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      Will the real Mason Mount please stand up? Dream Team gaffers backing Manchester United new boy to rediscover best form

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      IT wasn’t that long ago Mason Mount (£3.5m) seemed destined to joins the likes of John Terry and Frank Lampard in Chelsea’s Hall of Fame.The Cobham graduate won the Blues’ Player of the Year award in back-to-back seasons, finishing 2020/21 with a memorable assist in the Champions League final and ending 2021/22 as one of only three Premier League players to register double digits for both goals and assists.
      Creative in possession and energetic in defence, Mount was one of the first names on the team sheet for club and country, someone who averaged 20 goal involvements per campaign (all comps) across his first three seasons at Stamford Bridge.
      However, something went terribly wrong in 2022/23 as the 24-year-old limped to three goals and six assists from 35 appearances, with just five of those goal involvements coming in the top flight.

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      Mount has swapped Chelsea blue for Manchester redCredit: DREAM TEAM
      Granted, he missed over two months through injury and he was far from the only Chelsea player to underwhelm last term but his drop-off, particularly in the realm of Dream Team, was highlighted more than most because of the standards he previously set for himself.
      Mount was among the best midfielders in Dream Team in 2021/22 but managers abandoned him altogether last season, justifiably so.
      But now he’s traded for Stamford Bridge for Old Trafford and while his Lampard-esque legacy in west London has gone up in smoke, a change of scenery may be what he needs to rediscover his best form.
      At the time of writing, Dream Team gaffers are seemingly confident that Mount will thrive at Manchester United.
      With an ownership of 16.2%, he’s currently the sixth-most popular midfielder in the game.
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      No7? No pressure…Credit: GETTY
      This is a notable show of faith as gaffers keen on some midfield returns from Erik ten Hag’s side should consider Bruno Fernandes (£6.5m) first and foremost.
      The Portugal international amassed more points than anyone else in his position last season thanks to a remarkable spike in form post-World Cup.
      As the newly-crowned club captain, Fernandes is a guaranteed a mountain of minutes too.
      However, what Mount has over his new team-mate is a more affordable price tag – he’s a full £3million cheaper.
      To put that into perspective, choosing Mount over Fernandes would mean being able to upgrade from Jordan Ayew (£2.5m) to Gabriel Jesus (£5.5m) up front, as one example.
      In theory, opting for Mount over Fernandes in order to free up cash to invest elsewhere is a viable strategy… but if Mount plays as he did last season then such a ploy will fall flat.
      Fernandes is Dream Team’s reigning king among midfieldersCredit: GETTY
      And so, ahead of the new campaign, gaffers are asking: Will the real Mason Mount please stand up?
      The schedule looks relatively friendly for the Red Devils in August, which might prompt their new No7 to start with a bang.
      Man United host Wolves first up and welcome Nottingham Forest (terrible away record last season) to Old Trafford at the end of the month, either side of a trip to a new-look Tottenham outfit.
      Read More on The Sun
      For a player who was once a reliable performer, Mount now feels likes a riskier selection, but perhaps one worth taking.

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      Huge rule change to be introduced in English football this season after Fifa pressure on Premier League

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE and EFL have launched a new approach to cut down on time-wasting and increase ball-in-play time.The new Championship campaign starting on August 4 will be the first run of match officials’ new approach to improving time-keeping.
      Officials will be more robust dealing with clear/deliberate actions taken to delay the game restartingCredit: Rex Features
      As seen in the 2022 World Cup and Womens World Cup currently taking place in Australia, games are likely to last for more than 100 minutes.
      One match official has told Sky Sports News it will now be a rarity if a top flight game lasts fewer than than 100 minutes.
      According to the Daily Mail the average ball-in-play time for the 22/23 PL season was 54 minutes 49 seconds – the lowest number since 2010.
      The EFL released a statement on their website on how they plan to enhance ball-in-play time.
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      It includes adding more time for injuries and goals, and a blitz on time-wasting tactics.
      The statement reads: “As the game collectively looks to enhance the amount of time the ball is in play in the forthcoming campaign, the exact time lost when certain game events occur will now be added. 
      “In previous seasons the policy was to add on a nominal period of time for certain game events. The events include:

      Goals and subsequent celebrations
      Substitutions
      Injuries and treatment time (if required)
      Penalties (from moment of offence to the whistle for the penalty kick)
      Red cards (from moment of offence to when the player leaves the field)

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      “Alongside a more accurate allowance for time lost during the game, the EFL will also adopt the multi-ball system, which has been proven to increase ball in-play time.”
      “Match officials will also be taking a more robust approach to dealing with clear/deliberate actions that are impactful in delaying the restart of play, with players cautioned if they are guilty of:

      Delaying the restart of play
      Failing to respect the required distance at free-kicks.”

      Some fans have taken to twitter to share their opinions on the new approach.
      One wrote: “This is good! The ‘park the bus tactics’ will suffer from this. Those teams spend most of the time on the floor.” More

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      ‘World’s most beautiful woman’ and ex-Premier League Wag stuns in swimwear and vows to wear same clothes all summer

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      VIKTORIA VARGA stunned in swimwear and vowed to wear the same clothes all summer.The beauty is the Wag of former Southampton and Italy striker Graziano Pelle.
      Viktoria Varga stunned in a grey bikiniCredit: Instagram @vikyvarga
      The model stunned in a shoot for VamaCredit: Instagram @vikyvarga
      She hails from HungaryCredit: Instagram @vikyvarga
      Viky married Southampton cult hero Graziano PelleCredit: Instagram @vikyvarga
      Viktoria wowed in a sexy shoot for swimwear brand Vama.
      She donned a revealing grey bikini as she showed off her incredible figure.
      The Hungarian model uploaded a snap to Instagram and said she was living in Vama clothing all summer.
      Fans were left in awe of her, one said: “A jewel named Viky.”
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      Another added: “Golden glow… gorgeous as always.”
      A third added with love heart emojis: “You are overwhelmingly wonderful.”
      Viktoria is used to wowing her followers and was previously dubbed the “world’s most beautiful woman.”
      She recently dazzled in the sun and was compared to Barbie in a pink bikini.
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      Pelle’s wife also looked incredible in a tight red outfit as she enjoyed a weekend away with friends.
      Viktoria has an incredible 603,000 followers on Instagram.
      Her partner Pelle, 38, is best remembered by his time in the Premier League with Southampton, where he netted 30 goals across two seasons.
      He has never officially announced his retirement but has not had a club since leaving Parma in 2021.
      Viktoria Varga and Graziano Pelle tied the knot last yearCredit: instagram
      Viktoria is used to leaving followers stunned on social mediaCredit: Instagram @vikyvarga
      She has 603,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @vikyvarga More

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      Man Utd fans’ jaws ‘literally dropped’ by Andre Onana passes vs Dortmund but trolls point out how team-mates ruined both

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have said their “jaws literally dropped” after watching Andre Onana’s passes during their friendly against Borussia Dortmund yesterday.United signed Onana for £47million from Inter Milan this month and the keeper has so far played two games for the Red Devils during their pre-season tour of America.
      Onana impressed during yesterday’s friendlyCredit: Getty
      He was able to find Bruno Fernandes with a fine passCredit: MuTV
      But the midfielder was judged to be offsideCredit: MuTV
      Onana showed his long range passing again in the 93rd minuteCredit: ESPN via TWITTER
      But Rashford failed to control the ballCredit: ESPN via TWITTER
      In both, the Cameroon international has exhibited an impressive passing range – which will be key to Erik Ten Hag’s tactical style going forward.
      Two clips have circulated from United’s 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund that have excited United fans on Twitter.
      The first sees Onana roll the ball under his studs before playing Bruno Fernandes through on goal with a long pass from his own half.
      The move was then stopped due to Fernandes being offside.
      READ MORE MAN UTD

      And the second shows how Onana can pick out his team-mates from an even longer range.
      The goalkeeper carries the ball to the edge of his box before pinging the ball perfectly into the direction of Rashford with a drop-kick from the edge of his penalty area.
      One fan wrote: “When Onana did this my jaw literally dropped.”
      And another replied to the pass saying: “Onana might bag a few assists with Rashford’s pace in behind”
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      A third excited fan said: “It’s not just that the pass reaches Bruno…it’s the fact it’s in stride…his passing range is probably better than all our players…at par with Bruno”
      But some trolls have pointed out that Rashford should have done better with the ball supplied to him by Onana in the 95th minute.
      One fan wrote: “ONANA INCREDIBLE PASS BUT RASFORDDDD OH MY LORD.”

      Another added: “Phenomenal pass, but Rashford’s attitude here that p***** me off with him so much! He act like he is prime Ronaldo with his body language…. He need to work hard for every ball FFS.”
      United fans will be hoping that Onana’s performances will be leading the to better results than in their friendly against Dortmund yesterday.
      United lost the bad-tempered game 3-2 with teenage prospect Omari Forson having to be hauled off before half-time to prevent the youngster from getting a red card.
      Onana also had a heated exchange with transfer-listed centre-back Harry Maguire after a perceived mistake.
      Defender Diogo Dalot and winger Antony were able to get on the score sheet to bag United’s two goals.
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      Arsenal ‘Star Boy’ Bukayo Saka currently Dream Team’s second-most popular player

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      ONLY Erling Haaland (£8.5m) is more popular among Dream Team managers than Bukayo Saka (£6m) ahead of the new season.At the time of writing, Manchester City’s prolific poacher features in 85.6% of teams created despite being the most-expensive player in the game by a wide margin.
      This was to be expected as the Norwegian goal machine plundered 431 points in 2022/23, the second-highest total in Dream Team history, to propel his side to a monumental treble.

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      Top of the food chainCredit: GETTY
      Haaland is quite clearly in a bracket of his own so it’s notable that Arsenal’s No7 is next on the podium.
      Saka currently appears in 36.6% of teams, ahead of Kevin De Bruyne (£7.5m) and Bruno Fernandes (£6.5m) in the midfield popularity contest.
      The England international’s cheaper price is a factor and it may be that gaffers are forgoing the Manchester pair in favour of Saka when selecting their premium midfielder – Haaland’s cost means compromises must be made elsewhere.
      But of course the primary reason for Saka’s popularity is his considerable talent.
      He registered 15 goals and eleven assists last season with all but one of those goal involvements coming in the Premier League.
      The Emirates’ resident ‘Star Boy’ was a significant contributor to the Gunners’ unexpected title challenge and with some high-profile recruits through the door – Declan Rice (£3.5m), Kai Havertz (£3.5m), Jurrien Timber (£3.5m) – Mikel Arteta’s side are likely to be strong again this season.
      A popular choiceCredit: DREAM TEAM
      It’s easy to forget that Saka is still just 21 years old, his prime may yet be a few years in the future – a scary prospect for the world’s left-backs.
      While it’s true he set a high standard for himself in 2022/23, most observers would expect him to maintain that level or even improve.
      Arsenal’s August fixtures are another factor in Saka’s popularity.
      They get underway with a home fixture against Nottingham Forest, who had the worst away record in the Premier League last term – Steve Cooper’s side mustered just eight points on the road.
      Arsenal then travel to Crystal Palace, who actually performed better away from Selhurst Park in 2022/23, before finishing the month with Fulham’s visit to north London.
      Favourable fixtures are more difficult to predict at the start of the campaign but that’s a relatively friendly set on paper which looks ripe for some Saka returns.
      Strong options for AugustCredit: GETTY
      What’s interesting is that Martin Odegaard (£5m) is a full million cheaper and the Norwegian playmaker was just five points adrift of his team-mate last season, so he’s evidently a strong option for August and beyond as well.
      In fairness, Arsenal’s captain is currently the fourth-most popular asset in his position so it’s not like this alternative strategy is being overlooked by Dream Team bosses – many gaffers may even be doubling up on Gunners midfielders.
      What’s clear at this stage is that some early-season Saka magic would make a sizeable portion of Dream Team gaffers very happy.
      It’ll be interesting to see how his returns compare to the less popular duo of De Bruyne and Fernandes…

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      Arsenal vs Monaco: Gunners take on French giants in tasty Emirates Cup clash – stream, TV, team news

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      ARSENAL’S 5-3 victory against Barcelona in Los Angles has the Gunners ready to return to home soil this week against Monaco.Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard and Fabio Vieira found the back of the net at LA’s SoFi Stadium.
      Arsenal thrash Barcelona in a 5-3 win in LACredit: Alamy
      With two more friendlies left, questions arise on what Mikel Arteta’s side can pull out of the bag before the 2023/24 season commences.
      The Spaniard is hunting for a fourth big signing this summer to add to his starting XI.
      The Gunners are eager to create competition for the No.1 Aaron Ramsdale over interest in signing Brentford goalkeeper David Raya.
      When is Arsenal vs Monaco?

      The game will take place Wednesday, 2 August.
      Kick-off is set at 6pm.
      The game will be held on the Gunner’s home soil, the Emirates Stadium.
      The North London ground holds just over 60,000 fans.

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      Where can I watch Arsenal vs Monaco?

      You can watch the match via the Arsenal.com website or app for an early bird price of £4.99.
      The match price will then rise to £6.99 on the match day.
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all of the action by following SunSport’s live blog.

      Team News
      Arteta faces several fitness concerns which need to be managed before Wednesday’s clash with Ligue 1 giants Monaco.
      New signing Declan Rice alongside Oleksandr Zinchenko and Folarin Balogun, all missed the match against Barcelona with minor injuries.
      Elsewhere, Southampton’s Mohammad Salisu is set to complete his medical ahead of a move to the South of France.
      Most read in Football
      While Fontvieille are reportedly going to lose Axel Disasi to Chelsea as the Blues have agreed a £45million fee for the defender. More

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      The FA’s NINE rule changes in clampdown on players, managers and fans that could see bookings and stadium bans soar

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      PLAYERS, managers AND fans have all been targeted in a major disciplinary clampdown for the new season.The new measures, agreed by the FA, Prem, EFL and refs’ chiefs, will see officials better able to punish “unacceptable conduct on the pitch, on the side-lines and in the stands”.
      Aleksandar Mitrovic received an eight-game ban after his red card at Old TraffordCredit: AFP
      Players are being reminded over their conductCredit: Getty
      Managers are also being urged to behave responsiblyCredit: AFP
      Wembley bosses have been working on the updated proposals since mid-way through last season as on field and touchline anarchy exploded.
      And the hardline measures, to come into effect from the start of the season, are aimed at ensuring referees are no longer pursued and intimidated by players and benches.
      Under the new regulations, all club technical staff, including managers and assistants, must sign up to a “code of conduct” – which has been approved by the League Managers Association.
      That will mandate them to attend pre-match briefings with the match officials, behave in a “responsible manner”, stay within the technical area at all times and not use tablets or or electronic devices to try to show refs that have made errors.
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      In addition, any boss entering the pitch to confront an official at either half-time OR full-time will be in direct breach of the code and face punishment.
      Breaches will bring heavier fines and other punishments including potential bans.
      The crackdown for players, drawn up with the help of the PFA, will put the onus on team captains to “take responsibility for the behaviour of their team-mates”.
      Crucially, players have been explicitly warned they “must not confront, invade the personal space of, or make physical contact with the match officials”.
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      Yellow cards is the minimum punishment and WILL follow if “two or more players surround a match official in a confrontational manner”.
      And players will be punished if they are adjudged to have “instigated or escalated a mass confrontation with opposing players and/or technical area occupants”.
      In addition, and in response to so-called “tragedy chanting” by some fans, the game’s rulers promised “tough new measures” resulting in “stadium bans and potential criminal prosecution”.
      Police and stewards will be expected to identify those guilty of “offensive chanting, gesturing and displaying offensive messages based on football-related tragedies”.

      In a statement the governing body and leagues said: “The game will also continue its efforts to combat dangerous, illegal and unwelcome behaviour off the pitch, be it in the stands or online. 
      “Last season a host of new measures were introduced by authorities which saw enhanced sanctions applied for people identified entering the pitch, using pyros, taking drugs to games, throwing objects or for discriminatory abuse.”
      Explaining the new stance, FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “Football has the unique power to unite, inspire and improve the lives of all those that play and watch the game at any level. 
      “However, in recent years we have seen how this can be negatively impacted by a small minority of players, coaches and fans.
      “This season, English football is coming together with a commitment to address this unacceptable behaviour within our game, on the pitch and on the side-lines. 
      “We understand that it will take time to adapt to these new measures – but we are confident that they will have a positive impact at all levels.
      “We are also determined to address the rise in unacceptable behaviour from the stands. Incidents such as dangerous conduct, discrimination, and chanting about football-related tragedies have no place in our game – and can lead to football bans and potential criminal action. 
      “Passion, emotion and excitement are fundamental to football, however this must be shown in the right way. 
      “Everyone can play their part, so that together we can create a safe and enjoyable environment for all.”
      Prem counterpart Richard Masters added: “We want players, managers and fans to continue showing their passion, but these new measures have been introduced to ensure that the line is not crossed when it comes to on-field and technical area behaviour.
      “We also strongly believe there is no room for abhorrent tragedy abuse in football. 
      “Along with our clubs and the authorities, we are committed to sanctioning those found guilty and will also focus on educating fans of all ages so they understand why this abuse is so hurtful and unacceptable.”
      Read More on The Sun
      The new measures for the professional game will be allied to a clampdown at grass roots level as well, including the introduction of point deductions for teams whose players or coaches commit repeated offences of serious misconduct.
      Additionally, the trial of bodycams for referees will continue into the 2023/24 season.
      The new measures could lead to more bansCredit: Reuters
      Fans are also being reminded not to chant abhorrent songsCredit: AFP More

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      Erik ten Hag names three areas he ‘HAD to improve’ to save Man Utd but says one thing Ronaldo hated is ‘absolutely top’

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      ERIK TEN HAG says Manchester United’s players were simply not looking after themselves properly before his arrival.The Red Devils boss was surprised at how standards had slipped at a club that once dominated the Premier League.
      Ronaldo has defended United’s training ground facilities from critics – chief among these being Cristiano RonaldoCredit: AFP
      And that was the first thing he had to address as he began to reawaken the footballing giant.
      Ten Hag said: “I think in general when I came in at Man United, the standards were not right. That’s true. I demand the highest standards in sleep, recovery and nutrition because that makes the difference if you can perform every third or fourth day.
      “That is the demand for every top football player, so at Manchester United we are demanding the highest standards.
      “It was about recovery, sleep and nutrition. And we had to improve.”
      READ MORE MAN UTD
      It is clear that Ten Hag keeps an eye on how the players lead their life off the pitch to make sure they perform well on it.
      The demanding boss recently said how Marcus Rashford needed to watch his attitude and lifestyle if he wanted to improve again on his 30 goals last season.
      He said: “Everything has to be right. First his basis, foundation, like lifestyle, attitude etc. To give every training his best, but also to work on his game. Work on the way of play for himself but in the team. 
      “For all the players, you have to live the right life.
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      “Professional football is tough. Top football is tough nowadays, 60 games a year in club football, 10 international games. 70 games means that every third or fourth day you have to match the highest physical levels. When you’re not living the right life, you get killed.
      “So when you ask me about Rashford, the same counts for Rapha Varane and every player. You will not reach the levels when you don’t do the things right.”
      While he felt United had let things slip in some areas he clearly disagrees with those who believe the Carrington Training base has fallen behind other big clubs.
      The training facilities were notably questioned by Cristiano Ronaldo when he sat down with Piers Morgan to discuss his exit from Manchester United.
      Ronaldo claimed Carrington had fallen behind the times and barely changed since he departed in 2009.
      He said: “Since Sir Alex left, I saw no evolution in the club. Nothing had changed.
      “He [Ferguson] knows better than anybody that the club is not on the path they deserve to be. He knows. Everyone knows.
      “The people who don’t see that… it’s because they don’t want to see. They are blind.
      Responding to people’s criticisms of Carrington, Ten Hag said: “There are also many conditions that are very well organised at Manchester United but, yes, in certain areas we were short. But in other things, for instance Carrington, is a great facility.
      Read More on The Sun
      “When you have the opportunity to get around Carrington it’s absolutely top facilities the club constructed. So there are also many things that are very right.”
      United’s training ground has gone under a major revamp this summer, with a wellness suite added to the training ground in order to aid player recovery. More