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      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta gets into trouble with referees on PURPOSE… but for a good reason, claims pundit

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      ALLY MCCOIST has defended Mikel Arteta’s troublesome touchline antics.The Arsenal manager is in hot water with his behaviour from the sidelines, with pundits Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton criticising him.
      Mikel Arteta has been getting into trouble for his touchline behaviourCredit: Rex
      Ally McCoist believes Arteta is doing it on purposeCredit: Getty

      During the win over Aston Villa, Arteta was spotted mocking referee Simon Hooper’s signal for ordering a free-kick retake.
      The incident caught the attention of former referee Dermot Gallagher, who thought that it was a bad advert for the Premier League.
      He told Sky Sports: “I think if the fourth official had felt it was untoward he’d have drawn it to the referee’s attention and probably a yellow card.
      “But it’s not a good advert, is it? We don’t want to see that.”
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      However, Arteta has been defended by McCoist, who believes that his actions will help the fans and players.
      The ex-Rangers striker even suggested that the manager gets into trouble “deliberately”.
      He told talkSPORT: “I don’t have a problem with it.
      “A lot of people have a problem with it, I don’t at all. I think he probably does it deliberately.
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      “He gets into a little bit of trouble, to show the supporters [his desire to win].
      “That is a completely different stadium nowadays. Totally different.
      “If you’re on that pitch [as a player] and you look across and see that [it will help].”
      Arteta has led the club to the summit of the Premier League table as they look to win the compeititon for the first time in 20 years. More

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      Fans all say the same thing after Bruno Fernandes slams ball into Man Utd target Frenkie de Jong sparking brawl

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      FANS were all saying the same thing as Bruno Fernandes whacked the ball at a floored Frenkie de Jong from close range.The Manchester United star was booked for booting it at the Barcelona ace during the Red Devils’ 2-1 win last night.

      Bruno Fernandes thumped the ball at Frenkie de Jong from close rangeCredit: BT Sport
      The Portuguese star sparked a mass meleeCredit: BT Sport
      The LaLiga leaders were furious with Fernandes, who had thumped the ball at his grounded opponent AFTER the referee’s whistle had been blown.
      As De Jong writhed around in pain, his team-mates swarmed around Fernandes.
      With Barca stars trying to confront the Portuguese star for his action, it was actually Raphinha that dragged him away.
      Along with Fernandes, Sergi Roberto was also booked for his role in the melee.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      United spent almost all of last summer’s transfer window trying to sign De Jong from Barca.
      But, even after agreeing a fee, they were turned down by the 25-year-old.
      Posting images of their own attacking midfielder, 28, thwacking the ball at De Jong, United fans came to their own conclusions.
      One wrote: “Bruno to De Jong…….For rejecting us to play Champions League and end up playing in the Europa League just to be knocked out by us too.”
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      A second tweeted: “Bruno Fernandes to Frenkie de Jong, ‘this is for rejecting us.'”
      And a third posted: “Bruno to De Jong ‘this is for wasting our time during the transfer window.'”
      Another joked: “Never forget De Jong forfeited 2 years salary, settled for a pay cut to try and avoid Europa League with United only to be knocked out of the Europa League by United.”
      De Jong was also booed at times by the United faithful.
      The Red Devils enter Friday morning’s last-16 draw with the possibility of drawing Real Sociedad, Freiburg or Feyenoord.
      Barca stars were fuming with FernandesCredit: Alamy
      De Jong was given some rough treatmentCredit: Reuters More

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      Southampton fans say ‘Prem is in trouble’ as Ruben Selles is named manager until end of season after win over Chelsea

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      SOUTHAMPTON have named Ruben Selles as their successor to sacked ex-boss Nathan Jones.The Spaniard, 39, has penned a deal until the end of the season at St Mary’s.
      Ruben Selles has been named Southampton bossCredit: Reuters
      Selles arrived at Southampton last summer, initially as assistant to former boss Ralph Hasenhuttl.
      However, he found himself marginalised following Jones’ appointment.
      Following the Welshman’s dismissal after a disastrous spell in charge, Selles took interim charge.
      He made an instant impact, masterminding last weekend’s stunning 1-0 win at Chelsea.
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      Following Selles’ appointment until the end of the season, excited Southampton fans began to feel more optimism.
      One wrote: “The Prem is in trouble.”
      A second tweeted: “Best news I’ve heard all week.”
      Another added: “Seeing how happy and together the team looked the other night, I’m happy for this one.”
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      A fourth cried: “WE’VE GOT SUPER RUBEN SELLES.”
      The Saints had been in talks with former Leeds boss Jesse Marsch regarding their vacant position.
      But talks broke down, with Selles then admitting that he’d like the job full-time.
      He said: “I want to be the manager. And as you asked me three or four months ago, I think I’m capable of doing that just as any other manager.
      “But that is not my decision and that is okay for me. I just put everything I can and we are working really hard.
      “Those are my skills and those in the club will make a decision, but of course, I will be more than happy to get the job.”
      In a short statement, the club announced: “Southampton Football Club can today confirm that Rubén Sellés has been appointed as Men’s First Team Manager until the end of the 2022/23 season.”
      Selles was never a professional as a player.
      He studied sports and physiology in his hometown Valencia, before obtaining his Uefa Pro License aged just 25.
      The budding gaffer then took on roles as fitness coach of Greek side Aris and Villarreal as he embarked on an eclectic career to date.
      Read More on The Sun
      Selles has worked in Azerbaijan, Russia, Norway and Denmark in a variety of different positions.
      He worked as manager of hometown Valencia’s Under-18s, before joining Southampton. More

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      Marcus Rashford sparks injury fears with cryptic Instagram post just days before Man Utd’s Carabao Cup final

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has sparked injury concerns with a cryptic Instagram post.The Manchester United star was in action last night as his side took on Barcelona in the Europa League.
      Marcus Rashford uploaded this this image to Instagram
      Rashford, 25, had gone down hurt during the matchCredit: PA
      Erik ten Hag’s men produced a rousing comeback to prevail 2-1 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate.
      Rashford’s evening ended on a sour note, however, as he appeared to be in discomfort as he was substituted in the 88th minute.
      The red-hot forward removed his left boot and walked straight down the tunnel after talking to Ten Hag.
      After the match, he took to Instagram, but not just to celebrate the win.
      READ MORE IN MAN UTD
      Instead, he posted a snap of himself walking off with his boot in his hand, accompanied by a bandaged emoji – before Ten Hag appeared to confirm the worst.
      Rashford’s post has sparked fears among United fans that he could miss Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle.
      One wrote: “Don’t tell me he’s injured.”
      A second tweeted: “This isn’t good. I hope it isn’t too bad. Need him for the final.”
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      The England ace was replaced by Scott McTominayCredit: Rex
      And a third posted: “OH GOD PLEASE NO.”
      Some, however, believe he could just be playing mind games ahead of the final.
      One reckoned: “Definitely wouldn’t post this if he was actually injured.”
      A second observed: “He’s probably fine.”
      And a third tweeted: “Mind games with Newcastle already love it!”
      Rashford himself tweeted after the game, writing: “What a night for the team! Next stop Wembley.”
      The England ace has been in scintillating form since the World Cup, bagging 17 goals in 20 appearances after returning from Qatar.
      Rashford removed his boot as he trudged offCredit: PA More

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      Bosses are adopting Premier League gaffers’ management techniques — with Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp the top inspiration

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      FOOTIE-loving bosses are adopting Premier League gaffers’ management techniques, a survey found.Eighty per cent have used tactical whiteboards or worn a tracksuit in the office — with Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp the top inspiration.
      Eighty per cent have used tactical whiteboards or worn a tracksuit in the office — with Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp the top inspirationCredit: EPA
      Others prefer Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho’s approaches to management — and some have copied Sir Alex Ferguson in dishing out the hairdryer treatment.
      Of those who admit to using traits of top football managers, 45 per cent did so to help their team reach key targets and 42 per cent hoped to boost morale.
      Some bosses said they had delivered passionate team talks to rally their employees — while others had animatedly called for business decisions to be overturned.
      A spokesman for CopyBet, which commissioned the research, said: “It’s exciting to see so many people taking inspiration from the world of football management and putting it into practice at their workplace.”
      READ MORE ON Jurgen Klopp
      Eighty-seven per cent of bosses who copied football’s elite say their leadership skills improved as a result and 88 per cent say they are better communicators.
      Just under half believe their team finds their ­methods inspirational.
      The survey of 1,750 workplace managers with a love of football by OnePoll also found 62 per cent think there is little difference between managing staff and a team of footballers.
      Despite that, only 43 per cent think they have what it takes to be a top football manager — but 37 per cent reckon the role is “easy”.
      Most read in FootballTOP TEN PRESENT FOOTBALL MANAGERS BOSSES CLAIM TO BE LIKE:

      Jurgen Klopp
      Pep Guardiola
      Jose Mourinho
      Erik ten Hag
      Antonio Conte
      Eddie Howe
      Gareth Southgate
      Frank Lampard
      Mikel Arteta
      Zinedine Zidane More

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      Watch Man Utd icon Patrice Evra’s amazing reaction to Antony’s goal as he joins fans in stands for Barcelona clash

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      PATRICE EVRA went as wild in the stands as any fan on the night Old Trafford recaptured the joy of his own glory nights.The ex-Manchester United defender was caught roaring with delight and punching the air as Antony sealed Barcelona’s Europa League KO.
      Patrice Evra rejoices after Antony put Man Utd 2-1 up on the night to clinch a stunning 4-3 aggregate win over BarcelonaCredit: https://twitter.com/Evra/status/1628872176223780865?s=20

      Antony hails the greatest moment of his United career so far, as the sub winger downed Barcelona at Old TraffordCredit: AP
      Evra posted “Let’s go!” along with a clip of himself rejoicing after the Brazilian sub cracked a scintillating winner.
      The Frenchman won the Champions League in 2008 plus five Premier League titles during eight years with United.
      So Evra knows what it feels to experience an evening that former Red Devils’ team-mate Paul Scholes reckons provided the finest atmosphere since Alex Ferguson’s golden reign as manager.
      And the ex-West Ham ace’s social media post clocked up 12,500 likes within two hours as fans loved the glimpse of a on-pitch icon becoming an in-stand inspiration.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      One wrote: “Great to see our legends happy again.”
      Another said: “Just like you. The club is already under his skin. There’s nothing on earth like being a red.”
      United go into Friday’s last-16 draw after star man Fred and pacy winger Antony overturned Robert Lewandowski’s penalty opener for Barca.
      That 2-1 victory clinched a 4-3 aggregate success that boss Erik ten Hag hailed as the greatest achievement so far of his first season in charge.
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      The Dutchman said: “Yes, we’ve had some good wins, Liverpool and Arsenal but I think this over two legs – Barcelona are La Liga leaders – to beat them it’s a big win.”
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      Now his mind is already on Sunday’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
      Asked about who he wants in the Europa League next round, Ten Hag replied:  “Doesn’t matter for me, I’m focused on Newcastle now.
      “Doesn’t matter who will come, we have to beat them all.”
      Looking Evra so happy, the ex-defender shows his French blissCredit: https://twitter.com/Evra/status/1628872176223780865?s=20 More

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      Arsenal’s horror Europa League draw revealed with Mikel Arteta’s side facing tougher test than Man Utd in last-16

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      ARSENAL face a far tougher test than Manchester United in the Europa League last 16 – thanks to a quirk of the rules.The Gunners easily qualified as group winners whereas the Red Devils got through via a play-off, albeit a stirring 4-3 aggregate win over Barcelona.
      Mikel Arteta knows Arsenal are virtually guaranteed a tough drawCredit: AP
      The eight group-toppers are seeded for the next stage.
      But the eight non-seeds include sides dropping down from the Champions League.
      That means Premier League leaders Arsenal could meet Juventus, Roma or Sevilla amongst many stiff options.
      At least they can’t meet United – not yet anyway – because the rules also keep teams from the same country apart in the last 16,
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      Many Gunners’ fans on social media reckon Mikel Arteta’s are doomed to be paired with Juve in Friday’s noon draw.
      And a common wish was to take on Ukrainians Shakhtar Donetsk.
      In fact, two posts seemed to speak for a large proportion of Arsenal supporters
      One said: “Avoid Sevilla and Juventus and I’m good.”
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      And the other was: “No easy fixture there but have 2 play b team to keep team fresh for league. It’s all about winning league for me.”
      Arsenal’s possible opponents are: Union Berlin, Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen, Roma, Sevilla, Sporting Lisbon and Shakhtar.
      In contrast, United appear to have it easier as they’ll be paired against one of these clubs: Union Saint-Gilloise, SC Freiburg, Ferencvaros, Feyenoord, Real Betis, Real Sociedad or Fenerbahce. 
      The last-16 ties take place on March 9 and 16. More

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      ‘Watch and admire’ – Angel Di Maria scores stunning curled goal for Juventus that leaves TV viewers gobsmacked

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      ANGEL DI MARIA scored a stunner for Juventus as the Italian side fought their way through the Europa League knockouts. It was looking like a tricky night for the Old Lady after last week’s first leg draw at home against Nantes.

      Angel Di Maria is no stranger to a good strike but his left-footed effort against Nantes was still mind-blowingCredit: Getty
      Di Maria now has seven goals in all competitions this seasonCredit: Rex
      But Di Maria hit a hat-trick to see his club sail through 3-0 and put their domestic issues to one side.
      It was the first goal of the 35-year-old’s brilliant night that got football fans off their seats as they watched the early game on BT Sport.
      With the game barely four minutes old, the energetic Nicolo Fagioli picked up the ball in midfield.
      Evading tackles from opposition midfielders, he lay a pass on to the feet of Di Maria.
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      The Argentine did not look to be in a particularly good shooting position and defenders were closing him down quickly.
      But nothing could stop his moment of magic as he lifted the ball with his left boot and whipped it with precision into the top corner.
      Fans were left stunned at the jaw-dropping effort.
      One person wrote: “One for the 2023 best goals thread.”
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      Another said: “This Di Maria goal is so good, it almost looks computer animated.”
      And another said: “Puskas award goes to Di Maria.”
      The goal settled the nerves and things would get even better for Juve when Nicolas Pallois was sent off after 17 minutes.
      The French side never looked like getting back into it and Di Maria would strike again in the 20th minute before sealing a hat-trick from the spot in the second-half.
      He now has seven goals in all competitions for a Juventus side that can focus on Europe after a points penalty for alleged transfer irregularities left their Serie A campaign in tatters. More