More stories

  • in

    Tottenham suffer blow in manager hunt as they ‘immediately fail in bid to land Niko Kovac from Wolfsburg’

    NIKO KOVAC has turned down the chance to become Tottenham’s new manager according to reports. Spurs are in the midst of searching for a new manager having sacked Antonio Conte last weekend.
    Kovac is contracted to Wolfsburg until 2025Credit: Getty
    Kovac reportedly never breaks contracts so wouldn’t take the Spurs jobCredit: Rex
    Plenty of big names have been linked to the job with the latest being Julian Nagelsmann following his sacking by Bayern Munich.
    However, according to reports in Germany, Wolfsburg manager Kovac has turned down the chance to take over at the north London outfit.
    German publication Waz have reported that the 51-year-old was one of the candidates to replace Conte.
    The report states that chairman Daniel Levy had “commissioned his advisors to explore” whether the former Bayern Munich manager would be interested in taking over.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Levy supposedly didn’t have to wait long for an answer with the report adding that it was made clear negotiations never even started and that Kovac said it was “impossible for him” to take a job at the English club.
    According to Waz the reason for this was that Kovac “has principles that he strictly adheres to”, with the biggest one being that he doesn’t break contracts.
    It appears that Spurs will have to look elsewhere for their new manager with the Croatian contracted to the Bundesliga outfit until 2025.
    The north London side suffered a big blow with the news that Fabio Paratici, the clubs managing director of football had been hit with a worldwide football ban by Fifa.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    This ban means the Italian may have to step down from his role with the club.
    Conte’s assistant manager Cristian Stellini was named caretaker boss following the Italian’s departure, with former midfielder Ryan Mason set to assist him.
    Spurs are next in action on Monday when they travel to Goodison Park to take on Sean Dyche’s Everton. More

  • in

    Man Utd takeover LIVE: Sir Alex Ferguson joins Premier League greats, De Gea FUTURE, Fati transfer BOOST, £80m Kane DEAL

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Sir Alex Ferguson has been inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame.The Scot and former rival Arsene Wenger are the first managers to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
    In other news, Man United goalkeeper David de Gea has rejected a new contract at Old Trafford, according to reports.
    Elsewhere, the Red Devils have been given a boost in their pursuit of Barcelona winger Ansu Fati.
    Meanwhile, United have reportedly given Erik ten Hag the green light to make an £80million offer for Harry Kane this summer.
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    De Gea future
    Manchester United star David de Gea has rejected a new contract as the club attempts a pay cut on his current £375,000-a-week deal.
    According to The Athletic, United’s opening proposal has been dismissed by De Gea.
    Manager Erik ten Hag is keen for the Spain international to remain his first-choice goalkeeper for many years to come.
    And while the 32-year-old wants to stay at Old Trafford, he also feels his performances warrant him still being one of the best-paid players in the squad.
    Sir Hall of Famer
    Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson has become the first manager, along with Arsenal great Arsene Wenger, to be inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame.
    Fergie said: “It’s an honour when you receive recognition like this. However, it’s not just about me as a person.
    “It’s about the job at Manchester United and the bond we had over many years, so I’m also proud for the club, the staff and my players.
    “My job was to send the fans home happy. United’s history and my own expectations were the things that drove me, and I then had to try and develop all my players with the same expectations and make sure we could go out and achieve them.”
    Arsenal ‘lead race for Rice’
    Arsenal are reportedly confident of beating Man Utd and Chelsea to Declan Rice.
    The Standard claims Mikel Arteta is ready to launch a huge bid for the West Ham star this summer.
    And he believes Rice already wants to link up with England pal Bukayo Saka at the Emirates.
    United and Chelsea remain hopeful of putting up a fight but it’s Arsenal who are in pole position.
    Dumfries hints at summer move
    Man Utd target Denzel Dumfries could be on the move this summer.
    That’s because he has picked up a new agent.
    The Dutchman has been linked with United for several windows.
    And Inter Milan could finally decide to sell him this summer.
    Kane splurge gets green light
    United have given Erik ten Hag the green light to bid £80million for Harry Kane, according to reports.
    And they want to wrap up a deal to sign the England captain before the end of the season.
    The Tottenham striker, 29, is a long-term target for the Red Devils who desperately want a new No9 this summer after axing Cristiano Ronaldo.
    But it remains to be seen if Spurs are finally willing to sell.
    Great Scott in Wag heaven
    Man Utd star Scott McTominay has been told he is “lucky boy” as fans raved about his stunning girlfriend Cam Reading.
    One wrote: “Scott is a lucky boy 😍”.
    Another added: “You look amazing cam!”
    SEE MORE PICS HERE

    Sir Alex joins Prem greats
    Sir Alex Ferguson has become the first manager, along with Arsene Wenger, to be inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame.
    Fergie said: “It’s an honour when you receive recognition like this. However, it’s not just about me as a person.
    “It’s about the job at Manchester United and the bond we had over many years, so I’m also proud for the club, the staff and my players.
    “My job was to send the fans home happy. United’s history and my own expectations were the things that drove me, and I then had to try and develop all my players with the same expectations and make sure we could go out and achieve them.”
    De Gea future still unclear
    David De Gea has reportedly rejected a new contract as Man Utd attempt a pay cut on his current £375,000-a-week deal.
    According to The Athletic, the club’s opening proposal has been dismissed by De Gea.
    Manager Erik ten Hag is keen for the ex-Atletico Madrid man to remain his first-choice keeper for many years to come.
    And while De Gea wants to stay at Old Trafford, he also feels his performances warrant him still being one of the best-paid players in the squad.
    Moyes facing weekend Hammers chop
    Former Man Utd boss David Moyes reportedly fears he could be sacked if West Ham lose to Southampton on Sunday.
    The relegation six-pointer takes place at the London Stadium.
    And while the Hammers have home advantage, defeat could see supporters turn on Moyes and call for his dismissal.
    Sources close to Moyes and his coaching staff fear that could happen, report the Daily Mail.
    United get Fati boom boost
    Man Utd have been put on red alert after Ansu Fati was urged to quit Barcelona by his DAD.
    Bori Fati said: “It bothers me how they are treating Ansu. I am very disappointed, Ansu deserved much more.
    “As a father, I see Ansu [playing] for a short time and it p****s me off but I think as a father, not as a coach.
    “I have told Ansu that it is better for him to have a change of scenery.[But] Ansu does not agree with me. He wants to stay and succeed at Barcelona.”

    Morning, United fans
    Harry Kane or Scott McTominay up front?
    That’s not quite as ridiculous a question for United fans as it might have seemed 24 hours ago.
    The Red Devils have reportedly told manager Erik ten Hag he can bid £80million for England record scorer Kane.
    Tottenham have been holding out for £100m – but it’s even suggested the Red Devils hope to tie up a deal EARLY in the summer.
    Meanwhile, McTominay struck twice as Scotland beat Spain 2-0 – following his double in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat of Cyprus.
    Many supporters on social media are now urging Ten Hag to play the midfielder up front instead of loan striker Wout Weghorst when Prem action resumes at Newcastle on Sunday.
    Neighbours City are said to have joined United and Newcastle in trailing Celta Vigo attacking midfield star Gabri Veiga.
    Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries has hinted he could move to Old Trafford at the end of the season.
    And crocked playmaker Christian Eriksen is ahead of schedule and could return in just ten days.
    Finally, the Red Devils could miss out on the Champions League even if Jim Ratcliffe takes over and they finish in the top four.
    Fans already knew rival bidder Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani might need to prove he has no influence on PSG should he buy out the Glazers.
    But Ratcliffe already owns Nice – meaning if United and the French top-flight club both finish in Champions League qualification spots, only the side finishing higher would enter the competition.
    Champions League dilemma even if Ratcliffe takes over
    Manchester United could miss out on the Champions League even if Jim Ratcliffe takes over and they finish in the top four.
    Fans already knew rival bidder Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani might need to prove he has no influence on PSG should he buy out the Glazers.
    But the new revelation is a further blow to both takeover hopes and what comes after that.
    The issue stems from Ratcliffe, Britain’s richest man, owning Nice.
    Under Uefa rules, that would mean if United and the French top-flight club both finish in Champions League qualification spots,  only the side finishing higher would enter the competition.
    So if Nice come third and United finished fourth, then Ratcliffe’s Ligue 1 team would make it.
    United fans want Scot hero McTominay up front
    Manchester United fans are begging Erik ten Hag to play Scott McTominay up front ahead of Wout Weghorst after he “cooked” Spain with two goals.
    The midfielder thumped home on seven and 51 minutes to put Scotland 2-0 up in their home Euro qualifier – having also netted twice in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Cyprus.

    And one supporter posted: “It started as a joke but Scott McTominay might genuinely do a better job for us up top than Weghorst.
    Another wrote: “McTominay is cooking Spain, Two goals for McTominay as it stands.”
    And a third said: “Should just play as our striker for the rest of the season.”
    United ‘keen on quick Kane deal’
    United have given Erik ten Hag the green light to bid £80million for Harry Kane, according to reports.
    And they want to wrap up a deal to sign the England captain before the end of the season.
    The Tottenham striker, 29, is a long-term target for the Red Devils who desperately want a new No9 this summer after axing Cristiano Ronaldo.
    SunSport revealed earlier in March that the Old Trafford club are confident they will land Kane this summer if Tottenham miss out on the top four and the Champions League.
    Spurs have been holding out for £100m – but United hope they will accept an offer below that.

    Now the Mirror report the Red Devils board have sanctioned an £80m opening offer for their priority transfer target.
    It is thought Ten Hag implored his seniors to stump up the cash because he is desperate to secure the striker to transform his side into genuine title contenders and therefore wants to open talks as soon as possible.
    Kane is wanted by plenty of Europe’s top clubs including Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Chelsea – but the report adds his preferred destination is Old Trafford.
    His current £200,000-a-week contract at Tottenham expires in 2024 and he needs to make a decision on his future as his long wait for a trophy goes on.
    City linked to ‘Utd target Veiga’
    Man City have joined United and Newcastle in trailing Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga.
    That’s the claim from Spain as the LaLiga side fight an uphill battle to keep the 20-year-old beyond this summer.
    Real Madrid are also thought to be keen, with Veiga understood to have a £35million release clause.

    Etihad chief Pep Guardiola has one eye on strengthening in mid-pitch.
    That’s partly because City duo Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva face uncertain futures in the summer 
    And Celta president Carlos Mourino accepts holding onto Veiga is virtually impossible – not least financially.
    He also revealed that at least four Premier League clubs are seriously interested.
    Mourino said: “We want to keep Gabri Veiga but it will be impossible due to his release clause.
    “There are several teams behind Gabri. Real Madrid? They haven’t asked us, we don’t know if they will have called the player. 
    “Of the top 10 in the Premier League, four have asked about him.”
    Dumfries in Red Devils’ hint
    Denzel Dumfries has dropped a hint that he will join Manchester United after switching agents.
    The Dutch defender has reportedly dropped his previous representative Rafaela Pimenta and will now be looked after by the Wasserman Group.
    The decision, as reported by Calciomercato.com, comes as Inter Milan plan to cash in on Dumfries this summer.
    The Wasserman Group represents current United stars Alejandro Garnacho and Phil Jones.
    According to Football Italia, the Serie A giants are hoping to sell the 26-year-old for a fee of at least £35million.
    Eriksen could be back in just TEN DAYS
    Christian Eriksen is ahead of schedule and could be back in action for Manchester United in just ten days.
    The Danish international midfielder, 31, was expected to be out until May with an ankle injury.

    But he has returned to training and there is optimism around the club that he could be available soon.
    While Eriksen is expected to miss United’s next two league games away to Newcastle and at home to Brentford a place on the bench for the visit of Everton on April 8 is now on the radar.

    Speaking during the international break Eriksen said: “It is going well. I have just started being outside with football boots on.
    “And then we take it from there, that is the next step. I have been in the gym for some weeks now and now it is time to do the next rehab session outside.”

    3 Utd stars in Tiktok top 10
    Antony and Alejandro Garnacho are amongst the Prem’s top-four most followed TikTokers.
    And Harry Maguire is the third United player on the list at 10th.
    But Spurs’ Brazil striker Richarlison is way in front on nine million, followed by Man City playmaker Kevin de Bruyne on 5.6m.
    No players for leaders Arsenal or Liverpool make the top 10.
    Vertical sports site Sport World News produced the data.

    United predicted to comfortably finish third
    Arsenal will win the Prem by two points from champions Man City – with United way behind in third.
    That’s the prediction from spread betting firm  Sporting Index as the table-topping Gunners chase their first top-flight crown for 19 years.
    United are tipped to finish four points clear of Newcastle – narrowly ahead of Spurs and Liverpool.
    And Brighton are backed to come seventh – six points above Chelsea.
    Neville Burdock, Head of Sportsbook at Sporting Index, said: “After composing a brilliant six-game winning run before the March international break, we now forecast Mikel Arteta’s side will finish on 88 points, two points clear of Manchester City
    “We forecast high-flying Newcastle will secure European football for the first time since the 2013/14 season.
    “It’s equally tight in the battle to beat the drop, with Everton forecast to avoid relegation by a single point, while West Ham and Leeds will finish only two points clear of the bottom three.”

    Ten Hag ‘gets go-ahead for £80m Kane bid’
    United have given Erik ten Hag the green light to bid £80million for Harry Kane, according to reports.
    And they want to wrap up a deal to sign the England captain before the end of the season.
    The Tottenham striker, 29, is a long-term target for the Red Devils who desperately want a new No9 this summer after axing Cristiano Ronaldo.

    SunSport revealed earlier in March that the Old Trafford club are confident they will land Kane this summer if Tottenham miss out on the top four and the Champions League.
    Spurs have been holding out for £100m – but United hope they will accept an offer below that.
    Now the Mirror report the Red Devils board have sanctioned an £80m opening offer for their priority transfer target.
    It is thought Ten Hag implored his seniors to stump up the cash because he is desperate to secure the striker to transform his side into genuine title contenders and therefore wants to open talks as soon as possible.
    Kane is wanted by plenty of Europe’s top clubs including Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Chelsea – but the report adds his preferred destination is Old Trafford.
    His current £200,000-a-week contract at Tottenham expires in 2024 and he needs to make a decision on his future as his long wait for a trophy goes on.
    Fans baffled by Sanchez’s late winner direct from CORNER
    Former Manchester United and Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez scored a bizarre corner winner for Chile, leaving fans baffled.
    The 34-year-old now plies his trade in France for Marseille after winning a Serie A title with Inter Milan.

    But Sanchez remains a key player for his country.
    He won his 153rd international cap for Chile in Monday’s friendly game against Paraguay. And he scored his 51st goal with 15 minutes left to level the score at 2-2.
    But Sanchez wasn’t finished yet as he landed a winner for Chile in the 92nd minute. Sanchez fired in a corner as time ticked down to the final whistle. And somehow the ball ended up in the back of the net at the near post, sparking wild celebrations.

    Replays showed that Paraguay goalkeeper Antony Silva had actually palmed the ball straight into his own net when trying to punch what should have been a routine save away.
    And TV viewers were left puzzled by his horrendous mistake, which later went down as an own-goal.
    One said: “I didn’t understand Alexis’ shot but even less what Silva did.” Another declared: “He fished for the ball and caused the goalie to make an error, the quality of Sanchez.”
    One asked: “How on earth has that gone in?” Another added: “The best player Chile has ever produced.”
    Four years ago today…
    Four years ago today Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed Man Utd manager.
    The 50-year-old first took charge as a caretaker and then got the job permanently.
    He guided Man Utd to some memorable victories, a Europa League final and a second place finish in the Premier League.
    Solskjaer has been out of management since he was sacked in November 2021, but he was linked with the Everton job.
    Wou about that
    Wout Weghorst was asked a BRUTAL question by a reporter following his wasteful display for the Netherlands.
    The Dutch beat minnows Gibraltar 3-0 in their Euros qualifier in Rotterdam on Monday evening but missed a host of chances during the game.
    Ronald Koeman’s side had a total of 51 SHOTS in the match – 39 of which were off target.
    It was put to Weghorst: “Wout, imagine we would have continued this game for another 48 hours. Would you have scored a goal?”
    To which he diplomatically replied: “Good question. At least I would have had more time. I did my best, but time was up.”

    Into the Den
    Denzel Dumfries has dropped a hint that he will join Manchester United after switching agents.
    The Dutch defender has reportedly dropped his previous representative Rafaela Pimenta and will now be looked after by the Wasserman Group.
    The decision, as reported by Calciomercato.com, comes as Inter Milan plan to cash in on Dumfries this summer.
    The Wasserman Group represents current United stars Alejandro Garnacho and Phil Jones.
    According to Football Italia, the Serie A giants are hoping to sell the 26-year-old for a fee of at least £35million.
    Credit: AFP
    Four Lions
    United Women’s quartet Mary Earps, Maya Le Tissier, Ella Toone and Alessia Russo have all made the England squad.
    The Lionesses play Brazil in the Women’s Finalissima at Wembley on April 6.
    They then meet Australia in a friendly on April 11.
    Le Tissier was not part of the England squad that won the Euros last year, but the other three were.
    Load more entries… More

  • in

    Man Utd blow in Gabri Veiga transfer race as Celta Vigo midfielder ‘dreams of joining Arsenal’

    MANCHESTER UNITED and their rivals in the chase to sign Celta Vigo star Gabri Veiga have allegedly suffered a huge blow.And that is because the 20-year-old Spanish Under-21 international is “dreaming about joining Arsenal”.
    Gabri Viega allegedly has his heart set on ArsenalCredit: Rex
    A host of Premier League teams, including both of the above and Man City and Newcastle, are all interested in the midfielder.
    A report in today’s Faro de Vigo has also stated that Serie A leaders Napoli are “willing to activate” his £35.2m release clause at the end of the campaign.
    But it seems that Veiga has no desire to move to Italy – with the publication instead saying that he wants to “fulfil the dream of signing for Arsenal”.
    They are allegedly his “favourite” team and both he and his representatives like the club’s commitment towards youth and the sporting project being led by Mikel Arteta.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    And it also adds that the prospect of living in London also appeals to the young ace.
    Arsenal are not thought to have yet tabled an offer for the youngster as they allegedly prepare for the bidding auction to begin.
    Veiga has shone bright this season in LaLiga as he has bagged nine goals and three assists in 29 appearances across all competitions.
    And Celta president Carlos Mourino recently accepted that holding onto Veiga is virtually impossible – not least financially.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    He also revealed that at least four Premier League clubs are seriously interested in signing him.
    Mourino said: “We want to keep Gabri Veiga but it will be impossible due to his release clause.
    “We don’t want to sell, but they are going to buy him from us. And we can’t do anything there.
    “We know some of his offers and it is impossible to reach them.
    “There are several teams behind Gabri. Real Madrid? They haven’t asked us, we don’t know if they will have called the player. 
    “Of the top 10 in the Premier League, four have asked about him.” More

  • in

    Man Utd starlet Hannibal shares video of incredible fireworks going off ahead of Tunisia’s 1-0 win over Libya

    MANCHESTER UNITED star Hannibal Mejbri shared an incredible video of fireworks being set off in the stands.That’s before his Tunisia side went on to beat Libya 1-0 in yesterday’s crunch Afcon qualifier.
    Hannibal Mejbri revealed an incredible fireworks display from Tunisia fansCredit: Instagram/ @hannibal.mj
    The stunning scenes inspired Tunisia to a 1-0 win over LibyaCredit: Instagram/ @hannibal.mj
    Hannibal, 20, has been at United since 2019 and has racked up three senior appearances in the process.
    This season he has been on loan at Championship side Birmingham, scoring once in 35 outings.
    And Hannibal continues to shine on the international scene too, winning his 21st cap for Tunisia in last night’s Africa Cup Of Nations qualifier against Libya.
    The runners-up of the 2021 Fifa Arab Cup were looking to kickstart their campaign with a bang.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    And fans were certainly in the mood as they made the trip to Libya’s Tripoli International Stadium.
    Hannibal posted a video to social media showing thousands of Libya fans in the stands setting off loads of fireworks.
    The incredible scene of red flames and sparks lit up the arena.
    And it worked a treat as Tunisia went on to win the match 1-0.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Man Utd ace Hannibal is shining on loan at Birmingham this seasonCredit: Getty
    Hannibal captioned his stunning video with the words: “Job done.”
    And fans took to social media to hail the youngster’s latest involvement.
    One said: “It’s a pride to see you wearing our colours, hope you become a legend of African football.”
    Another declared: “Bravo champion, good job.”
    One noted: “The AFCON will be ours.”
    Another added: “Congratulations our new No10.” More

  • in

    Laura Woods gets Chelsea star’s number after England ace reveals she is his celebrity crush

    CHELSEA midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek hilariously revealed to talkSPORT presenter Laura Woods that she is his celebrity crush.And she brilliantly responded by joking she would get his number.
    Ruben Loftus-Cheek said Laura Woods is his celebrity crushCredit: Getty
    Woods brilliantly replied to the compliment by joking she will ask for his numberCredit: The Sun
    Loftus-Cheek, 27, joined Woods on the radio on Wednesday morning and took part in an entertaining Q&A.
    But the funniest moment came at the end of the series of questions when Woods put to him: “Who is your celebrity crush?”
    Pausing for a moment to think, Loftus-Cheek then replied: “Laura Woods!”
    Woods took the comment with a great sense of humour, responding: “An exceptional answer!
    READ MORE ON LAURA WOODS
    “It’s been an absolute pleasure and I’ll get your number later!”
    In the same segment, Loftus-Cheek also revealed which person from football he would least like to be stuck in a lift with – taking aim at former boss Antonio Conte.
    He said: “It’s got to be a manager because that’d be really awkward. Maybe Antonio Conte.”
    Loftus-Cheek did not start a single Premier League game during the 2016/17 campaign – when Conte led Chelsea to the title.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    However, he did still receive a winner’s medal for making six substitute appearances.
    Meanwhile, this season Loftus-Cheek has started 16 of the Blues’ 28 matches.

    But Graham Potter’s men remain in trouble as they sit down in 10th in the Premier League table.
    They are a huge 12 points adrift of the top four and five behind seventh-place Brighton – who occupy the final spot for European football. More

  • in

    Manchester clubs hold keys to plentiful returns for Dream Team managers after international break

    THE international break provided reasonable entertainment all things considered but attention now turns to the resumption of the Premier League, FA Cup and continental competitions.April promises to be a decisive month in the world of Dream Team with fixtures coming thick and fast in the coming weeks.
    And Gaffers intent on banking plentiful points would do well to put their faith in the Manchester clubs for the foreseeable future.
    Arsenal may be deserving favourites for the league title and the fact they’re no longer active in any other competition may help them focus on their primary objective but Dream Team bosses should always be looking to squeeze the schedule for all it’s worth.
    For example, whereas the Gunners have six league games to fulfil in April, Manchester United will be in action NINE times throughout the course of the month.
    Fernandes is the only midfielder to have reached the 200-point mark this seasonCredit: GETTY
    The Red Devils’ meeting with Brighton at Wembley and a two-legged Europa League quarter-final against Sevilla ensure their most-popular assets will be incredibly busy.
    Bruno Fernandes (£6.5m), Luke Shaw (£4.6m), David de Gea (£4.1m), Lisandro Martinez (£4.5m) and Marcus Rashford (£6.5m) all look to be excellent options after the international break – the latter’s injury is not thought to be nothing more than a minor inconvenience.
    It’s not that Erik ten Hag’s side have a massively favourable run of match-ups, it’s just the sheer volume of fixtures that should put gaffers on alert.
    Fernandes and Rashford actually combined to outscore the trio of Mohamed Salah (£8.7m), Darwin Nunez (£5.7m) and Cody Gakpo (£3.7m) in March despite the month starting with that 7-0 result at Anfield.
    Man United’s extra games and Liverpool’s comparatively relaxed schedule meant the former’s two best attacking assets registered a net gain over their rivals’ first-choice front three in March despite the Reds’ forwards getting a massive head start.
    Most read in Football
    The lesson: squeeze the schedule.
    Dream Team’s top goalkeeper right nowCredit: GETTY
    United aren’t the only Manchester club with an FA Cup semi-final and a European quarter-final in the diary.
    Pep Guardiola’s troops will be desperate to get past Bayern Munich, now with Thomas Tuchel at the helm, in the Champions League last eight to once again put themselves in serious contention to win the trophy they desire most.
    Manchester City were also handed a favourable FA Cup draw in the form of Sheffield United, who will be prioritising automatic promotion from the Championship and may name a second-string XI, as they did against Spurs – though of course they won that game.
    The defending English champions have eight games to fulfil in April and while half of them are likely to be tough tests – Liverpool, Bayern (x2), Arsenal – there’s rarely a bad time to back City players.
    Phil Foden’s (£5.1m) owners will have to find a replacement while the England international recovers from having his appendix removed – some players have returned a fortnight later from similar surgery while others have been sidelined for almost two months.
    Both Jack Grealish (£4.1m) and Riyad Mahrez (£6.1m) should get plenty of minutes next month.
    Probably making Dream Team transfers…
    Hypothetically, if a Dream Team gaffers were to transfer five Arsenal/Tottenham players for five City/United assets right now they’d potentially gain 15-20 appearances across April – that’s a huge swing!
    The volume of fixtures isn’t everything of course, it wouldn’t be wholly surprising if Manchester-based defenders suffered minus points in multiple given the match-ups, but it’s generally something gaffers should take into account when devising their strategy. More

  • in

    I thought a fan wanted a pic of me because I played for Newcastle but it turned out I had s****y toilet roll on my jeans

    FORMER Newcastle star David Edgar has shared an embarrassing tale from his spell in the north-east.The former defender played for Toon between 2006-09 but only made 23 appearances, scoring two goals.
    David Edgar recalled an embarrassing story while he played for NewcastleCredit: Getty
    And after breaking into the first-team the Canadian thought he was recognised by a fan while eating in a restaurant.
    But he was approached for a completely different, and rather humiliating reason.
    Edgar, 35, recalled the incident on the Under the Cosh podcast, saying: “I wouldn’t have done this a couple of weeks prior to it, but I was in TGI Fridays at the Gate and I had to go to the toilet.
    “It was after a night out – and I come back.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    “I’m sitting with my mate having some food and a couple of drinks and this girl comes over, and in my head I assume she was coming to ask for an autograph or a picture or something.
    “So I’ll be honest about that, because it was kind of starting to happen at Newcastle.
    “Then she goes, ‘Excuse me…’ I go, ‘Yeah?’ She goes, ‘You’ve ’got toilet paper stuck to you,’ and I’ve gone, ‘Oh my god!’ So I’ve looked – obviously you look at your shoes – nothing.
    “She goes, ‘No, no, it’s out of your jeans.’ I went, ‘Excuse me?’ I looked and I had a piece of s****y toilet paper coming out.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    “The TGIs in The Gate, you have to come down the stairs so it must have been in the wind all the way back to the front of TGIs. And here’s me thinking she wants an autograph…”
    After leaving Newcastle Edgar joined Burnley, where he made 114 appearances.
    He spent most of his career playing the Championship including at Birmingham, and enjoyed loan spells at Swansea, Huddersfield and Sheffield United. More

  • in

    Kai Havertz nicknamed ‘Donkey’ by Chelsea team-mates – but there’s a heartwarming reason why

    KAI HAVERTZ has revealed his Chelsea team-mates have nicknamed him “Donkey.”But there’s a heartwarming reason behind the tag.
    Kai Havertz admits Chelsea team-mates call him ‘Donkey’Credit: Alamy
    Havertz, 23, is in his third season with Chelsea after a £71million move from Bayer Leverkusen.
    The German forward is just one goal shy of his best Premier League return with seven strikes.
    And three goals in his last three games has helped under-pressure Graham Potter turn the tide at Stamford Bridge.
    Despite his upturn in form, Havertz has come under criticism from a section of supporters.
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    Some believe Chelsea need a proper No9 in order to launch a title bid.
    And Havertz has revealed he has been branded “Donkey” by his closest Blues pals.
    However, the nickname has nothing to do with his undoubted ability on the pitch.
    And it instead relates to Havertz’s love for the adorable farmyard creature.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    Havertz earned the nickname through his love of donkeysCredit: Instagram / @kaihavertz29
    The Champions League winner has made no secret of his connection to animals.
    And donkeys hold a particularly special place in his heart.
    Havertz told the Guardian: “Some of my team-mates call me Donkey. It’s not because of my football.
    “From day one, I felt a special relationship with donkeys. It’s a very calm animal: maybe I personalised myself in them because I’m calm too.
    “They chill all day, don’t do much, just want to live their life. I loved them always.
    “When I lost, I would go to the sanctuary. You look at the animals, see something human in them.
    “It was a kind of recovery, a place I felt peace.” More