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      Man Utd legend Eric Cantona completes latest career change as he announces release of debut album ahead of sell-out tour

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      ERIC CANTONA has rocked the world once again after announcing the release of his debut album – ahead of his sell-out tour.The 57-year-old announced his switch to the world of music in June and his EP ‘I’ll Make My Own Heaven’ is set to be released on October 20th.
      Eric Cantona has announced the release of his debut albumCredit: Splash
      Cantona’s new album ‘I’ll Make My Own Heaven’ will be released on October 20thCredit: Decca Records
      The former Manchester United legend released his first single in JuneCredit: Getty
      It includes songs in English and French called The Friends We Lost, Tu Me Diras, I’ll Make My Own Heaven and Je Veux.
      The Manchester United legend has already faced the music during his playing career for Kung Fu-kicking an opposing fan and criticising France’s national coach.
      But Cantona turned his hand to theatre, movies and painting professionally after hanging up his boots in 1997.
      He has now composed a number of songs and will start his tour later this month.
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      The former forward will embark on a five-date tour in Manchester, London and Dublin.
      Describing his love for music writing, Cantona said: “Writing is a way for me to exist, as only my existence can result in writing this way.
      “Why start today, so many years later? Simply because I had lacked the time before.
      “During lockdown, I finally managed to give the guitar a serious go, and even though I’m still a poor guitarist, I felt confident enough to whip a few songs into shape.
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      “I’ll be starting in Manchester, because it’s a city that has stayed with me so much. For the football of course, but also the general atmosphere.”
      The upcoming tour will not be a one-off as the Man Utd icon hopes a “modest piano and cello” will play with him next year.
      Cantona first made his name with Leeds before joining United for £1million in 1992.
      He went on to win four Premier League titles and two FA Cups during his five turbulent years at Old Trafford. More

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      Harry Maguire ‘could quit Man Utd in January with Premier League side encouraged to reignite transfer interest’

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      HARRY MAGUIRE could quit Manchester United for another Premier League club in January.West Ham are reportedly being encouraged to reignite their interest in the England defender.
      Harry Maguire could leave Manchester United in JanuaryCredit: Getty
      The Hammers were strongly linked with a move for Maguire in the summer.
      Despite reports claiming they had agreed a fee with United, a transfer never materialised.
      However, ESPN now report that West Ham are eyeing a fresh approach for Maguire in January.
      David Moyes’ side are said to believe that the deal can be revived, with the Red Devils willing to allow the centre-back to leave.
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      West Ham’s interest comes amid Saudi interest in Kurt Zouma, with the club keen to agree a new deal with the Frenchman.
      Earlier this week, Maguire claimed he did not turn down a move to the London Stadium in the summer.
      Speaking to the media whilst on international duty, the 30-year-old explained: “The actual opportunity to go to West Ham, it wasn’t agreed really between both clubs and myself.
      “It wasn’t just my chance to say, ‘Yes, I’m going.’ It wasn’t agreed between both clubs so the actual opportunity wasn’t there because we didn’t get far enough down the line with it.”
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      Maguire, who is out of contract in 2025, has struggled for opportunities at Old Trafford this season.
      He has made just four appearances under Erik ten Hag, with his only Premier League start coming against Brentford last weekend. More

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      Football should consider drastic rule change with refs too quick to show red card with grossly-exaggerated punishments

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      WHEN your team is a goal behind and the opposition start to use cunning ploys to run down the clock, you will get excitable.However, when you are one-goal up and under pressure, you will smile along with your mates if your team use clever delaying tactics up to the final whistle.
      Referees are brandishing red cards a lot easier with the new rule changeCredit: Getty
      Unfortunately, Fifa can’t spot a minor blemish on the field of play without taking a bulldozer to it.
      So in August, timewasting became a regular yellow-card incident — of which there were no fewer than six in the Women’s Super League last weekend and 11 in the Premier League a week before.
      Of course, two yellow cards become a red and an immediate one-match ban.
      That was what happened to England defender Alex Greenwood on Sunday.
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      She took a couple of seconds too long in ­sizing up alternatives with a free-kick, received her second yellow and got sent off.
      Greenwood had taken 26 seconds to play the ball after Emily Heaslip awarded Manchester City a free-kick in the 38th minute of their key home WSL game against Chelsea.

      She had already passed it as ref Heaslip strode towards her to issue her sanction — and Greenwood’s delivery was below last season’s average 34 seconds.
      Would VAR have saved her?
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      Even if they were allowed to review second bookings, judging by recent instances, guardians of the monitors in Stockley Park might have been nodding off at the time.
      In all, Heaslip showed 11 yellows and two reds in this ONE game, which smacks of being a little over-zealous.
      But I wasn’t there and, like most people, I feel referees have a highly challenging job and strong criticism is often unjust.
      FIFA see them as policemen with whistles — the sustainers of law and order.
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      Karren Brady insists Fifa should address this latest issueCredit: Getty
      True, refs should be decisive but equally they should avoid being pedantic.
      As far as I am aware, there was no gain for Greenwood in delaying her free-kick by a few seconds — and she was actually quicker than the normal.
      We’ve all seen occasions where players exaggerate minor knocks — and frankly, if they are not wearing shin pads they shouldn’t complain too pitiably.
      Every regular fan can point to other annoying examples of time- wasting and that was why the authorities were anxious to use the rules to give them better value for their money.
      This has led to numerous 100-minute matches in the men’s and women’s game.
      Last week’s Premier League fixture between Fulham and Sheffield United racked up just a few seconds short of 114 minutes.
      More second yellow cards for time-wasting are being issued by refereesCredit: Rex
      Fair enough. But the rights of players should be protected and refs should try not to spoil a contest by harsh punishments for trivial delays.
      Maybe it is time to consider a sin-bin.
      It works in rugby union in the form of a ten-minute penalty for fairly serious offences — which surely nobody would suggest of a four-second delay in taking a throw-in.
      Far more infuriating are the delays for falsified injury; while players celebrate scoring by scrummaging with fans in the crowd; the age to bring on substitutes and other time-cheating on a Dr Who scale.
      Worst of all are minutes waiting for head-scratching VAR experts, baffled so often by a handball or offside.
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      My view? Wasted time is a bore.
      But the punishment should fit the crime — not grossly exceed it. More

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      Ten Hag ‘considering AXING Andre Onana after disastrous start at Man Utd… but coaches fighting to salvage £47m transfer’

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      ERIK TEN HAG is “open” to dropping Andre Onana if his poor form for Manchester United continues, according to reports.But the Dutchman is still hopeful that his former Ajax goalkeeper remains his long-term No1.
      Andre Onana has had an underwhelming start to life at Man UnitedCredit: Getty
      The United boss approved the summer exit of David de Gea, with the Spaniard’s contract allowed to expire.
      Club chiefs subsequently forked out £47million to sign Onana from Inter Milan.
      Onana, 27, chastised Harry Maguire for a mistake in pre-season, but has since made a series of gaffes himself, including against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
      Ten Hag believes that Onana’s personality and leadership skills set to him apart from other former United targets including Diogo Costa and David Raya.
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      But his performances so far have left a lot to be desired.
      The Red Devils signed Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayindir in a £4.3m deadline day deal.
      According to ESPN, Ten Hag wouldn’t be against axing Onana from his starting XI if he continues to play poorly.
      He is hoping to see an improvement in the Cameroonian’s form, however, and will continue to back him for now.
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      United could lose Onana for a whole month when the Africa Cup of Nations begins in January.
      But he is reportedly reluctant to play for his country at the tournament.
      Man United legend Roy Keane recently criticised Onana’s start to life at Old Trafford.
      Appearing on the Stick to Football podcast, Keane said: “He’s had a really poor start.
      “To be a goalkeeper at Man United is a hard position, you need a big personality after you’ve made mistakes.
      “He’s already made a few mistakes, it’s not been a great start.
      “We’ve seen other goalkeepers that have come to the club with a big reputation but, after a few mistakes, there seems no way back for them.”
      The Red Devils signed Altay Bayindir on deadline dayCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd ‘launch internal investigation into issue plaguing squad amid shocking start to season’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have launched an investigation into the first team’s injury crisis, according to reports.Eric ten Hag’s squad has been plagued by injuries so far this season.
      Man Utd are set to investigate an injury crisisCredit: Getty
      Lisandro Martinez has been ruled out for up to three months with a foot injuryCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Luke Shaw is also injuredCredit: Getty
      Several players have already been ruled out for a significant period of time, including Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Amad Diallo.
      The likes of Raphael Varane, Mason Mount and Sergio Reguilon have also been sidelined due to various injury issues.
      And according to The Daily Mail, the issue has become such a concern that United medics are prepared to investigate.
      Club doctors are actively seeking to identify whether any patterns exist.
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      And if they manage to find any, they will look to develop ways to limit them in future.
      Former Arsenal doctor Gary O’Driscoll joined Man Utd’s medical team as the head of sports medicine last month.
      He is expected to play a part in the upcoming investigations.
      The Red Devils currently sit 10th in the Premier League with just 12 points from eight games.
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      Last month, Ten Hag admitted that the club’s injury crisis has taken its toll.
      He said: “One thing is true, from the start of last season I almost never started with the best starting XI, it was always something like an injury.
      “But you have to deal with it and we always get the results, apart from the period we are in now. It’s a concern but that’s why we constructed the squad with depth, so we can deal with it. The squad can deal with it.
      “Injuries always come in top football because we’re living on the edge and injuries are coming up.
      “We analyse why things happen but we also have to deal with the facts and it’s always about the players available. We have a strong side and we have to get the best out of it.” More

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      Unemployed former Arsenal ace linked with major transfer to Manchester United’s Champions League rivals

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      A FORMER Arsenal ace could be on the verge of a spectacular return to football with Bayern Munich.Sokratis Papastathopoulos has been without a club since his contract with Olympiacos ran out in June.
      Bayern Munich are considering ex-Arsenal ace Sokratis PapastathopoulosCredit: Reuters
      According to Bild, however, Bayern are considering Sokratis to re-inforce their defence amid an ongoing injury crisis.
      The German champions’ starting centre-backs Matthijs de Ligt and Dayot Upamecano have both been sidelined.
      De Ligt is dealing with a knee problem while Upamecano suffered a hamstring injury against Freiburg on Sunday.
      And manager Thomas Tuchel could turn to Sokratis with whom he has a very good relationship.
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      Tuchel and the centre-back worked together at Borussia Dortmund, where the player made 198 appearances during his five-year stint at the club before his move to Arsenal in 2018.
      However, Bayern might wait until the end of the international break to fully assess De Ligt and Upamecano’s fitness.
      The Bavarians will then decide whether to go after another central defender in the January transfer window.
      But the ex-Chelsea boss will want both players available on December 12 when Bayern visit Old Trafford for their return fixture against Manchester United in the Champions League.
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      This comes after Tuchel’s side decided against reinstating Jerome Boateng to the squad.
      Boateng has been training with the reserves ever since his departure from Lyon in June.
      Sokratis, though, has had other offers as he was also approached by Real Betis.
      The Spaniards wanted the 35-year-old to move to the Benito Villamarin and replace the injured Marc Bartra.
      According to transfer insider Matteo Moretto, however, negotiations between the two parties fell through.
      Sokratis spent three years at Arsenal where he registered six goals and two assists in 69 appearances.
      The ex-Greece international also won the FA Cup in 2020 before his move to Olympiacos a year later.
      Former Arsenal ace Sokratis is a free agent and was linked with Real BetisCredit: The Sun More

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      Premier League legend is hidden in incredible mountain optical illusion – can you spot who it is?

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      A PREMIER LEAGUE legend is hiding in a stunning optical illusion among a series of mountains.AC Milan have shared a picture of a picturesque mountainous view to their 15.1million followers on Instagram.
      AC Milan shared a stunning optical illusion on social mediaCredit: Instagram @acmilan
      But if you look closely and squint hard enough you should be able to see a mystery player hidden in the beautiful scenery.
      All you have to do is concentrate on the centre of the pic with your eyes half closed.
      Have you worked out who it is?
      Here’s a hint, that player has competed for both Arsenal and Chelsea in the last few years.
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      And has also been a main man for France in his time.
      It is, of course, none other than Olivier Giroud, who currently plays for Milan.
      Giroud spent six years at Arsenal following a move from Montpellier in 2012.
      The France international amassed a total of 105 goals and 41 assists in 253 appearances with the Gunners.
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      The 37-year-old then joined London rivals Chelsea in 2018 and spent three years at Stamford Bridge.
      France’s record goalscorer registered a total of 39 goals and 14 assists in 119 matches with the Blues.
      Ever since 2021, Giroud has been playing for Milan where he has scored 36 goals and created 14 assists in 94 games.
      The Prem hero went viral recently after he was forced into goal after goalkeeper Mike Maignan was sent off and made a wonder save to seal three points at Genoa.
      And it is none other than Olivier Giroud who hides behind that optical illusionCredit: Instagram @acmilan
      Giroud previously played for Arsenal and Chelsea in the Premier LeagueCredit: Rex More

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      Arsenal Premier League fixture MOVED to accommodate title rivals Man City after police BANNED kickoff time

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      ARSENAL’S Premier League clash with Brentford has been moved to accommodate Manchester City’s match against Liverpool.The Gunners were due to face Thomas Frank’s side at 12:30pm on Saturday, November 25.
      Arsenal’s Premier League match against Brentford has been movedCredit: Getty
      Man City’s clash with Liverpool has switched to the earlier kick-off due to fan concernsCredit: PA
      However, the fixture has now been moved to 5:30pm.
      That is because a local safety advisory group – which includes members of the police – were concerned about the prospect of a early evening kick-off when Man City face Liverpool.
      There have been several issues with fan trouble and behaviour surrounding the fixture in the past, so Premier League chiefs have made the decision to bring the match forward instead.
      It means Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp will come face-to-face at mid-day.
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      Both games will still be allocated to their original broadcasters, with Arsenal’s match aired on TNT Sports and Man City’s on Sky Sports.
      Amid concerns about fan safety at the Etihad, Liverpool’s ticket allocation was cut by 20 per cent from 3,000 seats to 2,400 last season.
      In December a 15-year-old girl was left ‘scarred for life’ after being struck by a pot weighted with coins that had been thrown from the away section.
      The fixture switch comes amid a huge battle between the clubs at the top of the Premier League.
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      Tottenham currently sit top of the table, level on points with Arsenal.
      Man City and Liverpool complete the top four, with Brighton and Aston Villa level on points in fifth and sixth. More