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    Rodri breaks silence on Real Madrid snub after Man City ace beat Vinicius Jr to Ballon d’Or

    MANCHESTER CITY star Rodri is not bothered by Real Madrid’s claim that their star player Vinicius Jr deserved to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or instead of him.Real boycotted the prestigious ceremony in France last month after finding out Vinicius wouldn’t be winning the esteemed award, claiming the decision was a sign of “disrespect” to the club.Manchester City star Rodri isn’t bothered about Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or snubCredit: RexReal boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony after finding out Vinicius wouldn’t winCredit: RexRodri was ultimately named the best male player of the year- with the Brazil international finishing as runner-up – after winning the Premier League with City and Euro 2024 with Spain.Vinicius has not yet congratulated the star midfielder and has instead vowed to put in 10 times the effort to win it himself next year.However, the Spain international insists Real and the forward’s reaction do not offend him.Rodri told Cadena Cope: “All the Spanish clubs would have to congratulate me and they haven’t.Read More on Football“I care about my family and my club. They must have their reasons; I wouldn’t have done it that way and there’s no point in going over it. “The mistake is giving so much attention to a club that hasn’t decided to participate.”Rodri is expected to miss the rest of the season after sustaining a knee injury.The Spaniard suffered anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus damage in his right knee in September during Man City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Etihad.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, the ex-Atletico Madrid star is confident he will be back this term and teased he could actually play in this summer’s controversial Club World Cup despite criticising it a few months earlier.Rodri said when asked whether he will be back this season: “Yes, yes. Rodri and Harry Kane lead footy stars and Wags arriving for lavish Ballon d’Or ceremony despite Real Madrid ‘boycott'”Plus, seasons are longer now, the Club World Cup finishes on July 13. I want to have that mental challenge.” More

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    Premier League club ‘axe majority of scouting team’ in shock transfer overhaul as rivals left ‘intrigued and surprised’

    BRIGHTON have reportedly axed the majority of their scouting team in a huge overhaul.The Seagulls have earned acclaim for their recruitment in recent years, finding obscure gems like Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister and Marc Cucurella and turning them into big-money players.Brighton have shaken up their recruitment departmentCredit: GettyOwner Tony Bloom is said to trust data over humansCredit: AFPIt has also seen Brighton become not just an established Premier League team, but one pushing for European qualification.However it is understood Brighton have revamped their model and got rid of the majority of their scouts, according to The Telegraph.Three full-time scouts have been axed with others redeployed as owner Tony Bloom switches focus to a secretive data-driven model, with the Brighton owner said to trust the numbers more than humans.Brighton work with Jamestown Analytics, an offshoot of Starlizard – Bloom’s company which specialises in betting and sporting predictions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJamestown are believed to work with several Prem clubs but their agreement with Brighton grants the south coast club exclusivity with regard to certain data.One source explained to Telegraph Sport: “Scouting is far more than just spotting good players. “It’s looking at a player live in terms of his leadership, willingness to run when the team is losing, finding out what kind of personality he has and talking to people about him. “Is he on time every day or late to training? Data cannot pick all of that up and it’s hugely important when investing in players.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“It is also often the scouts who develop relationships and build networks that lead to recommendations and tips about various players that, again, data may not be able to provide. Ideally, clubs use data alongside scouting and both can complement one another.”Brighton have reportedly retained one scout to carry out intelligence and background checks on players.How Cucurella trapped Saka AGAIN with simple trick but Chelsea have critical Palmer problem More

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    Alejandro Garnacho told ‘football isn’t for you’ after Man Utd star’s ‘self-indulgent’ non-celebration against Leicester

    MANCHESTER UNITED ace Alejandro Garnacho was slammed by Troy Deeney for refusing to celebrate his “unbelievable” goal against Leicester.Garnacho, 20, rounded off a stunning 3-0 win over the Foxes with an immaculate curling shot from long range on 82 minutes.Manchester United ace Alejandro Garnacho scored a stunner against LeicesterCredit: APGarnacho refused to celebrate Man Utd’s third goal against LeicesterCredit: GettyGarnacho didn’t hail his goal as he felt he is ‘losing faith of some Man Utd fans’Credit: AlamyTroy Deeney slammed Garnacho’s refusal to celebrate and didn’t hold back on his criticismCredit: SplashBut the winger wasn’t in much of a celebratory mood as he preferred to just walk back to United’s half in front of a jubilant Old Trafford.This comes after the Argentina international was goaded by a supporter outside Old Trafford prior to Thursday’s Europa League win over PAOK.United captain Bruno Fernandes spoke to Garnacho on the pitch after the game with Leicester and revealed the Argentine refused to celebrate because he was upset about “losing the faith of some fans”.But Deeney, 36, was having none of it and blasted Garnacho, even suggesting “football is not for him”.Read More on Man UtdThe Watford legend and SunSport columnist insists anyone who plays for a club as great as Man Utd needs to build an immunity against criticism.Deeney told talkSPORT: “I said it last night on Match of the Day, and I’ll repeat it. It goes twofold.“One, it says what players are like nowadays, where their skin is so thin that one gentleman can say what he wants to say and everyone sulks.“And secondly, if he’s getting affected by that, I would say to him, just as an older pro: ‘[I] don’t think this football game is for you, big man’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Because you play for the biggest club in world football. If you play poorly, you’re going to get people to get on your case.”If you play really well, you’re still going to get people to get on your case. You play for Man Utd.Manchester United vs Leicester City: Player Ratings (1)“It’s called jealousy and that’s part of the game. So, disappointed that he didn’t celebrate. It’s an unbelievable goal.“But this will be the making or breaking of him, because if he can’t handle that from one gentleman with an iPhone in his face, then I don’t think this is the game for him, unfortunately.” More

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    Ruud van Nistelrooy shows class with final message to Man Utd stars before being axed by new boss Ruben Amorim

    RUUD VAN NISTELROOY urged Manchester United’s players to get behind new manager Ruben Amorim before signing off as interim boss with a 3-0 win over Leicester.The Dutchman indicated to the first team that he expected to leave Old Trafford when the Portuguese arrived in Manchester yesterday but the club announced that RVN would be leaving.Ruud van Nistelrooy stepped down as Man Utd interim boss on MondayCredit: PAThe United legend gave the Red Devils some words of encouragement before leavingCredit: AlamyNew head coach Ruben Amorim arrived at Carrington this week to start his new jobCredit: GettyThe United legend – who made a big impression on the first team dressing room despite only being appointed assistant manager by sacked Erik ten Hag four months ago – urged stars to work hard to bring back the glory days under the new boss.And he assured them that he was delighted to have come back to Old Trafford and his tenure as interim gaffer – which saw him win three games and draw the other – had only helped to strengthen his managerial career.A source said: “Ruud made clear to the bosses he wanted to stay at United because he loves the club. “But he was also pragmatic and expected that Amorim would want total control of things, including his backroom staff.Read More on Man Utd“He told the players he was very happy to have come back and to have had the chance to manage the club for four games.“It has helped his managerial career, increased his already strong ties with United and he hasn’t given up on the idea that he might be back one day.“He made all that clear to the players and demanded that they give their all to the new manager.”SunSport previously told how the first team squad were keen for Van Nistelrooy to stay on and work with Amorim after growing close to him on the training ground and in the dressing room.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSVan Nistelrooy scored 150 goals in 219 games for United during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign before leaving for Real Madrid after falling out with the Scot.He stepped in as interim manager after United sacked Ten Hag following a 2-1 loss at West Ham, which left them 14th in the Premier League.Manchester United vs Leicester City: Player Ratings (1)He inspired the Red Devils to a rousing 5-2 victory over Leicester in the Carabao Cup and then secured a 1-1 draw with Chelsea.United then beat PAOK 2-0 in the Europa League before winning 3-0 against Leicester in the Premier League on Sunday – his final game in charge.Amorim was pictured at Carrington yesterday and is waiting for a work permit.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

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    Moment Jurgen Klopp had penalty meltdown at David Coote before video that’s likely to KO referee’s career

    A VIDEO showing the possible moment that inspired David Coote’s X-rated attack on Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp has emerged. The 42-year-old referee was suspended by the PGMOL on Monday after a video showing him berating the Reds and ex-manager Klopp emerged on social media.David Coote could lose his job over a shock video rant about LiverpoolCredit: XJurgen Klopp was left furious with the referee after Liverpool’s match against Burnley in July 2020Credit: ReutersLiverpool were denied a penalty late in the matchCredit: Sky SportsIn the clip, he can be seen branding the Merseyside club “s**t” and calling Klopp a “c***” while talking to another man.He later said in a separate video: “Just to be clear, that f***ing last video cannot go anywhere, seriously.”Just a few hours after the bombshell clips began circulating online, the PGMOL released a statement which read: “David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation.”PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete.”Read More on FootballCoote has now admitted the video is of him but “cannot recall” making it.In the viral social media clip of him abusing Klopp, Coote referenced the match between Liverpool and Burnley.He said: “Aside from having a right pop at me when I was refereeing them against Burnley in lockdown, he (Klopp) accused me of lying and then had a right f***ing pop of me.”I have no interest in speaking to someone who is f***ing arrogant.”Most read in FootballThe comments are believed to have been made at some point after Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Burnley in July 2020.A video has now emerged which shows Klopp confronting Coote at full-time of that game after the referee neglected to give the Reds a late penalty.Burnley’s Johann Gudmundsson appeared to bring Andy Robertson down in the box, but the spot-kick was not awarded.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSShocking David Coote video in fullFirst videoFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.”Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.”So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.”Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.”Premier League referee David Coote SUSPENDED as video appears to show him calling Klopp a ‘c***’ in anti-Liverpool rantCoote has now been booted off UEFA’S match list as the fallout grows from his astonishing video rant.He will not be appointed to any UEFA matches for the foreseeable future – including the current international break. More

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    Arsenal boost as Martin Odegaard sent home from international duty barely 24 hours after arriving

    ARSENAL midfielder Martin Odegaard has been sent home from international duty – despite returning from injury last week.The 25-year-old made his first start in three months against Chelsea on Sunday after recovering from a damaged ankle.Martin Odegaard has been sent home from international dutyCredit: ReutersHe will continue his rehabilitation with Arsenal in LondonCredit: GettyHe then joined up with the Norwegian national team ahead of upcoming Nations League fixtures against Slovenia and Kazakhstan.But after being assessed by Norway’s medical staff, he returned to London.Odegaard said: “After discussions with the medical staff at the national team, we have unfortunately concluded that the situation is not good enough to play these matches.”I’ve been through a long training period and when you haven’t practised football in the last nine weeks, it’s natural not to be 100 per cent yet.Read More in Football”I need to listen to my body, complete this rehab process and get my foot back in good shape.”The hope has always been to be able to play the national matches, and if I hadn’t played on Sunday, it would have been out of the question to participate anyway.”It’s a very bad feeling to lose these games, I love playing for Norway and with this team.”Norway manager Stale Solbakken went on to say that he was not willing to risk the midfielder’s health.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe explained: “We knew that there was a risk that Martin would not be ready.”He has had a strong desire to take part in the matches, but we cannot risk his health.”Ecstatic Arsenal fans say ‘my captain is BACK’ as Martin Odegaard shares workout video in huge boost following injuryOdegaard will now continue his rehabilitation with Arsenal in London.Arsenal stars Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice withdrew from the England squad on Monday due to injury.Saka was forced off with a knock during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea.Meanwhile, Rice suffered a broken toe prior to the Premier League clash, but was fit enough to play 71 minutes.Arsenal ratings v ChelseaHere’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners:David Raya – 7Tipped a shot over the bar early on from Cole Palmer and claimed crosses well. Could do nothing about Neto’s crisp strike.Ben White – 5Poor when trying to stop a Neto cross that Malo Gusto should have then scored. Booked for a foul on the winger later on.William Saliba – 6Steady alongside Gabriel but was more in the covering role so had less to do. Struggled with his line-breaking passes today on the whole. Failed to engage Neto as he raced towards the area before narrowing a shot into the corner.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Made some vital blocks when the midfield was bypassed and was generally the busier of himself and Saliba.Jurrien Timber – 6Busy day for the defender in trying to keep Madueke quiet, a task he largely succeeded in. But he wasn’t able to heavily influence the game going forward since the ball never really got to him. Most entertaining part of the game before the goal probably came with the 57th-minute throw-in that slipped out of his hands and over his head.Thomas Partey – 6Struggled to contain Cole Palmer early on but grew into the game and got on the ball plenty, although he was somewhat wayward with his long-range passing. After a bad touch he managed to poke the ball back to Odegaard before he provided the assist.Declan Rice – 6Made some vital defensive contributions to block some Chelsea chances and displayed quick thinking at a free-kick to put Havertz through to score, but was marginally offside. Subbed off after 71 minutes.Martin Odegaard – 7Back in the starting XI for the first time since August. Has been a big miss for Arteta’s side but may take some time to get back to his best and was on the ball nowhere near enough at the Bridge. Won the ball back before providing the assist for Martinelli’s opener.Bukayo Saka – 5Showed superb defensive work rate to keep Marc Cucurella in check, though this inversely meant he was unable to contribute as much in attack. Subbed off after pulling up injured in the 79th minute.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Should have done better when given the chance to score past Sanchez in the penalty area after Saka won the ball back high. Kept at it and scored against the run of play in the second half with a nice finish to Sanchez’s near post. Hooked after 71 minutes.Kai Havertz – 6Appeared to have poked home the opening goal with a sharp bit of movement but was fractionally offside. Booked for not going off the pitch when bleeding on his head. More

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    Erik ten Hag ‘could make immediate return after Man Utd sacking’ but battling Frank Lampard and Graham Potter

    SACKED Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag could make an immediate return to management with Italian giants Roma.The Dutch gaffer is out of work after Ineos called time on his Old Trafford adventure last month.Erik ten Hag is being lined up for an immediate return to management with RomaCredit: GettyThe Italians are looking for their third boss of the season after sacking Ivan JuricCredit: AlamyTen Hag won 70 of his 128 games at United after joining them from Ajax in 2022.But he picked up just three wins from the first nine games of the new Premier League season to leave the Red Devils in the bottom half of the table.Ten Hag was replaced by interim Ruud van Nistelrooy, who in turn has been booted for Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim.But United’s former boss could now be set for an immediate return to the beautiful game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLItalian outfit Roma are on the hunt for their third manager of the campaign after sacking Ivan Juric at the weekend.The Serb struggled to pick up the pieces left by the brutal axing of club legend Daniele De Rossi in September.Roma have won just three of their 12 Serie A games and are already 13 points off leaders Napoli.Big things were expected of the capital club after a summer spree saw them land stars including Ukraine striker Artem Dobvyk and Word Cup winner Mats Hummels.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut De Rossi failed to win any of his first four games being getting chopped.While Juric won just four of 12 in all competitions, with his final game a 3-2 home defeat to Bologna on Sunday.Emotional Ruud van Nistelrooy given incredible ovation at Old Trafford with Man Utd interim still unclear on his futureGraham Potter is a top candidate for the Roma jobCredit: PAFellow ex-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has also been linkedCredit: GettyIl Messaggero claims Ten Hag has now emerged as a contender to take charge at Roma, who are owned by American businessman Dan Friedkin.He reportedly favours hiring a manager from outside the Italian game.And Ten Hag could soon be summoned to a meeting in London, where Friedkin has apparently been holding talks with several other candidates.It’s reckoned former Chelsea boss Graham Potter is a leading contender to take charge at Roma.While Blues legend Frank Lampard could also be in line for the role.He has been tipped as a replacement for Mark Robins at Coventry City too.And it remains to be seen who Friedkin opts for ahead of a tough run of games against Napoli, Tottenham and Atalanta. More

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    Ex Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals which job he would return to football for as he plans to start new life

    FORMER Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed the job he wants next as he plans for a new start.The gaffer, 51, is yet to take a new role since leaving Old Trafford three years ago.Man Utd legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed the job he would like nextCredit: GettySolskjaer won 91 of his 168 games in charge of United before being sacked.And he has since been living in his native Norway after being linked with jobs including promoted Leicester and Turkish giants Besiktas.But Solskjaer has now revealed that he would favour a job in international football.That’s despite reports last month claiming he had turned down an offer from Denmark’s national side.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “It must be something exciting enough, together with the right people.“But I feel so well now that there must be something that triggers me enough for me to choose to travel from Nordmore.“I think that a national team could suit me, but then it can’t be on the other side of the globe.“I had tow options but it would have taken half a day to travel, and there is a time difference in the picture, so I opted out. Even if I could then take part in the championship.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, Solskjaer does admit he would jump at the chance to manage Norway amid reports Stale Solbakken will quit after the 2026 World Cup.He added: “I am a proud Norwegian. If the question comes up, when Stale finds out that he doesn’t want it anymore, I’m happy to enter into a conversation.Emotional Ruud van Nistelrooy given incredible ovation at Old Trafford with Man Utd interim still unclear on his futureSolskjaer is building a new house on the Norwegian island of KristiansundCredit: Ian Whittaker – The SunHe was born in the western municipality in 1973Credit: Ian Whittaker – The SunSolskjaer hopes to move into his new pad shortlyCredit: Ian Whittaker – The Sun“I would say yes any day of the week. It feels wrong to sit and talk about jobs that other people have, but of course I’d say yes.”Instead of an imminent return to management, Solskjaer is now planning for a new start after revealing he’s building a house on an island in Norway.The ace was born on the western municipality of Kristiansund in 1973.And Solskjaer will soon be living there in a luxurious new house there as he grows ever closer to his roots.Solskjaer said: “Now I do exactly what I want and enjoy myself. I’m moving in a couple of weeks.“I have reached a position where I can pick and choose, and I am lucky there. Financially I don’t need anything.”Solskjaer first enjoyed a stellar playing career that saw him net 126 goals in 366 games during 11 years for United.He won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson between 1996 and 2007.And the striker was also part of the famous 1999 Treble-winning squad, scoring United’s famous late comeback winner in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich.After moving into management with Molde and Cardiff, Solskjaer then returned to United as interim gaffer in December 2018.READ MORE SUN STORIESA flying start saw him become permanent boss soon after.But Solskjaer was sacked in November 2021 after a dismal run and was replaced by interim Ralf Rangnick.Man Utd ratings v LeicesterHere’s how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the Red Devils.ANDRE ONANA – 7Stood tall when Ndidi went through on goal and a decent tip round the post from Ayew as Leicester tried to get back in it.NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 6Lucky to escape tackle on Buonanotte without any punishment. Supplied the cross from the left which led to United’s second goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Made a key second half clearance when the Foxes were trying to find their way back into the game. Fairly comfortable afternoon for home defenders.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Spent the first hour at centre half then showed his versatility by switching to left-back when Dalot was forced off.DIOGO DALOT – 6Did a steady job keeping the Foxes at bay but then taken off on the hour – presumably due to injury as United had to reshuffle their defence.CASEMIRO – 7Better from the veteran Brazilian who helped United take command of the game before getting the chance to put his feet up late on.MANUEL UGARTE – 6Great challenge on Soumare showed what he is all about and some signs he is finding his feet. Will be looking forward to arrival of former boss Amorim.AMAD DIALLO – 7Delightful backheel for Fernandes to curl home the opener and could have scored himself. The Ivorian has had a good week.  BRUNO FERNANDES – 8Presented with a shirt to mark his 250th appearance before the game and will be getting more plaudits for his performance here. Involved in all three goals.MARCUS RASHFORD – 5Given the nod to start ahead of Garnacho but did not do enough to justify the faith of Van Nistelrooy. No surprise when he was replaced by the Argentine on the hour.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5A largely ineffective afternoon for the Danish forward before he was subbed late on. Nothing wrong with his work-rate but does he have the quality Amorim will want? More