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      I turned down £100,000-a-week at Man City – Why do you think I work for every f***ing broadcaster, says Micah Richards

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      MICAH RICHARDS has revealed how the “worst decision” of his life is the reason he now “works for every f***ing broadcaster”.The much-loved pundit is now a regular face on television after a successful switch from the pitch to the big screen.
      Micah Richards had Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer in stitches as he revealed his biggest regretCredit: Match of the Day Top Ten

      The 34-year-old former England international rose through the ranks at Manchester City and helped the club to win the Premier League title and the FA Cup.
      Following a season on loan in Italy at Fiorentina, he then moved to Aston Villa in 2015 after snubbing a whopping £100,000-a-week extension at the Etihad.
      He rejected the contract after struggling to get regular action with the Cityzens – but he was left to rue his decision as he was earning just a quarter of that two years later at Villa after their relegation to the Championship.
      Making the admission to a shell-shocked Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer on the Match of the Day: Top 10 podcast, the Sky Sports and BBC pundit said: “You had to have so much English players for the quota. So Man City offered by £100,000-a-week, five-and-a-half year deal. And I said no.”
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      Lineker rose to his feet in astonishment as Richards continued: “I said no because…”
      Lineker interrupted with: “You did what?”
      Richards replied: “Yeah exactly. Because I was number two behind [Pablo] Zabaleta. So I’m not all about the money.”
      Lineker then asked whether Richards had recovered from the decision, to which the ex-City man said: “Why do you think I work for every f***ing broadcaster?
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      “The worst decision I ever f***ing made!”
      As that was met by howls of laughter from Lineker and Shearer, Richards added: “I went to Aston Villa, that was less money. 
      “But then we got relegated in the first season, so my wages halved. So I’ve gone from a £100,000-a-week offer to like £25,000 in the Championship.”
      The chuckling Lineker then noted that the salary was still generous before he added: “No wonder you can’t stand Pablo Zabaleta.”
      Micah Richards played for the Cityzens for 10 years before leaving for Aston VillaCredit: Action Images – Reuters More

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      Premier League Supercomputer predicts final table but how does Arsenal’s dramatic draw at Liverpool affect it?

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      THE Premier League title race took yet another twist this weekend as Arsenal’s lead over Manchester City was cut to just six points. Pep Guardiola’s chasers emphatically beat Southampton 4-1 on Saturday before Arsenal visited Liverpool.
      The final Premier League table has been predicted to go down to the wireCredit: Getty
      But who will emerge victorious in the title race?Credit: Getty
      The Gunners had been two goals to the good after a stunning opening 30 minutes.
      However, a famous win was snatched from their grasp as Liverpool mounted a thrilling late comeback to draw 2-2.
      Following the result, bettingexpert.com has predicted who will emerge as the season’s champion.
      And, according to their supercomputer, it will be heartbreak for Man City.
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      This is because Arsenal are set to win the league title with an agonising one-point gap.
      It means the Gunners will see their current six-point gap to City dramatically reduce for a thrilling title run-in.
      How the final Premier League table will look according to the supercomputer
      Further down the table, Newcastle and Manchester United have been projected to hold on to their current positions in the top four.
      Their status is also set to be achieved with some decent wriggle room to fifth place Tottenham, who will finish seven points shy of fourth place Man Utd.
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      The remaining two European spots will be claimed by Brighton and Liverpool.
      It will mean Brighton will embark on their first European campaign, while Liverpool will be making their debut in the Europa Conference League.

      Further down the table, struggling Chelsea are predicted to have their worst Premier League season since 1996, finishing all the way down in 11th.
      In terms of relegation, Leicester, Nottingham Forest and Southampton are the unfortunate trio set to become the Championship’s newest arrivals. More

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      Man Utd LIVE: Rashford set to be ruled OUT of Sevilla clash, Caicedo and Mac Allister interest, takeover updates

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      MANCHESTER UNITED talisman Marcus Rashford is likely to be ruled out of United’s Europa League encounter against Sevilla on Thursday.The club’s 28-goal top scorer limped out of the action towards the end of their 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday with what is understood to be a groin injury.
      Meanwhile, The Red Devils reportedly want to sign Brighton pair Moises Caicedo AND Alexis Mac Allister this summer.
      And we have the very latest takeover updates from Old Trafford.
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      Super Harry on the up
      Erik ten Hag believes Harry Maguire is finally proving his worth to Man Utd.
      The Dutchman said: “It is not that easy for Harry [to be rotated]. And then if you then deliver the performance he did today, really well done, in and out of possession, dominating and dictating.
      “I think this is a different Harry Maguire [to] what I have seen in the first weeks, months.
      “He’s taken so much initiative, dominating his opponent, stepping in, bringing passes. So a really great performance from Harry.”

      In for Axe
      Man United have reportedly held positive talks with Monaco’s Axel Disasi.
      The Mail report that the £44m-rated defender is being tracked by United with an eye on a summer move.
      But there are several clubs interested in the 25-year-old.
      The Red Devils are believed to be in the market for a centre-back with uncertainty hanging over Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.
      Eager for Veiga
      Manchester United are keeping tabs on Celta Vigo’s midfielder Gabri Veiga, according to reports.
      The Red Devils have been linked to more high-profile midfielders like Moises Caicedo.
      But Football Insider report that they could opt for Veiga, 20, in the summer.
      He would represent a cheaper option and has impressed scouts with his performances in La Liga.
      Eriksen Opens Up
      Christian Eriksen has lifted the lid on how ended up signing for United last season – and revealed Erik ten Hag had a big influence.
      The Dane had appeared content at Brentford as he made his comeback from his heart issues.
      But then United swooped and Eriksen said he could not resist the project.
      He told United’s in-house podcast: “Well I ended up being at Brentford until the summer obviously and the contract was running out.
      “At the time, I wasn’t closed down on going back to Brentford, I wanted to see what else came in or [if] something could tempt me away from how good it was there. 
      “[I was] speaking to the manager on the phone and then I could actually see myself going to United.
      “Luckily, they pulled through [to make the move] and I did as well. So, in the end, coming here was definitely very special.” 
      Raya Light
      Brentford goalkeeper David Raya will not sign a new deal at the club, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
      The 24-year-old’s contract expires in the summer of 2024 and Brentford are believed to want £35m to sell him at the end of this season.
      The highly-rated Spanish goalie has been linked to Man United and other Premier League big-hitters in recent weeks.
      The Moment
      Steve Bruce, Sir Alex Ferguson, Brian Kidd and thousands of United fans inside Old Trafford could barely contain themselves 30 years ago today.
      Two late goals for Bruce saw the Red Devils beat Sheffield Wednesday and set themselves on course for the title.
      Bruce’s winner was arguably the decisive moment in the 1992-93 title race
      30 Years Ago Today
      It’s been 30 years since one of the most famous days in Man United’s Premier League history.
      April 10, 1993 saw United beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 with two late goals with Steve Bruce.
      The Red Devils were chasing their first title since 1967 in the Prem’s debut season but faced fierce competition from Aston Villa and Norwich.
      Bruce’s winner in the 96th minute sparked wild celebrations on the Old Trafford touchline with Sir Alex Ferguson and assistant Brian Kidd losing all composure.
      United would go on to claim the league and the comeback against Wednesday was a pivotal moment in the run-in.
      Rashford Watch
      Man United fans will anxiously be checking their phones throughout the day as they await updates on Marcus Rashford.
      The 25-year-old limped off injured in the final 10 minutes of Saturday’s win over Everton.
      The star appeared to be holding his groin as he went off after overstretching for the ball.
      An update from the club is expected today and supporters will hope the news is good.
      Rashford has provided an overwhelming share of United’s goals in the second-half of the season and has recently moved up front after Erik ten Hag finally dropped the struggling Wout Weghorst.
      The Brighton Duo
      Manchester United are believed to still be interested in the Brighton pair of Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister.
      Both players have lit up the Premier League since arriving at the Amex and will likely command huge transfer fees.
      Caicedo tried to jump ship in January after Arsenal intensified efforts to land him.
      While Mac Allister’s stock rose after he played a key part in Argentina’s World Cup win.
      Sevilla Up Next
      It’s Europa League action up next for Erik ten Hag’s men as they turn their attentions back to Europe.
      It’s the third time in a row United will face Spanish opposition in this competition and the fourth time through the whole tournament.
      Apart from a home defeat against Real Sociedad in the group stages, the Red Devils have been comfortable in seeing off the threats from Spain.
      And based on current form, Sevilla should not give United too much to worry about.
      The six-times Europa League winners are currently sitting 13th, only five points off the relegation zone.
      ‘A Different Harry’
      Erik ten Hag has lauded praise on Harry Maguire’s performances as he reflected on his improvement throughout the season.
      Following United’s 2-0 win against Everton, the Dutchman told reporters: “It is not that easy for Harry [to be rotated with the other centre-backs].
      “And then if you then deliver the performance he did today, really well done, in and out of possession, dominating and dictating.
      “I think this is a different Harry Maguire [to] what I have seen in the first weeks, months.
      “He’s taken so much initiative, dominating his opponent, stepping in, bringing passes. So a really great performance from Harry.”
      MORNING UTD FANS
      Man Utd will learn the full extent of Marcus Rashford’s injury on Monday.
      The club’s 28-goal top scorer limped out of the action towards the end of their 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday with what is understood to be a groin injury.
      He is likely to be absent from Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first leg at Old Trafford against Sevilla on Thursday.
      But the fear is he could be out for a number of weeks.
      In what was his 350th appearance for the club, Rashford pulled up as he stretched to reach a pass from Christian Eriksen.
      He immediately signalled to the bench he needed to come off and was replaced in the 81st minute.
      Man Utd have key players walking the tightrope of suspension against Sevilla in their Europa League quarter-final clash.
      Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro will be suspended for the second leg, if they are booked during next week’s clash.
      That means United’s midfield stars will have to watch their tackles or face missing out on the return tie.
      Man Utd target Victor Osimhen has dealt the Red Devils a blow by revealing his happiness at Napoli.
      The Nigerian striker has been sensational in Serie A – as the Naples giants close in on a historic league title.
      And he has spoken to L’Equipe to speak about how much he loves the club.
      Man Utd might get a free pass to Harry Kane – with Bayern Munich’s chief financial officer admitting the Bavarians might not be able to afford him.
      Dr Michael Diederich revealed: “I don’t rule anything out but can we afford such a transfer and do we want such a transfer? We have to keep an eye on our profitability.”
      That will be music to Utd fans’ ears, who are desperate to add a No9 to their squad.
      Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag sent scouts to watch two Feyenoord players in action earlier this week, according to reports.
      According to The Mirror, he has his sights set on Feyenoord duo Orkun Kokcu and Santiago Gimenez.
      Man Utd representatives were in Rotterdam on Wednesday for the KNVB Cup semi-final clash between Ten Hag’s former club Ajax and Feyenoord.
      It is understood that they were there to watch Kokcu and Gimenez in action.
      Broadcaster Richard Keys has slammed Erik ten Hag for his criticism of fixture congestion.
      United are in the midst of a run of three games in eight days and Keys did not have sympathy with the Dutch boss.
      The ex-Sky Sports man said: “Erik, as regards the scheduling and injuries, it’s the English Premier League. If you don’t like it, there is always of course Eredivisie, where you can go and ply your trade.”
      Rashford blow
      Man Utd will learn the full extent of Marcus Rashford’s injury on Monday.
      The club’s 28-goal top scorer limped out of the action towards the end of their 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday with what is understood to be a groin injury.
      He is likely to be absent from Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first leg at Old Trafford against Sevilla on Thursday.
      But the fear is he could be out for a number of weeks.
      In what was his 350th appearance for the club, Rashford pulled up as he stretched to reach a pass from Christian Eriksen.
      He immediately signalled to the bench he needed to come off and was replaced in the 81st minute.
      Bookings ahead of Sevilla
      Man Utd have several players walking the tightrope of suspension against Sevilla in their Europa League quarter-final clash.
      Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro will be suspended for the second leg, if they are booked during next week’s clash.
      That means United’s midfield stars will have to watch their tackles or face missing out on the return tie.
      Osimhen update
      Man Utd target Victor Osimhen has dealt the Red Devils a blow by revealing his happiness at Napoli.
      The Nigerian striker has been sensational in Serie – as the Naples giants close in on a historic league title.
      And he has spoken to L’Equipe to speak about how much he loves playing for the club.
      Kane doubt
      Man Utd might get a pass to Harry Kane – with Bayern Munich’s chief financial officer admitting the Bavarians might not be able to afford him.
      Dr Michael Diederich revealed: “I don’t rule anything out but can we afford such a transfer and do we want such a transfer? We have to keep an eye on our profitability.”
      That will be music to Utd fans’ ears, who are desperate to add a No9 to their squad.
      Feyenoord swoop
      Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag sent scouts to watch two Feyenoord players in action earlier this week, according to reports.
      According to The Mirror, he has his sights set on Feyenoord duo Orkun Kokcu and Santiago Gimenez.
      Man Utd representatives were in Rotterdam on Wednesday for the KNVB Cup semi-final clash between Ten Hag’s former club Ajax and Feyenoord.
      It is understood that they were there to watch Kokcu and Gimenez in action.
      Keane destroys Carragher
      Man Utd legend Roy Keane had one word to describe Jamie Carragher’s defending after Micah Richards showed a clip of the Liverpool legend in action.
      The Anfield icon was bamboozled by Thierry Henry as the Arsenal hero netted a stunning solo goal in a 4-2 win over the Reds at Highbury in 2004.
      Henry left Carragher tripping up over his own feet before coolly slotting into the back of the net.
      Showing the clip on Sky Sports, Richards brutally joked: “Jamie’s always talking about body positions, and I just want to look at your body position here.
      “Because I don’t know if you was dancing, or you was twisting. You twist one way, you twist the other, and you take [Igor] Biscan out of the game as well!”
      Carragher then replied: “My only defence is it was against the greatest player to ever play in the Premier League.”
      Manchester United legend Keane then chimed in, joking: “Did you just come back from injury Jamie?”
      And when asked how he would describe the defending, Keane simply said: “Shocking.”
      Dave Saves
      David De Gea has hit 20 clean sheets for the season in all competitions.
      The goalkeeper is in the race for the Golden Glove with Newcastle’s Nick Pope, who has kept 13 Premier League clean sheets, the same number as De Gea.
      The Toon’s defence is better as they have conceded 16 goals less.
      Bayern rule out Kane move
      Bayern Munich have seemingly ruled out a move for Spurs striker Harry Kane.
      The England record goalscorer has been linked with moves to both United and the German champions.
      But chief financial officer Dr Michael Diederich has hinted they won’t be after Kane this summer.
      He said: “I don’t rule anything out but can we afford such a transfer and do we want such a transfer? We have to keep an eye on our profitability.”
      Keys slams Ten Hag
      Broadcaster Richard Keys has slammed Erik ten Hag for his criticism of fixture congestion.
      United are in the midst of a run of three games in eight days and Keys did not have sympathy with the Dutch boss.
      The ex-Sky Sports man said: “Erik, as regards the scheduling and injuries, it’s the English Premier League. If you don’t like it, there is always of course Eredivisie, where you can go and ply your trade.”
      Yorke on ownership
      Ex-United striker has claimed he is not bothered who the owner of the club is – providing they are willing to spend big.
      Yorke told LegalSportsbooks.com: “I don’t know the individuals enough to make such a statement of who I would prefer to own the club.
      “Mr Ratcliffe is a local guy and Manchester United fan, but we’ve heard all of this through the media, we don’t know the ins and outs of who to favour. You hear this and that about Qatari human rights but that’s all from the media so we don’t know. 
      “For me, it’s about who buys the club with the interest of the club, makes the fans happy and gets them back to competing against the best in the world again.
      “Why would I want to get involved in the politics of it? As a player, all you want is an investment into the team and training facilities, that’s all you should care about.
      “You want to play with the best players and compete for the number one spot in England and Europe.”
      Raya to leave Brentford
      Man Utd target David Raya looks set to leave Brentford, according to reports.
      The stopper is out of contract next summer and the Bees want to cash-in at the end of this season.
      A £40m price tag is on his head, claims Fabrizio Romano.
      De Gea on fixture congestion
      David De Gea has opened up on fixture congestion with United in the midst of three games in eight days.
      The goalkeeper said: “As the manager said, we will need everyone at some point because we have many, many games. It’s hard to recover from so many games, but everyone is ready, everyone is training well.
      “Playing Wednesday night and playing Saturday is not easy. The energy displayed by the team, the intensity, the desire were incredible, we controlled the game from start to finish. The team put in a great performance and it was very enjoyable.
      “It doesn’t matter who is playing. Everyone is ready to play, even those who are on the bench today still have a very big impact.
      “We have a very good group. It’s great to see everyone push in the same direction.”
      Eyes on Sevilla
      Man Utd are back in action on Thursday in the Europa League quarter-finals against Sevilla.
      The Spanish side head to Old Trafford in the midst of an awful season.
      They are onto their third manager of the campaign in Jose Luis Mendilibar and the team sit 13th in LaLiga, just five points above the drop zone.
      However, Sevilla come with European pedigree having won the competition more times than anyone else, winning it on six occassions.
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      Arsenal ace Folarin Balogun refusing to go out on loan transfer again and ‘wants to be first choice striker next season’

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      FOLARIN BALOGUN is reportedly “opposed” to going out on loan again with Arsenal facing a headache over the in-form striker. The 21-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding breakout season with French side Reims this year and has 18 goals in 29 league appearances.
      Folarin Balogun had an underwhelming loan spell at Middlesbrough last season but has found his feet in France in this campaignCredit: AFP
      His most recent was a last-minute pressure penalty against Brest to earn Reims a point, just the latest impact he has made during his impressive loan stint away from the Emirates.
      Only Chelsea target Jonathan David and Kylian Mbappe have scored more goals in France’s top flight this season.
      While Arsenal will be overjoyed with Balogun’s progress, his sudden rise presents them with a problem this summer.
      Balogun, who has been with the club since he was an eight-year-old, wants to continue being a first-choice striker when his loan spell ends.
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      And the Athletic reports that the forward has no intention of being sent out on loan again.
      It presents the Gunners with a serious dilemma given the club are already well-stocked in the No 9 position.
      Gabriel Jesus has made an instant impact after signing from Manchester City last summer.
      The Brazilian scored at Anfield on Sunday after a long injury lay-off and also hit a brace earlier this month against Leeds.
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      His spell on the sidelines also saw Eddie Nketiah emerge as a capable and consistent goal scorer before injury left him also missing games.
      Despite his starring role for Reims, Balogun might struggle to leapfrog either Jesus or Nketiah in the pecking order.
      He has two years left on his contract and is attracting interest from European giants such as AC Milan, Inter Milan, Marseille, Monaco and RB Leipzig. More

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      Virgil van Dijk is FAR better than Man Utd’s Nemanja Vidic after his impact at Liverpool, claims Jamie Carragher

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER is adamant that Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk is “far better than Nemanja Vidic”.The Dutch international defender has been criticised for his recent displays for Reds.
      Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk has been criticised for his drop in formCredit: Rex
      Jamie Carragher has leapt to the defence of the Reds starCredit: Alamy
      And he was blasted again for his display in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday.
      While attempting to clear the ball, Van Dijk accidentally sent it into the path of Gunners ace Gabriel Martinelli and the forward made no mistake in opening the scoring.
      That led to one Twitter account highlighting the centre-back’s “drop off” in form and referenced previous comparisons to legends “Terry, Kompany, Rio and Vidic”.
      But former Liverpool star Carragher took to Twitter on Monday to hit back at those criticisms and insisted that Van Dijk is the “best centre-back in the league”.
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      He tweeted: “VVD is far better than Vidic, who was a top CB, but have you forgot his performances against Torres?”
      That was a reference to Liverpool’s stunning 4-1 win at Old Trafford in 2009 when Spanish forward Fernando Torres scored twice and tortured ex-United man Vidic, with the Serbian eventually being sent-off.
      Carragher then added: “Rio & JT had poor seasons in their career like all players, VVD is having one now. No CB in the PL era has ever had VVD’s impact on a team. 
      “Never mind the best CB in the league, he’s been the best player in the league along with KDB for four years before this one. 
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      “We have never spoken about other CB’s being the best player before, that shows the level he was at.”
      Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton in 2017 and has helped them to reach three Champions League finals since – winning one in 2019.
      He also played a key role in ending their 30-year title-drought as they became Premier League champions in 2020.
      Van Dijk has also lifted the FA Cup, League Cup, Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup during his time at Anfield.
      Vidic, 41, spent eight years at United after arriving from Spartak Moscow in 2006.
      He won the Champions League during that period as well as the Premier League title five times.
      He also three League Cups and the Fifa World Club Cup in his trophy cabinet.
      Carragher claims the Liverpool ace is ‘far better’ than Nemanja VidicCredit: Getty More

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      Linesman Constantine Hatzidakis SUSPENDED after apparent elbow on Liverpool’s Andy Robertson as FA investigates incident

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      CONSTANTINE HATZIDAKIS has been suspended by ref boss Howard Webb over accusations he elbowed Liverpool star Andy Robertson.The assistant was involved in an extraordinary half-time bust-up with the Scotland international in which he appeared to elbow the left-back in the throat.
      The incident between the assistant referee and Andy Robertson was caught on Sky Sports camerasCredit: SKY SPORTS
      Constantine Hatzidakis has been suspended by refs boss Howard Webb while under investigationCredit: Sky Sports
      Liverpool defender Robertson was left fuming following the incidentCredit: Alamy
      Hatzidakis faces a lengthy ban if found guiltyCredit: EPA
      Robertson was left raging and Hatzidakis, 38, now faces a lengthy FA ban if found guilty.
      While that investigation is ongoing, the refs body PGMOL have confirmed that Hatzidakis will not run the line in any fixtures they cover.
      A statement read: “PGMOL will not be appointing Constantine Hatzidakis to fixtures in any of the competition it serves whilst The FA investigates the incident involving the assistant referee and Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson at Anfield.”
      Robertson was said to be “apoplectic” as he headed down the tunnel following the incident.
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      Sky Sports’ touchline reporter Geoff Shreeves said following the incident: “Andy Robertson was absolutely apoplectic, stunned even.
      “He said ‘the linesman has just elbowed me in the throat’ – Jordan Henderson was well aware of it and led the remonstrations with referee Paul Tierney and after that they got taken away.
      “Extraordinary scenes.”
      Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane, working for Sky, labelled Robertson a “big baby” for his reaction, but Gary Neville added: “I’ve never seen an official raise an elbow to a player. He’ll be in a lot of trouble.”
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      Following confirmation of Hatzidakis’ suspension, Neville tweeted: “The assistant referee in my opinion should get a b*****ing, miss next weekends fixtures and then get on with it.
      “He’ll probably apologise to Robertson as well. Agree?”
      PGMOL make their appointments for this weekend’s games on Tuesday.
      It is the third time this year that newly appointed refereeing boss Webb has had to stand an official down.
      After huge VAR blunders in February, both John Brooks and Lee Mason were taken off VAR duties for upcoming games while Mason, 51, left his role “by mutual consent” days later.
      Earlier this month the FA hit Fulham striker Aleksandr Mitrovic with an eight game ban for raising his hands to an official during their FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.
      Sunday’s pulsating encounter between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield finished 2-2.
      Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus had initially given the Gunners a 2-0 lead, but the hosts hit back through Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.
      Salah also missed a penalty with the score 2-1.
      Premier League leaders Arsenal went 2-0 up at Anfield thanks to goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel JesusCredit: EPA
      The Reds hit back through Mohamed Salah, before a late Roberto Firmino header salvaged a point for Jurgen Klopp’s sideCredit: Reuters More

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      How Man Utd could line up next season with Erik ten Hag planning HUGE midfield transfer overhaul with four targeted

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      ERIK TEN HAG looks set to revolutionise his midfield next season with a number of big stars being targeted. Manchester United have enjoyed one of their best seasons in years as they look to claim a top-four finish.
      Brighton have a fight on their hands as major clubs swarm around Alexis Mac AllisterCredit: Getty
      Orkun Kokcu has caught the eye of Man United scouts in recent weeksCredit: Getty
      But ten Hag will be looking to build on his first year in the Old Trafford hot seat by drafting in new reinforcements.
      The Dutchman has already lifted United’s midfield with the shrewd signings of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.
      But he could look to build on his progress even further by bringing in fresh, young talent from across Europe.
      Two of United’s targets will already be well-known to Premier League fans with Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister making a huge impact for Brighton since moving to the Amex.
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      The Seagulls’ sophisticated scouting network saw them claim both players on cheap deals but reports have linked the pair with a switch to Manchester.
      Caicedo has already flirted with a Brighton exit and went public with his intention to leave in January after Arsenal showed interest.
      While Mac Allister was already highly-rated before a fantastic few weeks in Qatar helped Argentina win the World Cup last year.
      The Red Devils are also set to look further afield for new signings and reports have also linked them with a double swoop for two Feyenoord stars.
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      Ten Hag could have an embarrassment of riches at his disposal next season
      While Casemiro and Eriksen will likely remain in the first team next year, new signings could give United’s manager the chance to field a younger midfield
      Midfielder Orkun Kökçü is one of the players on their radar.
      The 22-year-old has been at Feyenoord since 2018 and has impressed across his 112 Eredivisie appearances
      United are reported to have sent scouts to watch both Kökçü and his teammate Santiago Gimenez earlier this month.
      Gimenez is a striker who has enjoyed an impressive debut season for Feyenoord since his transfer from Cruz Azul.
      While Harry Kane remains United’s top target up front, 21-year-old Gimenez would be a far cheaper option if tough negotiator Daniel Levy drives a hard bargain.
      The Mexican international has 10 goals in 26 league appearances but has left his best scoring form for Europe with five in seven Europa League games.
      While it is likely ten Hag will remain faithful to experienced stars like Casemiro, Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes, the younger targets would give the Dutchman far more flexibility in picking his midfield.
      He could even opt for a formation closer to a 4-5-1 to build upon his tactical experiments in recent weeks.

      United fans were impressed by Fernandes occupying a deeper role in the weekend’s win over Everton.
      The signings of Caicedo and Kökçü could put younger legs in and around him in midfielder while Mac Allister’s versatility could see him pushed further wide.
      Moises Caicedo often has eye-catching games in Brighton’s midfieldCredit: Getty
      Santiago Gimenez could offer a cheaper option up front than the likes of Harry Kane and Victor OsimhenCredit: EPA More

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      Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko in TEARS on bench after being beaten by Alexander-Arnold for Liverpool equaliser

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      OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO broke in tears after being substituted in Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool. Arsenal went two goals ahead at Anfield after 28 minutes, putting them on course to maintain their eight-point gap to Manchester City.
      Oleksandr Zinchenko broke into tears after coming offCredit: @SkySportsPL
      Zinchenko looked broken after being substitutedCredit: @SkySportsPL
      He was beaten by Trent Alexander-Arnold for the equaliserCredit: @SkySportsPL
      However, a Mohamed Salah goal was later followed up by super sub Roberto Firmino.
      The Brazilian headed home a late equaliser after some brilliant play from Trent Alexander-Arnold to nutmeg Zinchenko before clipping a cross to the far post.
      It would prove to be Zinchenko’s final part in play, being subbed off for Kieran Tierney a moment later.
      The Ukrainian could then be seen on the bench with his hands on his face.
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      He appeared to be upset with his last involvement being one which saw Arsenal lose the chance for an important victory.
      Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher was critical of Zinchenko’s defending, telling Sky Sports: “I can’t get Zinchenko out of my head.
      “The league title’s on the line, you’ve got to be more aggressive. That can’t happen.
      “There’s got to be more intensity from Zinchenko. It’s almost like he’s training and doesn’t want the ball to go through his legs.”
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      Fellow Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane added: “You think about the modern full-back and the obsession is how good they are going forward.
      “I think they have lacked that real pride in defending. Zinchenko had to get down low. It’s all far too easy – especially if you’re going to win titles.”
      Zinchenko’s ex-club Man City produced another emphatic win on Saturday, and it now means the title race is down to just six points.
      It also means Pep Guardiola’s serial winners can close the gap to just three points if they win their game in hand.
      This being said, the two sides will meet on April 26 for a crunch title decider at the Etihad. More