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    Ex-Premier League ace Christian Atsu’s body is flown back to his native Ghana as tributes pour in following tragic death

    CHRISTIAN Atsu’s body was flown home to Ghana today as tributes poured in for the ex-Premier League ace. The 31-year-old ex-Newcastle and Chelsea player was found dead under the rubble 12 days after a devastating 7.8-magnitude quake rocked Turkey.
    Christian Atsu was found dead 12 days after the earthquake hit his homeCredit: PA
    He was discovered under the rubble of a building in TurkeyCredit: Reuters
    Christian Atsu’s coffin is loaded into a plane bound for GhanaCredit: AFP
    A minute’s silence for Atsu at Nottingham Forest v Manchester CityCredit: Reuters
    Leeds United and Everton players observe a minute’s applause in memory of AtsuCredit: Getty
    He had been scheduled to fly out of the country hours before the quake struck at 4am local time.
    But the Ghana star reportedly cancelled his flight to stay with teammates after scoring the dramatic game-winning goal in a Super Lig match the day before on February 5.
    After 12 days of desperately searching for Atsu, his manager said his body was tragically discovered buried in the rubble on Saturday.
    His body was flown back to his native Ghana hours later.
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    His agent Nana Sechere said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce to all well wishers that sadly Christian Atsu’s body was recovered this morning.
    “My deepest condolences go to his family and loved ones. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support.”
    Rescue workers found Atsu’s body where he was staying at Ronesans Residence – a 12-storey block of luxury flats that toppled over in Antakya city in Hatay.
    Tributes have poured in for the midfielder, with his club describing him as a “beautiful person”.
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    Players across the UK also held a minute’s silence or a minute’s applause before kick off in a touching tribute to the star.
    Hatayspor, who Atsu signed with in September, said: “We will never forget you, Atsu.
    “Peace be upon you, beautiful person. There are no words to describe our sadness.”
    Atsu began his Premier League career with Chelsea, before moving on to Newcastle United and Everton.
    Terry, who captained the team at the time, tweeted a picture of Atsu alongside the message: “RIP my friend.”
    Another member of the Chelsea squad at the time, Michael Essien, said: “Rest well king.”
    Cesc Fabregas and Michy Batshuayi also paid tribute to Atsu.
    And Dwight Gayle said: “It was a pleasure to share our time together and you was one of the nicest people I’ve met in football from opening schools back home to just having a constant smile day to day.
    “The world needs more people like you and you will be truly missed. RIP brother.”
    Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given added: “Terrible sad news about Christian Atsu. Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends.”
    Newcastle United described Atsu as a “talented player and a special person”.
    “We are profoundly saddened to learn that Christian Atsu has tragically lost his life in Turkey’s devastating earthquakes,” it said.
    “A talented player and a special person, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters.”
    There were initial reports the midfielder had been rescued a day after the quake, but these turned out to be false.
    Earlier footage showed rescuers with search lights sifting through the wreckage of Atsu’s apartment block on the first night of the natural disaster.
    His voice was then heard in the rubble, along with that of Hatayspor’s Sporting Director Taner Savut, local reports said.
    Atsu, who has three kids with wife Marie-Claire, spent four seasons at Chelsea before a permanent transfer to Newcastle in 2017.
    He signed in September for Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor.
    Several members of his new team had to be rescued from their homes after the earthquake struck at 4am local time.
    The massive 7.8 magnitude quake stuck early on February 6.
    Two further earthquakes struck in the 24 hours after the initial tremor, leaving a trail of destruction.
    More than 43,000 people are now believed to have died in Turkey and Syria.
    And freezing conditions and difficulty getting aid to remote areas is fuelling a further humanitarian disaster.
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    The United Nations regional humanitarian coordinator for Syria Muhannad Hadi said the death toll in the country is set to rise as teams scramble to reach buildings in hard-hit areas.
    The Sun Earthquake Appeal, which we launched to support the Red Cross, has now raised over £1 million with readers donating £110,000.
    Players also paid tribute before the Chelsea and Southampton gameCredit: Getty
    Atsu had been scheduled to fly home hours before the quake hit but had decided to stay with his teammates after a league winCredit: AFP
    Fans were devastated to hear of the ex-Newcastle man’s deathCredit: PA
    Tributes poured in from across the footballing world for the well-loved playerCredit: Rex
    Former Chelsea captain John Terry was among those who offered his condolencesCredit: Enterprise
    The country he had made his home was rocked by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the early hours of February 6Credit: Reuters
    The death toll currently stands at over 47,000Credit: AFP
    Millions have been displaced in the affected areas of Turkey and SyriaCredit: Getty
    Rescue workers from across the world have toiled around the clock to save as many people as possibleCredit: EPA More

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    Arsenal and Aston Villa staff in press box scuffle as analysts shout at each other after wild Jorginho celebrations

    ARSENAL and Aston Villa staff members scuffled in the press seats after the Gunners’ dramatic stoppage time winner this afternoon.The two sides were locked at 2-2 going into the closing stages at Villa Park.
    Arsenal celebrate their dramatic late winCredit: Rex
    Mikel Arteta’s men grabbed a fortunate winner in the 93rd minute, when Jorginho’s shot cannoned off the bar and onto the back of Emi Martinez’s head before trickling in.
    As Arsenal players celebrated wildly in front of the visiting fans, tensions flared in the press seats.
    While it is customary for journalists not to ever celebrate goals in the press box, some club staff members also sit there.
    When members of the Gunners’ staff wildly celebrated their side’s winner, they upset some of their Villa counterparts.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    A scuffle subsequently ensued, with stewards having to break up warring analysts Victor Manas of Villa and Miguel Molina of Arsenal.
    CBS Sport’s James Benge took to Twitter to claim that Villa analyst Manas, who previously worked at Arsenal alongside Unai Emery, remained furious after the incident was broken up.
    Molina subsequently opted to leave the press seats.
    Asked about what had occurred after the match, Arteta said: “Anything that happens in the stands, we will look at it and address it if necessary.”
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    Opposite number Emery, meanwhile, wasn’t aware of the incident, but vowed to “ask” about what had gone on in order to get to the bottom of it.
    Arteta himself was once again in the thick of things on the touchline.
    The 40-year-old has developed a reputation for berating officials this season and has received multiple yellow cards – including one against Manchester United last month.
    On this occasion he was fortunate not to be booked with the score level at 2-2, after haranguing the fourth official before mockingly imitating referee Simon Hooper.
    Douglas Luiz and Bukayo Saka were both yellow carded for their roles in an on-field scuffle during the match, after the latter shoved Philippe Coutinho.
    Arsenal’s win took them, at least for two hours, back to the top of the Premier League table.
    Although Manchester City were quickly given the opportunity to return to the top, facing Nottingham Forest in a 3pm kick-off.
    Players clashed in an on-field incidentCredit: PA
    Mikel Arteta mocked referee Simon Hooper More

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    Chelsea stars visibly shocked as Cesar Azpilicueta is stretchered off after being kicked in head and KO vs Southampton

    CESAR AZPILICUETA suffered a horror blow to the face when Sekou Mara attempted an overhead kick in hugely distressing scenes. The Chelsea defender, 33, was struck by the stray boot in his own penalty area during today’s Premier League defeat to Southampton at Stamford Bridge.
    Cesar Azpilicueta was booted in the face accidentally by Sekou MaraCredit: Reuters
    Medical experts treated the Chelsea captain on the pitchCredit: Reuters
    Ambulance staff carried the Spaniard away as he applauded the fansCredit: Getty
    He immediately fell to the ground and was stricken as team-mates and opposition players desperately called medical staff on to rush on and assist.
    Replays were not shown on the Premier League live feed as the treatment continued.
    Club doctors from both teams initially tended to the club captain but St John’s Ambulance paramedics took over in disturbing scenes in West London.
    Players on both sides looked visibly shocked after the freak accidental incident.
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    The match was stopped for ten minutes before he was placed on the stretcher with a neck brace and oxygen mask.
    He was given a rapturous applause and had his name chanted on his way towards the ambulance emergency exit of the stadium.
    And the Spanish veteran was definitely conscious as he gave a wave to the fans.
    Speaking after the match, manager Graham Potter revealed that at one stage Azpilicueta slipped out of consciousness.
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    But he had good news on his condition, revealing the defender was able to talk to his wife.
    He said: “He’s in hospital, the best place. He’s conscious and he’s speaking to his wife.”
    The fourth official added 12 minutes of injury time at the end of the game following the 74th-minute horror moment, for which Mara received a yellow card.
    Supporters at home to took to Twitter to send their best wishes to Azpilicueta, who has the nickname of Dave.
    One said: “I hope Azpilicueta is okay. That looked horrible, it really did. Real class shown by both the team’s medical staffs. Just hoping he is okay.”
    Another wrote: “Awful injury to our Dave. I hope to goodness it’s not as serious as it looks.”
    And a third added: “Scary scenes at Stamford Bridge – prayers for Azpilicueta.”
    Chelsea also wrote a “stay strong skipper” message.
    The Blues lost 1-0 to bottom-side Saints thanks to James Ward-Prowse’s superb free-kick just before half-time. More

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    Footie fans spot BBC blunder after Arsenal’s dramatic 4-2 win over Aston Villa

    EAGLE-eyed footie fans spotted a BBC blunder after Arsenal’s dramatic 4-2 win over Aston Villa today.The broadcaster accidentally reported the game was a 2-2 draw, despite the Gunners finishing victorious.
    Arsenal won a 4-2 at Aston Villa today but the BBC reported it was a 2-2 drawCredit: Getty
    Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring the opening goal against ArsenalCredit: PA
    The now-updated article said Unai Emery’s team denied his former club the chance to go back to the top of the Premier League in a “dramatic” tie at Villa Park.
    It concluded Villa’s “defensive strength was evident” as they “earned a well-deserved point”.
    But in reality, Arsenal netted two stoppage time goals in the 93rd and 98th minutes, resulting in a 4-2 win.
    Supporters were quick to clock the error and point it out on social media.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    Bob Oliver tweeted with a laughing face emoji: “Did the reporter leave early?”
    Cheryl Swanick added: “Obviously wrote it at 90 mins.”
    And Rob Potts said: “The BBC want to get their app sorted.
    “Arsenal won 4-1 but the report of the game says it was a 2-2 draw.
    Most read in Football
    “Rubbish reporting. Must have left before the finish.”
    Mikel Arteta said his side were “absolutely bouncing” after winning today’s “rollercoaster” game.
    Ollie Watkins and Philippe Coutinho put the home side in front on two occasions, only for fine strikes from Bukayo Saka and Oleksandr Zinchenko to level for Arsenal.
    A stoppage-time own goal by former Arsenal goalkeeper Emi Martinez and an even later clincher from Gabriel Martinelli put the Gunners’ stuttering title bid back on track.
    After breathing new life into their Premier League title challenge with the last-gasp win, Arteta believes his squad now have “more belief” than ever.
    He said: “The dressing room is absolutely bouncing.
    “We showed a lot of resilience, character and quality.
    “It was a rollercoaster, very emotional at the end.
    Read More on The Sun
    “I feel it’s right back, with more belief than before because you have to turn performances into results.”
    Emery said after the match it was an “embarrassing” loss. More

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    ‘Proper Gooner’ – ‘Agent’ Emi Martinez mocked by Arsenal fans for wasting ‘NINE MINUTES’ before scoring comical own goal

    ARSENAL returned to the top of the Premier League table on Saturday following a dramatic 4-2 win over Aston Villa.In one of the most exciting games of the season so far, the Gunners bounced back from being behind TWICE… only for Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to gift them three points.
    Martinez scored an own goal in the final minutes of the matchCredit: Alamy
    He was then caught out after Martinelli scored following a counter attackCredit: Getty
    Martinez, who spent eight years at Arsenal before moving to Villa Park in 2020, was caught out as Jorginho’s powerful strike rattled the crossbar before deflecting off his back and into the goal.
    The unfortunate own goal saw Mikel Arteta’s side take the lead for the first time in the game with just a few minutes to go.
    Arsenal fans were quick to react, with many finding it hilarious given the goalkeeper’s attempts at timewasting earlier in the game which subsequently saw him booked.
    One person tweeted: “Emi Martinez wasted 9 minutes during that half only to score the winning own goal LMFAO.”
    Read More on Arsenal
    Another responded to the tweet, writing: “…in the added time he helped create.”
    A third person added: “Poetry. Just poetry. Vieira and Martinelli. Zinchenko first goal. Jorginho screamer, Emi Martinez blunder and Emery defeated. This is a champions performance.”
    While a fourth joked: “Emi Martinez scores his 1st goal for Arsenal!”
    Another Arsenal fan was keen to reference the goalkeeper’s history at the club, simply writing: “Proper Gooner.”
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    Things went from bad to worse for Martinez just a few moments later when his team won a corner at the opposite end of the pitch.
    The Argentina international travelled into Arsenal’s penalty area in a bid to help his team salvage a point.
    But as soon as the kick was taken, the Gunners broke forward on the counter attack before Gabriel Martinelli passed the ball into an empty net.
    Arsenal went into today’s game level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, so the win was vital for Arteta and his team.
    Aston Villa took the lead just six minutes into the game thanks to a goal from Ollie Watkins.
    But Bukayo Saka cancelled out the opener just 10 minutes later with a fantastic strike.
    Philippe Coutinho fired his team back in front at the half-hour mark before Oleksandr Zinchenko levelled the score once again in the second half.
    Two late goals from Jorginho and Martinelli respectively then sealed the three points in the final moments of the match. More

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    Newcastle 0 Liverpool 2 LIVE RESULT: Gakpo and Nunez sink battling Magpies after Pope red card – updates

    LIVERPOOL rounded off Saturday’s Premier League action with a thrilling 2-0 win against Newcastle.The Magpies looked more threatening in the opening minutes of the game.
    But Darwin Nunez fired Jurgen Klopp’s men ahead before Cody Gakpo doubled their lead.
    And things went from bad to worse for the Magpies as Nick Pope was sent off for handling the ball outside the box.

    RESULT: Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
    Live stream: NOW TV
    TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League
    Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Gordon, Longstaff, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Saint-Maximin
    Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Gomez, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Bajcetic; Salah, Nunez, Gakpo

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    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
    Big test for Howe’s Magpies
    Eddie Howe will have one of his toughest tests of his tenure as manager.
    Everything has been rosy for Newcastle this season but with only one win in their last four games, he needs to pick his players up and ensure that they are in it for the long haul.
    Injuries and suspensions are coming at the wrong time for The Magpies and they need to ensure that they can make sure that this is a season to remember.

    Focus turns to EFL Cup final
    Eddie Howe will need to lift his team before their trip to Wembley to take on Man Utd.
    Before today, they were unbeaten in 17 games and need to take confidence from that going into the final.
    It will be a big day out for the Geordie faithful and they will want to give the fans a good showing.
    Reds give Magpies a reality check
    Slowly but surely, Liverpool are starting to get back into their stride again as players return from injury.
    One such player, Fabinho probably put his best performance of the season in today, doing what he does best.
    When he plays in front of the back four, he offers the team so much more protection, preventing players from getting at Alisson and co.

    FT: Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
    Liverpool inflict Newcastle’s second defeat of the season.
    Eddie Howe will be glad to see the back of Jurgen Klopp and his side.
    The visitors should have probably doubled their lead with the chances late on but it is the three points and the clean sheet that will please their manager.

    FT: Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
    The referee brings the game to an end.
    Massive win for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
    Liverpool inflict their second win against Newcastle this season.
    Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
    90+2. Jota is just not destined to get a goal tonight.
    This time he goes around the keeper and shoots but it is cleared off the line for Newcastle.
    Robertson wins a corner at the expense of Dan Burn.
    Credit: Reuters
    Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
    90. That would have been the icing on the cake for the visitors.
    Liverpool come forward as Alexander-Arnold hits a sublime cross to Jota.
    He looks to head back across goal and it misses the far post by a whisker.
    We are going to have three added minutes.
    Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
    88. This was a must-win game for Liverpool today.
    The win keeps their dreams of Champions League football alive next season.
    Robertson whips in a corner but burn heads behind for another.
    They play it short and it is whipped in and Jota misses a sitter with the header.
    Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
    86. Saint-Maximin has been the stand-out player for The Magpies today.
    As soon as he gets the ball he looks to drive at the Liverpool defence.
    The home fans have seemed to have woken up now as they try to get behind their side to drown out the Liverpool fans.
    Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
    84. Gordon finds space as he runs through the middle.
    He lays the ball off to Wilson but Alisson is quick off his line again to make yet another save.
    The Brazilian stopper may be their man of the match today.
    Credit: Reuters
    Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
    82. Gordon gives the ball away in his own box.
    It is played to Salah who shoots but it is straight at Dubravka.
    Liverpool want to find a third goal to kill this game off.
    Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
    80. Gordon sprints down the right looking to beat James Milner and get into the box.
    The veteran player times his challenge perfectly to dispossess him.
    Liverpool counter with numbers in their favour but Ritchie gets back to put the ball behind for a corner.
    Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
    78. You have to give credit to Eddie Howe’s side.
    It would be easy for heads to drop after the sending off but they have continued to come at the visitors.
    Liverpool need to utilise some game management now as they knock the ball around the back four.
    Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
    76. Liverpool have numbers over every time they counter.
    Some great interplay finds Robertson through on goal again.
    He tries to unselfishly find Salah but the pass is behind him.
    Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
    74. This will be a massive win for Jurgen Klopp’s team.
    As we get towards the run in to the business end of the season, a run of form could be the difference.
    Liverpool need to see this game out now.
    Credit: Getty
    Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
    72. Good management from Eddie Howe as he starts thinking more of the cup final next week.
    You never like to see a player think they know better than their manager.
    Flashbacks of Kepa refusing to come off there.
    Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
    70. This will be a big loss for Newcastle.
    After his shot the midfielder is holding his hamstring.
    It looks like Matt Ritchie will be ready to come on for him.
    Joelinton does not want to come off, but it looks like Eddie Howe is going to pull rank.
    Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
    68. Liverpool almost catch The Magpies on the break again.
    This time they get the ball into the wrong player really as Andrew Robertson receives the ball.
    His elaborate backheel is going nowhere.
    Meanwhile, Joelinton is down, struggling with an injury.
    Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
    66. Anthony Gordon will want to impress today.
    The ex-Everton player was once on the books of Liverpool as a youngster.
    The Magpies are are still pressing, desperate to find a goal that changes the game.
    Credit: Reuters
    Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
    64. Newcastle now make changes themselves.
    Wilson replaces Isak, while Gordon comes on for Almiron.
    Trippier comes off for Murphy.
    Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
    62. The ten men of Newcastle are still causing Liverpool problems in defence.
    Saint-Maximin in particular is stretching the backline.
    Dubravka has done well since coming on also.
    Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
    60. Henderson, Gakpo, Bajcetic and Nunez come off.
    Jota, Firmino, Milner and Elliott come on.
    Some fresh legs to stretch the ten men of Newcastle.
    Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
    58. Liverpool counter and the ball is fed to Nunez.
    He drops the shoulder and cuts inside onto his right and shoots.
    Dubravka gets down and makes a smart save.
    Credit: Reuters
    Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
    56. van Dijk heads the ball behind for a Newcastle corner.
    It finds Schar but he heads the ball with his eyes closed.
    Needless to say his header is well wide of the target.
    Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
    54. Trippier looks to block a Nunez cross and the Liverpool forward takes a tumble.
    He is receiving some medical attention as he lands awkwardly on his shoulder.
    Firmino and Jota are warming up for The Reds.
    Load more entries… More

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    Arsenal fans in love with Aaron Ramsdale for ‘saving our season’ with world class save against Aston Villa

    AARON RAMSDALE’s love affair with Arsenal fans continued after pulling off a world class save late on to deny Aston Villa retaking the lead for a third time.The Gunners ran out 4-2 winners at Villa Park, coming from behind twice to win – including two added-time goals.

    Aaron Ramsdale tipped Leon Bailey’s shot onto the postCredit: Getty
    Fans are loving Ramsdale’s world class saveCredit: Getty
    But in the 82nd minute when the game was tied up a 2-2, Ramsdale was called into action at his near post.
    The England international turned Leon Bailey’s powerful strike onto the underside of the crossbar.
    One fan gushed: “Don’t sleep on that Ramsdale save on Bailey at 2-2. Colossal.”
    Another tweeted: “THAT save from Ramsdale btw?! So so important…”
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    A third added: “Holy Ramsdale. That save.”
    The 4-2 win sent Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League temporarily.
    Title rivals Manchester City are taking on Nottingham Forest in a 3pm kick-off.
    Bernardo Silva handed City the lead in the 41st minute heading into half-time.
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    As things stand, Arsenal will end this weekend in second.
    They do, however, still have a game in hand over City.
    But there’s no guarantee the Gunners will take advantage. More

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    Man Utd could hand Marcus Rashford shock new shirt number next season after incredible goalscoring run

    MANCHESTER UNITED could reward Marcus Rashford with the club’s most esteemed shirt number next season.Rashford is in the form of his life having registered a total of 22 goals and eight assists in 35 appearances this season.
    Marcus Rashford may be set for Manchester United’s most iconic shirt numberCredit: Rex
    And the star forward has made a strong claim for the legendary No7 jersey, which is currently available.
    The England international has been wearing the No10 shirt ever since 2018.
    That is also a very respected number as it was previously donned by the likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy, Denis Law and record goalscorer Wayne Rooney.
    But No7 is always reserved for the absolute best, with the likes of George Best, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo previously donning it.
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    And the 25-year-old has made a strong case to extend that successful tradition.
    The jersey has been up for grabs ever since Ronaldo’s dramatic departure from Old Trafford in November.
    CR7’s exit took place after a turbulent start to the season for United.
    But manager Erik ten Hag managed to revive Rashford, who turned the tide for the Red Devils.
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    Ten Hag challenged the versatile attacker to smash his season’s best goal tally of 22 strikes in the 2019-2020 season by the end of the current campaign.
    Now the Dutch tactician wants his most valuable player to net 35 goals by the summer.
    And the United academy graduate is only 13 more crackers away from meeting that target.
    If Rashford succeeds then he deserves some major recognition.
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    United have been linked with a number of big names ahead of the summer transfer window and fans are dreaming big amid takeover bids from ultra rich suitors.
    Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Tottenham’s Harry Kane appear to be among the Red Devils’ top targets.
    But Rashford has become a focal point at Old Trafford and will almost definitely continue to be so for a long time. More