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      Premier League star in neighbour row over basketball court & firepit built without permission WINS battle to keep them

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      A PREMIER League star in an intense row with his neighbour over a basketball court and firepit has won a battle to keep them.Ben Chilwell, 27, became embroiled in the disagreement when he raised the back garden of his £5m Surrey mansion and erected a retaining wall for a new walkway.The £5m mansion is undergoing works which neighbours have complained aboutCredit: Kevin DunnettBen Chilwell has won a battle to keep his basketball court and firepit at his mansionCredit: AlamyBut the Chelsea defender failed to get the go-ahead for the Ground Force-style makeover at his luxury five-bed pad which boasts a swimming pool, gym and two games rooms.He needed consent from the local council for the “engineering operation” and faced a possible red card over the unauthorised development.His next-door neighbour objected, citing loss of privacy and overlooking, but the council have now granted retrospective permission for the landscape alterations.In his ruling, a planning officer said: “Despite the change in levels in this part of the garden, it is considered that the works do not significantly alter the overall land levels of the application site.read more on football”Moreover, the works are located in the rear garden and would not be visible from the street scene and are therefore acceptable.”The proposed development is considered in terms of scale, form, bulk, height, massing, spacing and design, and there would be no adverse impact on the character of the area or the visual amenities of the street scene as a result of the proposals.”Chilwell wants to plant new laurel and yew hedges to provide screening with further soft planting in grey, green and purple – but no blue.He also wants to splash out on a stone-stepped pool seating area with glass balustrade, and new paving at his home near Chelsea’s Cobham training ground.Most read in FootballDocuments submitted as part of the planning application reveal that building work on the sunken fire pit and basketball court started in April but has not yet been completed.Ben Chilwell’s Unauthorized Home Renovations Spark DisputeIn a letter objecting, the neighbour wrote: “This increase in height means someone in this section of the garden or on the firepit walkway now has direct line of sight into our garden, terrace and kitchen area.”This is a loss of amenity and the new levels mean we are now overlooked.”We are keen to retain the privacy and amenity of our home, terrace and garden and whilst we would prefer the new ground levels not to be so high we appreciate that some mitigation through screening foliage has now been proposed.”Ben Chilwell ‘thrown career lifeline’BY Tony RobertsonBEN Chilwell has been thrown a career lifeline after being offered a Chelsea escape route, reports suggest.The 27-year-old has effectively been frozen out of Chelsea’s squad by new boss Enzo Maresca after being told he does not feature in the manager’s plans.Chilwell, who signed for the club for £45million from Leicester in 2020 and was named vice-captain last season, is down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.Marc Cucurella and new signing Renato Veiga are both ahead of him for the left-back slot.Chilwell had been joined in the Blues “bomb squad” by Raheem Sterling and Trevoh Chalobah, who both managed to secure loan deals away from the club on deadline day.However, the 21-cap England international was unable to secure a transfer despite reported interest from Brentford and Manchester United, though the latter are understood to have never initiated talks.Instead, Chilwell, who is earning £200,000-a-week with three years to run on his deal, will have to secure a transfer overseas if he is to earn playing minutes this season.According to GiveMeSport, Chilwell is thought to be content at Stamford Bridge and will not move unless the right move presents itself.The Dutch and Portuguese transfer windows both shut tonight, as well as the transfer window for Saudi Arabia, although it’s understood Chilwell is not keen on a move to the Middle East.One window that will remain open for a while longer is the Turkish Super Lig window, which does not close until September 13. More

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      Dele Alli in limbo as he’s left out of Everton Premier League squad after contract ran down… but star handed lifeline

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      DELE ALLI has been left out of Everton’s Premier League squad following the end of his contract last season.The 28-year-old midfielder had reportedly been working towards gaining a new deal with the Toffees, after being named on the club’s retained list in May, but remains unemployed.Dele Alli has not been named in Everton’s Premier League squad after failing to win a new contractSean Dyche had suggested their was a chance for Alli to win a new dealBut Alli has been offered a lifeline as there remains hope for a space to open up in Everton’s 23-man squad .According to Prem rules, free agents can join the squad after the deadline if less than 25 players have been named.With Youssef Chermiti, Roman Dixon and Harrison Armstrong classed as youth, there is room on the first-team list of free agents.Any Prem squad with 25 players or more cannot add free agents until the next registration window in January.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAlli made just 13 appearances for Everton in two-and-a-half years and didn’t feature once in the previous campaign due to fitness issues.But he continued to train with Everton, who have remained supportive, at Finch Farm despite technically being a free agent.Dyche suggested in August that Alli could play his way into a new deal if he impresses in some behind-closed-doors friendlies.After leaving Tottenham for Everton in January 2022, Alli joined Turkish team Besiktas on a season-long loan with an option to buy eight months later.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe has not played competitively at all since he was substituted at half-time for Besiktas in a goalless draw against Antalyaspor in February 2023 and returned to Everton last summer.In July 2023, Alli bravely opened up on his mental health battle after previously revealing his childhood trauma over being abused and selling drugs.Dele Alli hailed for opening up on mental health battles as Everton star joins Monday Night Football panelThe 37-capped England international also went to rehab for a sleeping pill addiction.But Alli told Monday Night Football that he was getting back to a better place.He said: “I’m doing really well, it’s been nearly a year now. I’m feeling good, obviously injured which is disappointing. “I think when I did that interview that I’d said it was the best I’d felt at that time, obviously coming out of rehab and getting ready to be back playing.“It’s been tough but it’s a journey I’ve been on and I’m enjoying it and just waiting to get back now.“The reaction and support that I got was obviously overwhelming. “It was amazing to see how many people that did help and I’m definitely very proud of it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAt his pomp, Alli looked to have the world at his feet after scoring 67 goals and providing 58 assists in 269 games for Spurs.Meanwhile, Dyche’s own job is safe for now after a vote of confidence from the Everton board following three defeats from three this season.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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      Premier League legend, 36, welcomes first child with stunning model partner, 28, as Messi’s wife sends congratulations

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      MANCHESTER CITY legend Sergio Aguero’s stunning girlfriend Sofia Calzetti has given birth to their first child.The 36-year-old, who had to retire from football nearly three years ago because of a heart condition, confirmed yesterday he had become a father for the second time.Sergio Aguero posted a snap of his baby daughter clutching his fingerCredit: Instagram @soficalzettiThe Man City legend welcomed his second child to the worldCredit: Instagram @aguerobenja19Sofia Calzetti is Aguero’s girlfriendCredit: Instagram @soficalzettiThe beauty works as a modelCredit: Instagram @soficalzettiHe posted a picture of his newborn daughter Olivia clutching the happy couple’s fingers.Aguero wrote along the snap on his social media: “September 13 2024. Welcome Olivia. We cannot express in words so much happiness.”His model partner posted a congratulation messages they had received from friends and family along with more photos showing the ex-Argentina international cradling his baby.Aguero revealed in March he was expecting a child with Sofia, 28.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis Instagram post at the time showed the loved-up duo holding each other by the hand with two pictures of the ultrasound showing their baby in her womb.The post was captioned: “Immense excitement. We’re waiting for you little girl.”On Tuesday, heavily-pregnant Sofia published a selfie photo showing her practising yoga at the couple’s home in Miami alongside an emotional message which said: “Last yoga class with my little one inside me. “Such strong emotions I can’t find the words to explain them.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“In days or hours, perhaps, she will change my life for ever. I am going to begin to live what I dreamt of all my life, being a mummy.”One of the first to congratulate them was Sergio’s 15-year-old son Benji, whose mum Gianinna was one of Diego Maradona’s two daughters with his wife Claudia Villafane.Man Utd & Man City Premier League combined XILionel Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo wrote “congratulations” on the couple’s Instagrams alongside several heart emojis.Aguero announced his retirement from professional football at an emotional press conference in December 2021.The five-time Premier League winner was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat days after he was taken to hospital clutching his chest and complaining of breathing problems and dizziness during a game for Barcelona.He signed for Barca after becoming Man City’s record goalscorer during his decade in England.Aguero took a massive pay cut to join the Catalan giants after being offered the chance to team up with close pal Messi.But he played only five games for Barca with the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.Who are these famous footballers?Sofia kept her 824,000 followers up to date with her pregnancyCredit: Instagram @soficalzettiAguero and Sofia have been together since 2019Credit: Instagram @soficalzettiShe reconciled with Aguero shortly after rumours emerged that they had broken upCredit: Instagram @soficalzettiLionel Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo congratulated the coupleCredit: Getty More

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      Southampton vs Man Utd LIVE SCORE: Rashford breaks goal drought as Ten Hag’s men pick up easy victory – latest updates

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have comfortably beaten Southampton 3-0 in the Premier League.The Red Devils went ahead thanks to Matthijs de Ligt’s first goal for the club, which came moments after Andre Onana saved Cameron Archer’s penalty. Marcus Rashford made it 2-0 with a brilliant curling effort moments later. And Alejandro Garnacho made it 3-0 with a brilliant finish in the last minute of the game. Kick-off time: 12:30pm BSTLive stream: Discovery+TV channel: TNT Sports 1Southampton XI: Ramsdale; Sugawara, Stephens, Bednarek, Walker-Peters; Downes, Fernandes, Ugochukwu; Dibling, Archer, Brereton DiazMan Utd XI: Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot, Eriksen, Mainoo, Fernandes, Amad, Rashford, ZirkzeeBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFollow ALL the action from St Mary’s with our live blog below…Match reportMatthijs de Ligt and Marcus Rashford grabbed the first-half goals to postpone the next Erik ten Hag crisis for at least another week.But Manchester United were let off the hook by a Southampton side who outplayed them in the opening half an hour and failed to convert a penalty.It would have been fascinating to see how United responded to that kind of setback.In the end, though, Ten Hag’s side ran out comfortable enough winners and he avoided becoming the first United boss to lose three Premier League games in a row since 2015.The Saints never recovered from somehow finding themselves two down at the break after striker Cameron Archer let them down at both ends.Copy linkCopiedMore from Ten HagHe continued, discussing Marcus Rashford and what that goal could do for him.He said: “It’s very important. For every striker, they want to be on the scoring list. “Once the first is in, more is coming. Once a striker was talking about a ketchup bottle, once it’s going, it’s coming more.”Copy linkCopiedMan Utd player ratings from SunSport’s Charlie WyettAndre Onana: 7Noussair Mazraouri: 7Matthijs De Ligt: 7Lisandro Martinez: 7Diogo Dalot: 5Kobbie Mainoo: 6Christian Eriksen: 7Bruno Fernandes: 7Amad Diallo: 7Joshua Zirkzee: 6Marcus Rashford: 7Subs: Garnacho 7 , Ugarte 6, Maguire 6, Evans 6, Casemiro 5Copy linkCopiedTen Hag reactsUnited boss Erik ten Hag told Match of the Day, via the BBC, that the game changed on Andre Onana’s penalty saveHe said: “The start was not easy. “I think the penalty was the turning point in the game and not so far after we scored and that was very important. From that moment on, the game was all ours.”I’m not surprised [by De Ligt’s quality]. At this moment he is not fit, he’s not at 100% speed. He needs the games to go up to it. “We see glimpses now and once he’s there he will do much better. We are happy with him and especially today with his game.”Copy linkCopiedTough statPlenty of difficult stats will be headed Southampton’s way.But that was their 400th Premier League defeat of their existence.Unfortunately for them, it certainly won’t be their last.Copy linkCopiedHow it standsNot long until the 3pm kick offs get underway.United up to 7th with that victory and they can put their feet up and watch the other scores roll in.Southampton in 19th but will go bottom if Everton can get anything at Aston Villa.Copy linkCopiedDe-LigtedMatthijs De Ligt told TNT Sports: “The win was obviously really important. I think if you get three points from three games it’s not enough so there was some pressure but I think today we played very well. “A big credit to Andre Onana who saved a really important penalty, he changed the game for us.”We’ve been working on some set pieces, this one was not exactly out of the book but this was from a good spot.”Copy linkCopiedMatch statsThe numbers to round up the action from St Mary’s.Incredible that Saints had no shots at goal after the penalty was scored.10 shots on target for Manchester United in the end and they took a grip of possession in that second half.Copy linkCopiedFT: Southampton 0-3 Man UtdAfter the opening 30 minutes, you couldn’t have seen it being so comfortable for United.Southampton were well in the game and should’ve gone in front from the spot – Onana saving Archer’s spot kick.United scored twice in the rest of the first half through De Ligt and Rashford.Southampton had NO shots at goal since that penalty and it was tough after Stephens was sent off with ten minutes to play.Garnacho added the icing on the cake, scoring with the final kick.Copy linkCopiedFULL TIMEComfortable second half for United and it was needed!Southampton 0-3 Man UtdCopy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-3 Man Utd90+6. Terrific ball in behind the Southampton defence by Casemiro.Dalot catches it on the byline and cuts it back to eight yards out where Garnacho rushes onto it and smashes high into the roof of the net.Job done for Ten Hag.Copy linkCopiedSigning off in style!Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-2 Man Utd90+4. Free kick Southampton from the resulting corner.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-2 Man Utd90+3. Great play between Zirkzee and Garnacho, with the former sending the latter into the area down the left.His attempted shot is blocked behind by the sliding Bednarek for a corner.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-2 Man UtdIT SHOULD BE THREE!90+1. How has Zirkzee not scored!??Amad does superbly well down the United right and his cut back finds Mainoo who lays it off perfectly to Zirkzee eight yards out. He sends Ramsdale the wrong way but the Saints defender throws a leg at it and superbly keeps the ball out the net.Should’ve been a Zirkzee goal.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-2 Man UtdSix minutes added on.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-2 Man Utd87. Fernandes receives a pass from Garnacho, 25 yards from goal in the centre of the pitch.He unwinds an effort which is dragged comfortably beyond the left post of Ramsdale.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-2 Man Utd85. It’s a run out for Casemiro, who will replace De Ligt in the closing stages.OFF: De LigtON: CasemiroReports of cramp for the Dutch defender.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-2 Man Utd83. Attack against defence for the rest of the game it seems, though United appear content with what they’ve got.Saints have a brief attack forward but Mainoo wins it back and wins the free kick.De Ligt looks to be struggling, he’s picked up a knock.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-2 Man Utd79. Shocker of a challenge from the Southampton skipper.Garnacho skips by him on the halfway line, right in front of the technical area.He catches Garnacho on the knee when sliding in and Stuart Attwell has no option but to send him down the tunnel.Silly and reckless and could’ve been a sore one for the United winger. Saints down to ten for the final ten minutes.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-2 Man UtdRED CARD FOR JACK STEPHENS!Southampton down to ten men.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-2 Man Utd76. Ten Hag taking no chances.OFF: MartinezON: EvansCopy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-2 Man Utd75. Bit of showboating between Mainoo and Fernandes down in the corner in front of the United fans.Southampton win the ball back and Cornet looks to break down the right but excellent defending from Martinez prevents him.He’s hobbling a bit, the United defender.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-2 Man Utd74. Harry Maguire commits a foul well into the Southampton box before kicking the ball away.Another yellow card for delaying the restart!Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-2 Man Utd72. Here come those United changes and it’s a debut for Manuel Ugarte.OFF: Rashford, Eriksen and MazraouiON: Garnacho, Ugarte and MaguireCopy linkCopied More

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      ‘I have delivered here,’ says Erik Ten Hag as Man Utd boss faces pressure following miserable international break

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      ERIK TEN HAG admits he is under pressure – despite a fresh vote of confidence from Manchester United’s top brass.The Dutch boss saved his job by winning the FA Cup in May and was given a new deal.Defiant Erik ten Hag says he has delivered success at Man UtdCredit: GettyBut defeat at Southampton today would mean United losing three Premier League games in a row for the first time since 2015.Asked about support from upstairs, Ten Hag said: “In football you have to win, you have to deliver, that’s clear. As I’ve said, I have delivered here.”It’s good the new leadership acknowledge this and says this, we are working together to be more successful.“We have higher targets than we’ve already achieved.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited finished eighth last term and started this season with two defeats from their first three, including a 3-0 walloping by Liverpool two weeks ago.But new chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Dan Ashworth backed Ten Hag during the international break.Berrada said: “Do we still believe in Erik? Absolutely,“We think Erik is the right coach for us and we’re fully backing him.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut even the international break has not given Ten Hag a chance to get out the limelight.He has had a miserable week off, with Teddy Sheringham saying he will be axed by Christmas and Cristiano Ronaldo firing shots at him.Erik ten Hag warns Manuel Ugarte could take MONTHS to get fit in further blow to Man Utd fans after Liverpool hammeringNew signing Matthijs de Ligt was at fault for several goals conceded by Holland in their two games.And the club were unable to shift Antony amid late loan interest from Turkey.Meanwhile, Ten Hag insists United are in a transition period.New chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made big changes behind-the-scenes, while five new players have been brought during the summer.Ten Hag, 54, added: “It’s not only to do with me, nobody can deny in these last eight or nine months a lot has happened to this club.“A new leadership team, new structure and ownership structure. It’s a huge turnaround I would say.”Ten Hag is also dealing with huge injury problems, with Leny Yoro, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund out.But left-back Tyrell Malacia, 25, is back in training after missing all of last season with a knee injury.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “We want to motivate him to return, but it’s not so easy when you are so long away.“He’s working very hard and making big steps.”Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Inside Casemiro’s Man Utd redemption bid as star first to arrive for training before Liverpool debrief with Erik ten Hag

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      CASEMIRO has one of the most impressive CVs in world football — but it will count for nothing as he tries to prove himself all over again at Manchester United.Maybe he knows it too. That could be why the veteran Brazilian was the first player to report for training at Carrington in recent days.Casemiro arrived first at Carrington in a bid to turn his form aroundCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHe was hooked at half-time after a disastrous display against LiverpoolCredit: PAErik ten Hag has backed him to respondCredit: AFPThe five-time Champions League winner had a nightmare in his last appearance for the Red Devils two weeks ago.He was blamed for Liverpool’s first two goals and then hooked at half-time as United lost 3-0 on a disastrous showing against their bitter rivals at Old Trafford.Now he has even more competition with new £50.8million signing Manuel Ugarte — as well as rookie Toby Collyer — pushing for his place in Erik ten Hag’s team.So he may have to get his head down and be patient.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDuring the international break the 32-year-old was linked with a move to Galatasaray but a firm offer never materialised, now he and United are stuck with each other.Ten Hag has spoken with Casemiro about his horror show against Arne Slot’s men and says he will pick the team from what he sees in training from now on.The United boss said: “I normally do talk to them and in this case I did as well. But players in our club know when you are playing at this level there is always competition.“They also know you can only be successful if you have a squad with cover.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“You can’t have a squad where you only have one player who can cover — you need at least two for each position.“Sometimes it is three for two. That is OK when you have very robust players. All the players will understand — then it’s about what is the best fit for the team.’Man Utd have wrong bald Dutch manager’ – how Slot schooled Ten Hag at Old Trafford“They have to prove it, the key word. They will have games but they have to take responsibility and win games for the club.“If they show their levels on the training pitch, show levels and they’ll have playing time and then it’s about contributing to the team.“I am looking far ahead. A player who benefits most will play more minutes. That is also normal.”While Ten Hag and the new football leadership team have high hopes for Ugarte — after the Uruguayan’s arrival from Paris Saint-Germain — they still need Casemiro to get back on track.With Europa League commitments starting this month, it will be a hectic period for the Red Devils.And the Dutch boss does not want the experienced star to be judged too harshly on his shocker against Liverpool.He added: “We definitely need him for sure, of course I speak with him about the situation, everyone can have a bad day at the office.“But it’s normal in life you have highs and lows and it’s the same in the life of a football player.“For a football player there are many observing this and have an opinion on this and you have to deal with this.“He knows how to deal with it. Nobody’s career goes only up, no team pattern only goes up. Then you have to deal with it — then it is about what is the end result.“But he is experienced. It’s not the first time I guess he’s had to deal with a bad game, he has to overcome it this well.”Ugarte, 23, only arrived back from international duty on Thursday lunchtime but is in contention to play at Southampton.Ten Hag revealed he has followed the South American since he featured for Sporting Lisbon against his Ajax team in the Champions League group stage three years ago.The Amsterdam outfit ran out comfortable winners in both matches but the way the midfielder performed stuck in his memory.Manuel Ugarte the next Roy KeaneBy PHIL THOMASNEARLY two decades have passed since Roy Keane led Manchester United into battle for the final time.It left a gap in the engine room that the Red Devils have never really come close to filling in the 19 years that have followed.Many tried and some managed it in flashes and, although the trophies still rolled in for a time, there was no snarling, bring-it-on warrior prowling the midfield.Until now… until the imminent capture of a man who views a 50-50 challenge like a starving Labrador staring at a side of ham.For three months, United have licked their own lips at the prospect of a midfield marshalled by Uruguayan tough guy Manuel Ugarte.Finally, they have their man.Ugarte is pretty much a ball-winner pure and simple.Rarely will you see him pinging 40-yard passes to split a defence.But ending his days with half the reputation of Keane and a fraction of his silverware would still mean a hell of a career.Ten Hag added: “He’s been on my radar a long time, he played for Sporting Lisbon vs Ajax.“It was not only that match, also the seasons after when he played there and for Uruguay and PSG.“I had him in my mind and my eye, the scouting department had him in their mind and we followed him and we judged he will be a really good fit for our team.“He’s coming in as a late transfer but he’s playing a very important position, connecting the defending with attacking and attacking with defending.“Communication is very important to guide the team and lead the team, make the connections between defence and attack.“We have to help and guide him about how to play that role but what we have seen, he knows a lot already and has the profile where we think he can fit in that role.“We have to teach him details about how it works in our team.”Ten Hag is also backing summer arrival Matthijs de Ligt to bounce back from his Dutch disaster.De Ligt, signed in a £42.7m deal from Bayern Munich, had a nightmare international break.The 25-year-old was at fault for a goal in Holland’s 5-2 win over Bosnia then got blamed for both in a 2-2 draw with Germany days later.READ MORE SUN STORIESTen Hag said: “I know Matthijs and he is a great personality, his character. He will overcome this and will bounce back.“I’m not afraid for this situation — it’s about the Dutch squad — not his club. I know his qualities, I know he’ll fight back.” More

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      Pep Guardiola sensationally reveals Man City were offered never-before-seen rule change to ease fixture congestion

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      THE season starts here for Manchester City – and doesn’t Pep Guardiola know it.Today’s home game with Brentford is the start of four matches in just 11 days – spread across three different competitions.Manchester City face four matches in 11 days in three different competitionsCredit: GettyPep Guardiola made a shock revelation about their Carabao Cup tieCredit: AlamyThen come another three in quick succession before the next international break.Guardiola said after the win at West Ham two weeks ago that it still felt like pre-season – despite City’s perfect start to the campaign.So now things get serious – and the scheduling of their Carabao Cup tie against Watford next week is certainly no laughing matter at the Etihad.They will face the Championship high-fliers just 49 hours after their title showdown against Arsenal.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEven for a club with City’s resources, it will be a test and the Spanish boss fears things are only to get worse for clubs involved in European competitions.Uefa have expanded the group stage of both the Champions League and Europa League meaning the calendar is getting more and more full.And as far as the former Barcelona coach is concerned, all the meetings to try to find solutions are “useless”.His big fear is the physical and mental health of the players is going to suffer as a result.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPep said: “It’s going to happen many times. When someone creates another new competition, it’s going to be even worse.“It’s impossible to fix all the schedules and calendars.Watch moment cheeky Man Utd mascot stops Pep Guardiola before Community Shield with eight-word request“People say with players and managers with the money they shouldn’t complain but it’s not that – it’s about the health.“Doctors especially say the bodies have to recover for four or five days. We did three and now two.“We’re not going to change, the meetings are useless. If they decide they’re going to do it they’re going to do it.”City play title rivals Arsenal next Sunday then go to Newcastle for a lunchtime kick-off on Saturday, September 28 – with both games already locked in for live TV coverage.Normally the Carabao Cup game would be played on the Wednesday but that option was ruled out as Manchester United are at home in the Europa League that night.So Guardiola’s men were told they would have to play on either the Tuesday or Thursday night – or switch the tie to Vicarage Road.He said: “I prefer to play at home than go to London because this way our fans can watch this lovely, adorable team at home.“That’s why I decided to play on Tuesday. If we had said Thursday we wouldn’t have time to recover to go to Newcastle.“Hopefully we can select two teams and be fit and have no injuries but everyone knows the schedule will be tight this season.”City were furious when their FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea in April was picked for the Saturday – even though they had played in Europe against Real Madrid on the Wednesday night.Both Guardiola and match-winner Bernardo Silva publicly slammed the decision but the City boss does not see anything changing.He said: “The week is seven days. We cannot create eight days a week or nine days a week.What will happen to Man City?MAN CITY are favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! We know the case will start to be dealt with in October or November.It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future.“So you have to fix all the games and the schedule is so tight it is impossible to handle. We just go for it.“I learned when you are at a club in a lot of competitions it’s important to keep the energy to the moment of the game.“So it is not about training good the day before or after because you need the energy for the 95 minutes you are going to play.“Whether it affects the chances of injury or quality I would love to know but I don’t know the consequences on injury or performance.”Thomas Frank’s Bees were the last team to win at the Etihad – way back on the eve of the 2022 World Cup.Guardiola hopes that is not an omen, saying: “I wish you’d not told me that. But it shows how well we have done – two years without losing a game at home. It’s good.”READ MORE SUN STORIES“I don’t remember an easy game against a Thomas Frank team, he’s a person who I admire.“Since they were promoted, they have always been tough here and there and this will be no exception.”Ivan Toney scored the winner for Brentford at the Etihad just before the 2022 World CupCredit: GettyErling Haaland has hit the ground running this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      I’m not scared of Liverpool at Anfield… I scored the winner in Europe’s maddest derby where fans set fire to the stadium

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      NIKOLA MILENKOVIC says stepping into the Anfield cauldron holds no fears.That is because he came of age playing in the maddest, baddest derby in Europe.Nikola Milenkovic thrived in the barmy Belgrade derbyCredit: AlamyPartizan Belgrade fans are seen burning Red Star T-Shirts back in 2016Credit: AFPLiverpool fans are among the most passionate in world football, with the Kop capable of producing a spine-tingling atmosphere to unnerve the best.But Nottingham Forest’s 6ft 5in defender reckons he can handle the Merseyside crowd today after surviving the bonkers Balkans derby between Partizan and Red Star Belgrade.Milenkovic played in four of the notorious clashes which divide a nation, never mind a city — winning three and drawing one.The 26-year-old, who was born in the Serbian capital, said: “The atmosphere is crazy in Belgrade derbies but I really enjoyed them.READ MORE TOP STORIES“On derby day in Belgrade everything stops in the city — absolutely anything goes. There are so many police all over the place and rival fans fight in the streets.“The stadium looks as if it is on fire — and it often is because the visiting Ultras set fire to the seats!”Milenkovic was only 18 and had barely graduated from Partizan’s academy when he was thrust into his first ‘Eternal Derby’.On that occasion Partizan fans gave the visiting Red Star supporters a warm welcome hell would have been proud of as their Ultras displayed a washing line packed with Red Star shirts… then set it ablaze!Most read in FootballNemanja Vidic, who went on to shine for Man Utd, was Milenkovic’s idol, despite playing for Belgrade rivals Red StarCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMilenkovic emerged a 1-0 victor and went on to win a league and cup double at Red Star’s expense.He scored the only goal in the Serbian Cup final AGAINST them with a booming header on his 36th and final game for Partizan before his 2017 move to Fiorentina.Ex-Liverpool boss and heavy metal fan Jurgen Klopp soundproofs £6m mansion in Germany’s ‘Beverly Hills’Unfortunately, the derby has a history of violence — with its darkest day coming in 1999 when a teenage Red Star supporter was killed by a rocket fired by Partizan fans.In 2013, 104 arrests were made following violent clashes before, during and after the match.Two years later the derby was delayed for 45 minutes due to crowd trouble with rival fans hurling seats and flares at riot police — before launching stun grenades on to the track surrounding the pitch.Milenkovic, a £12million summer arrival at Forest, said: “Unfortunately these things happen in the derby of Serbia.“In England you don’t have this hatred. Here you have a lot of passion for the game and your clubs. I’m really enjoying the atmosphere here in English grounds but in Serbia it’s loco, it’s all a bit crazy!“Partizan and Red Star share the same city and the two stadiums are only 800 metres apart.“But it can also be a beautiful experience — especially when you win.“It was a great achievement for a child who grew up in the Partizan academy, to go on to win the double with Partizan, especially against Red Star.“To score the winning goal in the cup final before moving to Fiorentina, that was a dream come true for me.”Meet North London derby WagsARSENAL travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the North London derby on Sunday.So with that in mind, SunSport has put together a piece looking at 10 of the players’ partners ahead of the game.One Arsenal man is with a woman who had a romance and daughter with Hollywood star Jude Law.Another Gunners player is married to a competitive twerker who goes by the stage name Redheaded.And one Spurs star convinced his partner to move to England from Los Angeles when they got together – before they went on to have three children.Click here to read the full story.Milenkovic only played 36 games for Partizan but will go down in club history for that goal. As a kid he was compared to Serbia legend Nemanja Vidic, who he idolised despite being a Red Star man.Milenkovic said: “My role model was Nemanja Vidic. He is the best Serbian defender ever and a legend of Manchester United.“I grew up watching him on YouTube. I watched almost every game of his.“I still have my Serbia national team jersey with his name at home which I wore as a child, playing football in the streets.“I learned so much just watching Nemanja but our playing careers passed each other by and I’ve never had the chance to meet him but I hope so one day.”Milenkovic has won more caps for Serbia than Vidic, who only represented his nation 56 times.The Forest defender marked his 58th appearance by captaining Serbia for the first time last week in the Nations League against Spain.And his inspirational leadership sealed a brilliant, battling 0-0 draw with the European champions  as he helped tame Nico Williams, Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal.Milenkovic added: “I was hugely honoured to captain my country and represent our people.“It was very emotional for me to lead my nation and such a young Serbian team.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The national anthem was such a proud moment for myself and my family, and to draw 0-0 with Spain was a real highlight of my career.“Did I shed a tear during the national anthem? No, I am a big defender, I don’t cry…” More