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      Grinning Bruno Fernandes puts Liverpool horror show behind him as Ten Hag breaks silence over his Man Utd captaincy

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      MANCHESTER UNITED manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed Bruno Fernandes will “definitely” remain captain when Harry Maguire is not on the pitch.Fernandes came under fire on Sunday after United’s embarrassing 7-0 thrashing to Liverpool at Anfield after claims he asked to be substituted towards the end.
      Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag defended Bruno FernandesCredit: EPA
      Erik ten Hag insists Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes will remain captainCredit: Getty
      The playmaker was seen gesticulating at the bench as Anthony Elanga was brought on for Marcus Rashford with five minutes of the game remaining.
      But the Portugal international has since made it clear that he was asking for clarification as to whether he should play centrally or wide after Elanga’s introduction.
      Ten Hag has jumped to the defence of the 28-year-old and insisted he is often “pointing” on the pitch to carry out his duties as captain and instruct his team-mates what to do.
      The Dutchman has also stated he is very happy with the ex-Sporting Lisbon star’s performances this season and will still wear the armband.
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      When asked if Fernandes will stay as captain, Ten Hag said: “Yes, definitely. I think he’s playing a brilliant season, he’s played an important role in the position that we are.
      “He’s giving energy to the team, running a lot with intensity, in the right way.
      “He’s pointing and coaching players, he’s an inspiration for the whole team. No one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes.
      “I’m really happy to have Bruno Fernandes in my team and I’m happy with him as our captain with Harry not on the pitch.”
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      Erik ten Hag and Marcus Rashford praised Bruno Fernandes’ leadershipCredit: EPA
      Rashford also defended his team-mate, whom he described as the “perfect player” to play with.
      Rashford echoed his manager’s words and hailed his teammate’s leadership.
      The England striker said: “I love playing with Bruno, for a forward like me he’s a perfect player to play with. He’s been a good leader for us even when he’s not been captain, which is always a good sign. “He’s helped other players become better leaders.
      “He’s done a lot in terms of bringing his leadership skills in, that was from the moment he arrived.
      Bruno Fernandes was all smiles during Manchester United’s training
      Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is pleased with Bruno Fernandes
      Bruno Fernandes is expected to play against Real Betis in the Europa League
      “Like the manager said, nobody is perfect, sometimes you want to win so bad you end up doing things a little out of character. As a team we have to support him because he’s a fantastic player.”
      Fernandes, though, appears to have put all the Liverpool drama behind as he was all smiles during training ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash against Real Betis.
      Rashford has also denied claims that United just gave up in the second-half at Liverpool as they conceded six goals.
      He said: “We didn’t give up, that’s nonsense. We were unorganised, communication was bad, that’s why we conceded the goals.
      “But I believe everyone was trying to get back into the game that much, we came away from the principles too much, the forwards were trying to press as a unit but we weren’t connected with the midfield.
      “We were trying to get a grip of the game at 2-0 and 3-0, we were talking but we weren’t in agreement with what to do, it’s happened, we can learn from it and move on. I’m happy and grateful we have another game quickly because we have an opportunity to take a step forward.”
      Rashford admitted, however, that the scars of that defeat have cut deep.
      He said: “Losing against Liverpool is enough, the scoreline doesn’t matter when you lose a game against any of your biggest rivals it cuts deep, it’s not nice and it’s never a nice feeling.
      “But we can’t dwell on it and look back, we have to be thankful games are coming thick and fast. We’re in a position where we’re still fighting on all fronts, when we have a game like that we want to play again as soon as possible to put it right.”

      Ten Hag also shielded the rest of his team insisting they are all on the “same boat”.
      The 53-year-old tactician insists United are only focused on “bouncing back”.
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      When asked whether players let him down against Liverpool, Ten Hag said: “No, we are in the same boat, we do it together. We win and lose together.
      “We made a mess on Sunday and we have to deal with that. We have to set conclusions and we talked about [it]. We have seen the game, we have to reset and bounce back.” More

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      Gabriel Jesus enjoys chilly training session ahead of Europa League tie vs Sporting but Arsenal missing THREE big names

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      GABRIEL JESUS took part in a frozen Arsenal training session ahead of their clash with Sporting Lisbon.The Gunners are preparing for the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie in Portugal on Thursday evening.
      Gabriel Jesus, right, trained with the rest of the Arsenal squad on WednesdayCredit: Reuters
      Jesus is not expected to return until after the international breakCredit: Reuters
      The Brazilian was put through his paces as light snow fellCredit: Reuters
      And they will be buoyed by the return of Brazilian Jesus, 25, who is back training with the rest of Mikel Arteta’s squad.
      The former Manchester City man has been sidelined with a ligament injury since the World Cup.
      And while he is not expected to feature until after the international break, his progress will lift the mood of the camp even more.
      But Arsenal are facing a nervous wait on three of their players after they failed to take part in training 24 hours before the clash with Sporting.
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      Granit Xhaka was all smiles during the sessionCredit: PA
      The Arsenal players were seen piggy-backing one anotherCredit: Reuters
      Mikel Arteta took training in the cold weatherCredit: Reuters
      Kieran Tierney (illness), Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard (both injured) were all absent from the session on Wednesday.
      And it could mean Saturday’s hero Reiss Nelson is given an opportunity from the start.
      Nelson, 23, scored a dramatic late winner to clinch a 3-2 victory over Bournemouth.
      And Arteta will now be hoping they can carry the momentum of four Premier League wins in a row into European competition.
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      Arsenal topped their group so did not have to come through the play-off round of the Europa League.
      They are among the favourites to lift the trophy along with Manchester United and Juventus.
      But managing European demands along with the Premier League could prove tough as they go deeper in the competition.
      Domestically, the Gunners hold a five-point lead over Manchester City with 12 games remaining.
      Arsenal are hoping to take a first-leg lead back to LondonCredit: Reuters
      The Gunners are one of the favourites to win the Europa LeagueCredit: Reuters
      Arsenal face a trip to Lisbon before a derby with Fulham More

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      Man Utd in advanced talks with Diogo Dalot over new long-term contract amid Barcelona and Real Madrid transfer interest

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are in advanced talks with Diogo Dalot over a new long-term deal.The Portuguese right-back has been a consistent figure since the arrival of Erik ten Hag in the summer – starting 17 Premier League games and six Europa League outings.
      Diogo Dalot is in talks over extending his stay at Man UtdCredit: Getty
      Signed by Jose Mourinho in 2018 from Porto for £19m, Dalot’s contract was initially set to run out this summer before United triggered a one-year extension before Christmas.
      And now, SunSport understands the Red Devils are keen to tie the 23-year-old down for several more years after impressing this campaign.
      United are also wary of interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona, who are admirers of Dalot and are ready to pounce should an agreement on a new deal fall flat.
      His future at Old Trafford was not always as clear cut, spending the 2020/21 season on loan at AC Milan after falling out of favour under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
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      But he now appears to be first choice at right-back in Ten Hag’s eyes, overtaking team-mate Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
      Dalot was chosen to start their 2-0 Carabao Cup final victory against Newcastle last month, and was only taken off at half time for Wan-Bissaka because he was on a booking and up against Allan Saint-Maximin.
      And speaking in January about his stay at United, Dalot explained: “We are in a position to say that we are negotiating and seeing how both parties will benefit.
      “But it is no secret that I am happy to be here, so we will see how things go. 
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      “I love this club and I love to play for this club. Progressively we are in a good direction as a team.
      “For me, this is the most important part and hopefully individually I can continue to help the team as I am doing.” More

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      Supercomputer has Arsenal as favourites for the Europa League with a 22 per cent probability

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      ARSENAL are favourites to win the Europa League title, stats show.Manchester United are close behind though as the second likeliest team to win the final on May 31.
      Arsenal and Manchester United are favourites to win the Europa League
      Arsenal are the favourites to win the Europa League title this seasonCredit: Getty
      Manchester United take on Real Betis in the Europa League last 16Credit: PA
      That is according to BettingExpert’s supercomputer, BETSiE, which has run its algorithm to determine the favourites for the title ahead of Thursday’s Europa League fixtures.
      The Gunners are favourites for the title with a winning probability of 22 per cent.
      The North Londoners’ probability of reaching the final is 38.4 per cent and have a 72 per cent chance of eliminating Sporting Lisbon to progress to the quarter-finals.
      United, on the other hand, have a winning probability of 20.8 per cent and are 31.4 per cent likely of making it to the final.
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      Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen and Jose Mourinho’s Roma complete the top five.
      The rest of the top 10 consists of Feyenoord, Union Berlin, Real Sociedad, record winners Sevilla and Arsenal’s opponents Sporting.
      The Red Devils’ opponents Real Betis are 12th behind Freiburg and ahead of Fenerbahce, Shakhtar Donetsk, St Gilloise as well as Ferencvaros, who complete the Last 16.
      The supercomputer simulated the remainder of the Europa League’s Round of 16 a whopping 20,000 times.
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      It takes into account all match results from the season across all competitions.
      The research also projects the remainder of the tournament based on both pre-season expectations and xG earned both for and against.
      Arsenal take on Sporting on Thursday in Lisbon while United lock horns with Betis on the same day at Old Trafford. More

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      Laura Woods sends Chelsea Twitter into meltdown as Arsenal fan reveals her Antonio Conte replacement at Tottenham

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      ARSENAL fan and talkSPORT host Laura Woods sent Chelsea Twitter into meltdown after revealing her ideal Antonio Conte replacement at Tottenham.Conte’s deal at Spurs expires in the summer and there is uncertainty over the Italian’s long-term future in North London.
      Laura Woods has rattled Chelsea fans by claiming Spurs should hire sacked Blues boss Thomas Tuchel to replace Antonio ConteCredit: The Sun
      Antonio Conte (right) is in the final year of his Spurs contract while Tuchel (left) is availableCredit: Rex
      Spurs are deep in a top-four battle and are trailing in their Champions League round of 16 tie with AC Milan.
      Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, who is still widely loved among Spurs fans, has been linked with a return.
      However, another top drawer manager available is Champions League winner Thomas Tuchel, who was sacked by Chelsea earlier this season and replaced with Graham Potter.
      And talkSPORT host Woods, an Arsenal fan, says Tuchel would be a “great fit” at Tottenham, which got under the skin of Blues fans.
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      Woods said on talkSPORT: “I just don’t know whether it’s ever good to go back.
      “Of course we can look at the ones where they did go back and it did go well – Mourinho going back to Chelsea and that sort of stuff – but I don’t know with Mauricio Pochettino whether it would be the best move for him.
      “I actually think Thomas Tuchel would be a great shout. Managers who come back into the league and who have something to prove.
      “Seriously, though, I just think with Thomas Tuchel, in the small space of time that he came into Chelsea and arranged that team – they’d already got top four from Frank Lampard so they had a lot of young talent, he made a few changes and won the Champions League.
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      “I don’t know, I just think that kind of personality that he has, to go into a team like Spurs, who just look like they are devoid of enjoyment at the moment and lacking something.
      “Go get the best out of Son, go and put a rocket up them. I honestly think that would be a great fit.
      “I could be wrong, but I love Thomas Tuchel, I think he’s amazing.”

      One far from pleased Blues fan responded, saying: “Tuchel will never ever join a club without ambition. Know this and know peace.”
      Another tweeted: “If Conte and Mourinho didn’t win anything with Spurs – just know Spurs can’t be helped!” More

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      Newcastle ‘join Liverpool in transfer race for Chelsea contract rebel Mason Mount ahead of summer swoop’

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      NEWCASTLE are ready to join Liverpool in the race to sign Chelsea star Mason Mount, according to reports. The attacking midfielder sees his deal at the Blues expire in the summer of 2024.
      Mason Mount is wanted by both Liverpool and NewcastleCredit: Getty
      Mason Mount has netted three goals this season
      The club have supposedly offered him a new deal but Mount is not happy with the terms on offer and has rejected their proposals.
      Chelsea do not want to let him leave for free, which means he could be sold this summer.
      Owner Todd Boehly will need to trim his bloated squad and a number of players could be offloaded.
      The Daily Mail report that Liverpool are interested in Mount and have been joined in the battle for his signature by Newcastle.
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      The Toon are desperate to strengthen their side with European football potentially on the horizon next season.
      Eddie Howe has spent £165million on players since the summer and despite there being money to spend the club may be unable to splash out due to financial fair play rules.
      Manchester United and Juventus are also tracking the England ace.
      Mount has played 32 times for Chelsea this season in all competitions, netting three goals and getting a further six assists.
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      Overall, he has played in 192 games for his boyhood club, scoring on 33 occasions.
      The 24-year-old helped Chelsea win the Champions League in 2021, but he has struggled for form this season as shown by him completing just eight of 15 passes against Southampton.
      He is currently out injured with a lower abdomen issue.
      With Newcastle also reportedly interested in Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney and Bayer Leverkusen wonderkid Florian Wirtz, it is set to be a busy window ahead for the Magpies. More

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      Footballers who went from Soccer AM Skill Skool to Premier League stardom including FOUR England stars

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      OVER the years Soccer AM has seen a host of players compete in their famous “Skill Skool”.Many of those youngsters struggle to make a name for themselves as their careers progress.
      Raheem Sterling appeared in Skill Skool as a young teenager
      Jordan Henderson also showed off his skills while at SunderlandCredit: YouTube / Soccer AM
      But others have made it all the way to the top, with certain individuals even becoming England regulars.
      It has proved to be a breeding ground for a host of young teenage hopefuls looking to increase their profile.
      But not all of the most famous names came out on top when they took on a team-mate in the skills challenge.
      Here are some of the most memorable appearances from the show.
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      Raheem Sterling vs vs Christian Nanetti
      [embedded content]
      Chelsea and England star Raheem Sterling appeared on the Skill Skool at the age of just 15 while playing for QPR’s youth team.
      He has gone on to play for Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, while also racking up 82 appearances for England.
      However, back then he was outdone by team-mate Christian Nanetti – a player who went on to feature in the National League and Serie D.
      Jordan Henderson vs Nathan Luscombe
      [embedded content]
      Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson lifted the club’s first league title in 30 years back in 2020.
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      But before he became a Reds and England regular he was a young hopeful at Sunderland.
      And the Black Cats prospect took on Nathan Luscombe – who beat Henderson in a battle of skills.
      However, it’s fair to say Henderson ended up having the better career as Luscombe left Sunderland without playing a first-team game.
      He was last seen featuring for Celtic Nation in the Northern League.
      Britt Assombalonga vs Stephen Hamilton-Forbes
      Britt Assombalonga has enjoyed a career in the Football League
      Championship star Britt Assombalonga started off his career at Watford and took on team-mate Stephen Hamilton-Forbes in a Skill Skool challenge.
      And they produced a memorable moment on Soccer AM when Hamilton-Forbes’ keepie-uppies were caught in Assombalonga’s shirt.
      Assombalonga was then pushed over by his team-mates in a hilarious clip.
      Since then, he has gone on to play for the likes of Peterborough, Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough.
      Hamilton-Forbes was last seen at Enfield Town.
      Danny Ings vs Muzzy Holmes
      Danny Ings, left, took part in Skill Skool back in the day
      West Ham striker Danny Ings has enjoyed an impressive Premier League career for the likes of Burnley, Southampton, Liverpool and Aston Villa.
      But fans were first given a glimpse of his talent when he took on Muzzy Holmes in a Skill Skool episode.
      Ings, who would go on to earn one England cap, beat Holmes after the pair showed off their skills.
      And while Ings went on to have a successful career, Holmes failed to earn an appearance for Bournemouth’s first team.
      Nathan Redmond vs Akwasi Asante
      Nathan Redmond is another ex-England man to have appeared in Skill Skool
      Like Ings, Nathan Redmond is another of England’s one-cap wonders.
      The 29-year-old now plies his trade in Turkey for Besiktas and has also featured for Birmingham, Norwich and Southampton.
      And before breaking through the ranks at Birmingham, a young Redmond took on Akwasi Asante in the Soccer AM segment.
      Akwasi ended up leaving Birmingham in 2014 and experienced a career in non-league football – featuring for the likes of Chester and Gloucester City.
      Matthew Briggs vs Danny Hoesen
      Matthew Briggs made 30 appearances for Fulham
      Fulham youth-team product Matthew Briggs may not be known to many football fans.
      But until 2018 he held the Premier League record for being the youngest ever player to feature in the competition.
      Lawrie Sanchez brought on the left-back at the age of just 16 years and 65 days.
      Briggs made 30 appearances for the Cottagers before turning out for Colchester United, Chesterfield, Barnet and Maldon & Tiptree.
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      Meanwhile, Danny Hoesen left Fulham without a first-team game under his belt.
      However, he went on to play 44 times for Ajax and then joined MLS outfit San Jose Earthquakes. More

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      I wanted to buy a house at Man Utd but Sir Alex Ferguson wouldn’t let me until I took three months of cooking lessons

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON was known for being very particular with his managerial approach, even when it came to matters off-pitch. In the early 2000s, Daniel Nardiello was coming through the ranks at Manchester United and soon wanted to get himself on the property ladder.
      Sir Alex Ferguson pursued high attention to detail on and off the pitchCredit: Getty
      Even including when it came to players buying a houseCredit: Getty
      However, Ferguson’s iron fist at Old Trafford meant Nardiello would first need to obtain permission.
      And when he asked the boss whether he could buy a house, Ferguson denied his request until he had taken some cooking lessons.
      Speaking to the Daily Star, Nardiello explained: “I had my first three years at United, I’d done quite well in the youth teams and reserve level and Sir Alex offered me a three-year contract, which I was obviously going to take.
      “But with the new contract and my time at the digs coming to an end, I wanted to buy my own property, my own house to live in.
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      “But youth players need to have permission, so I had to knock on the door to ask if I can buy my own property.
      “He was like ‘No, I’m not letting you buy your own property unless you’ve had three months of cooking lessons with the chef at Carrington’.
      “So for three months, a couple of times a week, I was out cooking all the food for the first team players. I was in a bit earlier than I would normally be to help the chef.
      “Once the three months were up, I knocked on the gaffer’s door again and he allowed me to pursue buying a home and moving in to my own house.
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      Daniel Nardiello in action for UnitedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      “But it goes to show the level of detail he went into.”
      Nardiello would only go on to make four appearances for the Red Devils, one of which came in the Champions League, before leaving the club permanently in 2004.
      The now-retired 40-year-old added: “He wanted to make sure the club was run properly from top to bottom, wanted to look after his players, making sure they had the best start.
      “I’m not a good cook now though. My wife doesn’t want my cooking, it’s once in a blue moon I cook, but it did give me a good grounding.” More