More stories

  • in

    Newcastle 3 Brentford 1: Sandro Tonali’s first-half double sends Toon one step closer to first trophy in nearly 70 YEARS

    SANDRO TONALI finally took centre stage at Newcastle – and you can bet your bottom dollar he has the Toon Army dreaming of silverware.The Magpies, who have not lifted a domestic trophy since 1955, are a step closer after the Italian single-handidly downed Brentford.Newcastle sealed qualification to the Carabao Cup semi-finalsCredit: ReutersSandro Tonali fired Newcastle to victory with a braceCredit: AlamyFabian Schar sealed qualification for Newcastle in the Carabao CupCredit: AlamyBrentford got a consolation with a late goal by Yoane WissaCredit: GettyAnd it could prove to be a fairytale finish if the second coming of the Italian Stallion on Tyneside keeps producing nights like this.The midfielder, 24, scored his first goals since his debut in August 2023 and has had to wait since then for a performance as magical as this.Newcastle forked out £55million to bring Tonali to Tyneside to help them end their long drought for a cup.That momentum from his brilliant scoring bow quickly evaporated when he was hit with a ten-month betting ban.Read More on FootballNow he is back and ready to repay the faith and support from Newcastle and their fans by delivering the Carabao Cup.Less than ten minutes were on the clock when Tino Liramento’s low cross from the right was cleared to the edge of the area by the Bees’ backline.But it was met by the charging Tonali, and he drilled home from 20 yards to send St James’ Park wild.The party, however, threatened to be pooped big style when Yoane Wissa was picked out by Kevin Schade in the Newcastle box.Most read in FootballThe Brentford forward attempted to go round Toon goalie Martin Dubravka, who got a touch to the ball, and threw himself to the ground but the ref was having none of it and with no VAR play continued.And the nightmare start soon got even worse for Thomas Frank with the Brentford boss now looking set to be without TWO defenders for the festive period. Former Newcastle boss Alan Pardew reveals why he axed Hatem Ben Arfa despite him being an ‘unbelievable talent’ Sepp van den Berg pulled out of the starting XI with an injury in the warm-up, replaced by Nathan Collins, and then Ethan Pinnock hobbled off.And only a lengthy stoppage for Joelinton to receive treatment for a nasty cut on his mouth stopped the hosts from building up a head of steam.But after both Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon had curled wide, it was time for Tonali to get his adoring public back on their feet.Gordon floated a corner in, and with the Bees defence too busy trying to block Joelinton, Tonali had the freedom of the Leazes End to nip in and volley home unmarked.The main man then linked up with Bruno Guimaraes and teed up Murphy, but the woodwork denied him a third before the break.In truth, apart from Tonali, there was not much quality on display and Brentford failed to offer much after the restart.Newcastle score a thirdThey did give Newcastle one scare as Keane Lewis-Potter got away from Livramento and forced Dubravka into action at his near post.Up the other end, Murphy curled another wide after a brilliant move but Toon eventually got a third as the Bees threw in the towel with just over 20 to go.Lewis Hall’s shot was saved after a corner routine, but Bruno reacted quickest and unselfishly rolled the ball across for Fabian Schar to tap home into an empty net.Unfortunately for the Swiss defender and captain Bruno both had already been booked for first half challenges on Fabio Carvalho and Ben Mee respectively.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd in what was the only sour point of the evening, which nearly got better as sub Harvey Barnes was prevented a fourth by the woodwork, that means the key pair will both be suspended for the semi-final first-leg next month.Brentford pulled one back right at the death as Yoane Wissa finished off a counter – but nothing was stopping Tonali from being the talk of the Toon. More

  • in

    Newcastle outcast Miguel Almiron offered Premier League lifeline as three clubs battle it out over January loan transfer

    NEWCASTLE outcast Miguel Almiron could be loaned out to a Premier League rival in the upcoming January transfer window.Almiron, 30, has hardly featured this season for the Geordies as he has only amassed a mere eight appearances across all competitions.Newcastle outcast Miguel Almiron could be loaned out to a Premier League rivalCredit: GettyCrystal Palace, Leicester and Wolves are all monitoring Almiron from NewcastleCredit: GettyAnd the Magpies are reportedly keen to offload the winger by the end of the season.And SunSport understand the Paraguay international could be set for a loan move in January with three Premier League clubs interested in him.Crystal Palace, Leicester and Wolves are all monitoring Almiron, who is also believed to be desperate to move away from the North East.There is also interest from abroad with Marseille and Stuggart following developments.Read More on FootballThe Toon have decided to sell the forward to comply with Financial Fair Play rules and progress with other transfer targets.An unnamed Saudi Pro League club approached Newcastle last January to buy the Paraguayan. However, the move collapsed after talks between the two sides fell through.Many teams are now showing interest in Almiron and an official offer is expected to arrive soon.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe ex-Atlanta United star has been with Newcastle for the last six seasons. The 2022-23 campaign was his personal best as he scored 11 goals and registered two assists in 34 Premier League appearances.Miguel Almiron shows his skills at Newcastle training Last season, he netted five times and gained three assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. More

  • in

    Marcus Rashford MISSING from Man Utd’s travelling squad for Tottenham clash as Alejandro Garnacho covers up

    MANCHESTER UNITED ace Marcus Rashford has again been left out of the squad as Ruben Amorim’s team travelled to Tottenham for a crunch Carabao Cup clash.Alejandro Garnacho was recalled by United manager Amorim after he left both the Argentina international and Rashford, 27, out of the team that beat Manchester City on Sunday’s derby.Manchester United ace Alejandro Garnacho has been recalledCredit: ZenpixGarnacho was left out of the Man Utd squad that beat Manchester CityCredit: ZenpixHowever, there was no sign of Man Utd ace Marcus RashfordCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeA lot of Man Utd players travelled to Stockport train station via coachCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeBruno Fernandes took off for Tottenham for the quarter-final clash with TottenhamCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeRashford hinted that he will leave Man Utd soonCredit: GettyGarnacho, 20, had a snood pulled over his mouth and wore a black beanie hat before the trip to north London and Thursday’s quarter-final clash at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.A lot of the Red Devils’ players travelled to Stockport train station by coach after gathering at the airport car park.However, Rashford was unaccounted for at the Manchester giants’ rendezvous point.Rashford outlined his wish to leave United in an interview on Tuesday, having reported unwell for training on Monday. Read More on Man UtdUnited players were given Tuesday off by Amorim. England international Rashford told journalist Henry Winter: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.”Nevertheless, in a press conference before Wednesday’s training session, Amorim confirmed that both Garnacho and Rashford would be in contention to return to the squad against Tottenham.Amorim said: “If they train well then I have to make a choice. We will see see at the end of training.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Of course [I expect a reaction]. I expect the best of each player every day so we will see after training.”Amorim was quite vague when explaining Garnacho and Rashford’s omission from the 2-1 victory against City but insisted it wasn’t due to a disciplinary matter.Man Utd player ratings: Amad Diallo experiences greatest moment of his career but Diogo Dalot doesn’t do enough vs CityThe Man Utd boss said: “It is important to say why, it was not a disciplinary thing. Next week, next game new life, they are fighting for their places.”But for me it is important the performance in training, the performance in games, the way you dress, the way you eat, they way you engage with your teammates, the way you push your team-mates. “Everything is important in our context in the beginning of something when we want to change a lot of things, when people in our club are losing their jobs, we have to put the standards really high.”For that, they have to fight for their place in the team and today the team we proved we can leave anyone outside the squad and manage to win if you play together.”I’m going to say again it was not a disciplinary thing. It’s the small details. You can see the games like I see, there are some things that have to change. “But it is a new life, it’s not a disciplinary thing, it’s the performance in training, the performance in game and then I have to change, to choose players.”If it was disciplinary, I would say that here and it will be a bigger problem but it was not that. “It was just that I want to improve my players and you understand that for so long, for example with Rash, we tried a thing and it doesn’t work. Let’s continue to do the same thing or try something different?”So it’s as simple as that. If they train well with the talent they have we will be so much better with them. Both of them. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But they have to work hard, they do, today they trained really hard so it’s a good thing. New week, new life, let’s see the next one.”According to the Manchester Evening News, this is the full squad for the trip to Spurs: Onana, Bayindir, Heaton, Dalot, Mazraoui, Yoro, De Ligt, Maguire, Lindelof, Evans, Martinez, Malacia, Ugarte, Casemiro, Fernandes, Eriksen, Mainoo, Antony, Garnacho, Zirkzee, Hojlund, AmadMan Utd will face Tottenham in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup in north LondonCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeManager Ruben Amorim and other Man Utd players drove to the train stationCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeMan Utd beat Man City on Sunday in the derby at the EtihadCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHarry Maguire and co will face Tottenham in the quarter-finalsCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeMan Utd star Casemiro was seen at the train stationCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More

  • in

    Julen Lopetegui’s dad Jose dies aged 94 as West Ham confirm manager has returned to Spain for funeral

    JULEN LOPETEGUI will take charge of West Ham on Saturday despite having to return to Spain following the death of his father this week.The Hammers manager, whose side face Brighton this weekend, is back in his home country after his dad, Jose, passed away on Tuesday aged 94.West Ham have confirmed Julen Lopetegui has returned to Spain to attend his dad’s funeralCredit: GettyJose Antonio Lopetegui passed away at the age of 94Lopetegui’s coaching staff are taking training during his absence, though the ex-Wolves manager will be back on Friday to hold a pre-match press conference.The 58-year-old travelled to Spain for three days during the November international break to spend time with his dad.Jose Antonio Lopetegui died after suffering from health problems this year, according to Spanish outlet AS.A West Ham spokesperson: “West Ham United can confirm head coach Julen Lopetegui has returned to Spain to attend the funeral of his father, Jose, who sadly passed away on Tuesday at the age of 94.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at the club are with Julen, his family and friends, and we kindly ask that their privacy is respected at this time.“Lopetegui’s coaching team will oversee training during this period.“The club will be making no further comment at this time.”Dad Jose, who was one of 11 siblings, was a renowned stone lifter and somewhat famous in Basque sport.Most read in FootballStone lifting is a traditional sport that involves lifting heavy stones onto the shoulder to test strength and endurance.It is known as “Harri-jasotze” in the Basque County and all eight Lopetegui brothers regularly competed.Tomas Soucek reveals heartwarming video call with Michail Antonio as he dedicates celebration to stricken West Ham starAt the Circo Price in Madrid, Jose was able to lift 182 kilos to the astonishment of the crowd.The eight brothers attempted to set a record of each lifting 188 kg at the same time, but were persuaded not to by their wives, who considered stone-lifting to be a rural pastime not befitting of their new statuses as urban businessmen.Jose was also a seasoned boxer in his youth.Lopetegui’s former club Sevilla, with whom he won the Europa League, also said: “Sevilla FC expresses its condolences to Julen Lopetegui and his family on the death of his father.”The West Ham manager has been under intense pressure due to a poor start of the season.But he has also had to deal with striker Michail Antonio suffering a horror car crash and also the passing of his father.Meanwhile, Lopetegui’s side drew 1-1 at Bournemouth on Monday night.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Hammers are 14th in the Premier League with 19 points from their opening 16 games this season.The Spaniard took over from David Moyes at the London Stadium in the summer. More

  • in

    Aston Villa to build Premier League’s largest beer hall as they announce stunning redevelopment plans next to stadium

    ASTON VILLA have pledged to build the Premier League’s largest ever BEER HALL.Club chiefs have revealed plans for a “bold regeneration” project of Villa Park ahead of the club’s 150 anniversary in January 2025.Aston Villa to build Premier League’s largest beer hall in ‘The Warehouse’Credit: X @AVFCOfficialVilla have launch plans a ‘bold regeneration’ project of Villa Park and its surroundingsCredit: X @AVFCOfficial‘The Warehouse’ will become the largest beer hall in the PremCredit: X @AVFCOfficialAccess to the beer hall will be free to ticketed supporters on matchdaysCredit: X @AVFCOfficialThe multi-million pound renovation project, planned to launch in Christmas 2025, will feature a centrepiece named ‘The Warehouse’.It will become the largest beer hall in the Prem and access will be free to ticketed supporters on matchdays.Villa see The Warehouse as the Midlands’ premier concert venue for events but also want to attract boxing nights too.Fans can enjoy a pint while watching large flat-screens and enjoying state-of-the-art LED lights for pre-match enjoyment.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere will also be an expanded plaza in the North Grounds, with the aim of amplifying the matchday atmosphere.Villa’s president of business operations Chris Heck labelled the project as “transformational” in an aim to deliver “the best matchday experience in the Premier League.”The development is expected to take 12 months to complete.The club aim for the regeneration project to mirror Villa’s rise on the pitch in the last five years under the ownership of Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSVilla have vowed to build the fan experience zone of the futureCredit: X @AVFCOfficialClub chiefs plan to make The Warehouse the Midlands’ leading concert venue away from matchdaysCredit: X @AVFCOfficialVilla beat Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years last season.But Unai Emery’s side’s form has somewhat dropped in the Prem this term as they sit seventh in table.Brilliant moment Jack Grealish joins Aston Villa fans in Bruges pub on FaceTime after being dropped from Man City squadHowever, they sit fifth in the Champion League standings and therefore remain on course to qualify for the next stage of Europe.Villa have come under fire from supporters with season ticket price hikes and for closing off areas to match-going supporters and transforming them into extra-cost sections.The Midlands club last season shelved plans to redevelop the North Stand and take the stadium’s capacity beyond 50,000.But Heck insists the new world class venue will include a 3,500-seater hub outside the ground.The North Ground developments are due to open by Christmas 2025Credit: X @AVFCOfficialIt will also help Villa align with Premier League financial fair play regulations, with the significant extra revenue raised through a boost in footfall.Heck said: “This is a transformational project, well on its way to completion for next season. “We want to create the best matchday experience possible in the Premier League, so we’re giving our fans an open space to do what fans do best – come together to celebrate the players, the game and the lifeblood of this community.“And the strategic decision to utilise this space as a world-class entertainment venue adds another pivotal piece to climbing the financial fair play mountain.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Everything we do is designed to make this Club one of the best in the world, on and off the pitch.”The Warehouse will also host player receptions.The plaza will connect Villa Park stadium with The WarehouseCredit: X @AVFCOfficialVilla hope boxing events could even be held outside the stadiumCredit: X @AVFCOfficialThe new club shop was opened earlier this seasonCredit: X @AVFCOfficialThe Midlands club last season shelved plans to redevelop the North Stand and take the stadium’s capacity beyond 50,000 More

  • in

    Why Marcus Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fit but £325k-a-week Man Utd ace must first choose between cash or career

    MARCUS Rashford is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Marcus Rashford has admitted he is ‘ready for a new challenge’Credit: GettyRashford could be a good fit at Arsenal under Mikel ArtetaCredit: GettyRashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.READ MORE ON MAN UTDEven so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Gary Neville hits out at ‘Moping’ Rashford and Garnacho and has heated argument with Micah Richards live on Sky Sports Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee, even next month.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by La Liga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert.Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.READ MORE SUN STORIESRashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time. More

  • in

    Chelsea and Josh Acheampong finally end contract stand-off as England wonderkid signs five-year deal

    CHELSEA’S contract stand-off with Josh Acheampong has ended after the England wonderkid signed a new five-year deal.Enzo Maresca was desperate to tie the 18-year-old down on fresh terms following several dramatic months.Chelsea starlet Josh Acheampong has signed a new five-year dealCredit: GettyAfter a Carabao Cup cameo at the start of the season, Acheampong was frozen out by Chelsea after failing to agree an extension.Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich were all reportedly keen on signing the versatile defender, whose deal was due to expire in 2026.But a breakthrough in talks came last month, allowing Acheampong to return to Chelsea first-team training.He then played all 90 minutes of the 3-1 Conference League win in Kazakhstan against Astana on Thursday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd now, the Athletic reports he has now put pen to paper on a new five-year deal with a bumper pay rise.It’s reckoned Acheampong was presented with a clear vision for his development to the starting XI, with the teen previously unsure of the route following Todd Boehly’s £1.2billion spending spree.Another injury to captain Reece James has freed up a space for the England U20s star on the right.While his ability to play centre-back could come in handy with Wesley Fofana also crocked.Most read in FootballAcheampong could now celebrate his new deal with a starting spot in Chelsea’s final Conference League group game against Shamrock Rovers at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.The Blues have already qualified for the next stage and know that a draw is likely good enough to finish in top spot.Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk facing FOUR YEAR ban after failing drugs testAcheampong burst onto the scene in May with his Premier League debut from the bench in a 2-0 win against Tottenham.He played a big role in Chelsea’s U18s becoming Southern Champions last term too.And the whiz will be hoping that more senior appearances will soon result in a call-up to England’s U21s. More

  • in

    ‘He is right’ – Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd transfer bombshell about wanting ‘new challenge’

    RUBEN AMORIM insists Marcus Rashford is going nowhere and told him: You’re already in the right place for a new challenge.The Manchester United striker effectively admitted the time had come to move on in a stunning interview after he and Alejandro Garnacho were axed for Sunday’s derby.Ruben Amorim reckons Marcus Rashford ‘is right’ after the Man Utd star’s transfer exit commentsCredit: GettyYet manager Amorim says the door is far from slammed on Rashford’s Old Trafford career – and he is convinced there is still a future for him at his boyhood club.The United chief admitted: “I think he’s right – we have a new challenge here, and it is a tough one, for me the biggest in football.“We are in a difficult situation and this is one of the biggest clubs in the world, so THIS is a new challenge, a big one.”If Rashford was to move on, the only serious chance of matching his £350,000-a-week wages would be at Paris St Germain.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOtherwise it would mean a hefty drop to his basic salary…or heading for the footballing wilderness of Saudi Arabia.Yet for Amorim, it isn’t an issue he will have to address, because he intends to keep Rashford.He added: “Of course, because this kind of club needs big talent and he’s a big talent, so he just needs to perform at the highest level and that is my focus. I just want to help Marcus.“I have not spoken to him yet, because yesterday I gave a day off to the lads. But he is our player and ready for the next game.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“What I want is to take the best stuff of Marcus Rashford as the player, so I don’t talk about the future, I just talk about the present.“I want the best of each one of them and that is the key point for me, I just want to win and to help the team be better.’It doesn’t look good’ – Roy Keane tips Marcus Rashford for Man Utd transfer exit after he is DROPPED for City clash“We are better with Marcus, that is simple and we will try different things to push Marcus to the best levels he showed in the past. That’s all.”Amorim’s main focus is on tomorrow night’s Carabao Cup trip to Spurs – and he expects a reaction from both Rashford and Garnacho if they feature.He said: “Of course I do – I expect the best of each player every day so we will see after training.“We have one more training session, but it’s the same situation of all the other players. If they train well then I have to make a choice. We will see at the end of that.“My focus is to have all the players in the best that they can be to prepare for each game. There is no ‘if, if, if’ at this kind of club, it is just Tottenham so let’s focus on this game.”Man Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its headAMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…Andre Onana – 6He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.Wasn’t tested that much however.Lisandro Martinez – 7Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.Harry Maguire – 8Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.Diogo Dalot – 5Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.Bruno Fernandes – 8Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equaliseManuel Ugarte – 7Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.Mason Mount 13′ – 6Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.Amad Diallo 90′ – 9The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.SubsKobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forwardJoshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.Antony 78′ – 6Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.Leny Yoro 78′ – 6Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6No time to have any influence on the game. More