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      Erik ten Hag hails Man Utd fans’ booing of Anthony Martial as ‘a positive’ in bizarre post-match interview

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      BOSS Erik ten Hag astonishingly claimed booing by disgruntled Manchester United fans was a “positive”.Crisis-hit United have lost three of their opening five Prem games for the first time after being embarrassed by Brighton.
      Anthony Martial reacts to defeat after getting a tough reception when he came onCredit: AP
      New Man Utd striker Rasmus Hojlund will be boosted by the response from fans when he went off, manager Erik ten Hag claimedCredit: Getty
      Deafening jeers rang out around Old Trafford as the Dutchman replaced Rasmus Hojlund with flop Anthony Martial after 64 minutes.
      Bafflingly, Ten Hag said: “It was positive. You see the fans in the first moment in Old Trafford, the reception for Hojlund was great.
      “He performed very well. It’s good they give this signal, this message, it will give Rasmus belief.” 
      Danish striker Hojlund arrived in a £72million deal from Atalanta last month with a stress fracture of the back.
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      And Ten Hag blamed the injury for the 20-year-old’s early removal after one of United’s few sparks had a goal disallowed.
      Ten Hag added: “Everyone knows he came in with a small issue.
      “We built him up over the last three or four weeks, he is not ready for a whole game.”
      Martial, 27, has scored just 11 goals in his last 55 Prem games but Ten Hag refuted suggestions the boos were targeted at the Frenchman’s introduction.
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      He claimed: “It was because Hojlund came off but I don’t want to discuss that, so I don’t know.
      “But Anthony Martial, last year, every time he played he had a very positive effect on our games.
      “We almost lost no games with Anthony on the pitch.
      “When he is fit he will definitely contribute. At this moment, he is not top fit.”
      Goals from United old boy Danny Welbeck, Pascal Gross and Joao Pedro gave the Seagulls a convincing victory.
      But despite his team being outplayed, Ten Hag had rose-coloured glasses on United’s performance.
      He added: “We played well. You analyse that first half, we started well, we created chances.”
      But the boss accepts results are a concern.
      Fans didn’t seem happy when Ten Hag replaced Hojlund with MartialCredit: EPA
      Ten Hag said: “Definitely, that bothers me. We have to be disappointed and annoyed because at United the demand is you win games.
      “We have to see how the team sticks together and which players stand up and lead.”
      Brighton are  fourth in the table and boss Roberto De Zerbi said: “Football is nice because the small team can win in every moment.
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      “But it is not a surprise. The quality of the players of Brighton is very high and the organisation.
      “I don’t know the problems of Manchester United but we are used to working in our style, we are playing with courage.” More

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      Man Utd in three-way transfer battle with Arsenal and Liverpool for Red Bull Salzburg wonderkid Oscar Gloukh

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      MANCHESTER UNITED, Arsenal and Liverpool are monitoring Israeli wonderkid Oscar Gloukh.The Premier League big boys had scouts watching the 19-year-old (below) during the international break.
      Oscar Gloukh is being monitored by Man Utd, Arsenal and LiverpoolCredit: Rex
      And it appeared he impressed, scoring the equaliser against Romania to boost his country’s chances of qualifying for Euro 2024.
      Attacking midfielder Gloukh played against England in this summer’s European Under-21 Championship and was a standout.
      Previously, he had played against a Three Lions youth team in the Euro 2019 final – finding the net with a brilliant strike.
      He joined Red Bull Salzburg from Maccabi Tel Aviv for £6million in January.
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      The youngster has already scored three goals in 24 games for the Austrian side.
      Gloukh was previously linked to Barcelona, Ajax and Borussia Dortmund.
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      It was reported that the Catalans were very close to signing the youngster, but their interest came after Salzburg had already agreed a deal.
      He said: “I was very excited that (Barcelona) wanted me, but they were late for the bidding and came back when we had already closed the Salzburg deal.
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      “In the end, I think we made the right decision to go to Salzburg and not to Barcelona. It makes more sense for my development as a player.” More

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      Raheem Sterling could be the new Zidane, says Pochettino as he uses France legend as example to Chelsea star

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO believes Raheem Sterling can win over Chelsea’s boo-boys — just like Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid.Sterling was targeted by some Blues fans when he came on as a substitute in the team’s last visit to Bournemouth back in May.
      Mauricio Pochettino is backing Raheem Sterling to be a smash hit at ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Poch is urging Sterling to follow Zinedine Zidane’s lead at Real MadridCredit: AFP
      It was the lowest point of a tough first season at Stamford Bridge for the £47.5million signing, despite his arrival helping spark a 3-1 win.
      But as Chelsea prepare to return to the Vitality Stadium this afternoon, Pochettino said: “Maybe Sunday can change these boos to claps.
      “Chelsea always have massive expectations. When you arrive at Chelsea as a player or coaching staff, what do people expect?
      “To win and win trophies and to perform and to score.
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      “Now we have a squad that is young and some players who are a big investment for the club.  
      “It’s not fair to assess, OK, one game, two games, three games they’re not performing and we paid money and they need to perform like this.
      “Always I use the same example. Real Madrid paid a huge fee, I don’t know what, for one player.
      “The name was Zinedine Zidane, an amazing player. After six months you can ask the fans of Bernabeu, Real Madrid and people there — ‘What have we bought?’
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      Sterling and Pochettino are hoping for a win against BournemouthCredit: Reuters
      “And he started to perform after seven, eight months. Zidane was 26, 27 and when you bring a player of 18, 19, 20, 21, be careful, they’re not machines.”
      Sterling, 28, is starting to turn things around at Chelsea and Pochettino hopes a player entering his 13th season in the Prem will have a positive influence on Blues’ influx of young, mostly foreign talent.
      He said: “We’re happy because he is a player with experience that can help the young guys to evolve. If we can help the player to improve and be better and score goals and make assists, it’s much, much better for him and for the team.
      “I am so happy about his performances and about the way he behaved the last two weeks.  He worked really, really hard.”
      Sterling was disappointed to miss out on the latest England squad but his omission allowed Pochettino to get to know better a player that he admitted he used to “hate” when he was the opposition coach.
      Poch said: “Now I want to enjoy him. But we were suffering in previous seasons! You can feel that he’s fit, ready to compete, to get to his level and improving. And the last two weeks were important for him also moving forwards.”
      After the Cherries, Poch’s men face Aston Villa, Fulham and Burnley in the league aiming to put behind them the 1-0 Stamford Bridge loss to Nottingham Forest before the international break.
      The Argentine boss added: “One thing is a bad feeling because of results, another is the process — and I think we’re in a good way.
      “We need to recover all the injured players and then we will be very competitive and tough to play against.” More

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      Arsenal line up Royal Ascot guru as new CEO following departure of Vinai Venkatesham

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      ARSENAL are short-listing Ascot horse racing business guru Felicity Barnard for their chief executive vacancy.Barnard worked for the Gunners in London and Singapore and was also at West Ham.
      The Gunners will consider Felicity Barnard for the CEO vacancyCredit: Getty
      Current CEO Vinai Venkatesham is departing Arsenal next summerCredit: Getty
      Apart from being the Deputy DEO and commercial director at Ascot, she is also a non-executive director for Great British Racing.
      Barnard graduated in Material Science at the University of Birmingham in 2004.
      Arsenal’s interest in her follows Vinai Venkatesham confirming he will depart the club after 14 years next summer.
      After arriving in 2010 as head of global partnerships, he worked his way up to CEO three years ago.
      READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS
      Venkatesham is also a non-executive director of the British Olympic Association.
      He admitted quitting the Gunners was a “tough decision”.
      But he is determined to oversee a “seamless transition”.
      Arsenal director Josh Kroenke said the club’s board was “fully supportive of Vinai’s desire to pursue his next challenge”.
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      But Kroenke added: “Change and succession is something the club is well prepared for.”
      The Gunners have been on the rise under Venkatesham as CEO – helped by Mikel Arteta really finding his feet last season after taking over as manager in 2019. More

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      Ex-Premier League manager ‘lined up for return’ as Sheff Utd boss Heckingbottom at risk of first sacking of season

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      SHEFFIELD UNITED are considering SACKING manager Paul Heckingbottom and bringing back former head coach Chris Wilder after a winless start to their Premier League season, according to reports.The Blades have struggled since returning to the top flight, picking up just one point from their opening five games.
      Paul Heckingbottom is under pressure after taking one point from five league gamesCredit: Getty
      Chris Wilder is being tipped for a possible return to Bramall LaneCredit: Getty
      Heckingbottom, 46, who has been in charge since November 2021, looked set to claim a first victory of the campaign on Saturday away at Tottenham.
      But they spurned a 1-0 lead as Spurs scored twice in stoppage time to clinch a dramatic late win.
      According to The Mail, there is now increasing pressure on Heckingbottom – who led Sheffield United to automatic promotion last season.
      And if he is dismissed, ex-Blades boss Wilder, 55, is being lined up for a return to Bramall Lane.
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      Under Wilder, Sheffield United went from League One to the Premier League and finished ninth in their first season in the top flight.
      Wilder was sacked in March 2021 after five years at the club, with the team having amassed just 14 points from 28 games.
      However, he remains a popular figure among the fans and would likely be widely accepted by the Sheffield United faithful.
      Meanwhile, Heckingbottom launched an astonishing rant at referee Paul Bankes following his side’s loss to Tottenham.
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      Six of the visitors’ players received bookings and Ollie McBurnie was sent off in the final moments of the game – receiving a second yellow for dissent.
      Heckingbottom said: “Something needs to be done now.
      “This is not me moaning, I said it at half-time and when we were 1-0 up as well. The focus is on time-wasting, so the referees are dictating how we play.
      “We set up from the back, then Spurs push forward and then that dictates how we play. But no, we’re just told to ‘play long’. The answer back to me was ‘well kick long then’.
      “We work all week on how we want to play and the refs are dictating to us how we play the game. It can’t happen, but it’s happening. They’ve got obsessed about time-wasting and yellow cards.
      “Wes Foderingham got a yellow card for handling outside the box and then got threatened with a sending off you can’t do it.
      “The officiating is appalling, and it’s not about the football decisions, it’s just game management.
      “They just do not know what they’re doing. The people who are directing our game have not got a clue about our game. They don’t know football.
      “My worry is all the focus is on yellow cards for time-wasting and when I talked to the referees they haven’t got a clue what I’m talking about. they’re officiating the game, they simply do not know the game.
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      “To sum it all up we get Ollie McBurnie sent off for telling the referee someone is pulling his shirt. We’ve just seen someone lead with an elbow into our goalkeeper who needs stitches and that’s the same offence. What’s going on, seriously what’s going on with our game?
      “The referees are just killing the game at the minute. Ruining it.” More

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      Erling Haaland hilariously recreates Di Canio’s famous referee push in celebration with Silva – with legend watching on

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      LET’S get ready to tumble! Erling Haaland celebrated his latest blast of fame by re-living one of the Prem’s most notorious moments of shame.The Manchester City striker recreated Paolo Di Canio pushing late referee Paul Alcock to the ground 25 years ago to the month – as the infamous Italian culprit looked on in the stands at his old club West Ham.
      Bernardo Silva gives fellow Man City scorer Erling Haaland a push like Paolo Di Canio’s on ref Paul Alcock in September 1998Credit: Rex
      Haaland shows he is no better at staying on his feet than Alcock, who was harshly criticised for his ungainly fall 25 years agoCredit: Rex
      Goal machine Haaland was happy to be the fall guyCredit: AP
      Di Canio shocked the football world with his push on ref AlcockCredit: Sky Sports
      Fellow City scorer Bernardo Silva shoved Haaland – with the Norwegian tumbling backwards to the ground just like Alcock did.
      The pair wore huge grins – unlike the ref in September 1998.
      Alcock was ridiculed amid suggestions he fell over too easily.
      But the whistler, who died in 2018 aged 64, insisted he was off-balance – and Di Canio, then of Sheffield Wednesday, was banned for 11 games.
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      Haaland channelled the infamous, iconic incident after rounding off City’s 3-1 comeback victory at West Ham on Saturday.
      Last season’s Treble winners top the Prem as the only side with five wins from their first five games.
      Jeremy Doku, Silva and a typical Haaland finish deservedly overturned a first-half lead given to the Hammers by a diving header from James Ward-Prowse.
      Ex-Borussia Dortmund hero Haaland, 23, hit 35 goals in his 36 Prem matches last term – netting 52 times in all competitions.
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      The £52milion poacher already has seven in five league games this season.
      And after some pundits doubted his suitability for Pep Guardiola’s short-passing side, Haaland is simply telling them to “shove it”.
      Di Canio was banned for his reaction to being sent off following a melee against Arsenal 25 years agoCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Landmark VAR moment at Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace as fans left stunned by extremely rare refereeing decision

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      FANS were left stunned by a rare refereeing decision during Aston Villa’s win over Crystal Palace.Referee Darren England was involved in a landmark VAR moment during the dramatic clash on Saturday.
      Darren England stuck with his decision after consulting the VAR monitorCredit: PA
      England had pointed to the penalty spot after he deemed that Villa striker Ollie Watkins had been fouled by Chris Richards.
      However, he was then called over to the pitchside monitor following a VAR check to review his decision.
      Following a lengthy stoppage, though, England opted to stick with his on-field decision, much to the surprise of fans inside the stadium and at home.
      England’s call marked the first time this season that a Premier League referee has gone against VAR and stuck with his decision.
      READ MORE CRYSTAL PALACE NEWS
      Reacting to the incident, one fan tweeted: “Darren England sent to the monitor by his VAR team and sticks with his original decision. Only Palace.”
      Another added: “Finally a referee who sticks with his decision when incompetent VAR tries to overrule. Fair-play Darren England.”
      A third supporter also commented: “I need to hear the 5 minute long conversation Darren England had with the VAR immediately.”
      Meanwhile, one more wrote: “Can’t remember the last time a ref didn’t overturn a VAR screen review… Had to be Darren England against us didn’t it.”
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      Once the penalty was finally taken, Douglas Luiz scored from 12 yards to give Villa the lead deep into stoppage time.
      Leon Bailey then made it 3-1 in the 11th added minute to complete the scoring and seal a comeback win for the hosts.
      Palace had been ahead as late as the 87th minute following Odsonne Edouard’s opener.
      However, they were pegged back by Jhon Duran before the stoppage time drama saw Villa claim all three points.
      VAR had reviewed the decision to award Aston Villa a penaltyCredit: Reuters More

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      Man Utd 1-3 Brighton LIVE RESULT: Latest reaction as Red Devils stunned by flying Seagulls at Old Trafford

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been beaten 3-1 by Brighton after a horror show at Old Trafford.Danny Welbeck tapped in early on to claim the Seagulls’ first of the afternoon against his old side.
      Pascal Gross made it two in the second half, and Joao Pedro scored his first Brighton goal to make it 3-0 before Hannibal pulled one back for United, but it wasn’t to be for the Red Devils.

      Match result: Man United 1-3 Brighton
      Man Utd XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Martinez, Reguilon; Casemiro, Eriksen, McTominay; Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
      Brighton XI: Steele; Lamptey, Dunk, Van Hecke, Veltman; Dahoud, Gross, Lallana; Welbeck, Adringa, Mitoma

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      Where do United go from here?
      Things certainly don’t get any easier for Ten Hag.
      His men now travel to Germany on Wednesday night.
      They will play Bayern Munich in their Champions League group stage opener.
      And United will be hoping to guard against Harry Kane, who was once a top target for them.
      Credit: Getty
      Another defeat
      It’s three defeats in four matches for United now.
      Ten Hag looked glum as he marched off the pitch.
      Wonder if Sancho would have made a difference today…
      Full time: Man Utd 1 Brighton 3
      Well, what a result this is for the Seagulls.
      United fans aren’t happy and jeer at the final whistle.
      It really was the same old story, scrappy in possession and no clinical edge.
      Ten Hag’s subs proved controversial too, with supporters furious when Hojlund was removed from the field.
      Credit: Reuters
      Man Utd 1 Brighton 3 – Close!
      90+4. Hannibal goes into the book for a reckless challenge.
      And it opens the way for Fati to burst into a one-on-one with Onana.
      But the Barcelona man hits it wrong and sends the ball wide.
      Should have been four.
      Man Utd 1 Brighton 3
      90+2. Old Trafford has almost emptied out alraedy.
      The fans have seen enough and are voting with their feet.
      But the away supporters are in jubilant voice and won’t be moving for a while.
      Man Utd 1 Brighton 3
      90. We will have SIX minutes of added time here.
      United must find a goal now.
      Garnacho breaks into the box after a speedy run but he is offside.
      Man Utd 1 Brighton 3
      89. Fati gets a strike off but it’s well handled by Onana.
      Brighton are happy to regroup and let United pass it around their defence.
      The hosts are struggling to get out of their own half at the minute.
      We’ll find out how much added time there is shortly.
      Man Utd 1 Brighton 3
      87. Time’s ticking at Old Trafford and there’s no sign of life from United.
      In fact, the change in personnel only looks to have strengthened Brighton’s resolve.
      And any time United get hold of the ball, the Seagulls swarm to regain possession immediately.
      Man Utd 1 Brighton 3 – Subs
      85. Brighton make their final change with Evan Ferguson on for Simon Adingra.
      Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho, Facundo Pellistri and Aaron-Wan Bissaka are on for United.
      Lisandro Martinez, Scott McTominay and Sergio Reguilon come off.
      Man Utd 1 Brighton 3
      83. There’s certainly been goals galore this game.
      Will there be more in the next seven minutes?
      After the quickfire double less than 10 minutes ago, you wouldn’t bet against it.
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: AP
      Man Utd 1 Brighton 3
      81. Reguilon takes on Adingra and wins before launching a cross.
      Dunk is on hand to clear for a corner, which is taken by Eriksen.
      But it’s a terrible effort and cleared by Brighton.
      United then plead for a free-kick on Rashford but it’s ignored by the ref.
      Man Utd 1 Brighton 3 – Save!
      79. Mitoma is in and almost makes it four!
      But Onana stays strong and makes a good block.
      Man Utd 1 Brighton 3
      78. Brighton are trying to slow things down here.
      The crowd jeer as the Seagulls take their time over a goal kick.
      United win the ball back quickly.
      But they can’t find a way through Brighton’s midfield.
      Man Utd 1 Brighton 3 – Subs
      76. Subs from the visitors.
      James Milner and Billy Gilmour are on.
      Mahmoud Dahoud and Tariq Lamptey come off.
      Man Utd 1 Brighton 3
      75. Wow, some great action there.
      One fine goal from Pedro topped by an instant reply from Hannibal.
      But Brighton still have that two-goal cushion.
      Can United find one more quickly?
      Goal – Man Utd 1 Brighton 3
      There’s an immediate reply!
      And it’s the sub Mejbri, who fires in a howitzer from distance!
      The midfielder controls the ball before cracking off a long shot.
      He wheels away in celebration and it’s game on again!
      Goal – Man Utd 0 Brighton 3
      It’s THREE for Brighton!
      Lamptey dinks his way down the left and plays in Joao Pedro.
      The Brazilian then fires in a cracker from distance, with Onana nowhere near.
      United fans are leaving in their droves now, there’s no way back.
      Man Utd 0 Brighton 2
      69. Just over 20 minutes left and United look no closer to finding that key breakthrough.
      Eriksen is now sitting deepest in midfield, with Hannibal pushing forward.
      Yet it’s left United exposed, and Brighton almost get in with Fati before Martinez steps across the youngster.
      The Stretford End is restless, with many wanting to see Alejandro Garnacho come on.
      Man Utd 0 Brighton 2
      67. Instant impact from Hannibal as he wins a free-kick in a good position.
      Rashford stands over it before lashing a shot at goal.
      But the effort is a weak one and Steele is able to catch it easily.
      Man Utd 0 Brighton 2 – Subs
      65. Changes from both sides here.
      Adam Lallana and Danny Welbeck are both off.
      They’re replaced by Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati and summer signing Joao Pedro.
      Meanwhile, United have hauled off Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund for Hannibal Mejbri and Anthony Martial.
      Fans loudly booed when Hojlund’s number went up…
      Man Utd 0 Brighton 2
      62. The home crowd are getting noisier as they urge their players on.
      United get a break down the right through Dalot, who beats his man before chipping the ball onwards.
      The ball is sent back out though, and Brighton are able to reclaim possession.
      Man Utd 0 Brighton 2
      60. Gross is looking hungry since his goal.
      He is keeping a sharp press on Lindelof, with Welbeck constantly chasing down Martinez and preventing United from playing out.
      Rashford finally gets some luck and darts down the left.
      But Gross charges back to snuff out the danger.
      Credit: Reuters
      Man Utd 0 Brighton 2
      58. A rare spell of possession for United sees an opportunity fall to Fernandes.
      The captain lines up a shot from distance, but his effort lacks any real power.
      Hojlund attempts to spark some life into the hosts with a decent dribble.
      But Rashford’s shot is deflected out for a corner, with the resulting set-piece hit into the side-netting by Fernandes.
      Man Utd 0 Brighton 2
      56. It’s a long way back from here…
      United have not been on it since coming out for the second half.
      Brighton were given too much time on the ball, allowing them to craft another opportunity.
      And United paid the ultimate price, with two goals now needed just to level things up.
      Goal – Man Utd 0 Brighton 2
      53. It’s another for the Seagulls!
      Brighton work it from right to left, allowing Mitoma to drive at McTominay.
      He knocks it to Lamptey, who in turns plays in Gross.
      And the German shimmies before smashing the ball past Onana.
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