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      Arsenal slapped with huge fine following Myles Lewis-Skelly red card incident that was later overturned

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      ARSENAL have been hit with a £65,000 fine after “failing to ensure players did not behave in an improper way” in the wake of Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card against Wolves last month.The Gunners were left furious when Myles Lewis-Skelly received a straight red card at Molineux for a cynical foul on Matt Doherty on January 25.Arsenal players were left furious when Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent offCredit: PALewis-Skelly was shown a red card for a cynical foul on Matt DohertyCredit: PAAt least eight players subsequently surrounded referee Michael Oliver to appeal the decision just before half-time.And they were charged for the incident five days later.Now, over three weeks on from the match, the Gunners have received their punishment.A statement from the FA read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed a £65,000 fine on Arsenal in relation to the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday 25 January.Read More in Football”It was alleged that Arsenal failed to ensure their players did not behave in an improper way around the 43rd minute, and the club subsequently admitted to this charge.”The FA revealed that Oliver’s incident report was used as evidence when deciding on the punishment.Oliver wrote: “Following the 43rd minute dismissal, a number ofArsenal players surrounded myself to protest at the decision.”Video clips of the incident were also used in the process.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIn addition, Arsenal admitted to the charge with a reply form accompanied by a letter.The Gunners “accepted that a number of players spoke to the referee in the aftermath” of Lewis-Skelly’s dismissal.Mikel Arteta ‘absolutely fuming’ after controversial Myles Lewis-Skelly red cardThey also claimed “the wrongful nature of the dismissal explains why the AFC players justifiably wanted to speak to the referee.”Furthermore, the letter from Arsenal insisted that players were “understandably emotional” but “not aggressive” and “did not behave in a way which was offensive, violent, threatening, abusive, indecent, insulting or provocative” towards Oliver.Mikel Arteta was left “fuming” as a result of the red card despite the 1-0 win over Wolves.The controversial decision was swiftly overturned just three days after the match following an appeal.Lewis-Skelly’s dismissal was deemed to be “wrongful” and his three-game suspension was rescinded.Mikel Arteta was furious with the officials after the matchCredit: PA More

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      ‘Both teams have the same problem’ says Arsene Wenger as Arsenal legend tears into old rivals Tottenham and Man Utd

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      ARSENE WENGER has urged Manchester United and Tottenham fans to brace themselves amid a turbulent period for both sides.The two clubs have endured a torrid time in the Premier League this season.Arsene Wenger has claimed Man Utd and Tottenham both need a complete rebuildCredit: SplashTottenham clinched a 1-0 win over United on SundayCredit: GettyIt left the Red Devils 15th in the Premier League tableCredit: ReutersBoth sit in the bottom half of the table, with Spurs in 12th as a result of their 1-0 win over United on Sunday.Meanwhile, the Red Devils are struggling down in 15th – just two points above West Ham.Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was left shocked at the state of the two clubs after the matchHe even suggested that both needed to be completely rebuilt in order to see any improvement.Read More in FootballWenger told beIN Sports: “You will not find many happy fans on either side.”When you say it’s a very important game, I would say that it’s not a very important game for the table because they are out of everything. “It’s important for pride and to find peace with your fans because both teams cost over a billion pounds.”Both teams have the same problem: to find good players to rebuild their team.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The whole team has to be rebuilt at Tottenham and at Man United as well – that will not be easy for either side.”Man Utd have accumulated the highest net spend in the Premier League over the last six years with £810million.Gary Neville says he’s seen ‘nothing’ from Man Utd under Ruben Amorim Meanwhile, Tottenham have the third-highest with £576m.But despite the astronomical numbers, United have only won the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup during that time while Spurs remain trophy-less.Man Utd ratings v SpursMANCHESTER UNITED slipped to a 12th defeat in the Premier League with Rasmus Hojlund coming under fire again.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Manchester United players against an underachieving Spurs side – who are now three places above them in 12th – in North London.Andre Onana – 3United can’t do anything with him between the sticks. Can’t be trusted to collect anything.His opposite number Vicario showed him a thing or two after returning for the first time since Spurs thrashed Man City in November.At fault for the first goal when he palmed out a relatively weak bouncing shot into Maddison’s path in the 13th minute.Noussair Mazraoui – 5An OK performance. Clever link-up play with Zirkzee but couldn’t get hold of Spence down the left-hand side.Pulled out an excellent cross for the Dutchman’s headed chance late-on.Matthijs de Ligt – 6His clearance stopped an obvious 2-0 before the half-an-hour mark.Harry Maguire – 5A mixed bag. Long ball over the top for Hojlund’s chance in opening 10 minutes and went on a few attacking runs himself in the first half.Did well to stop Dejan Kulusevski from having a go at the edge of the box. But bizarrely stopped in his tracks when a cross came flying into Son later on.Diogo Dalot – 6A difficult afternoon for the Portugal international as Son and Djed Spence left him for dead a few times.Hesitated when asked to shoot from five yards to make it 1-0 but helped Onana out with some clearances too.Patrick Dorgu – 4A Prem debut to forget. He was almost invisible from the left-hand side. And lacked quality when asked to get involved more in the second half.Was stupidly caught offside with Bruno Fernandes offloading a stunning cross pitch pass and booked late-on.Casemiro – 5Looked every bit a player that hasn’t played Premier League football for two months. Unsurprisingly booked for a late one on Son.Bizarrely dropped to the turf asking for a free-kick when nobody touched him. Was forced to play 89 minutes with eight teenagers on the bench. A difficult afternoon, indeed.Bruno Fernandes – 5Interceptions and breaking up play is not a part of the captain’s game. An uncharacteristically poor cross left United open on the counter.Did get back to stop Son from having a shot at Onana on the hour mark and started ticking in attack in the final 20 minutes.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Looked shaky and cut a frustrated figure after blazing over an absolute SITTER from 10 yards to level the scores.A bit of a shocker and looked a completely different player to the one who got United into the fifth-round of the FA Cup last week.Woke up a bit in the second half as Vicario kept him at bay with several superb stops. But the 20-year-old is clearly better off the bench.Joshua Zirkzee – 6The best of a desperately poor front three. There’s a street player in there and he’s great with his touches at times.But curled wide from 23 yards, stuck a header wide in the 70th minute and kicked an air shot in the final five minutes.Rasmus Hojlund – 3Is Hojlund the worst No 9 in United’s recent history?The young Dane, who was unlucky to have a chance saved by Vicario, was second best in every loose ball and kept losing possession.He was even caught offside after a pass from an Onana goal-kick in the first half – how often do you see that happen? More

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      ‘Why orange?’ ask fans as Erling Haaland celebrates signing mega £500k-a-week contract by buying £200k Porsche 911 GT3

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      MANCHESTER CITY superstar Erling Haaland celebrated his new mega deal by buying a new Porsche.Haaland, 24, put pen to paper on an eye-watering ten-year contract with City two months ago worth a staggering £500,000 per week.Manchester City star Erling Haaland bought a new PorscheCredit: TIKTOKHaaland purchased a new orange Porsche 911 GT3Credit: TIKTOKHaaland signed an astronomical ten-year contract with Man CityCredit: TIKTOKHaaland also bought a multi-million pound Cheshire mansionCredit: TIKTOKThat means the star striker’s total earnings across the deal will be around £260million, or £26m a year.Any release clause from the Norway international’s previous deal has been removed, so it would take an astronomical bid to lure him away from the Etihad.Haaland has already started enjoying the new cash flow by buying a multi-million pound Cheshire mansion in January.But the ex-Borussia Dortmund star was also spotted leaving City’s training ground with an orange Porsche 911 GT3, which is worth over £200,000.Read More on FootballFans were left in awe by the sports car as they took to social media, with some poking some fun with a friendly tongue-in-cheek statement.One fan wondered: “Why orange?”Another commented: “GOAT Haaland.”A third wrote: “That new salary is hitting.”Most read in FootballThis fan said: “Haaland knows cars.”And that one stated: “How did he fit in that GT3?”Erling Haaland talks about his contract extension at Man City to 2034 Haaland has stood out for Man City this season, despite the team’s struggles, with a total of 27 goals and three assists in 35 appearances.He was taken off in the 4-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday but should be fit to face Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday.Haaland continues to stand out for Man City this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Old Trafford saw the best Casemiro’ – Man Utd’s £70m flop makes stunning claim and admits he wants to see out contract

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      CASEMIRO claims his first season at Manchester United was his best ever despite mixed fortunes in the Premier League.The midfielder joined United following a £70million deal with Real Madrid in 2022.Casemiro claims his first season at Manchester United was his best everCredit: GettyCasemiro has had mixed fortunes at Man Utd since joining in 2022Credit: AlamyThe Brazil international enjoyed tremendous success during his nine-year stint at Real where he won three LaLiga titles, the Copa del Rey and five Champions League trophies.However, the 32-year-old hasn’t been able to replicate the same success at Man Utd, despite winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in his first two years with the club.Some of Casemiro’s performances the last two seasons have been heavily criticised, especially from pundits such as Jamie Carragher who strongly advised him to move to Saudi Arabia or the MLS.However, the Brazilian is adamant that his debut season at Old Trafford featured the best ever version of himself as he amassed a total of seven goals and seven assists in 53 appearances.Read More on Man UtdCasemiro told AS: “It was the perfect time. I had won everything with Madrid and I had to take on other challenges. Looking at my career, individually, my best season as a professional footballer was the first with United. “I’m not saying collectively in terms of titles. Madrid’s Champions League is the ultimate, but as a player I think Old Trafford saw the best Casemiro in my first year.”Casemiro insists he still has a lot to offer to United despite a few sub par performances, which have seen him falling out of favour under new manager Ruben Amorim.So much so that the defensive midfielder, who started his first Premier League game of 2025 in Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Spurs, wants to see out his £375,000-a-week contract, which runs out in 2026.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCasemiro said: “I have to keep doing what I’m doing, with a lot of respect and education. Of course I’d like to play more, of course. I don’t know any player who doesn’t want to play and help. “Also, I’d like to help the club at this time. I approach things with respect for my team-mates and the technical committee.Rio Ferdinand blasts ‘highly disrespectful’ Jamie Carragher for brutal eight-word assessment of Man Utd star Casemiro”And above all, I respect United, a club to which I’m very grateful. I have a year and a half left on my contract and I’d like to fulfil it here in Manchester. I’m comfortable here and so is my family. “They’ve adapted, we speak English. I’m very grateful to the Old Trafford fans and to the club. I’m happy at club level. Happy in the bench? Of course not. That’s another thing.”Casemiro is no stranger to winning over demanding managers throughout his 14-year career at the top level.The versatile midfielder has shone bright for the likes of Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane at Real as well as Tite in Brazil – the trio who he considers his “top three” coaches.Casemiro added: “Nobody wins so many titles just by being nice, although he is. I have a huge affection for Ancelotti.”For me he is in the top three of the coaches I have had, along with Zidane, of course, and Tite, who was the coach of Brazil. I have had others who have left their mark on me, like [Jose] Mourinho or [Julen] Lopetegui.Casemiro’s Man City warning”But Ancelotti is an old-school coach who didn’t stay stuck in the old school. Carlo modernised like football. Tactics, physical preparation… Ancelotti didn’t stay stuck in the old school.”He has the intelligence and calmness of an old coach, but with the intelligence of the new ones. An ideal mix. An incredible coach because of him and his staff.”Carlo is different from others and has known how to mark an era. In football there are several ways to win. [Pep] Guardiola’s tiki-taka, the intensity and living the passion of football like [Jurgen] Klopp, the defensive power of [Diego] Simeone, for whom I have a lot of respect…”Casemiro continues to follow Real’s matches and rooted for them during their most recent 3-2 victory over his current club’s rivals Manchester City at the Etihad.The Brazilian is confident his former club can make it to the Champions League’s last 16 thanks to the Santiago Bernabeu factor but warned them not to underestimate Man Utd’s noisy neighbours.Casemiro still backs RealCasemiro stated: “It wasn’t a surprise to me. Madrid almost always does it and everyone knows the history of this team and what it is capable of doing. “Madrid always grows until the end and never gives up. Even losing 2-1, I knew there was a lot to play for. And that’s City and a great coach like Guardiola. But they did it. “On top of that, the return leg will be at the Bernabeu with a great result after the 2-3. It won’t be easy, but the Bernabeu, on those Champions League nights, is very special. “I wish all the luck in the world to my former team-mates and not only because of my rivalry with City, but more so for Madrid. I hope they get through to the last 16. Even if it hadn’t been against City, I’ll always want Madrid to win. Unless we meet one day, of course…READ MORE SUN STORIES”Yes, this is the Bernabeu. But be careful, it’s going to be difficult. City aren’t at their best, but they’re City. They have [Erling] Haaland, [Kevin] De Bruyne, a great goalkeeper like Ederson.”Madrid, together with the Bernabeu, are going to make it very difficult for City. I hope Madrid makes it to the last 16.”Man Utd ratings v SpursMANCHESTER UNITED slipped to a 12th defeat in the Premier League with Rasmus Hojlund coming under fire again.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Manchester United players against an underachieving Spurs side – who are now three places above them in 12th – in North London.Andre Onana – 3United can’t do anything with him between the sticks. Can’t be trusted to collect anything.His opposite number Vicario showed him a thing or two after returning for the first time since Spurs thrashed Man City in November.At fault for the first goal when he palmed out a relatively weak bouncing shot into Maddison’s path in the 13th minute.Noussair Mazraoui – 5An OK performance. Clever link-up play with Zirkzee but couldn’t get hold of Spence down the left-hand side.Pulled out an excellent cross for the Dutchman’s headed chance late-on.Matthijs de Ligt – 6His clearance stopped an obvious 2-0 before the half-an-hour mark.Harry Maguire – 5A mixed bag. Long ball over the top for Hojlund’s chance in opening 10 minutes and went on a few attacking runs himself in the first half.Did well to stop Dejan Kulusevski from having a go at the edge of the box. But bizarrely stopped in his tracks when a cross came flying into Son later on.Diogo Dalot – 6A difficult afternoon for the Portugal international as Son and Djed Spence left him for dead a few times.Hesitated when asked to shoot from five yards to make it 1-0 but helped Onana out with some clearances too.Patrick Dorgu – 4A Prem debut to forget. He was almost invisible from the left-hand side. And lacked quality when asked to get involved more in the second half.Was stupidly caught offside with Bruno Fernandes offloading a stunning cross pitch pass and booked late-on.Casemiro – 5Looked every bit a player that hasn’t played Premier League football for two months. Unsurprisingly booked for a late one on Son.Bizarrely dropped to the turf asking for a free-kick when nobody touched him. Was forced to play 89 minutes with eight teenagers on the bench. A difficult afternoon, indeed.Bruno Fernandes – 5Interceptions and breaking up play is not a part of the captain’s game. An uncharacteristically poor cross left United open on the counter.Did get back to stop Son from having a shot at Onana on the hour mark and started ticking in attack in the final 20 minutes.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Looked shaky and cut a frustrated figure after blazing over an absolute SITTER from 10 yards to level the scores.A bit of a shocker and looked a completely different player to the one who got United into the fifth-round of the FA Cup last week.Woke up a bit in the second half as Vicario kept him at bay with several superb stops. But the 20-year-old is clearly better off the bench.Joshua Zirkzee – 6The best of a desperately poor front three. There’s a street player in there and he’s great with his touches at times.But curled wide from 23 yards, stuck a header wide in the 70th minute and kicked an air shot in the final five minutes.Rasmus Hojlund – 3Is Hojlund the worst No 9 in United’s recent history?The young Dane, who was unlucky to have a chance saved by Vicario, was second best in every loose ball and kept losing possession.He was even caught offside after a pass from an Onana goal-kick in the first half – how often do you see that happen? More

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      Mindblowing Cristiano Ronaldo stat shows why Liverpool must offer red-hot Mo Salah new contract

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      LIVERPOOL superstar Mohamed Salah has matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s stunning Premier League record.Salah, 32, is absolutely dominating this season and helped the Reds take a seven-point lead in the Premier League.Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s Premier League recordCredit: ReutersSalah equalled Manchester United legend Ronaldo’s 37 goal contributions in a single seasonCredit: APHowever, the star winger’s contract is coming to an end in June and the Merseysiders are rigorously trying to agree new terms to hold on to him.The Egypt international reportedly wants an improvement on the £350,000 per week he is said to currently earn at Anfield.And Liverpool chiefs may have no other choice but to meetSalah’s demands as his stock keeps rising despite his advanced age.The Egyptian star has equalled Manchester United legend Ronaldo’s best Premier League season for goals and assists.Read More on FootballThe five-time Ballon d’Or winner enjoyed his most prolific campaign in the English top flight back in the 2007-08 season.That was when he won his first Ballon d’Or award, a year before moving to Real Madrid.CR7 amassed a whopping total of 31 goals and six assists in 34 appearances.That is a grand total of 37 goal contributions in the Premier League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSalah has already matched that return this season with 23 goals and 14 assists in just 25 appearances.And the ex-Roma star still has 13 games left to play this term where he can easily surpass Ronaldo.Cristiano Ronaldo wins Best Middle East Player 2024 gong at Globe Soccer AwardsSalah is also dominating across all competitions with a staggering total of 28 goals and 19 assists in 36 appearances.The former Chelsea player has hinted he could leave on multiple occasions.Salah revealed in November that the club hadn’t approached him about penning a new deal.And last month he confirmed once more that this will be his last year at Anfield with his desire to mark his departure with a Premier League title.So far the club’s owners FSG have refused to bow to his wage demands and he knows there would be mega money if he agreed to move to Saudi Arabia. More

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      ‘They literally do nothing’ – Michael Owen identifies three Man Utd stars who ‘frustrate me more than anything’

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      MICHAEL OWEN lambasted three Manchester United stars for “sleeping” throughout Sunday’s miserable loss at Tottenham.United suffered yet another poor result amid a turbulent campaign as fellow Premier League strugglers Spurs picked up a much-needed 1-0 victory thanks to James Maddison’s winner after just 13 minutes.Michael Owen slammed three Manchester United stars after the loss at TottenhamCredit: GettyOwen lambasted Harry Maguire, saying the defenders are “literally doing nothing”Credit: GettyOwen also blamed Matthijs de Ligt, saying of the defence “none of them are picking anyone up”Credit: RexNoussair Mazraoui was also picked out, with Owen saying “they sit there doing nothing”Credit: RexEx-Man Utd star Owen, 45, was left fuming with Ruben Amorim’s three centre-backs Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Harry Maguire and put them on full blast during his post-match analysis.The Liverpool legend blamed them all for Maddison’s goal as they “did nothing” when goalkeeper Andre Onana parried Lucas Bergvall’s shot.None of them chased the rebound and that allowed the England international to get to the ball first and beat Onana from close distance.The legendary striker, though, wasn’t just frustrated about the Tottenham goal as he was also incensed with Maguire, De Ligt and Mazraoui’s overall performance during the game.Read More on Man UtdOwen told Premier League Productions: “What frustrates me more than anything about the Manchester United team is that those centre-halves do nothing during the game.“They hardly pick up any players at all, yet when you ask them to do one job – stop the guy who’s shooting – they’re sleeping at that as well.“We’ve seen so many clips in the first half when there’s nobody to pick up, there’s three of them literally doing nothing. They won’t push in, they won’t go and mark anybody, they just sit there.“It’s the easiest position on the pitch in theory because they’re asked to do nothing. The manager plays so many defenders and none of them are picking anyone up.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“The midfield for Manchester United has to be the hardest place to play in the Premier League and the defence should be the easiest because they literally mark no one, ever.“They sit there doing nothing and everyone else is outnumbered all over the pitch.”Gary Neville says he’s seen ‘nothing’ from Man Utd under Ruben Amorim United are now 15th in the Premier League table with 12 points separating them from the relegation zone. More

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      Chido Obi sends message to Ruben Amorim after teen, 17, brought off bench for three minutes in Man Utd loss to Tottenham

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      YOUNG striker Chido Obi sent a message to Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim following his short cameo against Tottenham.The 17-year-old made his senior debut for United on Sunday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Chido Obi sent Ruben Amorim a message on social media following his Man Utd debutCredit: GettyObi came off the bench to replace Casemiro in added time against TottenhamCredit: AlamyHe came on for the final three minutes of the match to replace Casemiro with the Red Devils 1-0 down.But he didn’t have enough time to make an impact and United went on to lose.Despite the defeat, Obi was keen to thank Amorim for handing him his debut.The striker took to Instagram to write: “Disappointed with the loss. On a personal note thanks to the gaffer & the club for making a dream come true for me and my family.”Read More in FootballFans flocked to the comments to send him messages of support, with one person writing: “The beginning of something greater.”Another said: “Your time is coming.”While a third commented: “Congratulations. More opportunities to come.”Man Utd fans labelled Amorim a “coward” after he waited until added time to introduce Obi to the match.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne person said: “Unacceptable from Ruben and sends the wrong message completely.”While another wrote: “90th minute and you sub Chido on? Ruben you are a coward!”Man Utd squad is worse than Tottenham despite £553million MORE in transfer spending in last decade, says Gary NevilleAmorim was forced to name eight youngsters on the bench against Tottenham due to a series of injuries in the first team squad.Amad Diallo has been ruled out for the rest of the season with ankle ligament damage, while Kobbie Mainoo is set to miss up to six weeks.Centre-back Lisandro Martinez recently became a long-term absentee due to an ACL rupture.The Argentina international underwent surgery on the knee injury last week.Man Utd ratings v SpursMANCHESTER UNITED slipped to a 12th defeat in the Premier League with Rasmus Hojlund coming under fire again.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Manchester United players against an underachieving Spurs side – who are now three places above them in 12th – in North London.Andre Onana – 3United can’t do anything with him between the sticks. Can’t be trusted to collect anything.His opposite number Vicario showed him a thing or two after returning for the first time since Spurs thrashed Man City in November.At fault for the first goal when he palmed out a relatively weak bouncing shot into Maddison’s path in the 13th minute.Noussair Mazraoui – 5An OK performance. Clever link-up play with Zirkzee but couldn’t get hold of Spence down the left-hand side.Pulled out an excellent cross for the Dutchman’s headed chance late-on.Matthijs de Ligt – 6His clearance stopped an obvious 2-0 before the half-an-hour mark.Harry Maguire – 5A mixed bag. Long ball over the top for Hojlund’s chance in opening 10 minutes and went on a few attacking runs himself in the first half.Did well to stop Dejan Kulusevski from having a go at the edge of the box. But bizarrely stopped in his tracks when a cross came flying into Son later on.Diogo Dalot – 6A difficult afternoon for the Portugal international as Son and Djed Spence left him for dead a few times.Hesitated when asked to shoot from five yards to make it 1-0 but helped Onana out with some clearances too.Patrick Dorgu – 4A Prem debut to forget. He was almost invisible from the left-hand side. And lacked quality when asked to get involved more in the second half.Was stupidly caught offside with Bruno Fernandes offloading a stunning cross pitch pass and booked late-on.Casemiro – 5Looked every bit a player that hasn’t played Premier League football for two months. Unsurprisingly booked for a late one on Son.Bizarrely dropped to the turf asking for a free-kick when nobody touched him. Was forced to play 89 minutes with eight teenagers on the bench. A difficult afternoon, indeed.Bruno Fernandes – 5Interceptions and breaking up play is not a part of the captain’s game. An uncharacteristically poor cross left United open on the counter.Did get back to stop Son from having a shot at Onana on the hour mark and started ticking in attack in the final 20 minutes.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Looked shaky and cut a frustrated figure after blazing over an absolute SITTER from 10 yards to level the scores.A bit of a shocker and looked a completely different player to the one who got United into the fifth-round of the FA Cup last week.Woke up a bit in the second half as Vicario kept him at bay with several superb stops. But the 20-year-old is clearly better off the bench.Joshua Zirkzee – 6The best of a desperately poor front three. There’s a street player in there and he’s great with his touches at times.But curled wide from 23 yards, stuck a header wide in the 70th minute and kicked an air shot in the final five minutes.Rasmus Hojlund – 3Is Hojlund the worst No 9 in United’s recent history?The young Dane, who was unlucky to have a chance saved by Vicario, was second best in every loose ball and kept losing possession.He was even caught offside after a pass from an Onana goal-kick in the first half – how often do you see that happen? More

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      ‘I knew you was thinking about me,’ says Luke Littler as James Maddison sends Man Utd fan apology

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      JAMES MADDISON sent pal Luke Littler a tongue-in-cheek apology after scoring Tottenham’s winner against the darts star’s beloved Manchester United.The midfielder, 28, was making his return to action following three weeks out with a calf injury.James Maddison performed his darts throw celebrationCredit: GettyLuke Littler is a boyhood Man Utd fanCredit: GettyLittler re-posted James Maddison’s Instagram storyHe made it a comeback to remember, scoring in the 13th minute to earn Spurs an important 1-0 win.After scoring, Maddison performed his trademark “throwing a dart” celebration.He then made a shushing gesture, potentially directed at Roy Keane following the Irishman’s comments about him earlier in the week.After the game, Maddison posted a picture of his darts celebration his Instagram story.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe captioned it: “Sorry son @lukethenukelittler”.Littler, 18, subsequently re-posted the image to his own story, writing: “I knew u was thinking about me.”The pair’s friendship dates back to Littler’s run to the World Darts Championship final as a 16-year-old last year.After the Warrington wonderkid reached the quarter-finals, Maddison invited him to a Spurs match.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMaddison, 28, also shushed towards TV camerasCredit: GettyLittler sat in the England international’s plush box at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Spurs beat Bournemouth 3-1 in December 2023.A fortnight later, he met Sir Alex Ferguson and Bruno Fernandes as he attended Man Utd’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham at Old Trafford.Man Utd player ratings vs Tottenham: Hojlund arguably worst No9 in club’s history as Dorgu has nightmare debutIn September, Littler was cheekily trolled by Spurs’ social media team after the North Londoners defeated United 3-0 at Old Trafford.Posting a screenshot of Littler following their official account, they wrote: “You finally seen the light @LukeTheNuke180?”During the week, Man Utd icon Keane said Maddison “got relegated with Leicester and he’ll get relegated with Spurs”.After netting the winner and performing a shushing celebration, Maddison told Sky Sports: “There was a little bit of outside noise this week.”People will have their opinions, but I wanted to do my talking on the pitch. I hope there is a certain few that enjoyed me being the match-winner today.”Keane had also asked: “People say Maddison’s the man. When is he going to step up to the plate?”READ MORE SUN STORIESMaddison’s goal on Sunday was his ninth in 23 Premier League appearances this season.In total he has scored 10 and laid on six assists in all competitions during Spurs’ difficult season. More