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      I earned millions in the Premier League and was Thierry Henry’s ‘toughest opponent’ – but I quit and now I’m a pastor

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      A FORMER Premier League star now works as pastor in Nigeria.Taribo West was a tough tacking defender that stood out on the pitch thanks to his unique hairstyles.
      Taribo West used to play for AC and Inter MilanCredit: AFP
      The Nigerian defender now works as a pastorCredit: AFP
      West was named as one of Thierry Henry’s toughest opponentsCredit: Getty
      The left-back was one of the best around in the late 1990s, winning the Ligue 1 title with Auxerre in 1996.
      He then went on to play for both AC and Inter Milan before turning up for a spell in the Premier League with Derby in 2000.
      Not many got the better of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, but West was someone he hated playing against.
      The Frenchman previously revealed that he was one of the toughest opponents he ever faced.
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      Henry said: “At Auxerre they did man-marking. He followed you everywhere, even in the dressing room.”
      But West now follows God rather than the best attackers in the world.
      The 49-year-old is a Christian and claims he used lucky charms throughout his time as a footballer.
      After retirement, he says rather than going head-to-head against a winger, he met God “one-on-one” and was convinced his purpose was religion.
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      West founded a church in Lagos in 2014 and now works as a pastor.
      On his career change, he said: “Why would I switch from being a footballer to becoming a pastor? I saw God one-on-one. That’s where my transition started; From the field to the pulpit.
      “We were celebrating. In the middle of that, a woman stumbled into me and said: ‘Sir, please may I know your name?’
      “I said: ‘I am Mr No Name’. She said: ‘May I know where you live?’ I said: ‘I live nowhere.’ She left with annoyance.
      “In the twinkle of an eye, I just heard an audible voice and it came like a slap. It said: ‘Switch, turn.’ I turned.
      “It said: ‘Look at the woman. Look for her now and call that woman and apologise to her. I said that to you.’
      “That can only be a voice from God.
      “So I switched, like a Robocop, I start searching for the woman, and when this sister came all the way from America, she told me a lot of prophecies.
      “And she told me in the next one or two years; I would open a church. All the prophecies she gave me came to pass.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Before finding God, football was his savoir, admitting he would’ve become “one of the bad boys in town” after an abusive childhood had it not been for the beautiful game.
      The Olympic gold medal winner in 1996 is now determined to help young people in Nigeria as a coach and through religion. More

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      Man Utd draw up ‘four-man transfer shortlist’ for striker in January that includes veteran aged 33 and Brazil prodigy

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have drawn up a four-man shortlist of alternatives to Brentford striker Ivan Toney, according to reports.The Red Devils splashed out £72million on promising ace Rasmus Hojlund in the summer.
      Erik ten Hag’s side have endured a disastrous start to the seasonCredit: Reuters
      Brentford’s Ivan Toney is likely to be out of Man Utd’s price rangeCredit: Alamy
      But with Erik ten Hag’s side struggling for goals, they could to give Hojlund further help up top.
      United have previously been linked with Brentford star Toney.
      With Financial Fair Play regulations to consider, however, the Bees’ hefty price-tag for their star man will likely rule United out of the race – despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s imminent purchase of a 25 per cent stake in the club.
      Marcus Rashford scored 30 goals last season, but has managed just one so far this term.
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      Hojlund has bagged three in the Champions League but is yet to get off the mark in the Prem.
      Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Martial and Mason Mount are also all yet to score in the league this season.
      According to TeamTalk, Porto veteran Mehdi Taremi is on United’s wishlist.
      The 31-year-old is in the final year of his deal in Portugal, making a cut-price deal realistic.
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      Mehdi Taremi’s contract is set to expire in JuneCredit: Getty
      He has scored 83 goals 161 appearances for the Portuguese giants, but only has two in ten league games so far this season.
      Monaco captain Wissam Ben Yedder, 33, is also claimed to be on United’s list of options.
      While Flamengo’s 27-year-old former wonderkid Gabriel Barbosa could be tempted to snub Saudi Arabia and return to Europe by United, having previously been on the books at Inter Milan.
      Dubbed “Gabigol”, Barbosa has 20 goals in 55 outings across all competitions this year.
      The final name on United’s shortlist is Brazilian starlet Marcos Leonardo.
      Aged just 20, Leonardo has also attracted interest from Newcastle after impressing for Brazil’s Under-20s.
      The Santos ace has netted 21 goals in 42 outings for Neymar’s former club.
      Gabriel Barbosa is a Brazilian former wonderkidCredit: Getty
      Marcos Leonardo is impressing scouts in EuropeCredit: Getty More

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      Fulham 0 Man Utd 1 LIVE RESULT: Bruno Fernandes wins it at the death to keep pressure off Ten Hag – latest updates

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      MANCHESTER UNITED left it late but picked up a valuable 1-0 win against Fulham in the Premier League. The Red Devils failed to flatter during the game and Fulham had most of the chances but Bruno Fernandes stunned Craven Cottage in the 92nd minute with a brilliant finish.

      Start time: 12.30pm BST
      TV/Live stream: BT Sport 1
      Fulham XI: Leno, Bassey, Wilson, Ream, Pereira, Muniz, Willian, Castagne, Iwobi, Palhinha, Robinson
      Man Utd XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Evans, Dalot; McTominay, Eriksen, Fernandes; Garnacho, Antony; Hojlund

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      That’s all from London
      Manchester United defeated Fulham 1-0 with a late winner by Bruno Fernandes at Craven Cottage.
      United and the Cottagers played out a rather dull fixture but started strong with Scott McTominay hitting the back of the net after just eight minutes.
      Christian Eriksen delivered in a beautiful free-kick to Alejandro Garnacho down th left and the winger played it to the penalty area where he found McTominay who beat Bernd Leno.
      However, VAR deemed Harry Maguire touched the ball from an offside position during the build-up before it reached Garnacho on the wing.
      However, the Red Devils got their winner in the end to spark some passionate celebrations.
      Fernandes delivered a stunning shot in the first minute of stoppage time just outside the penalty area to ease the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.
      Credit: PA
      Maguire powers through
      Manchester United ace Harry Maguire put together a passionate performance in defence.
      That was despite a head injury Maguire suffered in the opening minutes of the second half.
      The centre-back also forced a stoppage in the second half but played the full 90 minutes.
      More below:

      Fernandes stands out
      Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes led his team to an important victory against Fulham.
      Fernandes beat the Cottagers’ goalkeeper Bernd Leno with a stunning shot in the first minute of stoppage time from the edge of the box.
      And as the heat map below shows, the playmaker dominated in United’s attacking half.
      More below:

      Updated Premier League table
      Manchester United have climbed to sixth place in the Premier League table after beating Fulham.
      United are now five points behind fourth place and Liverpool, who have yet to play their fixture this week.
      The Cottagers, on the other hand, are 14th after picking up their fifth loss.
      More below:

      Fulham vs Man Utd stats
      Manchester United dominated 55 per cent of possession against Fulham.
      United registered a total of 12 shots, five of which were on target.
      The Cottagers, on the other hand, produced 18 shots but only two of them were on target.
      More below:

      FT: Fulham 0-1 Man Utd
      Manchester United have beaten Fulham with a late winner by Bruno Fernandes at Craven Cottage.
      United and the Cottagers played out a rather dull game that started strong with Scott McTominay hitting the back of the net after just eight minutes.
      Christian Eriksen whipped in a beautiful free-kick to Alejandro Garnacho down th left and the winger played it to the penalty area where he found McTominay who beat Bernd Leno.
      However, VAR deemed Harry Maguire touched the ball from an offside position during the build-up before it reached Garnacho.
      However, the Red Devils got their winner in the first minute of stoppage time with a stunning shot by Fernandes from the penalty area to ease the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.
      Credit: PA
      FT: Fulham 0-1 Man Utd
      Peep!
      That’s full-time in London!!!
      90+7 Fulham 0-1 Man Utd
      Man Utd fans are going crazy, the celebrations between them and their players were ultra passionate.
      But no one was calmer than Ten Hag who remained focused on the task at hand.
      The Dutchman understands the pressure he’s on and showed his resilience with a team that wouldn’t stop trying.
      90+4 Fulham 0-1 Man Utd
      Substitution
      Late change by Man Utd Ten Hag to slow Fulham’s onslaught as Varane replaces Garncho.
      90+1 Fulham 0-1 Man Utd
      One of the biggest goals in Fernandes’ career, probably the biggest as Man Utd captain.
      Fulham fail to clear their lines three times and the ball reaches the playmaker just outside the area.
      The Portugal international delivers a stunning shot that beats Leno!

      90+1 Fulham 0-1 Man Utd
      Goal!
      Man Utd break the deadlock with Fernandes!!!
      90 Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
      Substitution
      Fulham boss Silva is looking for that late goal by introducting Jimenez who comes on for Iwobi.
      Cairney follows as he replaces Wilson, who just whipped a free-kick over the crossbar.
      Five more minutes of stoppage time to go!
      88 Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
      Yellow card
      And now it’s Man Utd’s turn to go to the book after Dalot’s late challenge on Wilson.
      85 Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
      Yellow card
      Another yellow for Fulham after Wilson’s foul on Garnacho. The winger becomes the hosts’ fifth player to get booked.
      83 Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
      Chance!
      Man Utd captain Fernandes takes on a free-kick that forces an important save from Leno who lunges to his left.
      82 Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
      Yellow card
      Fulham ace Iwobi goes to the book for a cynical foul on Garnacho.
      81 Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
      Substitution
      A late change from Fulham boss Silva as well as De Corva-Reid comes on for Pereira who failed to impress against his former club.
      80 Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
      Hojlund came off in quite an animated manner as his goalless streak in the Premier League extends.
      Man Utd just couldn’t get that final ball throughout the entire match..
      79 Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
      Substitution
      Man Utd manager Ten Hag shakes things up late in the match with Martial and Mount coming on for Hojlund and Eriksen.
      77 Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
      Muniz appeared emotional as he took his seat on the bench.
      The Fulham ace tried to play through the pain but had to stop twice before being substituted.
      76 Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
      Substitution
      Fulham boss Silva makes his first changes as Vinicius and Lukic come on for the injured Muniz and Willian respectively.
      75 Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
      Muniz is back down to the ground as a knock seems to be persisiting.
      Vinicius is getting ready to come on.
      73 Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
      Chance
      Fulham star Iwobi tries a shot but sends it all the way up to the fans.
      73 Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
      Fulham have also slowed down after a strong start int he second half.
      Quite predictable movement and crosses so far…
      71 Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
      Chance
      Man Utd ace Pellistri has been lively in his first few minutes on the pitch and gets a shot in that’s too weak and is picked up by Leno with ease. More

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      Man Utd ground staff fuming as ‘wages of lowest-paid workers to be slashed in HALF’ despite club’s record £684m revenue

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to drastically reduce overtime for their ground staff which will see some of them have their salaries halves, according to reports.Last week the Red Devils posted record annual revenues of £648.4million.
      Man Utd possess one of the best pitches in the Premier LeagueCredit: PA
      Ground staff work hard to ensure the playing surface is in perfect conditionCredit: AFP
      United have now been accused of “penny pinching” as they reshuffle their ground staff shift patterns.
      According to the Mail, the Red Devils will “drastically reduce” extra hours available to ground staff.
      These are the people that work on the Old Trafford pitch, in addition to those at United’s training facilities.
      Many of those impacted are said to earn between £20,000 and £30,000 per year.
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      Previously they could pocket up to another £15k in overtime.
      But the change will see some, among the club’s lowest-paid staff members, have their annual earnings halved.
      It’s claimed that some are even looking for second jobs.
      United chiefs are looking for “casual” ground staff.
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      It’s feared that those already in place could lose some of their previous hours to new staff members on zero-hour contracts.
      The Red Devils, however, claim that the new additions will merely enable current staff to be able to take time off, ensuring they have back-ups at the ready.
      United have endured their worst start to a season since 1962-63, losing eight of their opening 15 games.
      Morale among staff members within the club is said to be at an “all-time low”.
      United’s latest decision was described as “heartless”, “sickening” and an “absolute disgrace” by a club insider.
      Addressing the situation, a club spokesperson told the Mail: “We recognise the significant role the green staff play in delivering one of the best playing surfaces in football. Our review is aimed at protecting the welfare of staff and providing greater flexibility.
      “We are seeking to modernise terms and ways of working with employees who work irregular hours around the demands of the football schedule.
      “It is good practice to review historic employment terms to ensure we remain competitive and reward staff appropriately, particularly those who spend anti-social hours working hard behind the scenes.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to complete a deal to acquire a 25 per cent stake in his boyhood club imminently.
      It’s claimed that the Ineos chief will have a big say on football matters within United.
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to purchase a 25 per cent stake in Man UtdCredit: PA More

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      New details of Love Island star Arabella Chi’s romance with Man City ace Ruben Dias revealed after clue in Insta snap

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      MANCHESTER City ace Rúben Dias has been secretly dating Love Island star Arabella Chi for four weeks.The model has been regularly flying from her Ibiza base to spend time with the Portuguese defender in Britain.
      Former Love Island star Arabella Chi has been regularly flying from her Ibiza base to spend time with the Portuguese defender in BritainCredit: Getty
      Arabella has been regularly flying from her Ibiza base to spend time with the Portuguese defender Ruban Dias in Britain.Credit: Rex
      Arabella found fame on the fifth series of Love Island in 2019Credit: Rex Features
      This week Rúben, 26, and Arabella, 32, enjoyed a romantic break in Paris.
      A source revealed yesterday: “Rúben and Arabella have been quietly dating for the past month. They had the best time together in Paris and seem to be really falling for each other.”
      They gave the game away on their blossoming romance ­yesterday by posting identical pictures from the trip.
      Pals revealed that Portuguese defender Rúben, 26, and British model Arabella, 32, grew close after being introduced by mutual friends.
      READ MORE ON ARABELLA CHI
      One source said: “Rúben and ­Arabella have been quietly dating for the past month. She has visited him in Manchester and their dates have been all under the radar.
      “Arabella has flown over to the UK from her base in Ibiza to stay at his place a number of times.
      “They went to Paris for their first romantic mini-break in the week, where he wined and dined her at all the best restaurants.
      “He also showered her with gifts.”
      Most read in Football
      The pair did not mention each other in yesterday’s Instagram snaps but their Eiffel Tower pictures both featured the same bystanders.
      The source added: “Rúben and Arabella are trying to keep their relationship under wraps because it’s early days.
      “But they had the best time together in Paris and seem to be really falling for each other.”
      Arabella found fame on the fifth Love Island series in 2019.
      This summer she had a fling with Leonardo DiCaprio’s close pal, millionaire nightclub owner Richie Akiva.
      Rúben, who joined Man City from Benfica for £65million in 2020, was previously linked to dancer Ginevra Festa.
      A relationship with singer April Ivy, 24, ended in 2021.
      Portuguese media said the couple broke up because of lifestyle differences, with Rúben being “more discreet” than “exuberant” April.
      The source said of Rúben and Arabella: “He has been treating her like a queen and splashed the cash to impress her from the get-go.
      Arabella’s photo, gave fans an Eiffel of what was going on between the pair – when Ruben posted hisCredit: tiktok
      Ruben’s photo of the Eiffel Tower shows the same tourists that were in Arabella’s snapCredit: tiktok
      Arabella did not mention Ruben in yesterday’s Instagram snaps but their Eiffel Tower pictures both featured the same bystandersCredit: Getty
      “Rúben lives a very low-key life and Arabella has been enjoying how they can go on dates with no one noticing, in part because he can afford complete privacy.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Together they make a very nice couple and things have been heating up in recent weeks.
      “Arabella understands he is private and is showing him that while she is a big reality star she is a class act and won’t be plastering him all over social media.” More

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      Real Madrid ‘want Chelsea’s Reece James as transfer replacement for Carvajal and have scouted him for years’

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      REAL MADRID have their eyes set on Chelsea’s Reece James as they line up to replace Dani Carvajal.The Blues captain has been on the LaLiga giants’ radar for some time now.
      Real Madrid are keen to sign Reece JamesCredit: Reuters
      The Chelsea right-back is deemed to be the perfect replacement for Dani CarvajalCredit: Alamy
      Los Blancos are hoping James could emulate the success of fellow Englishman Jude Bellingham at the Bernabeu.
      The Spanish giants are set to replace long-standing right-back Carvajal.
      The 31-year-old has been remarkable for the LaLiga side having made 386 appearances across a decade.
      While he has been an excellent recruit having helped Real secure three LaLiga, two Copa del Rey and five Champions League, his prime years are now behind him.
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      According to Mundo Deportivo James has impressed those at the Bernabeu , and especially boss Carlo Ancelotti.
      But the right-back has not expressed any intention to leave West London.
      And James’ long-term contract at Stamford Bridge does not expire until 2028.
      Chelsea’s main man will not come cheap to the Spanish side.
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      And with the Blues aiming to offload many of their players next summer due to Financial Fair Play rules, while James leaving could be a shock, it isn’t impossible.
      The Chelsea academy graduate made his senior debut for the Blues in 2019 and has since made over 150 appearances in the West London outfit.
      Despite his recent injuries losing James would be a massive blow to Mauricio Pochettino’s side who have not had the best start to the Premier League this term. More

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      Premier League referee Anthony Taylor DEMOTED for first time in four years after ‘scandalous’ penalty decision

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      REFEREE Anthony Taylor has been demoted to the Championship for the first time in four years.The 45-year-old infuriated fans after awarding Newcastle a controversial penalty during a Premier League match against Wolves last weekend.
      Anthony Taylor has been demoted to the ChampionshipCredit: Alamy
      He awarded a controversial penalty to Newcastle last weekCredit: AFP
      He pointed to the spot after Hwang Hee-chan brought down Fabian Schar while attempting to clear the ball.
      The decision was not overturned by VAR despite a lengthy check, but both Hwang and Wolves boss Gary O’Neil were adamant that it wasn’t a penalty.
      O’Neil even went as far as calling it “scandalous”.
      The match finished 2-2 after Wolves came from behind twice.
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      However, Taylor’s controversial first-half call overshadowed the result.
      The referee has now been demoted to the Championship, where he will oversee this weekend’s match between Preston and Coventry.
      It will be his first second-tier match since 2019.
      Taylor is not the first Premier League official to be demoted this season.
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      Assistant referee Adrian Holmes officiated Millwall’s clash with Hull last month after incorrectly deeming Luis Diaz’s goal against Tottenham to be offside – a decision that was controversially not overturned by VAR in a shock error.
      Referee standards body PGMOL subsequently had to issue a grovelling apology. More

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      I’m an Arsenal legend who was head of Gunners academy that let Harry Kane go to Tottenham – the buck stops with me

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      ARSENAL legend Liam Brady has admitted that it was his decision that led Harry Kane to being released from Arsenal’s academy aged eight.The England captain would go on to play for Sunday League side Ridgeway Rovers before being picked up by Spurs and the rest is history.
      Brady was Arsenal’s talisman in the ’70sCredit: Getty
      Despite a hugely successful spell as Arsenal’s academy manager, Harry Kane left the Arsenal academy under Brady’s watchCredit: Alamy
      In an interview with The Daily Mail, Brady, 67, says the buck for the decision to release Kane stops with him.
      Brady was Arsenal’s academy manager between 1996 and 2014 after spells in charge of Celtic and Brighton.
      The former Ireland international said it was a job he was incredibly passionate about and “the most rewarding part after my playing days.”
      He would nurture talents such as Ashley Cole, Jack Wilshere and Bukayo Saka to come through the Hale End academy but Brady knows that Kane was the one that got away.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      On the talents of Cole and Wilshere, he said: “With Ashley, in my opinion he became the best left back in Europe. I’m sorry Arsenal fans feel so indifferent about him.
      “I was sad about how it went for Jack Wilshere with injuries because, in my opinion, he was too brave for his own good. If it was a 50-50 with Graeme Souness, he would have it. Jack went into every tackle.”
      When asked about Kane, Brady said: “I didn’t have anything to do with the decision, but the buck stops with me. That’s football.’ Win some, lose some. It is a brutal, brilliant, ludicrous game.”
      Kane would go on to join Spurs where he rose through the academy to become the club’s all-time highest goalscorer and captain of the England national team.
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      With Arsenal in the market for a striker this January and Ivan Toney top of the list, it’s fascinating to imagine what an alternative history would have looked like if Kane did not leave Arsenal’s academy.
      Instead, he’s flourishing at Bayern Munich with 12 goals and five assists in nine appearances and scoring goals from his own half following his £100million transfer.
      On Arsenal’s chances of winning the title this year, Brady said: “I like the way Mikel Arteta has them playing. But it gives me a nervous breakdown when they play in their own box.”
      Unfortunately for The Gunners however, he can’t see past Manchester City for the title: “Anybody that knows anything about football would say Manchester City. I think we’re all hoping as fans, Arsenal fans, Liverpool fans, that they might just take their eye off the ball this season. But…” More