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    Inside Kevin Danso’s bizarre Tottenham transfer after star AXED medical with Prem rival and now faces nightmare debut

    TOTTENHAM have announced the signing of centre-back Kevin Danso from RC Lens after a bizarre 24-hours. The 26-year-old joins Spurs on an initial loan deal, although the North Londoners possess an obligation to make it permanent in the summer for around £21million.Kevin Danso has completed a move to TottenhamCredit: Instagram @spursofficialThe Austrian has penned an initial loan move with SpursCredit: Instagram @spursofficialDanso joins goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky in moving to Tottenham this month, but had been close to signing for a Premier League rival.The Austrian international had agreed a move to Wolves and was expected to undergo a medical at the Molineux club on Sunday.But late last night they were informed that the deal was dramatically off, with Danso favouring a move to Spurs instead.Ange Postecoglou’s side had been desperate to sign a defender before tomorrow’s deadline following several injury issues.READ MORE TRANSFERSMicky van de Ven has just returned to fitness having previously only played once since October.While Cristian Romero, barring a 15-minute cameo against Chelsea, has not featured since the November international break.Radu Dragusin became the latest Spurs defender to suffer an injury during Thursday night’s 3-0 win over Elfsborg.The Romanian is expected to miss the majority of the rest of the season with a knee issue.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYDanso could be set for a mouthwatering Spurs debutCredit: Instagram @spursofficialSpurs chiefs initially tried to sign former Chelsea star Fikayo Tomori from AC Milan.They agreed a deal with the Italian side, only for Tomori to insist on staying at the San Siro.Inside making of Spurs whiz Bergvall who outshone Kulusevski and Gyokeres as kid Spurs then moved on to Danso, hijacking Wolves’ deal for the impressive 6ft 3in centre-back.Danso was previously part of MK Dons’ academy before moving to Augsburg aged 16.He had a loan spell at Southampton while on the German club’s books, before moving to France with RC Lens.Danso went on to be named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year for the 2022-23 season as his unfancied side finished just a point behind champions Paris Saint-Germain.’THE ONLY THING YOU CAN DO IS SAY YES’The defender has spoken of his delight in joining Spurs, telling their club media: “It feels amazing to be here at the club, I’ve always wanted to play for a big club in the Premier League and Tottenham Hotspur is exactly that.”I think as soon as you hear Tottenham Hotspur is interested the only thing you can do is say yes. (It’s an) Amazing project to be part of and I’m happy to be here.”I’m a quick, powerful centre-back, good on the ball, good in one-v-one defending situations, that’s what I thrive on and that’s what I love to do, defend.”I grew up playing academy football, everyone watched the Premier League and it’s a dream come true.”Danso will not be able to play in this afternoon’s Prem clash at Brentford.But provided his work permit arrives in time, as it is expected to do so, he could make his debut against Liverpool at Anfield in Thursday night’s huge Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.It represents a potentially nightmare or dream debut depending how it goes.Tottenham may not be done in this month’s transfer window.It’s claimed that they could still look to add another defender, having spoken to Chelsea regarding a potential loan deal for Axel Disasi.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Postecoglou and Co are still keen on signing a forward player, having been turned down by Bayern Munich teenager Mathys Tel on Friday.Spurs have reportedly made an enquiry regarding Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho.Spurs have reportedly enquired over Alejandro GarnachoCredit: Getty More

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    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer raids Man Utd for first new Besiktas recruit, 33, to ‘do the dirty work’

    OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER is reportedly set to raid Manchester United for his first recruit at Besiktas.The former Red Devils boss joined the Turkish giants last month – his first job since leaving Old Trafford in 2021.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hired Tom Green from Man UtdCredit: GettyAnd he is set to poach United for senior performance analyst Tom Green.The 33-year-old is set to take up a similar but more senior role at Besiktas, according to The Athletic.Green joined United in 2017 when Jose Mourinho was in charge and reportedly is well thought of at the club.He sat alongside Solskjaer and other senior coaches in the Old Trafford dugout during the Covid season and could benefit the Norwegian by doing the “dirty work”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne source told The Athletic: “He’s considered a really good football analyst and Ole needs that at Besiktas, someone who can produce and do the dirty work, create the pre-match analysis, lead the manager into a match and make sure Ole has all the data on his iPad.“He’ll have to make sure that the coach has the game on his computer after the match, that all coaches have analysis clips pre, live and post-match. In his role, he’d send individual clips to players before and after the games showing their actions.“He’ll be important for Ole and his staff – it’s a brave, bold move and he has to be admired for doing that after seven or eight years over at Man United.”The move for Solskjaer comes after he claimed Besiktas have no scouting department.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAsked about additions in terms of playing personnel, Solskjaer said: “I came in 10 days ago and we are working to bring the right people.”There was no scouting department and no scouting reports when we came to the club.Inside Marcus Rashford’s demise from one of football’s biggest stars to £60m benchwarmer”So that’s something I also work with. that we structure the club in the right way for the future.”Of course the short term is important, but we cannot make the wrong decisions.”We cannot bring players, expensive players, to the club because financially the club have spent a lot of money on this. And I think the president has talked about, at the moment, the financial situation.”The big thing now is that we sit together and prioritise what we can do this window.” More

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    VAR orders referee to count number of players on pitch in most bizarre Premier League intervention yet

    CHAOS erupted after VAR bizarrely ordered referee Andy Madley to count the NUMBER of players on the pitch during Wolves v Aston Villa.Wolves cruised to a shock 2-0 win against Villa at Molineux to move out of the relegation zone.Andy Madley was asked to confirm the NUMBER of players on the pitchGoncalo Guedes was already in the dugout but Wolves subs weren’t allowed onConfusion broke out on the touchlineIt took just under three minutes for Wolves to make two subsThe second half was littered with controversial moments as Villa saw a goal disallowed and Wolves were denied a penalty shout.The encounter then saw embarrassing scenes which have been likened to a Sunday League mix up.Wolves were 1-0 up -after Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s opener – when they tried to make a double substitution in the 71st minute.The idea was for Goncalo Guedes and Rayan Ait-Nouri to make way for Rodrigo Gomes and Tommy Doyle.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever, what should’ve been a routine changeover after the Wolves par left the pitch was far from simple.Madley blew to stop play and was asked to get his fingers out and count up the players on the turf.Guedes was already sitting in the dugout, but Wolves weren’t allowed to bring their replacements on despite the fact that Tim Robinson was holding the fourth official board up. One fan wrote: “What in the Sunday league is going on here at Wolves 🤣.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe commentator said: “VAR are asking the referee to confirm that nobody has left the field. It beggars belief. Extraordinary scenes.”It took just under three minutes for Wolves to make those two substitutions. Aston Villa confirm Jhon Duran’s £64million transfer to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr with blunt 58-word statementIt’s unclear who asked him but Matt Donohue and Wade Smith were on VAR duties.Proceedings finally got back underway before Matheus Cunha wrapped up all three points in the seventh minute of injury time.But to make matters worse, VAR was previously called into scrutiny just 20 minutes before the chaos after disallowing Villa’s equaliser.New £21.5million signing Donyell Malen, who replaced Ollie Watkins at half-time, thought he’d scored his first Villa goal.Malen was behind the ball when he converted a low cross from John McGinn, although the linesman immediately raised his flag.But VAR found something else wrong and ruled that Morgan Rogers was offside when he obstructed Nelson Semedo in the build-up. A statement from the Premier League’s Match Centre account on X read: “The referees call of no goal due to an offside offence is checked and confirmed by VAR – with Rogers in an offside position and deemed to be impacting the ability of Semedo to play or challenge for the ball.”Matheus Cunha wrapped up all three points in the seventh minute of injury timeCredit: Alamy More

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    Three reasons Marcus Rashford chose Aston Villa with Man Utd ace previously expecting transfer to European giant

    MANCHESTER UNITED wantaway star Marcus Rashford is close to finalising a loan move to Aston Villa.United boss Ruben Amorim has frozen Rashford out of his squad and suggested he is so unhappy with the way the player trains that he’d rather pick 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital than him.Manchester United star Marcus Rashford is on the verge of joining Aston VillaCredit: GettyRashford expected interest from Europe’s top clubs after being frozen out at Man UtdCredit: GettyAnd now the star forward is on the brink of completing a loan move to Villa until the end of the season.The Villans are reportedly covering the majority of Rashford’s staggering £325,000-a-week wages and are also offering performance-related bonuses.The England international appears keen on the move as there was a lack of expected interest from top European clubs.Plus, Villa would be able to offer the 27-year-old Champions League football while maintaining his high wages.Read More on Man UtdA United insider said: “Marcus always said he would never play for another club in England because he is a United fan.“He started to think he needed to move earlier this season and wanted to go to a big European club.“The reality is he’s not had the interest he expected. Villa first showed a tentative interest in him last November.“Amorim has made it very clear he has no future at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Villa have managed to offer him two things — keeping his wage the same and Champions League football.”Rashford hasn’t played for United since December 12 with Amorim leaving him out of the squad for every game since apart from one, in which he was an unused substitute.’It must be embarrassing,’ says Wayne Rooney as he opens up on seeing Marcus Rashford on visit to CarringtonThe versatile winger was told he would never play for Man Utd again as long as the Portuguese tactician is in charge. More

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    Marcus Rashford to seal Aston Villa loan transfer with £40m buy option – but Man Utd will pay star £81,000-a-week

    MARCUS RASHFORD was last night set to sign a loan deal with Aston Villa.That was despite the Manchester United striker having privately vowed never to play for another Premier League club.Marcus Rashford is set to join Aston Villa on loanCredit: GettyVilla will have the option to buy the England striker, who is out of favour with boss Ruben Amorim, for around £40millionCredit: GettyRashford will be playing his football at Villa Park for the rest of the seasonCredit: GettyRashford, 27,  is due for a medical today after agreeing terms which will see him continue to earn £325,000-a-week as United will cover 25 per cent of his wages.  Villa also have the option to buy the England striker at the end of the season for around £40million.A United source told SunSport it had been made clear to Rashford he would not play for United again while Ruben Amorim was the boss.Our source said: “Marcus always said he would never play for another club in England because he is a United fan.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“He started to think he needed to move earlier this season and wanted to go to a big European club.“The reality is he’s not had the interest he expected. Villa first showed a tentative interest in him last November.“Amorim has made it very clear he has no future at Old Trafford.“Villa have managed to offer him two things — keeping his wage the same and Champions League football.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSVilla boss Unai Emery has promised new signings after selling striker Jhon Duran to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr for a reported £70million.Emery said: “There are two days left in the  window. We’ll get some players to help us because we’re in the Champions League last 16.”’It must be embarrassing,’ says Wayne Rooney as he opens up on seeing Marcus Rashford on visit to CarringtonNew England boss Thomas Tuchel has also given Rashford — who has 60 caps — hope that he can regain his England place if plays regularly.Rash was left out of the Euro 2024 squad by ex-boss Gareth Southgate.Rashford’s England hopes could be rekindled by the Aston Villa move with Thomas Tuchel a big fanCredit: GettyJhon Duran’s move to Saudi Arabia freed up funds for Aston Villa to push through the Rashford dealCredit: ReutersOur source said: “Tuchel told Marcus and his representatives he saw Marcus as an essential part of the England squad going forward.”On Saturday, The Sun revealed the moment Ruben Amorim and Marcus Rashford’s relationship soured.Following a 4-0 victory over Everton, the forward was accused of going on a night out.A source said: “Marcus got called in by Amorim who said he believed he had breached discipline by going out.“Marcus denied it and was adamant he had done nothing wrong. He asked the manager to show him the proof he’d been out and said something along the lines of, ‘Are you calling me a liar?’“Their relationship has never recovered, and it’s hard to see how it ever will now.”Two weeks later, Rashford was left out of the squad for the derby win at Man City.And he then dropped a bombshell interview saying he wanted “a new challenge”.The England star told Henry Winter: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.”When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.”If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person.”When I leave, I’ll make a statement, and it will be from me.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Inside the rise of Savinho with Man City star so talented that under-14s coach was SACKED for leaving him on the bench

    HE is the shining light whose midweek heroics stopped a dismal season from turning into a total disaster.A rare bright spark in the Etihad gloom, as Pep Guardiola’s serial winners struggle to keep their campaign on an even keel.Manchester City ace Savinho has stood out at the EtihadCredit: AlamySavinho is now a regular with the Brazil national teamCredit: AFPSavinho was ‘snubbed’ by an Atletico Mineiro coach, who was firedCredit: SuppliedAnd rated such a standout talent back home that — even in a nation boasting the likes of Vinicius Jr and Endrick — many are hailing him as Brazil’s  standard bearer of the future.Not bad going for the skinny South American who arrived at Manchester City in the summer as a £21million snip in an era of eye-watering fees — and a near-unknown to plenty of fans.Yet, while others were in the dark, Guardiola always knew Savinho would be a gem. A kid tipped for greatness from the day he walked into Atletico Mineiro as a 12-year-old.His off-the-bench role in rescuing City’s Champions League assault — he scored one and made another in the must-win game against Club Brugge — was just one more notch on the belt.Read More on FootballFor Savinho has been the headline act at every level  since his first steps with Mineiro, who immediately realised they had an uncut diamond on their hands.Which makes it even more amazing to learn, just two years into his footballing education, he was once left to rot on the bench by a coach who could not see what all the fuss was about.Savinho was only 14 and Mineiro’s top brass were so petrified their priceless jewel may slip through the net that the man responsible had to go. Immediately.Leaving him out was the football equivalent of turning down The Beatles — and even now the man who took him to the club shakes his head in disbelief.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJoao Paulo Alves de Paula was Savinho’s first coach at Mineiro and they are still so close that he stays with the City star when he comes to visit.Joaozinho, as he is known, recalls that jaw-dropping first sight of the lad — and the similar amazement when he could not get a game.Man City boss Pep Guardiola looks forward to the return of injured players to help Champions League campaign He revealed: “Savio was in a group of 20 kids and the only one we picked. He was only 12, a year younger than the others but overwhelmingly the best.“Back then Atletico Mineiro did not have an Under-12s, so he was against older kids from the start. And he stood out above everyone.“When I saw him on trials day I almost fell over. His technical ability and dribbling were extraordinary for a child of that age. I was so excited to see him with the ball at his feet.Savinho helped to save Man City from Champions League disaster against Club BruggeCredit: Getty“Over the next three years he took huge strides, made decisions in seconds and finished like an adult — all with boundless confidence and a smile.“But it wasn’t all a walk down the red carpet because when Savio moved to the Under-14s, the coach just didn’t like him.“He kept leaving him on the bench. He barely played and when he did, it was at left-back. My hair was standing on end.Coach ‘snubbed’ Savinho“Savio can play on either side but he’s a winger. I couldn’t believe what the coach was doing.“That mistake, that lack of judgment, could have cost Savinho his football career and seriously damaged the club.“So, with such crazy things and  wrong decisions, the coach was fired  and I took over the Under-14s. The smile was back on Savio’s face.”And that smile has rarely been off the face of the Brazilian since.Former Argentina boss Jorge Sampaoli gave him a debut at 16 and within two years the City Football Group had signed him.He was initially placed with Troyes but, after loans at PSV Eindhoven and Girona,  Savinho moved to the Etihad in a deal worth £33.6m in July last year.Brazil debut vs EnglandA Brazil debut came against England in March, ten caps have followed and at Christmas he had a starring role — including a first City goal — in getting the champions back on track.Then, with their Euro hopes on the line as Brugge held a half-time lead, Pep turned to Savinho to save the day and was rewarded with a second-half rescue act.Even Guardiola, not given for singling out players, highlighted his Brazilian star — and Joaozinho reckons he will get even better under the Spaniard.He added: “If he has no serious injuries, Brazil will be world champions with Savio in the team.“The team is going through big changes and Savio will be their leader, no doubts.“He is in great hands with Guardiola as his coach and I’m certain he is going to become a huge star of both the Premier League and Brazil.”Savinho also believes he will flourish under Guardiola.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I scored plenty of goals at Girona, they demanded a lot from  me. Here, Pep is also very demanding.“I’ve been working on my finishing. As a forward, I can’t simply expect our striker to score all the goals.” More

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    Marcus Rashford told he will never play for Man Utd again while Ruben Amorim is manager

    MANCHESTER UNITED wantaway star Marcus Rashford has been told he will never play at Old Trafford while Ruben Amorim is manager.Rashford, 27, hasn’t played for United since December 12 with Amorim leaving him out of the squad for every game since apart from one, in which he was an unused substitute.Manchester United star Marcus Rashford is close to moving to Aston VillaCredit: GettyRashford was told he will never play at Man Utd under Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyThe forward admitted last month he is “ready for a new challenge” and the Portuguese tactician suggested he is so unhappy with the way the player trains he’d rather pick 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital than him.And now the England international is on the brink of completing a loan move to Aston Villa.Villa are reportedly covering the majority of Rashford’s whopping £325,000-a-week wages and are also offering performance-related bonuses.There will be an option for the Villans to buy the winger included in the deal with Man Utd.Read More on Man UtdIf Rashford moves to Villa Park, then he will get the chance to continue performing at top level in the Premier League and Champions League, something that was impossible under Amorim.A United insider told SunSport it had been made clear to Rashford he would not play for the Red Devils again while the 40-year-old head coach was at the helm.A source said: “Marcus always said he would never play for another club in England because he is a United fan.“He started to think he needed to move earlier this season and wanted to go to a big European club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“The reality is he’s not had the interest he expected. Villa first showed a tentative interest in him last November.“Amorim has made it very clear he has no future at Old Trafford.’It must be embarrassing,’ says Wayne Rooney as he opens up on seeing Marcus Rashford on visit to Carrington“Villa have managed to offer him two things — keeping his wage the same and Champions League football.” More

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    Wolves 2 Aston Villa 0: Hosts out of relegation zone with huge Midlands derby win in blow to Unai Emery’s top-four hopes

    UNAI EMERY will be even more desperate to land Marcus Rashford after his side drew a blank at lowly Wolves.Villa might be £70million richer this weekend following the sale of Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr.Wolves won the Midlands Derby against Aston VillaCredit: GettyWolves ace Jean-Ricner Bellegarde scored the opener against VillaCredit: GettyVilla boss Unai Emery’s top-four hopes were dealt a major blowCredit: GettyVilla were denied an equaliser against Wolves by VARCredit: RexBut it was Vitor Pereira’s men who cashed in as Jean-Ricner Bellegarde gave them a first-half lead before Villa target Matheus Cunha finished the job seven minutes into stoppage time.How Emery must wish Wolves would do business and let him have his brilliant Brazilian! When Ollie Watkins limped off at half-time following a clash with Jose Sa, and never returned, it would usually have been the cue to send on super-sub Duran.But the Colombian was already counting his dosh in Saudi Arabia following his £70m transfer and, without their talismanic back-up striker, Villa blanked out.Read More on FootballMeanwhile Wolves were left to celebrate a crucial and deserved win which lifted them out of the relegation zone, two points clear of Leicester.Emery hadn’t lost a Premier League match against a team in the drop zone in 18 matches with Villa.But it wasn’t long before that record looked in jeopardy as Wolves made an early breakthrough after 12 minutes.It was a classy move which belied their lowly league position as they moved the ball around with precision and pace.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCunha fed Goncalo Guedes and he squared the ball to Pablo Sarabia who threaded a neat ball in behind the Villa backline.Bellegarde made a darting diagonal run on the blindside of Boubacar Kamara and found himself with just Emi Martinez to beat.Man Utd and Arsenal in Matheus Cunha transfer battle with Wolves star ready to make summer moveIt would have been so easy for Bellegarde to panic or look to pass the buck.However, he lashed the ball right-footed beyond Martinez from nine yards to send Molineux wild.It was the perfect way for Bellegarde to mark his 50th appearance for Wolves as he bagged his first goal at Molineux. And it exposed the fragility of Villa’s makeshift defence which saw new £6m Spanish right-back Andres Garcia team up with stop-gap centre-half Kamara for the first time.Injuries to Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres, and Diego Carlos’ departure to Fenerbahce, had left Emery scrambling for defensive options.And though Kamara had been a stand-out stand-in against Celtic on Wednesday, the big Frenchman was caught napping and failed to scan his area or spot the threat of Bellegarde’s well-timed run.Villa tried to fight backThat goal appeared to knock the stuffing out of Villa, who had started brightly enough.Garcia swept over a raking cross from the right and Nelson Semedo did well to get a vital header in front of Ollie Watkins, who was waiting to pounce at the back post.Lucas Digne worked the resulting corner short to Youri Tielemans who crashed in a shot which Sarabia managed to get his head to and deflect for another corner.But Wolves’ goal gave them something to hold onto and Villa became desperate and there were bookings for John McGinn for stamping on Rayan Ait-Nouri’s toes and Morgan Rogers for pulling down Toti.Sarabia then completed a hat-trick of yellow cards when he was booked for sarcastically applauding the assistant ref for flagging him offside.Villa were looking more ragged than a tramp’s vest and Kamara wasn’t having as enjoyable a night as he had against Celtic.Ollie Watkins injuredWolves almost capitalised on his naivety when Cunha chased down a through ball and ragdolled Kamara to burst through on goal.However, Martinez denied him with a brilliant diving save and when the ball broke to Guedes he fired inches wide from 20 yards.Villa were wobbling and Kamara had to stretch to head over a wicked delivery from a Sarabia free-kick before Guedes fired wide with only Martinez to beat.The half ended when Martinez sprinted off his line to brilliantly block Guedes who was through on goal again. Emery had seen enough and made four changes at the break.Worryingly for Villa one of those was the departure of Watkins, who picked up a knock in a first-half clash with Sa and didn’t appear for the second half.Villa denied equaliserEmery thought his changes had paid off when Villa appeared to pull level after 53 minutes from a slick free-kick.Leon Bailey disguised a pass to McGinn on the left and the Scot delivered a low centre which sub Donyell Malen bundled in at the back post.However specialist VAR Matt Donohue stepped in and judged that Rogers had come from an offside position to block off Semedo – and despite minimal contact – the goal was chalked off.Moments later it was Wolves’ turn to curse VAR when Malen appeared to clip Toti’s heel to send him sprawling in the Villa box.But Donohue ruled that no offence had taken place to Wolves’ bewilderment.Villa had rallied but Wolves were fighting for their lives. They were given some light relief when a substitute board cock-up saw Guedes go off – then reappear from the dug-out again – when it was realised Ait-Nouri was actually the player supposed to be subbed!READ MORE SUN STORIESThat wasted three minutes to Emery’s frustration and his mood didn’t improve when Sa got down well to beat out a fierce 20-yarder from Malen.Then Tielemans blazed wildly over following a corner.Matheus Cunha sealed the three points for WolvesCredit: PACunha scored during stoppage time for WolvesCredit: AFP More