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      Ex-Man Utd star has theory why Phil Jones refused to quit Man Utd despite fact he should have ‘left a long time ago’

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      A FORMER Manchester United star reckons he knows why Phil Jones has stayed at the club for so long.The centre-back, 31, is in his 12th season at Old Trafford following a 2011 move from Blackburn Rovers.
      A former Man Utd star reckons he knows why Phil Jones has refused to leave until nowCredit: Getty
      Despite enjoying his start to life at United, Jones eventually suffered several injury setbacks.
      And he’s played just 13 times in the last four years.
      Jones is now set to be released when his contract expires this summer.
      The Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League winner’s exit will call time on his up-and-down football career.
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      Jones already turned down the chance to play a testimonial after more than a decade of loyal service.
      And former Red Devil Dimitar Berbatov reckons he knows why Jones has refused to quit United before now.
      The Bulgarian scored 56 goals in four seasons at the club, winning two Premier League titles.
      And Berbatov believes that once you get a taste of life in the famous red shirt, you become extremely reluctant to let it go.
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      Dimitar Berbatov reckons United is too great a club for many to simply walk away fromCredit: Getty
      He told Betfred: “I believe Phil should have left a long time ago because it was obvious that he wasn’t in the plans of a couple of Manchester United’s recent managers. 
      “He was obviously not going to play, his time was up and he needed to leave sooner, but it is what it is. I wish him the best of luck in the future.

      “Has he been unfairly criticised? We’ve all been there and sometimes you get criticism you deserve and sometimes you don’t. That’s football. 
      “In Phil’s case, I can understand it because when you go to Manchester United, you don’t want to leave. 
      “Trust me. I can understand why he’s stayed at the club for so many years.” More

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      Bournemouth vs Man Utd: Red Devils look to cement top-4 place against freshly safe Cherries – stream, TV, team news

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      MANCHESTER UNTIED must win against Bournemouth to keep the pressure on Newcastle United for third place in the Premier League.Erik ten Hag’s side are level on points with their Geordie counterparts going into this weekend’s fixture but face the tougher run-in with home games against Chelsea and Fulham.
      Alejandro Garnacho scored in the last minute to make it 2-0 against Wolves on the weekendCredit: EPA
      Anthony Martial scored Man United’s opener against WolvesCredit: GETTY
      United are coming off a dominant 2-0 win over Wolves and will be aiming to repeat that when they travel to Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
      The Magpies currently sit above United in the Premier League with a far superior goal difference, so the Red Devils will need to score more points if they are going to overtake them.
      Bournemouth, having survived the drop against the odds will hope to finish the season on a high note despite back-to-back losses to Crystal Palace and Chelsea in their last two games.
      The Cherries face relegation candidates Everton on the final day of the season and will look to strengthen over the coming summer.
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      When is Bournemouth vs Manchester United?

      Manchester United will aim to overcome the newly safe Bournemouth on Saturday, May 20.
      Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm UK time
      The Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth is set to host the game, boasting a capacity of 11,307 fans.
      The Red Devils dominated then relegation-threatened Bournemouth earlier in the season winning 3-0.

      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      The game is not televised in the UK due to the 3pm blackout.
      However, you can keep up to date with all the action from the Vitality Stadium with SunSport’s live blog.

      What is the team news?
      Erik ten Hag’s United will be without January loan signing Marcel Sabitzer (knee) who joins the list of players sidelined with injury.
      Lisandro Martinez (ankle), Donny van de Beek (knee), Tom Heaton (ankle) and Phil Jones (knee) are also ruled out for the trip to the south coast.
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      There are slim hopes for Marcus Rashford’s return for this game, but Scotland’s Scott Mctominay will likely be a decision closer to the game.
      Gary O’Neill’s Bournemouth will be without winger Marcus Tavernier (thigh) alongside Hamed Traore (ankle), Ryan Fredericks (leg), Antione Semenyo (other) and Junior Stanislas (other).
      Odds

      Bournemouth to win – 5/1
      Draw – 10/3
      Manchester Utd to win – 1/2

      *Odds are courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      Joey Barton BANNED for start of next season after tunnel and changing room meltdown against Sheff Weds

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      JOEY BARTON has been handed a three game ground ban after being charged by the FA for improper conduct. The Bristol Rovers manager was slapped with the punishment after his behaviour against Sheffield Wednesday last month.
      Barton has been in charge of Bristol Rovers since 2021Credit: Getty
      Barton was sent off from the touchline during the game and admitted that his behaviour after his dismissal was “improper”.
      The fiery 40-year-old was found to have used abusive and insulting language towards a match official in the tunnel and changing room.
      He will now miss Rovers’ first three games next season.
      The League 1 gaffer has also been fined £3,000 for his misconduct.
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      Gas lost 2-1 to promotion chasing Sheffield Wednesday in April and Barton had taken issue with officials during the game.
      He and his coaching staff were left furious when, 2-1 down, John Marquis had a goal chalked off for offside.
      Bristol Rovers coaches viewed pitch-side monitors and disagreed with the assistant referee’s decision.
      After the game Barton said: “You are reliant on the officials to get major decisions right and, unfortunately, tonight the linesman has had a guess, as they do at the level.
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      “I was worried when I saw that referee, every time I get him he does something barmy, that ref. I’m not really putting that on his toes, the linesman has only got one job to do and it’s disappointing when they guess.”
      Barton has done an outstanding job at the Memorial Stadium since taking over in February 2021.
      He first saved the club from relegation and then got them promoted in dramatic fashion on the final day last season.
      The ex-midfielder also led the side to a safe mid-table finish this campaign.
      Barton had a reputation during his playing career for never being far from trouble.
      While he has enjoyed a less controversial stint as a manager, he has occasionally made headlines for the wrong reasons.
      The former Newcastle midfielder had to apologise in 2021 after an ill-judged reference to the Holocaust as he described his team’s performance.
      The boss also raised eyebrows last summer for his scathing assessment of his own players. More

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      Raging Newcastle fans ask ‘how is this even possible’ after referee for Brighton clash is revealed

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      SOME Newcastle fans are raging at the referee appointment for their crunch clash with Brighton.The soaring Magpies welcome fellow highfliers Brighton to St James’ Park on Thursday night for a crucial match in their bid for Champions League football.
      Newcastle will welcome Brighton to St James’ Park on Thursday nightCredit: REX
      Robert Jones will officiate the match – although some Magpies fans have concernsCredit: AFP
      The Premier League announced on Monday that referee Robert Jones will officiate the must-win clash for Eddie Howe’s troops.
      And the appointment of the Merseysider got some of the Toon Army’s tongues wagging as Liverpool are still breathing down their necks in fifth place.
      One tweeted: “Ridiculous.”
      Another asked: “Seriously?? How can this be allowed??”
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      And another asked: “How this is even possible?”
      And another said: “He is such a poor referee too.”
      One of the St James’ Park faithful, however, was quick to point out the team’s winning record in games that Jones has officiated.
      They tweeted: “Both games he’s refereed against us we’ve won so I Don’t see the issue.”
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      Another defended Jones’ honour, by saying: “He’s a class guy.
      “Don’t question integrity or imply bias on someone you don’t know.”
      Newcastle fans’ concerns over 36-year-old Jones have zero merit.
      The Premier League extensively vet officials before each match to make sure they don’t take charge of teams they support or their rivals.
      That scrutiny is also applied when they could take charge of matches that potentially can have a positive impact on the teams they support.
      Jones is a relative newcomer to the refereeing circuit having become an EFL official in the 2016/17 season.
      The majority of his assignments this season have come in the Premier League, although he has also officiated Championship, FA Cup and Carabao Cup games.
      Newcastle go into the game with Brighton just one point ahead of Liverpool – but have played a game less.
      After Brighton, Newcastle take on Leicester and Chelsea while Liverpool face Southampton and Leicester in their final two games. More

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      Ryan Giggs’ son Zach, 16, signs for Premier League club after leaving Man Utd as proud dad watches on

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      RYAN GIGGS’ son Zach has signed a youth contract with Sheffield United as the youngster bids to be part of a Premier League squad for the next season. The 16-year-old has left Manchester United’s academy after four years following a trial at Bramall Lane.
      Zach Giggs had been with the United academy since 2019Credit: Getty
      Ryan Giggs remains one of the Premier League’s most decorated playersCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun

      He had been linked with the Yorkshire club over the previous month but has now put pen to paper on a deal.
      A photo from the Manchester United Youth Twitter account shows the star signing a scholarship contract.
      The wall behind him reads “The Academy of Opportunity” with pictures of Sheffield United youth graduates like Kyle Walker and Harry Maguire visible.
      The Blades’ promotion back to the top division means Zach could potentially make his Premier League debut next season.
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      But it is likely he will spend most of his time trying to earn his stripes in the youth team.
      Paul Heckingbottom’s side beat West Brom at the end of last month to join Burnley in going up.
      Zach will be hoping to emulate his father’s career with Ryan Giggs still one of the Premier League’s most successful players.
      He scored at least one goal in all of the first 21 seasons of the re-branded top division and appeared in the first 22 campaigns for United.
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      Giggs also holds the record for most appearances of all time for Manchester United and has the second-most Premier League outings.
      He won 13 Premier League medals, lifted the FA Cup four times and was part of both Man United Champions League winning squads. More

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      Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal: Gunners title hopes hang by thread while Cooper’s side fight for survival – stream, TV

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      ARSENAL have tripped up in the race for the Premier League title as even a win against Nottingham Forest might not be enough to stay in the run-in.The Gunners already had a mountain to climb by trailing Manchester City even after playing a game more.
      Arsenal got pummelled by Brighton at the EmiratesCredit: Reuters
      But Brighton delivered a crucial blow on Sunday by hammering them 3-0 at the Emirates.
      And to make matters worse, City’s 3-0 romp over Everton the day before has resulted in the gap being stretched to four points.
      Meaning that victory for Pep’s men in their next league fixture against Chelsea, would see City be crowned as champions for a third consecutive time.
      However, the Gunners have to put that the back of their mind as they need to overcome relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest first.
      Read more on Arsenal
      When is Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal?

      Nottingham Forest will look to end Arsenal’s title hopes once and for all on Saturday, May 20.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 5:30pm UK time.
      City Ground in Nottingham is the allocated arena for this match and it can host approximately 30,445 fans.
      Arsenal ran riot in the reverse fixture by thrashing Forest 5-0.

      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
      Coverage is set to commence from 5pm UK time on both channels – 30 minutes before kick-off.
      Subscription members of NOW TV can stream the entire action live via the NOW TV website or app.
      Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage through our live blog which includes build-up and post-match reaction.

      What is the team news?
      Steve Cooper will have to navigate past Arsenal with another lengthy injury list.
      Scott McKenna (shoulder), Neco Williams (head), Chris Wood (thigh), Gustavo Scarpa (knock) and Dean Henderson (thigh) are all expected to miss the Gunners encounter.
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      While, Omar Richard (leg), Emmanuel Dennis (knock), Jack Colback (head) and Giulian Biancome (cruciate ligament) is likely to join their other teammates in the treatment room.
      However, Mikel Arteta has some setbacks of his own as wonderkid Gabriel Martinelli looks set to join William Saliba, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mohamed Elneny on the sidelines after coming off early in the Brighton loss with a foot injury.
      Gabriel Martinelli was spotted wearing a protective boot after coming off injuredCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      But Oleksandr Zinchenko (calf) could return after being spotted in last week’s training session.
      What are the latest odds?

      Forest to win 19/4
      Draw 16/5
      Arsenal to win 8/15

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More

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      Forgotten Man Utd star dubbed ‘little Iniesta or Xavi’ confirms exit after six years at Old Trafford

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      MANCHESTER UNITED midfielder Ethan Galbraith has confirmed he will leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.The 22-year-old has made just one first-team appearance for the Red Devils – which came under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the Europa League in 2019.
      Ethan Galbraith will leave Old Trafford at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
      He has had loan spells with Doncaster and SalfordCredit: Getty
      He spent the 2021-22 campaign on loan at Doncaster where he played 36 games for the League One side.
      And this season he has been a part of Salford’s team – which is owned by Man Utd legends Gary Neville, Nicky Butt, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Ryan Giggs.
      Northern Ireland international Galbraith has been with United since arriving from Limerick six years ago.
      But now his exit has been announced on social media.
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      Speaking on Instagram, the central midfielder said: “After 6 years, my time has come to an end with this magnificent club at Manchester United.
      “I want to thank the club, coaching staff and players for helping me become a better player, a better person and for making me feel at home.

      “My earliest ambition as a boy was to become a professional footballer and I’m forever grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity and support to fulfil that dream.
      “It’s been a privilege and I feel very fortunate to have been able to represent the club.
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      “I step into the next chapter of my career a more mature well rounded person and I’m excited for what’s next…”
      Following his Man Utd debut, ex-Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough described Galbraith as their country’s Andreas Iniesta or Xavi.
      Speaking in 2020, he said: “Not to put too much pressure on his shoulders, but he’s our little Iniesta or Xavi.
      “[He’s] someone who can get on the ball and manipulate the ball and find positive passes.
      “Over the coming years, he will give us a different flavour to the squad.”
      Galbraith has earned two international caps but has not featured for his country over the past three years. More

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      Julian Nagelsmann’s agent takes swipe at Boehly and ‘troubled’ Chelsea as he reveals Pochettino was NOT first choice

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      JULIAN NAGELSMANN’S agent has taken an incredible swipe at Todd Boehly and “troubled” Chelsea.That’s after claiming Mauricio Pochettino was NOT the Blues’ first choice as new manager.
      Julian Nagelsmann’s agent has hit out at ‘troubled’ ChelseaCredit: Getty
      It’s claimed Nagelsmann was Chelsea’s first choice, not incoming Mauricio PochettinoCredit: Rex
      Nagelsmann, 35, was sacked by Bayern Munich earlier this season before being replaced by ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.
      He was then said to be the Londoners’ top choice to succeed Graham Potter.
      And talks were held to see whether Nagelsmann wanted to make the move to England.
      Chelsea are believed to have even dropped initial interest in Luis Enrique to pursue the young German coach.
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      But Nagelsmann ended up snubbing Chelsea after he was reportedly left feeling cold by their future plans.
      The Blues are now closing in on former Spurs manager Pochettino, who could be confirmed by the end of the week.
      However, Nagelsmann’s agent insists his client was always Chelsea’s preferred choice, NOT the Argentine tactician.
      Volker Struth also took aim at the instability during Boehly’s first season in charge, claiming there have been several “issues” at the “troubled” club.
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      Nagelsmann’s agent claims several factors went against the German taking Todd Boehly’s offerCredit: Alamy
      Struth told Bild: “I can confirm that Chelsea were quick to call [after Nagelsmann’s Bayern exit]. There were some phone conversations.
      “It was the right decision not to go there. It’s a club in troubled waters at the moment.
      “And their transfer policy, spending a few hundred million euros, has raised expectations that need to be met. There were also some other issues.
      “He was their number one, that was our information, I believe it would have happened if he had wanted it.”
      According the Athletic, Chelsea themselves insist Nagelsmann was never their top choice, but one of several options.
      Since being linked with the Blues, he emerged as a top target for troubled Tottenham.
      But Nagelsmann is no longer in the running to replace Antonio Conte after failing to make the final interview stage. More