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      Former Premier League club’s future thrown into serious doubt as takeover collapses and no bidders waiting in wings

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      READING’S takeover attempt by Rob Couhig has collapsed.The 75-year-old extremely close to being named the new owner of the Royals after funding the club over the summer and meeting supporters on multiple occasions.Former Wycombe Wanderers owner Rob Couhig is no longer in the running to become Reading’s new ownerCurrent owner Dai Yongge is looking for other parties to purchase the clubReading fans protested to get rid of Yongge last term after the clubs financial strugglesThe future of the club is now in serious doubt, according to BBC Radio Berkshire’s Tim Dellor, who has heard from a source that current owner Dai Yongge is still “keen to sell the club.”Other interested parties are expected to be invited back to the negotiating table but, currently, no bidders are waiting in the wings.The radio show revealed that Couhig has been fully repaid for his loans and the club will be kept afloat in the short term by a sell-on fee received for the transfer of former star Michael Olise from Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich.Redwood Holdings, led by Couhig, reportedly loaned the club around £4million.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCouhig was spotted at games earlier this term, giving fans hope that the takeover would be completed soon.However, in recent days this hope has faded and it now appears that the Berkshire side is back to square one as they seek to remove Yongge.Protests against the owner occurred last term – including a pitch invasion which resulted in their clash with Port Vale being called off.Fans’ hopes were raised in March when it was revealed that Dai had entered a period of exclusivity with an interested buyer.Most read in FootballThe period of exclusivity ended in June and, at that point, the club revealed that talks were ongoing with the same party and other interested buyers.It was expected that former Wycombe Wanderers chief Couhig would end seven years of hardship under the Chinese billionaire Yongge.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseHowever, the final contract could not be signed and Couhig has exited the process.The Royals currently sit in mid-table in the third tier but they could slide down the division with the club’s future now uncertain again.The club has yet to comment. More

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      Alejandro Garnacho shows his true colours with gesture to Man Utd team-mate Antony after scoring from penalty spot

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      MANCHESTER UNITED winger Alejandro Garnacho sent a subtle message to team-mate Antony following the Brazilian’s goal against Barnsley last night.The Red Devils cruised to an impressive 7-0 win over Barnsley at Old Trafford.Alejandro Garnacho was quick to embrace Antony following the Brazilian’s goalCredit: RexAntony has struggled for confidence over the last yearCredit: GettyGarnacho, Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford all scored twice while Antony netted once from the penalty spot.The 24-year-old made no mistake in slotting the ball into the bottom-right corner in the 35th minute.And as he wheeled away in celebration, Garnacho ran over to give him a hug and a kiss on the head.Antony has struggled to find his form since joining United in a big-money transfer from Ajax two years ago.Read More in FootballThe Brazilian winger has scored just 12 goals in 84 first team outings.And before last night’s fixture he was limited to just one appearance this season – a one-minute cameo against Brighton in the Premier League.But playing the full match against Barnsley and scoring his first goal of the campaign will have likely given him a much-needed confidence boost.Erik ten Hag heaped praise on United’s forwards after the match, especially Rashford.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “In my first season, also he had this vibe and this good mood. When I see Marcus Rashford, I’m composed and I’m confident that he will score.”I think last season was, for everyone, difficult but, in the end, we were able to win a trophy last season, you can’t forget this.Man Utd fans all tell Antony to do the same thing as Ten Hag gives £86m flop Jadon Sancho-style dressing down “But by the end, we found our targets, we hit the targets we wanted to get and this is what we aim for this season as well.”We want to progress and be better, we are very ambitious, we want to go forward as a team.”Also individual players, Marcus Rashford wants to score goals and that is what I saw.”But not only Marcus Rashford, it’s the whole team and they are really hungry looking for goals.” More

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      Watch Casemiro try to stop Garnacho copying Cristiano Ronaldo celebration days after winger was dropped by Ten Hag

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      CASEMIRO intervened to prevent Alejandro Garnacho from mimicking Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic celebration.The telling moment unfolded during Manchester United’s 7-0 triumph over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup. Casemiro intervened to prevent Alejandro Garnacho from mimicking Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic celebrationThe telling moment unfolded during Manchester United’s 7-0 triumph over Barnsley in the Carabao CupLeft out of the starting line-up for the first three games of the season, Garnacho was recalled for the defeat against Liverpool.A ‘liking’ of an Instagram post quoting Ronaldo’s latest rant about Ten Hag had probably not helped his cause to be a starting player in the squad as it made headlines.And it didn’t as the winger was then dropped again from the starting lineup in their Premier League 3-0 victory against Southampton.But he was back on Tuesday night and with a bang.READ MORE ON MAN UTDWith two goals and two assists he lit up Old Trafford.And he almost stirred up trouble with the boss once more as the 20-year-old who is a well publicised fan of Ronaldo began to emulate the Portuguese ace’s signature pose after scoring United’s third goal.However, Casemiro was there to the rescue and swiftly intervened.One eagle-eyed fan said: “Why is Casemiro stopping Garnacho from doing the Ronaldo celebration? I’m in tears.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother added: “Casemiro was looking out for Alejandro Garnacho when he tried to stop him from hitting Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic “Siuuu” celebration!” A third then said, “What a funny moment that is.”‘Man Utd have wrong bald Dutch manager’ – how Slot schooled Ten Hag at Old TraffordThe Argentine instead did his own celebration by sitting on the advertising board. The star is hoping that after his impressive performance against the League One side, he will be back in Ten Hag’s good books. More

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      Refs’ chief Howard Webb reveals Declan Rice red card was correct – but Arsenal wronged by different incorrect decision

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      DECLAN RICE was rightly sent off for kicking the ball away against Brighton – according to refs’ chief Howard Webb.Speaking on this season’s first edition of decision review show “Match Officials Mic’d Up”, Webb said referee Chris Kavanagh had “no choice” other than to dismiss the England star.Declan Rice was shown a second yellow card for kicking the ball away against BrightonCredit: GettyThe midfielder was left baffled, but Howard Webb claims he was right to be sent offCredit: GettyRice was handed a second yellow by Kavanagh for nudging the ball away as Brighton’s Joel Veltman was taking a free-kick.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was outraged by the call – which cost him Rice’s services in the north London derby win at Spurs.But the audio of the conversations between Kavanagh and VAR Andy Madley shows the referee felt he had to give Rice the second yellow – even though he was unhappy at doing so.Kavanagh said “Declan Rice has kicked the ball away. I don’t like it, I don’t like it. But he’s knocked the ball. He’s kicked the ball.”Read More in FootballHis VAR, Andy Madley, confirms that decision, telling Kavanagh: “It’s all checked and cleared. It’s exactly as seen.”And Webb agreed: “As you hear from Chris Kavanagh, he’s clearly seen Declan Rice commit a foul, then kick the ball away for an opponent that was in the process of taking a free-kick.“We’ve messaged very clearly and strongly to the players in pre-season around the importance of not getting involved with the ball once the whistle is gone, not delaying the restart in that way.”Once he’s seen Declan Rice deliberately, clearly kick that ball away from the position of that free-kick, then I don’t think he’s got any choice.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWebb, though, did say Kavanagh was WRONG not to issue Brighton’s Joao Pedro with a yellow card for a similar incident in the first half of the game.He said: “It’s a different type of scenario. But it sits in the same kind of book around delaying the restart. Of course, he should have been cautioned here.Arsenal icon Merson says ‘I’ve got more chance of winning Strictly’ in reply to Postecoglou’s second-year trophy claim“The officials on the field gave him too much benefit of doubt, feeling that the actions weren’t really impactful because they felt that the Arsenal players were not ready to take that throw-in.“That should have been the yellow card. And we’ve certainly messaged that back to the officials.”The Rice incident was among five decisions from the first three weeks of the campaign that were reviewed by Webb.Webb said: “In this situation, the ball strikes Ouattara’s shoulder, upper-arm area. It’s hard to be totally conclusive as to exactly where and I don’t think that’s conclusive enough to intervene.“It goes back to ‘referee’s call’. It’s an important concept. And for those factual matters you need evidence. It’s very clear that the on-field call is wrong, I don’t think we have it here.But Webb confirmed that VAR was right to overturn a penalty initially awarded for a “foul” by Lewis Dunk on Dominic Calvert-Lewin in Brighton’s opening day win at Everton.He also agreed that Manchester City’s Mateo Kovacic did not deserve to concede a handball penalty in the first weekend win at Chelsea and that Wout Faes’ goal for Leicester at Fulham, originally ruled out for offside against Jamie Vardy, was correctly awarded.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Behind-the-scenes Man Utd documentary to show Kobbie Mainoo going back to SCHOOL as England star reveals key to success

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Kobbie Mainoo has returned to his old school for a new behind-the-scenes documentary. His incredible rise to stardom is looked at in the next episode of the show “Lifeblood”, which is being released on Friday.Kobbie Mainoo’s rise to the top is explored in a new documentaryHe visits his old school to speak to pupilsIn one scene, Mainoo is filmed heading back to Cheadle Catholic Junior School on the outskirts of Manchester.As he takes a trip down memory lane, the 19-year-old opens up about his childhood and coming through United’s academy.He speaks to students at his old school and is asked by one how he remains grounded.Mainoo replies: “I have never really been one to brag. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I just keep my head down, keep trying to work hard and I try not to listen to people who keep on bigging me up. “Obviously, I appreciate it – but you can’t let it get to your head.”Mainoo started his football journey at Cheadle and Gatley Junior Club, being scouted by Man Utd at the age of seven.He joined at the age of nine and worked his way up through the youth ranks, while also being capped for England at Under-17, 18 and 19 level.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMainoo made his Man Utd debut in January 2023 and became the club’s 246th academy graduate.He then lifted the prestigious Jimmy Murphy award for best youngster later that year.Man Utd’s best XI of academy graduatesBy 2024, Mainoo was a key player for Erik ten Hag and England.The documentary “Lifeblood” celebrates the success of Man Utd’s academy.Club media have produced the show, featuring behind-the-scenes access and interviews with players, parents and coaches.The doc looks at the stories of Alejandro Garnacho, Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford.And there are also clips showing the intensity of youth-team training and the Under-9s getting their first ever United shirt.Fans that subscribe can watch the series via the club’s website. More

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      Fans say ‘Marcus Rashford is BACK’ after Man Utd star scores stunning solo goal in Carabao Cup clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Marcus Rashford scored an incredible solo goal in the Carabao Cup that left fans insisting he is “back” to form.Rashford, 26, dominated two seasons ago as he scored 30 goals and bagged 11 assists in 56 appearances during Erik ten Hag’s maiden campaign as United manager.Manchester United star Marcus Rashford scored a stunning solo goal in the Carabao CupCredit: GettyMan Utd fans insist Rashford is ‘back’ to his old dominant formCredit: RexThe forward, though, failed to extend his incredible goalscoring prowess last term as he only managed eight goals and six assists in 43 appearances.However, fans have started to believe again during the Red Devils’ third-round clash with Barnsley in the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford.The England international netted a stunning opener to score his second goal in as many days.And Rashford did it in style as he picked up a beautiful long ball by Alejandro Garnacho with a slick touch and dribbled past Barnsley defender Marc Roberts like he wasn’t even there.Read More on Man UtdThe United star then beat Chelsea loanee Gabriel Slonina with a fantastic strike that hit the top right corner after just 16 minutes.The Red Devils’ faithful then stormed social media to praise the popular player’s apparent resurgence. One fan tweeted: “Rashford is back!”Another commented: “Rashford has brought my joy back, no other player when they score has me on cloud 9 like Rashford.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third posted: Rashford’s confidence is coming back.”This fan said: “I can confidently tell you Rashford is back.”Watch as Marcus Rashford has medicine ball whacked off his abs as Man Utd star takes up boxing in international break And that one stated: “If Rashford clicks in consistency then Man United is back.” More

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      Man Utd hit with travel NIGHTMARE as fans face being left stranded in London after Saturday’s late kick-off at Palace

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans face travel hell for this weekend’s Premier League clash at Crystal Palace.The Old Trafford faithful relying on the train could be stranded in London after Saturday’s 5:30pm kick-off at Selhurst Park.Manchester United fans face travel hell this weekendCredit: GettyThere is only one direct service United fans could realistically catch back to ManchesterUnited fans hoping to take the train to the game face a race against time to get home.That is because there is only one direct service they could realistically catch back to Manchester Piccadilly after the match.The game will finish at 7:30pm and the 2,000 travelling supporters will have just 48 minutes to make the first train from Central London.But the pile out itself will take a while before fans would need to journey 10 miles from Croydon to Euston.read more on man utdThat means the 21:01pm train is the only realistic service that thousands of United fans can take back to the North West via public transport.The next service is at 21:11pm from St Pancras and costs £110.70 – but this does not arrive in Manchester until 10:29am the following morning.Erik ten Hag already called out the Premier League and the TV companies for their “unfair” scheduling multiple times.The Dutchman complained after United beat Southampton last Saturday lunchtime.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSInspired by Jurgen Klopp’s rage at 12:30pm kick-offs, Ten Hag told TNT: “First of all, for the fans it is very unfair to deal with this, with 8pm away games on a Saturday night.”The Red Devils wrote to the Prem last season to outline their frustration after they were given more Saturday 8pm kick-offs than any other team.These included trips to Newcastle and Brentford on Easter Sunday, plus night games at Palace and Chelsea.Ex-Man Utd star Phil Jones opens up on mental health trauma caused by vile trollsIn March, the last train back to Manchester from the capital departed two minutes after kick-off at the Community Stadium.And many United fans were stranded in last season’s mirrored fixture at 8pm on bank holiday Monday, when Palace smashed the Red Devils 4-0 thanks to several howlers from make-shift centre-back Casemiro.It’s been four years since United won away at Palace in the Prem.The Red Devils won 2-0 during the Covid disruption in July 2020 with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial on the scoresheet.Man Utd ratings vs Southampton as Onana saves a penalty and Rashford finally scoresMARCUS RASHFORD scored his first Premier League goal in 189 days as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 victory at Southampton.The Red Devils got back to winning ways after suffering defeats in their last two Prem games, with Matthijs de Ligt notching his first Man Utd goal.But United had Andre Onana to thank as the keeper kept out Cameron Archer’s penalty at 0-0.Here’s how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rated United’s stars…Andre Onana – 7Saved the penalty by Cameron Archer, albeit a poor one from the Southampton forward.But that stop and the stopped rebound proved to be absolutely crucial.Noussair Mazraouri – 7Needed treatment after falling awkwardly in the first half but that did not stop him from delivering a solid performance.Also got forward to good effect before being one of three United defenders to be subbed off.Matthijs De Ligt – 8Shaky start defensively but was unmarked to score from Bruno Fernandes cross to calm United’s nerves with the opener.He was delighted to get his first United goal and dedicated his celebration to his wife’s birthday today.Lisandro Martinez – 7Not been in great form so anything was an improvement – although Saints’ attack was toothless.Diogo Dalot – 5Suffered an absolute shocker of a first half courtesy of Southampton’s tricky wingers.Conceded the penalty after bringing down Tyler Dibling but was also constantly exposed throughout the half.Kobbie Mainoo – 6United continue to lean far too heavily on such a young player. And this defensive role does not really suit him.Christian Eriksen – 7A surprise starter although United’s two goals came from his corners.The system, though, still does not play to his strengths as he is too deep.Bruno Fernandes – 7Cracking corner cross ball from Eriksen who plonked the ball on the head of De Ligt.Amad Diallo – 7Looked lively throughout – really encouraging. Teed up Rashford for the second goal.Joshua Zirkzee – 6Forced a couple of saves by Aaron Ramsdale but does not look like a 25 goal-a-season striker.Marcus Rashford – 7Hopefully the second goal will give him a real confidence boost. Also forced a couple of saves from Aaron Ramsdale.SUBSGarnacho (for Rashford 73 mins) 7Was brutally fouled by Stephens who saw red shortly after coming on. Notched United’s third goal of the game in the final minute.He struck high into Ramsdale’s high corner after a brilliant ball from Casemiro.Manuel Ugarte (for Eriksen 73 mins) 6Harry Maguire (for Mazraouri 74 mins) 6Jonny Evans (for Martinez 77 mins) 6 More

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      How Real Madrid could line up with Trent Alexander-Arnold as Carlo Ancelotti plots ‘new Champions League era’

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      REAL MADRID could be set to field a brand new Galacticos team next season.The Spaniards have spent the last five years realigning their finances and are getting ready to splash out on a fresh wave of star signings.Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti may launch a new Galacticos eraCredit: GettyLos Blancos have identified Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold as their top targetCredit: GettyAccording to The Independent, Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold is top of the pile for Los Blancos who need a long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal.Alexander-Arnold, 25, is out of contract this summer and can strike a pre-agreement with foreign clubs in January.The Spanish champions are also hoping to boost their midfield options with an ambitious move for Manchester City star Rodri.With City facing 115 charges of Financial Fair Play breaches, the Spain international could be on the move next summer.Read More on FootballThe 28-year-old reportedly wants to return to his homeland while still in his prime and would make a fine replacement for Toni Kroos.Real also want a new centre-back following Nacho’s exit to Saudi Arabia and Arsenal star William Saliba has emerged as a top choice.Long-term target Alphonso Davies could join as well as he is out of contract at Bayern Munich and looks unlikely to pen an extension.Those potential signings would launch a brand new Champions League-winning era for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReal Madrid could be set to field a Galacticos line-up next seasonAlexander-Arnold could be the new starting right-back with Davies on the other side, while Saliba could team up with Antonio Rudiger at centre-back in front of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.Rodri could link up with Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham in midfield.Amazing tunnel footage shows Alexander-Arnold and Gordon planning England goal against Ireland before perfect executionAncelotti could also field a fiery attack consisted of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Endrick.Real Madrid have been linked with an ambitious move for Manchester City star RodriCredit: GettyArsenal ace William Saliba is a top target to replace Nacho at Real MadridCredit: GettyReal Madrid long-term target Alphonso Davies will be out of contract at Bayern MunichCredit: Getty More