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    Fifa Club World Cup 2025 draw in full as Chelsea get shock reunion with cult hero while Man City face European giants

    CHELSEA landed a plum draw in the inaugural Fifa Club World Cup – including a reunion with a club cult hero.The revamped tournament will now be contested with a similar format to the World Cup – staged next year in America from June 15-July 13 and featuring 32 of the globe’s top teams.Gianni Infantino with the new Club World Cup TrophyCredit: GettyThere was a special message from US President-elect Donald TrumpCredit: EPATrump’s daughter Ivanka was at the draw, and her son Theo helped pick out the first teamCredit: APDiletta Leotta was on hand to present the showCredit: EPAIt all kicked off with a glitzy group-stage draw from Miami, featuring a host of global football legends, and presented, in part, by Italian beauty, and former Premier League Wag, Diletta Leotta.Each country is limited to two entrants in the tournament, with the Blues and Manchester City taking England’s slots as the two most recent Champions League winners.Chelsea wound up in Group D, along with Brazil’s Flamengo, Club Leon of Mexico and Esperance de Tunis from Tunisia. And that likely means a shock clash against for Blues title winner David Luiz, who is still playing for the Brazilians at the age of 37.READ MORE IN football City meanwhile face Italian giants Juventus, Morocco’s Wydad AC and Al Ain of the UAE.Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid will play Saudi champions Al Hilal, RB Salzburg of Austria and Mexico’s Pachuca.Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich take on Benfica, Boca Juniors and Aukland City in Group C. Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger was on hand to help pick out the teams but only after being made to perform some awkward dad dancing.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSUS President-elect Donald Trump’s eight-year-old grandson Theo also helped pick out the draw with the politician’s daughter Ivanka.There was even a message from President Trump – who referred to Fifa president Gianni Infantino as “Jonny”. Fans baffled as Donald Trump sends bizarre video message to pal ‘Jonny’ Infantino before Fifa Club World Cup drawDavid Luiz won the Premier League with Chelsea and now could face them aged 37Credit: PA:Press AssociationTrump said: “The event is going to be incredible. I will try and be there if I can, I would, we’ll see what happens.”But I just want to say you’re led by a man named Jonny, I just know him as Jonny and he’s a winner and he’s the president and I’m the president.”We’ve known each other a long time and I’m so honoured to have this kind of relationship because Soccer is going through the roof as everybody knows.”It’s been doing so fantastically well, my son Baron is a tremendous soccer fan, he’s actually a good player – I guess not quite that kind of good but he’s a very good player.”But he loves soccer and it really is taking over the United States in terms of a sport and I congratulate everybody.”But in particular I wish you too have a good time and I want to send my highest regards and respect to Johnny.”It’s been an honour to be with you and will be with you very soon and we’re going to watch the World Cup very importantly also very soon.”I was very responsible along with Johnny in getting it and it’s going to be a fantastic thing.”The new Club World Cup format sees teams divided into eight groups of four and play each other once.Top two teams in each group then progress to the knockout stage.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe last 16 is the first single knockout round – followed by the quarter-final, semi-final and then final.Details on how fans can watch the Club World Cup emerged earlier this week, with DAZN snapping up the rights.Arsene Wenger performed some awkward dad dancingCredit: https://x.com/DAZN_ESBrazilian model Adriana Lima also presentedCredit: AFPDiletta Leotta with host Samantha Johnson Alessandro del PieroCredit: EPA More

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    Bournemouth 1-0 Tottenham LIVE RESULT: Huijsen’s header secures Cherries three huge points against Spurs

    BOURNEMOUTH have beaten Tottenham at the vitality thanks to a Dean Huijsen header.Huijsen became Bournemouth’s youngest ever goal scorer with his crucial first half goal.And it is a result which sees Spurs drop down to 10th.RESULT: Bournemouth 1-0 TottenhamFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from Vitality Stadium with our live blog below… More

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    Fifa Club World Cup draw simulated with Chelsea landing horror group and Man City facing Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami

    THE REVAMPED Fifa Club World Cup increases to 32 teams in 2025 with Manchester City and Chelsea among those in action. It will now be contested with a similar format to the World Cup, staged next year in America from June 15-July 13.Erling Haaland’s Manchester City are a top seed in the groupCredit: RexCole Palmer’s Chelsea face a horror drawCredit: RexTeams will be divided into eight groups of four and play each other once, with the top two teams in each group progressing to the knockout stage.The last 16 is the first single knockout round – followed by the quarter-final, semi-final and then final.But it all kicks off with the group-stage draw, staged in Miami, where the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich find out their fate.Certain teams cannot draw each other, for example sides from the same league such as Chelsea and City or Flamengo and Fluminense.READ MORE IN football Fifa split the top seeding pot by handing four slots to Europe and four to South America, based on their continental coefficient ranking.So City, Madrid, Bayern and PSG are joined by Brazilians Flamengo, Palmeiras and Fluminense and Argentina’s River Plate.The other eight European sides, including Chelsea, are in pot two.Pot three is made up of the remaining South American teams – Boca Juniors and Botafogo – and the two highest ranked sides from the other three major confederations.Most read in FootballPot four will see the remaining sides, although Inter Miami are already confirmed as playing in Group A and Seattle Sounders will play all their games at home.SunSport simulated the draw and it would be exciting news for City fans but not so much for Chelsea.Fifa confirm 12 stadiums for new-look Club World Cup including TWO £1.2BILLION NFL grounds and 88,500-seat Olympic venueThe Premier League champions drew Inter Milan, Botafogo and Inter Miami – meaning they would come up against Lionel Messi. But Chelsea suffered a horror draw alongside Real Madrid, Monterrey of Mexico and South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns FC.There were also glamour ties including Flamengo vs Port and Palmeiras vs Juventus. Boca Juniors vs Bayern Munich also looks particularly exciting.Details on how footy fans can watch the Club World Cup emerged earlier this week, with DAZN snapping up the rights. More

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    Fans spot Man Utd’s pre-match tactic that massively backfired against Arsenal

    MANCHESTER UNITED practised defending corners in their warm-up before facing Arsenal… and still went on to concede from them TWICE.Mikel Arteta’s men went into the game with a reputation for being dangerous from corner kicks.Manchester United practised defending corners before the gameCredit: RexThey were seen heading away corners during the warm-up at the EmiratesCredit: RexAnd they lived up to that billing as Jurrien Timber and William Saliba both nodded home from the set-pieces to hand Arsenal a 2-0 win at the Emirates.Ruben Amorim’s side could not deal with the deliveries all evening as Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino also went close from corners.So it will come as a major surprise to most Man Utd fans that the Red Devils were preparing for Arsenal’s corner-kick assault just moments before the match.A video posted by Manchester Evening News shows corners being whipped in as Man Utd’s defenders – who were in bibs – head them away while under pressure from some of their team-mates.READ MORE ON MAN UTDYet it clearly did not work as they then looked all at sea for the corners taken by Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.And fans on social media saw the irony in the training drill.One said: “You can’t stop the inevitable 😂.”Another added: “They should’ve had Declan or Bukayo take the corners for them in the warm-up.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSArsenal went on to terrorise Man Utd in the gameCredit: RexWilliam Saliba, left, and Jurrien Timber, right, both headed home from cornersCredit: GettyA third replied: “Not once did they start from outside the goal and run in once… they did it all wrong 😂🤣🤣.”While a fourth jokingly responded: “They defended the corners so well in training tbf🤣😀.”Ruben Amorim reveals four Man Utd stars who have a ‘time limit’ as he discusses squad issues Arsenal have now scored 22 goals from corners since the start of last season – seven more than Manchester City and eight more than Premier League leaders Liverpool.Next up for Arsenal is a trip to Fulham on Sunday, before they host Monaco in the Champions League.Ruben Amorim suffered his first defeat as Man Utd manager on Wednesday nightCredit: GettyHow to stop Arsenal at cornersArsenal have turned into a prolific team when it comes to scoring from corners.The Gunners have now scored 22 goals from them since the start of last season – seven more than their nearest rival Manchester City and eight more than Premier League leaders Liverpool.Two of them came against Manchester United – Jurrien Timber and William Saliba netting in the second half to earn Mikel Arteta’s men a vital win as they chase down Arne Slot’s Reds.Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were the architects with their deliveries, and each now have seven set-piece assists since the start of the 2023/24 campaign – more than any other player.United legend Dimitar Berbatov joked Arsenal are the new Stoke City of the top flight – a side under Tony Pulis who terrorised the so-called “bigger clubs” with set-piece mastery.Here are four ways to stop Arteta’s side at corners More

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    Former Premier League star Van der Vaart reveals why he never saw ex-team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo naked

    RAFAEL VAN DER VAART hilariously explained why Cristiano Ronaldo is the hardest worker he’s ever played with.Van der Vaart, 41, and Ronaldo, 39, played together at Real Madrid for only a year until the former left in 2010 for Tottenham.Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael van der Vaart spent a year together at Real MadridCredit: GettyRonaldo is the hardest worker Van der Vaart has ever played withCredit: GettyVan der Vaart has a hilarious way to explain Ronaldo’s work ethicCredit: GettyBut that was enough for the Manchester United legend to make a major impression on the ex-Netherlands international thanks to his undying work ethic.CR7’s passion has led him to a staggering five Ballon d’Or awards and five Champions League titles throughout his 22-year career that’s still going on as he plays for Al-Nassr.Van der Vaart is not surprised as he claims the star forward was constantly on the training pitch.So much so that the former playmaker never saw Ronaldo in the dressing room.Read More on FootballVan der Vaart told talkSPORT’s ‘The LineUp: “He never left his house!”I always say as a joke, Ronaldo is the only player that I never saw his willy!”He was the first one on the training [pitch]! And the last one who went.”First of all his body, wow! A machine. He was a little bit ahead of his time, players now are the same.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”But his training in the gym, food, sleep. For him that was more important than training extra hard.”Ronaldo was so unbelievably selfish, if we won 6-0 and he did not score, he was not happy. When we lose but he scored twice, it’d be alright!”Van der Vaart reveals Redknapp’s three-word half-time team-talk that inspired Tottenham to Arsenal triumphVan der Vaart never won anything with Ronaldo, who conquered his first of many pieces of silverware with Real in 2010 by claiming the Copa del Rey. More

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    Man Utd’s much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps dies aged 85 as tributes paid to ‘heartbeat of United’

    MANCHESTER UNITED icon Kath Phipps has passed away aged 85.Kath had worked at the club since the 1960s in a variety of roles including as a receptionist and telephone switchboard operator, and was a hugely popular figure.Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps has passed awayKath worked for United for 55 years and joined when Sir Matt Busby was managerCredit: ReutersShe featured in David Beckham’s Netflix documentaryUnited expressed their “sadness” and “heartbreak” at Kath’s passing, and tributes have poured in from fans.A statement read: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved colleague Kath Phipps at the age of 85.”An omnipresent figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s, Kath worked for the club for over 55 years in a variety of roles, but her contribution went beyond any particular job title.”Having become a key member of the club’s office staff in the ensuing years, Kath later became a matchday fixture at Old Trafford’s directors’ entrance and took on the role of training ground receptionist, ensuring that any visitor to Carrington was greeted by the cheeriest of welcomes. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”For regulars, that greeting would extend to warm hugs and friendly chats as Kath came to embody the familial atmosphere underpinning the club’s culture.”If Kath ever had a bad day, she never brought it to work; her positive attitude helped set the mood for everyone entering the training ground, always ready to lend an ear and offer words of encouragement to anyone who needed them – be they megastar footballers, casual staff or occasional visitors.”Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her. She said last year: “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Well, we can’t imagine the place without her.”Rest in peace, Kath.”Most read in FootballLast year the club paid tribute to Kath with a feature about her life and career, in which they described her as the “heartbeat of United”.Kath’s first role at the club was as a telephone switchboard operator, in 1968 when Sir Matt Busby was in charge.Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps kisses David Beckham at premiere of ’99’ documentary Fast forward 18 years and she was one of the first members of staff to welcome Sir Alex Ferguson to the club, and he later moved her over from Old Trafford to Carrington.Kath also built a bond with the players and even appeared in Netflix’s David Beckham documentary.In May 2022 Kath was honoured with a Service to Football Award – Beckham paid tribute to her afterwards saying the “amazing” receptionist “really deserved” the accolade “for her services to football, but more importantly for services to the club I love and you love”.He said she used to be “the first person I would see when I walked into the training ground reception” and he would be “forever grateful to her” for dealing with letters from his fans.Ferguson said she was “and continues to be a great servant to the club” and the award was “thoroughly deserved”.Wayne Rooney lead the tributes to Kath, saying: “The heart and soul of Man Utd. Everything what the club is about.”A legend who will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Kathy. Thoughts with family and friends.”United defender Diogo Dalot wrote: “You’ve seen it all. You truly represented everything Man Utd is about.”Rest in peace Kath, we love you.”Former Red Devils skipper Harry Maguire said: “A legend that will never be forgotten.”I will miss you. We will miss you. RIP Kath.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited legend Paul Scholes also spoke fondly of Kath, saying: “The heart and soul of our special football club, will be sadly missed by all and impossible to replace…RIP Kath.”Jonny Evans shared a photo of himself with Kath alongside the caption: “A ray of light every single day at Manchester United. Rest in peace ❤️ Kath Phipps.” More

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    Ruben Amorim reveals four Man Utd stars who have a ‘time limit’ as he discusses squad issues

    RUBEN AMORIM has revealed four Manchester United players have a “time limit” on the pitch at the moment due to their fitness levels.The Portuguese coach, 39, suffered his first defeat as Red Devils boss on Wednesday night in a 2-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates.Rúben Amorim admitted some of his players have a ‘time limit’ on the pitchCredit: Beanyman SportsAmorim made six changes to his starting line-up from the 4-0 win over Everton.He brought the likes of Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount in from the cold after little game time over the last 12 months.But before the hour mark he took Maguire and Mount off for Leny Yoro and Marcus Rashford.Alejandro Garnacho was also replaced by Joshua Zirkzee, while Antony came on in the 79th minute for Rasmus Hojlund.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt has been a mark of Amorim’s first four games in charge that he has not been afraid to change up his team – far more than his predecessor Erik ten Hag.But he has admitted part of the reason is because he is having to manage the minutes of Maguire, Malacia, Mount and Yoro.He said: “It’s not because I like to change all the time but we have to have all the squad fit.”For example, Harry Maguire has a time limit, Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount have time limits. Leny Yoro really has a time limit.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHarry Maguire came off just before the hour mark against ArsenalCredit: GettyMount was also replaced in the 59th minuteCredit: Rex”We have to manage winning games in a different methodology, different way of playing, more metres to press.”Tomorrow we have to assess and the guys who have a little bit of a risk to some injury will not play.Man Utd vs Arsenal: Player Ratings”We have to have everybody to work, to play and to improve the squad.”Man Utd’s only current injury concerns are Jonny Evans and Luke Shaw.They host Nottingham Forest on Saturday, before travelling to Viktoria Plzen on December 12.Three days later they then travel to the Etihad to take on Manchester City in a crunch derby clash.Man Utd ratings vs ArsenalRUBEN AMORIM lost his first game since taking charge of Man Utd after a 2-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates.See how the players rated…ANDRE ONANA – 5He was let off early in the game after a stray pass saw Gabriel Martinelli put the ball in the net before the linesman raised his flag.Failed to command his area as 5″10 Jurrien Timber leapt highest to rattle the back of his net, before the ball floated to the back post for Arsenal to score their second set piece.DIOGO DALOT – 6Flashed a shot just wide at the end of the first half when he did eventually get forward.Not bad defensively but more dangerous going forwards.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Formed a good partnership with Maguire in the first half, and fans will be hoping he is okay after suffering a slight knock.Needed to be a more commanding figure in the box to stop being dominated by The Gunners at set pieces.HARRY MAGUIRE – 7Was actually very impressive in the first half, with a solid showing.Not at fault for Timber’s header hitting the back of the net, before he was replaced by Leny Yoro.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Playing as a left-sided centre-back he looked fairly comfortable, which is a credit to the Moroccan’s versatility.That said, he still looked better off in the role that Malacia, then Dalot occupied tonight as a left-wingback.TYRELL MALACIA – 3Noticeably looked extremely physically weak up against Bukayo Saka on the left-hand side, before being booked for a kick out at Kai Havertz.Offered nothing going forward and his link-up with Garnacho was practically non-existent. Hooked at half-time for the far more threatening Amad.MANUEL UGARTE – 5Another one who was booked in the first half, he failed to establish any kind of presence in the game and on the ball, looked pretty woeful.Cleared a Joshua Zirkzee header off of his own line to stop Arsenal from doubling their lead early in the second half.BRUNO FERNANDES – 4This game was crying out for Bruno Fernandes to stamp his authority on it, and it seemed he just couldn’t quite get his foot on the ball to do so.Played a deeper role today, next to Ugarte, which meant we didn’t see any of his attacking spark.MASON MOUNT – 3Mason Mount at right wing was an experiment tried and failed at Chelsea, which Amorim tried again tonight.He was often lost in the half-space, meaning he was essentially useless going forwards. Hooked in the second half after a fairly abysmal showing.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5A very quiet first half, only brightened by one half-decent cross, was met by a second half where he was quickly subbed for Marcus Rashford.Quiet.RASMUS HOJLUND – 6Battled well with the physical presence of William Saliba early on, but his side failed to create him any kind of chances.Cut a frustrated figure for most of the match, and rightly so. There will be no point signing Gyokeres if they can’t create anything for him to score.SUBSAMAD (TYRELL MALACIA, HT) – 5Was more direct and definitely an improvement on Malacia, albeit on the opposite flank.However, still wasn’t able to be the difference which Ruben Amorim would’ve been looking for in this one.MARCUS RASHFORD (MASON MOUNT, 72) – 5Having been electric on the whole under Amorim, he wasn’t able to provide any kind of spark against an opponent which has been one of his favourites in recent years.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (ALEJANDRO GARNACHO, 72) – 4After an impressive display last time out, he failed to offer anything to his side going forward today.The closest he came to scoring was a dangerous header which almost saw him get an own goal on the scoresheet.LENY YORO (HARRY MAGUIRE, 72) – 6Looks like a pretty good defender on the whole, a tough game for a young centre-back, but he didn’t look out of place whatsoever.ANTONY (RASMUS HOJLUND, 79) – 5Played his part in a clever free-kick routine at the end of the game, before fluffing his lines and finding the gloves of David Raya. 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    Is this the future of Premier League football? Incredible new broadcast feature lets fans watch multiple matches at once

    A NEW multiview feature debuted last night on Peacock’s coverage of the Premier League.The American broadcaster offered fans the opportunity to watch four games at once on a split screen.Peacock have introduced their latest new featureCredit: X @FOSThe feature allows fans to choose which game’s audio to listen to.While it also makes it easy to switch between matches.Viewers also possess the option to focus in one game in particular, should they wish to.The multiview feature allowed fans to watch Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest, Newcastle vs Liverpool, Southampton vs Chelsea and Everton vs Wolves at the same time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United kicked off 45 minutes later, Peacock’s main coverage switched to solely that game, with multiview moving to its streaming platform.Peter Drury and former Gunners defender Lee Dixon were on the call for that match.Multiview will be available again to viewers this Saturday.Fans will be able to keep across Brentford vs Newcastle, Crystal Palace vs Manchester City and Aston Villa vs Newcastle at the same time.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe new feature appeared to go down well with viewers at home.One wrote on social media: “Glad Peacock added multiview for the Premier League!”Fans say ‘Zlatan Ibrahimovic is genius’ after icon’s hilarious comment live on Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverageWhile a second gushed: “Is MultiView new on Peacock?!? Because this is f***ing awesome, soooo much better than Goal Rush.”A third added: “This Peacock multi view thing is actually cool.”Multiview was already an option for NFL viewers in the States.YouTube TV enables subscribers to watch as many as four games at once during its Sunday Ticket coverage.The feature debuted in the Premier League last nightCredit: Peacock More