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      Watch crazy moment WWE legend Sheamus leaves Gary Neville writhing in pain as Man Utd legend swipes at Liverpool

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      WWE legend and Liverpool superfan Sheamus left Manchester United great Gary Neville writhing in agony during a hilarious segment.The four-time world champion is one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time having shared the ring with the likes of John Cena, Triple H, Randy Orton and more.WWE superstar Sheamus left Manchester United legend Gary Neville in agonySheamus is one of the greatest WWE stars and a well-known Liverpool fanCredit: GettyNeville took part in a hilarious segment with SheamusCredit: PAThe Irish bruiser is also a massive football fan and a loyal Red that has made his allegiance to the Kop perfectly known throughout his 21-year career.And the 46-year-old got to meet one of United’s best ever players in Neville, 49, during a surprise appearance on The Overlap where they both sat down with Rebecca Lowe.At some point the ex-England international wanted to know how it is to be in the ring as a WWE superstar.And Sheamus decided to give the former full-back a taste as he put him in his signature Clover Leaf submission move.Read More on FootballLowe was left laughing her socks off as the ex-WWE Champion caught Neville with his fly open.He initially struggled to apply the manoeuvre as the pundit appeared to be a little heavier than expected.But the Clover Leaf was ultimately applied and the former defender was left in agony.Sheamus added insult to injury when he ordered Neville to say “Liverpool are going to win the league” and that Arne Slot’s side are “No1”.Most read in FootballNeville, though, showed some grit as he refused to submit and instead took a swipe at United’s rivals twice.The heavyweight grappler ultimately let the analyst go with Lowe left in stitches. ‘Are you serious there-’ – Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher reveal team of the year but come to blows over four picksSheamus is now gearing up for the Royal Rumble, which is an event that has seen him enjoy tremendous success as he won the esteemed 30-man over-the-top-rope battle royal in 2012.The Rumble takes place on February 1 at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. More

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      Man Utd recall THREE goalkeepers from loan spells including ‘superb’ 18-year-old amid questions over Andre Onana

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have recalled three goalkeepers from their loan stints amid Andre Onana’s struggles between the sticks.Onana, 28, has made significant errors throughout new manager Ruben Amorim’s two-month stint in charge of United.Manchester United have recalled three goalkeepers amid Andre Onana’s strugglesCredit: ReutersRising talent Elyh Harrison is among the keepers Man Utd brought backCredit: GettyAnd the Cameroon international’s understudy Altay Bayindir committed two major blunders in last month’s Carabao Cup loss at Tottenham.That is why the Red Devils have decided to cut three of their keepers’ loan stints short to bring in some extra competition for their two struggling shot stoppers.According to The Mail, Tom Wooster and Tom Myles have come back from Farsley Celtic and Runcorn Linnets respectively.Man Utd also recalled rising young talent Elyh Harrison from a stunning loan stint at Chester.Read More on Man UtdWooster, 19, Myles, 19, and Harrison, 18, are all expected to stay at Old Trafford for the rest of the season.This comes amid reports suggesting United are looking for a new goalkeeper to provide serious competition for Onana.Royal Antwerp ace Senne Lammens is being monitored by the Manchester giants’ scouts.However, Amorim is unlikely to buy another keeper during the January transfer window while both Onana and Bayindir are still in his squad.Most read in FootballHarrison, however, poses as a very interesting addition to the Portuguese tactician’s side as he will be training with the first team while playing with the Under-21s.The England Under-18 international amassed a total of 23 appearances with Chester and kept nine clean sheets.Man Utd Player Ratings vs LiverpoolThat led to immense praise by manager Calum McIntyre, who described the teenager as “superb”.Harrison was involved in Man Utd’s first-team squad during last summer’s pre-season but did not go on tour to the US. More

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      Rodrigo Bentancur rushed to hospital after sickening injury as team-mate Pedro Porro praised for quick-thinking actions

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      RODRIGO BENTANCUR was rushed to hospital after a sickening fall early on in Tottenham’s clash against Liverpool.The midfielder landed awkwardly after attempting to head the ball unchallenged at a corner just six minutes into the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.Rodrigo Bentancur received lengthy treatment before being substitutedPedro Porro rushed to Bentancur’s aid and has been hailed by fansCredit: PAThe midfielder was carried off after a delay of around eight minutesCredit: GettyBentancur received oxygen as he was stretchered offCredit: PAIt is the second time Bentancur has been knocked out this seasonCredit: RexBentancur missed the ball as he dived low to reach it, and appeared to fall heavily on his right arm before hitting his head on the pitch.He remained motionless on the spot as play continues before team-mates raised an alarm.Pedro Porro was the first to reach his stricken pal and quickly put him in the recovery position while appearing to move his tongue so he could breathe.Stars from both sides immediately beckoned physios and medical staff onto the pitch to attend to Bentancur.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Uruguayan received treatment for around eight minutes and was given oxygen before being taken off on a stretcher.Bentancur, 27, was accompanied by doctors to the dressing room and they were still with him by half-time, some 30 minutes later.The club’s former midfielder and BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Michael Brown praised Porro and the medical team’s swift actions.He said: “It’s a huge concern. Those players pretty much know what the injury is.Most read in Football“Porro saw it early and was over there quickly.“The medical team did their job and were right on top of it. We wish Rodrigo well.”Bentancur later posted from hospital on Instagram telling fans he was ‘all good’Credit: InstagramAntonin Kinsky embraced by family after stellar Tottenham debut against LiverpoolAt half-time, Tottenham confirmed Bentancur was conscious in the dressing room.An update on the club’s X account said: “We can confirm Rodrigo is conscious, talking and will go to hospital for further checks.”After full-time, boss Ange Postecoglou added: Postecoglou added: “It was some sort of head injury, but he was conscious when he was coming off the field.“He’s been taken to the hospital for observation. Hopefully he’ll be OK.”And just after midnight Bentancur posted a picture from hospital with partner Melany La Blanca on his Instagram story.Bentancur smiled in the snap and gave a thumbs up, writing: “All good guys! Thank you for the messages!!! Congratulations for the victory boys!!!”The worrying incident was the second time Bentancur has been knocked out this season after he clashed heads with Leicester star Abdul Fatawu during the opening game of the season.Tottenham have been hit by an injury crisis in recent weeks and lined up with several youngsters against Liverpool, including Archie Gray at centre-back once again.There was also a debut for Antonin Kinsky who only signed this week from Slavia Prague.Lucas Bergvall scored the winner as Tottenham head to Anfield with a 1-0 leadCredit: AlamyBut Postecoglou’s patched-up side worked hard to earn a 1-0 win in the first leg, courtesy of a first club goal for Lucas Bergvall.READ MORE SUN STORIESBentancur has only recently returned from a lengthy ban after he was found guilty of using a racial slur toward team-mate Son Heung-min.He missed seven games through suspension and returned against Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day. More

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      Man City warned it would take ‘something extraordinary’ to sign £50million-rated Omar Marmoush

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      MANCHESTER CITY must do “something extraordinary” if they want to sign £50million-rated Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush this month.The Egyptian, 25, is the top target for Pep Guardiola as he looks to replace Julian Alvarez and provide some support for Erling Haaland.Manchester City must do ‘something extraordinary’ to sign Eintracht Frankfurt star Omar MarmoushCredit: GettyEintracht have no plans to let Man City target Marmoush leave in JanuaryCredit: GettyHowever Eintracht are reluctant to sell their star players as they are going well in both their domestic league and the Europa League this season.Frankfurt have no plans to let Marmoush – who has also been linked with Arsenal and Liverpool – leave following 18 goals in 24 games this term.Director of football Markus Krosche said: “Our basic intention is to keep the squad together.”Something extraordinary would have to happen for us to move away from this position.”Read More on FootballIn the meantime, City are also looking to finalise an agreement with Lens for defender Abdukodir Khusanov.The Uzbekistan international has been targeted by a host of clubs and is rated at around £30m by his current employers.Meanwhile, Galatasaray are keeping close tabs on Ilkay Gundogan’s situation at the Etihad.The former skipper returned to Man City in the summer – just a year after leaving to join Barcelona.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe signed a 12-month deal with the option of a further year but the move has not worked out as well as all parties hoped.The 34-year-old has been needed more than expected due to Rodri’s injury but has struggled during a difficult season for the champions.Man City boss Pep Guardiola ready to make urgent tactical tweak and defends Erling Haaland He has been on the bench for the last three matches and City are on the lookout for midfield reinforcements in the January transfer window.Guardiola does not want to lose players this window so a move to Turkey is more likely in the summer. More

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      Harry Maguire banned from driving and fined after Man Utd star caught speeding twice in three days

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      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Harry Maguire has been banned from driving and slapped with a fine worth over £1,000 after getting caught speeding twice in just three days.Maguire, 31, has been disqualified for 56 days after his Range Rover was clocked doing 85mph in a 50mph zone close to Manchester Airport.Manchester United ace Harry Maguire has been banned from driving due to speedingCredit: GettyMaguire has been disqualified for 56 days and slapped with a fine worth over £1,000Credit: GettyBolton Magistrates’ Court heard on Wednesday that the centre-back was captured on camera driving his £200,000 SV supercar coming out of a tunnel on Wilmslow Road on March 5 last year.Prosecutor Karen Allanson said the England international was the registered keeper of the car and admitted being the driver.Maguire was caught speeding again just two days after the indicent and had since received three penalty points, his solicitor Gwyn Lewis said.Lewis said: “He was offered a speed awareness course but unfortunately because he was away from this country in the summer he wasn’t able to take up the course.”Read More on Man UtdThe ex-Man Utd captain was fined £666 and ordered to pay £120 in costs as well as a £266 surcharge.If magistrates had handed the defender six points for the Wilmslow Road offence he could have faced a longer ban.Maguire did not appear for the sentencing and was instead represented by his solicitor.Chairman of the bench Mark Hardman said: “We are prepared to exercise our discretion due to Mr Maguire being out of the country and not being able to take part in his speeding course.”Most read in FootballThis comes amid a difficult season for United, who have plummeted to 13th place in the Premier League table.Maguire has amassed one goal in 17 appearances across all competitions this term.The ex-Leicester star was due to be out of contract with the Red Devils this summer but last week the club confirmed they would trigger the option to keep him for a further season. More

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      Mikel Arteta is in the doghouse with Arsenal fans and running out of time to show he has pedigree to end trophy drought

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      IT IS A WELL KNOWN fact that dogs learn through repetition.Especially their names. Call it over and over again and soon your clever pooch will be your loyal pal performing tricks for treats.Mikel Arteta is under pressure to win another trophy with ArsenalCredit: AFPArteta won the FA Cup with Arsenal just months after taking over but is yet to secure any other titlesCredit: APSo spare a thought for Arsenal’s poor pet chocolate labrador.Boss Mikel Arteta came up with the idea of having man’s best friend live at the club’s training ground to give the place a family feel. And she was named ‘Win’.That is not a word being heard quite as often as it should at London Colney today. At least not when it comes to getting over the line and winning a trophy.A crushing home defeat to Newcastle in last night’s Carabao Cup semi final first leg leaves Arteta licking his wounds after blowing a great chance of silverware.Read More in FootballWin will be licking other bodily parts as per usual.The concept of having a dog at a Premier League training ground is a positive one even if the choice of name is so North London and cringey.And there is no doubt that Arteta has re-energised Arsenal in the five years since he took over as manager in December 2019.But Tuesday’s inglorious stuffing feels like a barometer moment in the Spaniard’s time at the club. And the pressure is increasing.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArteta introduced a dog named Win to the training ground two years agoCredit: GettyAs if to ram the message home in terms that Win would understand – Arsenal have let the lead slip five times this season – twice against Brighton but more importantly against their main rivals Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea. Boom boom.All of those games ended in draws, dropping vital points in the title race in the process.Arsenal player vs Newcastle in the Carabao Cup first leg tie at the Emirates (1)Arteta won the FA Cup at the end of his first half season in charge – breathing life into a flatlining football giant in December 2019 when taking over from the uninspiring Unai Emery.Victory in the 2020 FA Cup final over Chelsea should have been the trigger for more trophies to follow.But since then there has been nothing tangible to celebrate. No open top bus parade through the London Borough of Islington where skipper Martin Odegaard can show off a shiny cup.Since the FA Cup win four and a half years ago, even car-crash Manchester United have won something. And they are considered a laughing stock, now taking a punt on their third manager since Arteta took over the reins at the Emirates with a mission to make Arsenal great again.Ironically, Manchester United beat Newcastle in the 2023 Carabao Cup Final.The Geordies are renowned as serial chokers. Seven times losers in the FA Cup Final, twice in the League Cup, even throwing it away five times in the old Charity Shield. Without a major domestic trophy in 70 years.Succumbing to the Toon at home in such a feeble way does not mean Arteta’s time is up. Far from it, even if social media tells a different story with the notoriously fickle Gooners jumping on their keyboards over their chai lattes to ensure ‘Arteta Out’ has been trending.His 59.2 percent win rate is superior to that of his immediate predecessor Unai Emery and surprisingly better than that of Arsene Wenger – the man who laid the foundations for modern Arsenal.The French legend won 57.3% of his 1235 games. But Arteta has had only 262 so far which makes it slightly easier to maintain a higher ratio of victories.Wenger also had the Premier League in the bag in his second season – ripping the trophy from the best Manchester United team of all time led by the most successful British manager in history in Alex Ferguson.Arteta has enjoyed three full seasons of goodwill as he attempts a similar assault on football’s Mount Everest, overhauling Manchester City’s imperious four-in-a-row champions.The Gunners suffered a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final on TuesdayCredit: EPAAlexander Isak was a thorn in Arsenal’s side againCredit: GettyThat’s a big ask and the club and the fans have been patient up to now. It’s still too early to panic but there is a growing fear Arsenal have reached a ceiling unless bold moves are made.Their arch-tormentor Alexander Isak, opening scorer against them last night, is a £150 million transfer target.Former players like Paul Merson are demanding swift action by the board to sign the Swede and provide Arteta with the dedicated number nine they appear to crave so badly.Kai Havertz is only three goals behind Isak this season but will never be the consistent out-and-out centre forward they so painfully lack. Neither is Gabriel Jesus.It’s curious that in more than five years Arteta has overseen a net spend of £483.79 million but he is yet to find a player like Isak to lead the forward line with such venom.Wenger got away without one too for donkey’s years but then he had Thierry Henry and few players compare favourably to the masterful Frenchman.It is no shame to have finished second in the Premier League twice in succession to imperious Man City.But the dominant force in English football suddenly looks fallible so there’s a big excuse for failure gone.Champions League quarter finals last season, the last 16 of the Europa League the year before that. Gallant defeats but defeats nonetheless.The title race looks beyond them this season. Third time in a row.Arteta is a bright, young, energetic coach with a lengthy managerial career ahead of him at only 42.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd if he takes Arsenal up to St.James’ Park next month and turns Newcastle over in a stunning second leg comeback to get to Wembley, ignore all of the above.But for now time is not on his side as the clock keeps ticking and Arsenal’s near-misses mount up.Arsenal ratings vs Newcastle as Havertz fluffs golden chance with academy statlet the only bright light for GunnersARSENAL have a mountain to climb to reach the Carabao Cup final after a shock 2-0 first-leg defeat to Newcastle.Here SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates every Arsenal player on a disappointing night at the Emirates…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Looked nervy with ball at feet at times but could do nothing to stop Alexander Isak’s brilliant close-range finish.Unlucky to see his palmed save tapped in by Anthony Gordon.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8The academy product was very impressive again. Turned out of danger well at both ends of the pitch. So calm under pressure.GABRIEL – 6Gave Isak far too much space to manoeuvre a shot in the box before the Toon’s second. Wasteful and ineffective from corners.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Had an early effort blocked near the line by Dan Burn. Was dealing with Isak well until losing a header to Sven Botman that saw the Toon striker score.JURRIEN TIMBER – 5Missed an absolute sitter from a yard out from a corner.Was then caught sleeping just after the break to allow Gordon to double Newcastle’s lead.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Linked defence and attack fairly well without ever really doing anything spectacular.DECLAN RICE – 6Plays Jacob Murphy onside from a flicked on free-kick that leads to Newcastle taking the lead.Took more responsibility in the second half on the ball.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7Heavily man-marked by Joelinton but looked back to his very best after a spate of illness.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Much more direct in his running. Unlucky not to open the scoring with his driven shot hitting the post after a half-way line sprint.Continued to be positive in his play – just lacked the finishing touch.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Sneakily got away with dragging Isak down to stop the Swede joining a Newcastle counter in the first half and a good first-time pass to set Martinelli away. Those were his only highlights.KAI HAVERTZ – 5May just be back from a sickness bug, but the big German did very little, apart from somehow fluffing a header wide unmarked from six yards.SUBS:JORGINHO (PARTEY, 59) – 7Some nice passes into dangerous areas and sprayed the ball about with conviction.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 59) – 6Lively and sharp without every really testing Newcastle’s back four or goal.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (LEWIS-SKELLY, 77) – 5Booked within a minute of coming on for a rash challenge on Joelinton. More

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      Julen Lopetegui finally SACKED by shambolic West Ham despite taking training with Graham Potter set to replace him

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      WEST HAM have finally SACKED manager Julen Lopetegui after just seven months in charge.Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter is set to replace the Spaniard at the London Stadium.West Ham have parted ways with Julen LopeteguiFormer Chelsea boss Graham Potter is set to take overCredit: PAWest Ham confirmed the news in a statement that read: “The first half of the 2024/25 season has not aligned with the club’s ambitions and the club has therefore taken action in line with its objectives.”The club can confirm that assistant head coach Pablo Sanz, head of performance Oscar Caro, head analyst Juan Vicente Peinado, fitness coach Borja De Alba and technical coach Edu Rubio have also left with immediate effect.”The board would like to thank Julen and his staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wish them every success for the future.”The process of appointing a replacement is underway.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPotter’s first game in charge is set to be against Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Friday night.Lopetegui’s time at the helm comes to an end following a shambolic week that saw him continue to take training today while his successor pens his contract.The ex-Real Madrid and Spain boss, who replaced David Moyes in the summer, managed just six wins in 20 Premier League matches and leaves the club 14th in the table.Defending has been a problem for West Ham, with only Wolves (45), Leicester and Southampton (both on 44) conceding more than their 39 in the league this season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWest Ham were thrashed 5-0 at home to Liverpool and were then beaten 4-1 by City to end Lopetegui’s reignNine of those goals against have come in the last two games to Liverpool and Manchester City.Defeat in Lopetegui’s final game at the Etihad marked the ninth time this season they had conceded three or more goals.Graham Potter admits he’s ‘looking at things’ as speculation intensifies that he’ll replace Julen Lopetegui at West HamThings are also believed to have turned sour behind-the-scenes, with rumoured fall outs with key players and technical director Tim Steidten.Steidten, who also had a mixed relationship with Moyes, stepped away from the training ground after sounding out alternatives managers last month.Their already tense relationship had deteriorated and other club chiefs have been frustrated at both figures.There was supposedly a split in the boardroom over whether to axe Lopetegui earlier in the season.Steidten also now faces an uncertain future and his influence on the January transfer window has been diluted as owner David Sullivan takes a leading role.The Hammers spent £127.5million in the summer window but sit just seven points above the relegation zone.This time last year after 20 games West Ham were sixth in the league on 34 points.Potter joins West Ham, having been out of work since he left Chelsea in April 2023, following a successful three years at Brighton.He is looking to initially bring up to four of his own coaching staff with him, while long-term goalkeeping coach, Xavi Valero, has stayed.Lopetegui v Potter: The statsGraham PotterCareer win rate: 38.6 %Games managed: 440 gamesPremier League win rate: 28.3 %Honours: Swedish Cup Winner (2016/17)Clubs managed: Ostersund, Swansea, Brighton, ChelseaJulen LopeteguiCareer win rate: 54.9%Games managed: 419 gamesPremier League win rate: 34.4 per centHonours: Europa League (2019/20), U19 & U20 EurosClubs managed: Rayo Vallencano, Spain Youth, Porto, Spain, Real Madrid, Sevilla, Wolves, West HamLopetegui’s West Ham nightmareLopetegui, 58, was close to the sack before the game at Newcastle on November 25. But an impressive 2-0 victory bought him more time.Yet West Ham failed to push on, winning only TWO games since then – against relegation prospects Wolves and Southampton.Fans have turned on Lopetegui, chanting “you’re getting sacked in the morning” at their own boss during the 3-1 defeat to Leicester.His reign ended with him taking training today after axing a team bonding dinner last night.Julen Lopetegui’s disastrous reignBy Jack FiggJULEN LOPETEGUI replaced David Moyes in May 2024 ready to start a new reign at West Ham – now it’s over before it even got started.The former Spain manager arrived in London with the experience of working with big stars – but his reputation in England needed mending. He won the Europa League with Sevilla in 2020 – joining Wolves two years later. But Lopetegui left after one season having guided Wolves to 13th but walking out over their financial constraints. Following a year out of work, the ex-Real Madrid player agreed to take over from Moyes – who only 12 months earlier led them to the Europa Conference League trophy. But Lopetegui got off to a horror start to life in London, going winless in his first four matches.That is despite spending £123m on signings with the likes of Maximilian Kilman, Niclas Fullkrug and Aaron Wan-Bissaka arriving in the summer.And Lopetegui’s tenure hit an all-time low following a 5-0 loss at home to Liverpool and 4-1 defeat at Man City. The Hammers board had seen enough and started to draw up potential replacements after deciding to sack Lopetegui.Lopetegui is furious with how his exit has week has played out.Away from on the pitch challenges, he has not had a trouble-free time off it.West Ham have had to battle through Michail Antonio’s horrific car crash that has ruled him out out for the foreseeable.Hammers youth goalkeeper Oscar Fairs also died aged 15 following a battle with cancer.Lopetegui’s father Jose also sadly passed away at the age of 94 last month after suffering from health problems.As well as falling out with Steidten, there were also reportedly half-time bust-ups with Jean-Clair Todibo and Mohammed Kudus.Lopetegui’s worst West Ham moments West Ham 1-3 Man City (Prem)West Ham 0-3 Chelsea (Prem)Liverpool 5-1 West Ham (Carabao Cup)Tottenham 4-1 West Ham (Prem)Nottingham Forest 3-0 West Ham (Prem)West Ham 2-5 Arsenal (Prem)Leicester 3-1 West Ham (Prem)West Ham 0- 5 Liverpool (Prem)Man City 4-1 West Ham (Prem)West Ham appointed Lopetegui due to his success at Sevilla, where he won the Europa League and got them regularly competing towards the top of LaLiga.He also had Premier League experience at Wolves in the 2022/23 season as he guided them to safety from relegation.But he quit after a disagreement with the Molineux club’s owners due to a lack of transfer activity and “differences of opinion”.Lopetegui replaced Moyes, who has legendary status in East London after ending their 43-year trophy drought with Europa Conference League glory.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also guided them to a Europa League semi and quarter-final, as well as a sixth and seventh place finish in the Prem.But he left when his contract was up last summer, with the club wanting to change the style of play.Graham Potter’s Premier League return Graham Potter is back in the Premier League nearly two years on from his Chelsea sack.Potter has replaced Julen Lopetegui at West Ham following the Spaniard’s horror start to the season.It ends Potter’s 20-month wait for a job, having also been linked with the Manchester United and England jobs.The former defender started his coaching career in 2011 in Sweden with Östersunds FK – winning league and cup competitions.He then took over at Swansea in 2018 for one season in the Championship – finishing in 10th.Potter left Wales after just a year to replace Chris Hughton at Brighton where he would make his name.His best finish with the Seagulls was ninth place in 2022 but he joined Chelsea just months later in the September.Potter had replaced Thomas Tuchel, just a season after the German won the Champions League at Stamford Bridge.But Potter was axed seven months into the job with Chelsea left sitting in 11th. More

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      Meet Randal Kolo Muani, the Tottenham and Man Utd target who’ll forever be haunted by the goal he DIDN’T score

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      EVEN Randal Kolo Muani admits that his World Cup final miss will haunt him forever.But a move to the Premier League could be a big step in burying that memory and reigniting his career after he was frozen out at Paris Saint-Germain.Randal Kolo Muani has been out of favour at PSGCredit: GettyKolo Muani was thwarted by Emi Martinez in the World Cup finalCredit: EPATottenham are leading the chase for the France international, 26, with Manchester United also in the hunt.And they hope RKM can reproduce the form that made him a star at Eintracht Frankfurt, rather than the moment that he is best remembered for outside Germany.It was 3-3 in stoppage time at the end of extra-time in the most incredible World Cup final of all time when Kolo Muani had the chance to win it for France.As he bore down on Argentina’s goal, he had captain Kylian Mbappe to his left, ready to become the first player to score four times in the biggest game in international football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Kolo Muani went for goal himself and Emi Martinez kept the ball out with the left leg, earning his team a penalty shootout which they won to clinch the trophy for the third time.RKM said: “I could have lobbed him, I could have given the ball to Kylian, but in the moment, I didn’t see him.“After when you see the video, you see that there were other options, but it’s too late, you cannot do anything. It still sticks it in my throat and it’ll be there for life.”To be fair to Kolo Muani, he didn’t seem to allow the disappointment to affect the rest of his breakout season for Eintracht.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHaving been signed on a free transfer from French club Nantes in the summer of 2022, he returned from Qatar and picked up where he had left off.Kolo Muani racked up 10 more goals and three more assists in the Bundesliga and fired Eintracht to the German cup final, ending the campaign with 23 goals and 17 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions.Spain star Nacho smashes France ace Kolo Muani’s head to the ground in Euro 2024 semi-finalErik Peters, who covers Eintracht for leading German media outlet Bild, said: “Kolo Muani had an incredible season.“From his very first game, when he came on as a substitute and scored against Bayern Munich, he looked special.“He was so quick, with his long legs, and had great skills.”.One of Kolo Muani’s standout moments is a painful memory for one of the managers who could soon be in charge of him.Ruben Amorim was boss of Sporting Lisbon when Eintracht came to Portugal in December for a winner-takes-all clash in the final round of Champions League group games.And it was Kolo Muani who grabbed the winner as the German side came from behind to win 2-1, thus clinching a place in the last 16 and sending Sporting into the Europa League.You can make a good argument that Kolo Muani would be better suited to Amorim’s system of play at United than Ange Postecoglou’s set-up at Spurs.Kolo Muani previously starred for Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: GettyAt Eintracht, he was mainly used as the front man in a 3-4-2-1 formation.And if Postecoglou sees the Frenchman more as an option out wide, he will be making a mistake – according to Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner.The Palace head coach left Eintracht at the end of 2022-23.Shortly after Kolo Muani made his own move to PSG, Glasner still gave him a glowing reference – but warned he would be wasted if played on the wing.Glasner said: “For me, he isn’t a wide player.“I needed to see a Kolo Muani who scored goals, and out wide, he made lots of assists, but he scored very little.“So he needed to be in the middle.“Kolo Muani was also our No9, but he had a lot of freedom. I couldn’t ask for him to wait in the box for the ball to come. He needed to find spaces in the defence.”BITTER FAREWELLBut the happy memories that Eintracht fans have of Kolo Muani were overshadowed by the manner of his departure to PSG.To some, it was understandable that the Frenchman wanted to play for one of the biggest clubs in Europe in the city of birth – he, Arsenal’s William Saliba and Mbappe are all from the French capital’s north-east suburbs.But the way he forced the move left a bad taste in the mouth.After returning from the World Cup, Kolo Muani had changed his agent and teamed up with Moussa Sissoko, whose client roster included Ousmane Dembele.Back in 2017, Dembele went on strike at Borussia Dortmund before moving to Barcelona.Kolo Muani did the same when PSG, having already signed Dembele, stepped up their efforts to sign him as well.The transfer went right to the wire on deadline day in September 2023, but in the end Eintracht were able to squeeze 95m Euros (nearly £80m) out of PSG.It was an incredible fee but little compensation at the time for the Eintracht fans, who branded Kolo Muani greedy.’Cash doesn’t change character, it just makes it visible’At the first game after his rancorous exit, they displayed a banner that read: Kohle Muani (Kohle is German for money) – cash doesn’t change character, it just makes it visible.”Some still feel that Kolo Muani is a decent bloke who was just badly advised.But it’s fair to say that there is plenty of schadenfreude in Frankfurt that things have not worked out for him at PSG.Boss Luis Enrique repeatedly defended Kolo Muani as he struggled to gel with Mbappe and Dembele, despite them being established as France’s front three.But with RKM being shifted out wide at times and amid rumours of a row with Mbappe, the big-money signing’s form flatlined, with the last of his six Ligue 1 goals in 2023-24 coming on February 10.NOT A ONE-HIT WONDEREnrique seems to have given up on Kolo Muani this season, giving him just two starts in the league before leaving him out of the squad completely and making him available for transfer.Anyone who takes him will want to see the frontman who scored three times as France topped their Nations League A group – and who looked like one of the hottest talents in the world in 2022-23.Peters said: “In Frankfurt, they know that the price they got for Muani was inflated because PSG wanted him so badly.“But they don’t think he is a one-hit wonder.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The Premier League, with the pace of the game and the importance of transitions, could be the perfect place for him.”But even if Kolo Muani ends up scoring past Villa goalkeeper Martinez, it won’t make up for that World Cup final moment.Kolo Muani could bring his skills to the Premier League soonCredit: Getty More