liverpool on SundayBrian Priske said beforehand he was worried about a backlash from the English champions but they had held firm.And their first decent chance of the night came when Igor Paixao got through but fluffed his attempt to chip Ederson.Back at the other end Dutch defender Nathan Ake came close as his header from a Grealish corner drifted just wide.Haaland was denied by a last ditch tackle from David Hancko but from the resulting corner he went down under challenge by Quinten Timber.The Romanian ref pointed to the spot and there was even some suggestion it was given for a handball.Whichever way, it looked a soft one but apparently there was not enough to suggest a clear and obvious error.City’s top scorer – who missed his last spot-kick in Lisbon earlier this month – was made to wait but looked confident as he sent Wellenreuther the wrong way.That’s 16 for the season already for the Norwegian – and people say he has been struggling recently.Josko Gvardiol’s error led to the visitors first goal in the 75th minuteYet as Guardiola said on Monday – with hardly anyone else chipping in, where would they be without Haaland’s goals?It’s now 51 goal involvements for Haaland – 46 goals and five assists – in just 44 games in his favourite competition.That lifted some of the tension that was building around the Etihad and Matheus Nunes went close as his effort was deflected into the side netting.The resulting corner was only half cleared and Ilkay Gundogan’s 20 yard shot was deflected past his own keeper by Hancko.It might not have gone in without the defender’s help but a bit of good fortune was just what the German needed.City’s treble winning skipper has found it difficult since returning to the Etihad after a year in Barcelona but that will do his confidence no harm.Jack Grealish was inches away from making it 4-3 in the final minuteAnd three minutes later, the tie appeared to be over as Nunes burst clear down the right and sent over a low cross that a stretching Haaland turned in.Having reached his half century in the first half, he had now made a start towards the next one. You could see the confidence returning to the home side and now it seemed just a question of how many they would score.But Josko Gvardiol gifted the visitors a way back in as his lazy pass back to the keeper did not have the legs to reach Ederson.Anis Hadj Moussa nipped in and went round the keeper to give the Dutch a bit of hope.And they were dreaming of a famous comeback as Gvardiol again gave the ball away to put the visitors on the attack.Jordan Lotomba’s cross somehow squeezed between Ederson and the post and sub Santiago Giminez chested it over the line.Grealish started his first City game since the beginning of OctoberPhil Foden had his fine strike brilliantly kept out by Timon Wellenreuther inside 22 minutesNow it was panic stations and as Paixao got in ahead of Ederson who had dashed out of goal.He then kept his cool and crossed for Hancko to head home at the back post. A truly astonishing ending.Alan Shearer believes the draw could be WORSE for morale than City’s recent five consecutive defeats.It’s the first time Guardiola – whose head went down at 3-1 – failed to win a game from 3-0 up in his managerial career.And the first time City have not won from 3-0 up since 1989 against Bournemouth.Speaking after the game, a shell-shocked Guardiola said: “I don’t need to say anything to (the players), they know it perfectly.”It’s so difficult to swallow right now, the game was good, we scored three, we could have scored more, but in the end we give it away, we are not stable enough.”What can you do? Rest one or two days and prepare for Anfield.”Asked how he will lift the squad for the massive trip to Liverpool on Sunday, he added: “I have to, it’s my job.”Some City fans booed at the end, but Guardiola wasn’t angry with them.He said: “Last game against Tottenham, the 0-4, they were there, they support us, they applause. They are disappointed of course, we understand it.”Amazon pundit Shearer though was left fearing for the all-conquering Spaniard after this unprecendented slump.He said: “This could spell disaster for Guardiola. I can’t believe the decision making at the end of that game.”They looked light, they looked weak, they looked frail.”You cannot give the opposition a chance, give them hope, and that’s exactly what they did.READ MORE SUN STORIES”With two minutes to go they tried to take a quick free-kick. Why?Their game management was awful. It’s been a disaster for them.”City head to Prem leaders Liverpool on Sunday looking rather shaky. More

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      Pep Guardiola drops biggest Kevin de Bruyne exit hint yet as Man City boss says ‘I’m sure he will be honest’

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      PEP GUARDIOLA believes Kevin De Bruyne will choose to leave Manchester City when he is no longer a key player.The Belgian sees his contract up this summer and boss Guardiola said: “I’m pretty sure Kevin will be honest. Kevin De Bruyne will aim to go out at his best, says boss Pep GuardiolaCredit: EPA”He will want to finish here after this season or the next one, at his best.“I don’t think he will be here when he doesn’t feel he can be the Kevin that can produce and help the team like he has done in the last decade.“In these kind of situations — like with David Silva — he will decide the best for him and the team.“It’s maybe not playing every three days for 11 months but I’m pretty sure he has to play as the best Kevin as possible. Unfortunately with injuries he could not deliver that.”READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSDe Bruyne negotiated his last four-year deal — worth £66million — in 2021. With the help of two lawyers, but no agent, he used data analytics to highlight his value to City.He will be 34 in the summer and his last two seasons have been hit by  serious injuries.De Bruyne became City’s talisman and a Prem star over the last decade after making a £54m move from Wolfsburg in 2015. But injuries have restricted him to  just 25 starts since the start of the 2023-24 campaign.He will be targeted by clubs in the MLS and Saudi Arabia if he does decide to bring the curtain down on his Etihad stay.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe revealed he spoke with the club in the summer but then put talks on hold after a fresh groin injury.Asked what the future holds, he said: “Honestly, I don’t know. I unfortunately had that thing against Brentford. So I’ve put basically everything to the side. I was not in the right frame of mind.Pep Guardiola agrees new two-year contract with Man City “I was hoping to be out for a couple of days and it ended up being eight or nine weeks. So for the moment I’d rather get better first and see how I am and the rest will come.“There’s no rush. Talks will come and if they don’t it’s my last year.”If he does stay, KDB now knows he can carry on working with Guardiola who last week signed a new two-year deal at the Etihad.Asked if that would be a factor, he said: “It could help. But maybe he’ll  say ‘Kevin, thank you. Time to leave’.” More

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      Sasha Attwood and newborn daughter support Jack Grealish at Man City vs Tottenham clash in adorable photo

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      JACK GREALISH’S partner and newborn daughter were in attendance at the Etihad to watch Manchester City take on Tottenham.Childhood sweethearts Grealish and Attwood celebrated becoming parents for the first time in with September with their baby girl Mila.Sasha Attwood and baby support Jack Grealish at match,Credit: InstagramAnd Sasha and Mila were seen at the Etihad on Saturday.Taking to Instagram, Sasha posted a photo of herself sitting down with a blue and white stripe coat while holding Mila.Grealish, 29, was named on the bench for the clash.That meant he was powerless to prevent Man City from going 3-0 down.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe then came on in the 74th minute to replace Rico Lewis.However, he was unable to turn the game around before Brennan Johnson scored a fourth goal for Spurs.That final goal compounded City to their fifth defeat in a row, something they have not seen since Stuart Pearce was in charge in 2006.It also saw Pep Guardiola suffer his worst ever home defeat.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGrealish has played 11 games this season.He is yet to score but has contributed three assists in all competitions.Jack Grealish and Sasha Attwood announce pregnancySasha works as a model and influencer.She has been backed to make millions as the “ultimate muminfluencer”.Inside Sasha Attwood and Jack Grealish’s relationshipSasha Attwood and Jack Grealish have become parents for the first time, but their relationship started well over a decade ago…The pair met as teens in Solihull, West Midlands at secondary school, with Sasha previously saying they have been together since she was 15. Jack was already on his way to becoming a professional footballer when he met Sasha.Despite the long-term nature of their relationship, she remained on the sidelines when his career took off.However, intense interest in Jack’s private life came to a head in 2021 when England reached the final of Euro 2020, delayed a year because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Because of their romance, Sasha was cruelly targeted by trolls on TikTok and Instagram, receiving 200 death threats a day from “young girls”. The pair were spotted on holiday together following the tournament and slowly began showing more of their relationship on social media when the vile trolling died down. In 2022, they celebrated their 10-year anniversary and purchased a seven-bed mansion set in 24 acres worth £5.6 million.They moved in to the home in late 2023, but Sasha and members of Jack’s family were subject to a terrifying robbery while cheering on the Manchester City star during a televised match just after Christmas. Their latest milestone is Sasha’s pregnancy, which they announced on social media on July 7, and the birth of daughter Mila Rose on September 27. More

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      Where it’s all going wrong for Man City amid horror run, from no Rodri to ageing squad and transfer misses since Treble

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      PEP GUARDIOLA warned during the pre-season tour of the US that the start of the season was going to be challenging.As usual, he was right – although he probably wasn’t expecting such a disastrous run of five successive defeats.Pep Guardiola has been given a massive headache with his stuttering Manchester City sideCredit: PAProfligate finishing and a leaky defence have cost them dearlyCredit: GettyThe absence of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has also hit them hardCredit: EPAGuardiola admits that a few issues at the start of the season have gradually got worse – leading to the worst result of his tenure at the weekend, a 4-0 home defeat by Spurs and sparking talk of a crisis at the Etihad.Here Sunsport takes a deep-dive into what exactly is going wrong for the four-in-a-row champs and what they must do to get back on track.RODRIIronically he was back at the Etihad on Saturday to show off his Ballon d’Or – but the Spaniard must have been shocked by what he saw.The 28-year-old is the linchpin of City’s recent success and as the newly-voted best player in the world – any team would miss him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere was a reason why Guardiola picked him every week – just ask Kalvin Phillips – and without him they are not the same.Before he did his cruciate against Arsenal in September, City turned in an electric 20 minutes – and since then they haven’t come anywhere close.They need to find a way to live without him as he won’t be back this season.Rodri’s 45 minutes against Brentford in one of his few games before injury this season helped City control the gameThey have been unable to repeat the trick with the likes of Rico Lewis in midfieldOTHER INJURIESIt isn’t just Rodri they have missed. Oscar Bobb was the stand-out star of City’s pre season and was tipped for great things but then broke his leg in training.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn addition, more established stars like Ruben Dias, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish have missed key games.Then there’s the absence of Kevin De Bruyne – for so long a talisman for City.Rodri officially out for season after undergoing surgery in devastating blow for Man City star Only five starts this season due to fitness concerns has sparked fears this could be the beginning of the end of the brilliant Belgian, 33.GROWING OLD TOGETHERGuardiola mentioned it himself in his press conference on Friday – he has 12 players in his squad who are 30+ before insisting that it’s not necessarily a problem.Several of them are assured of their place in City folklore for what they have achieved in recent years but has the club allowed the heart to rule the head with them?They have looked leggy and lacked energy this season while injuries are starting to creep in – as they often do in older players.If Pep is going to stay another two-and-a-half years then some big decisions will have to be made.He hasn’t shied away from them before and he needs to do it again as an overhaul is needed.HUNGERAfter winning four league titles in a row, do City still have the hunger to go and win a fifthCredit: ReutersCity released a documentary this week called “Together: Four in a Row” which showed some epic dressing room rants by Guardiola.In one he tells his players “There is a reason why nobody did four Premier Leagues in a row – it’s because it’s so difficult”.As usual, it worked as his players became the first to do it.But what now? Can this same group keep finding it within themselves to do it yet again?The signs so far are that the motivation and hunger may have dropped just a notch or two and in the Prem you can’t afford to do that.FATIGUEPhil Foden admitted he felt worn out after dazzling for his club last season and then helping England to the final of Euro 2024.And he probably wasn’t the only one – as no club had more players on international duty this summer than City.It was a scratch squad that went to America for pre-season and Pep must have known deep down that this was coming down the road.His players have gone the extra mile for him time and time again – but right now they look like they’ve run out of road.TRANSFERSTransfers they have made since the Treble have fallen flatCredit: RexJeremy Doku, Matheus Nunes, Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, Savinho and Ilkay Gundogan.Those are the players City have signed since they won the treble – and how many have been a success?Gvardiol for sure – despite a couple of lapses on Saturday – and Kovacic has been a useful addition too.But with the rest we are still waiting – while Gundogan, 34, looks to be a shadow of the player he was before his year in Barcelona.Meanwhile in that time, they allowed Cole Palmer and Julian Alvarez to leave – not to mention Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte.All of them would have been handy to have around during these difficult few weeks.Guardiola still insists his squad is exceptional when everyone is available. But they aren’t and cracks are starting to show.GOALSErling Haaland will always score them – and has 15 already this season.But he’s also missing a lot of chances – and despite the scoreline he could easily have gone home with the match-ball on Saturday.To compound that – not many others are chipping in. READ MORE SUN STORIESIn the Prem, Gvardiol and Kovacic have three apiece and John Stones has two.Then to compound it, they are conceding too easily at the other end.Erling Haaland proved to be wasteful against TottenhamRodri fears Man City burnoutBy Dave KiddIT’S little wonder that Rodri is knackered — because Manchester City’s bid for a double Treble is like competing in back-to-back Ironman triathlons.The Spain international spoke of his own need to take a rest, he revealed that John Stones played through injury in the Champions League quarter-final against Real and insisted that the LaLiga leaders were well-rested and fresher.And asked about Phil Foden — the only City player to have clocked up more minutes than him this season — Rodri offered up the observation: “We need a rest, to be honest.”Every question Rodri was asked, he turned the conversation back to the subject of individual and collective tiredness.When invited to praise Stones, so effective in a dual midfield and defensive role, Rodri said: “It’s risky, it’s brave but it’s the way we play. As a centre-back, John was brilliant.”But then he added: “He was feeling tight and he had some problems at the end but he showed his courage until the end because he knew that the team needed him.“He didn’t say, ‘I need to go off’, he stayed until the end. This is the kind of thing we’re going to need for the second leg.”And asked about Foden, who netted his 22nd goal of the season with a banger in the Bernabeu, Rodri said: “Every one of us can do better, even myself. But we need to rest, to be honest.” More

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      Shaken Pep Guardiola admits title race could be over NEXT WEEK as ‘fragile’ Man City suffer fifth defeat in a row

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      SHAKEN Pep Guardiola admitted “fragile” Manchester City are in crisis after suffering a FIFTH successive defeat.The four-in-a-row champions’ title defence is in tatters after Guardiola’s heaviest home loss as City boss — days after signing a new two-year deal.Man City will be eight points adrift of Liverpool if Arne Slot’s men beat Southampton… and play the Reds nextBrennan Johnson slide in to score Spurs’ fourth in stoppage time at City where thumped 4-0Credit: ReutersPep Guardiola was far from happy after losing a fifth game in a rowCredit: ISNTVGuardiola said: “Of course everything is not fine. In eight years we have never lived this kind of situation. In this moment we are fragile.“There are no fairytales in life and sport. Sometimes you have to live through these situations.“You have to accept it. You can’t blame each other, you have to stay together.“It would be a mistake to change. Run away? Absolutely not, we have to stand up more than ever. What will define us is when we fail, we stand up and face it.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSGuardiola, who suffered a FIFTH successive defeat for the first time in his managerial career, added: “We are concerned when we don’t win. It’s normal.“There would be a problem if my players were not worried or that I wasn’t worried.“I don’t know what will happen this season, but not for one second will I not believe in the players.“There is no team in the world that can sustain success for eight, nine, ten years in a row.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“We will analyse it, go to the next game and see what happens.”A double from birthday boy James Maddison, plus goals from Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson sealed Spurs’ Etihad rout.Moment Pep Guardiola launches furious F-word rant at ‘unacceptable’ Phil Foden captured in Man City documentaryThe defeat leaves City five points behind Prem leaders Liverpool, who play at rock-bottom Southampton today.It was the first time since Chelsea in 1956 that the top-flight champions have lost FIVE games in a row.Spurs’ stunning victory also ended City’s 35-match unbeaten home Prem run.A defeat to Liverpool at Anfield next Sunday could see them 11 POINTS adrift and, asked if that gap would be too big to overcome, Guardiola said: “Yep, because Liverpool keep winning.”Delighted Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou said: “I’m proud of the lads. To come to City is a daunting prospect. It challenges every part of you.“We had to be disciplined and work hard — and play decent football — and we did that.”And he heaped praise on two-goal Maddison.Postecoglou said: “He was outstanding. Madders was great.”Maddison, 28, added: “That’s a birthday I’ll look back on quite fondly.“To come here to the champions and perform like that and get the result. You have to cherish these ones, they don’t come around often.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We were brilliant. It was everything we wanted to show of a top Spurs team.“We were clinical, we pressed at times. We weathered the storm, had determination and scored four brilliant goals.” More

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      Man Utd and Man City ready for £65m Viktor Gyokeres transfer scrap as BOTH sides think they have secret weapon

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      RUBEN AMORIM will scrap with old pal Hugo Viana for Sporting Lisbon ace Viktor Gyokeres next year.The striker, 26, became hot property under gaffer Amorim at Sporting and his release clause could see him move for £65million.Viktor Gyokeres has been sensational since joining Sporting LisbonCredit: ReutersRuben Amorim is interested in bringing the striker to Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyManchester United are sure Amorim’s arrival as their boss will secure his signature.But they face a battle with Manchester City and Viana, who will take over as their director of football after he leaves Sporting next summer.Viana oversaw the Sweden star’s bargain signing from Coventry last year.And it proved to be a masterstroke as Gyokeres has since flourished into Europe’s most in-demand striker, with 58 goals for club and country in 2024.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmorim refused to fuel the speculation at his first United press conference on Friday.But he did admit he hopes Gyokeres stays injury-free and keeps scoring.The new Red Devils boss said: “Viktor Gyokeres is a Sporting player.”He has a game tonight [Friday] and I hope he plays well, doesn’t get injured and continues to be successful at Sporting.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPep Guardiola will be hoping to bring Gyokeres to Manchester CityCredit: ReutersPortuguese Viana, 41, played a key role in Amorim becoming Sporting boss in 2020.But will want to pip him to the post for Gyokeres at City.SunSport’s Man Utd reporter Neil Custis gives verdict on Ruben Amorim’s first press conference and says ‘he has something different’The release clause rules out a bidding war but sets the scene for an intriguing tug-of-war instead.Man Utd have struggled to score goals so far this season, netting just 12 in 11 Premier League games.Meanwhile, neighbours Man City suffered a fifth successive defeat in all competitions on Saturday as Tottenham thrashed them 4-0 at the Etihad.Erling Haaland has scored 12 goals in all competitions, but the team’s next highest scorers are Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic on three.Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson reveals Ryan Giggs would have ended up playing for MAN CITY if it wasn’t for Man Utd steward

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON says Ryan Giggs was his first big win over Manchester City.Fergie’s dismissive taunt about the “noisy neighbours” after the Abu Dhabi takeover has gone down in football history.Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Ryan Giggs nearly played for Man CityCredit: GettyA steward told Sir Alex about Giggs’ talent when he was a kidCredit: Times Newspapers LtdBut the former United boss told Tony Pulis in Sky’s “Chasing the Dream” documentary that prising Welsh wizard Giggs out of City’s clutches was a key moment in his Old Trafford success story.Ferguson recalled: “At United, our first-team squad there were quite a few over 30.“City were getting all the best young players at the time, absolutely. They would win the Youth Cup.“We had to put a stop to that, so we increased the scouting and worked really hard at that, particularly in Manchester.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“We got the Phil and Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt. David Beckham was the only one from down south.“With Ryan Giggs, we had a steward at the club who came to me and said ‘there’s a young boy training at City, but he’s a United fan. You need to get hold of him.’“We got him down the training ground right away, they played a practice match against Viv Anderson, and Viv was screaming: ‘Can I kick him? Can I tackle him?’And I said: ‘Don’t you dare touch him! He’s only 14.’”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGiggs and Co were part of the group known as “Fergie’s Fledglings” when they broke into the first team squad.The Scot added: “When you get a gem like Giggs or Scholes, it’s staring you in the face.Man Utd’s best XI of academy graduates“Scholes was an incredibly young player. You get diamonds like that, whereas Beckham was a late developer..“The Nevilles – always hard working, always making great sacrifices to be footballers. “Nicky Butt – determined young lad, always going to make it.“You have a responsibility too, to give them the right guidance, to be strong in terms of the path you’re taking them through.“Playing for Manchester United, playing in front of 75,000, playing in cup finals, playing for your country – these are all the stepping stones that you’re guiding them for.”What Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.” More

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      Captaincy options for Gameweek 12: Bruno Fernandes and Mohamed Salah lead nominees

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      IT’S once again time for Dream Team managers to select their captain (and vice captain) for the Gameweek ahead.Gameweek 12 is set to feature a full round of Premier League fixtures as well as the continuation of the European competitions in midweek, meaning double headers for Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea.We strong advise gaffers to pick a captain who is likely to play twice – let’s run through the strongest candidates.Dream Team’s leading point scorerCredit: ReutersDream Team bosses who have opted to double Mohamed Salah’s (£7.3m) points in recent weeks have gained ground on those who have remained loyal to Erling Haaland (£8.6m).Liverpool’s main man has matched or bettered the Norwegian poacher’s score for four consecutive Gameweeks.And there’s every chance he’ll extend that streak to five with Arne Slot’s side due to face 20th-placed Southampton this weekend.The Reds will then welcome Real Madrid to Anfield in midweek.Los Blancos are the kings of the Champions League as 15-time winners but they’ve already been beaten by Lille and Milan in this season’s competition – a trip to Merseyside comes at a bad time for Jude Bellingham and company.Haaland is capable of punishing his doubters but Man City’s form is a concernCredit: GettyAs for Haaland, he’s due to face Spurs and Feyenoord and could easily plunder plentiful points, especially with the North Londoners missing key defenders through injury.But it’s simply true that Pep Guardiola’s side are in a bad moment having lost four games on the spin.Most read in FootballSalah is seemingly the logical choice for Gameweek 12.Elsewhere, many gaffers will be tempted to stick the armband on Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m).The Red Devils’ skipper is both Dream Team’s most in-form player right now and the most popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 12’s deadline.Dream Team’s form manCredit: ReutersRuben Amorim’s first game in charge of Man United comes away to Ipswich, quickly followed by a Europa League meeting with plucky Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt at Old Trafford.All things considered, that’s a favourable double header for the former Sporting tactician and so there’s every chance Fernandes continues his fine form.The 30-year-old notched more points than any other player in Gameweek 11 and that alone makes him a viable captaincy option.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWSome gaffers will be tempted to captain Cole Palmer (£6.2m) now the Chelsea talisman is expected to be available for the Blues’ trip to Leicester on Saturday.However, please be aware that the reigning PFA Young Player of the Year will not feature against Heidenheim on Thursday night because he is not part of Chelsea’s Conference League for the league phase.In fact, Enzo Maresca tends to rotate pretty much his entire starting line-up for European games.That’s not to say Palmer isn’t capable of a big double-digit haul against the Foxes, he’s produced several such performances in the last year, but gaffers aiming to play the odds by targeting two fixtures in Gameweek 12 will have to look elsewhere.Saka is a doubt for Gameweek 12 at this stageBukayo Saka (£6.6m) is usually a relative popular captain but Arsenal’s No7 is an availability doubt at this stage.Plus, high-flying Nottingham Forest and Sporting CP is a deceptively tricky double header on current form.READ MORE SUN STORIESOther nominees to consider include Alejandro Garnacho (£4.1m), Luis Diaz (£4.6m) and Dominic Solanke (£4.3m) but it looks to be between Salah, Fernandes and Haaland for captain this time around.Elect your skipper for Gameweek 12 before Saturday’s 11:30am deadline.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More