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      Man Utd 3 Charlton 0: Rashford continues scintillating form with two late goals off the bench after Antony nets stunner

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      ANTONY MAY NOT have got his hands on the gold trophy he wanted last month.But with a swish of his left boot he put Manchester United on course for their first piece of silver in six years.
      Antony gave Manchester United the lead with a brilliant curling strikeCredit: AFP
      Marcus Rashford sealed the win off the benchCredit: AP
      He continued his hot-streak with a brace against CharltonCredit: AFP
      There was also a debut for 17-year-old Kobbie MainooCredit: Getty
      His 21st minute goal against Charlton in this Carabao Cup quarter-final penciled in their place in the last four before Marcus Rashford rubber-stamped it with two late goals of his own.
      Antony of course was part of Brazil squad tipped by many to lift the most famous by going all the way in the World Cup in Qatar before they fell at the quarter-final stage to Croatia on penalties.
      So while, Lisandro Martinez has been getting all the plaudits on his return to Old Trafford after winning the competition with Argentina, Antony has slipped quietly back into place on the right flank.
      But it was from there that he made a big noise as he curled in a shot that decided a game that United had dominated in the first period before Charlton made a fight of it in the second.

      No-nonsense boss Ten Hag made it very clear before the game that despite a seven game winning run and the opposition coming from the middle of League one he wanted no let-up.
      “They all know that 99 per cent is insufficient. We need 100 per cent focus, concentration and dedication at all times..” he wrote in his programme notes.
      He got that in a first half that United totally dominated.
      The Red Devils looked every bit the top four Premier League side and Charlton the 12th placed side from the third tier.
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      This despite the fact that Ten Hag made eight changes from the side that had beaten Everton last Friday night to progress into the fourth round of the FA Cup.
      The thing is he has improved so many individuals in his time at Old Trafford and recruited so well that what once looked a flimsy squad now looks strong.
      He showed that he is prepared to follow the tradition of giving youth a chance too with a first call up for 17-year-old Stockport born Kobbie Mainoo to play in the number ten role.
      Three years after signing 21-year-old Facundo Pellistri even made his first appearance as a late sub.
      At the other end of the scale 20 years after joining the club as a trainee, Tom Heaton was making his full debut for the club in goal at the age of 36.
      Not that he had a lot to do in the first half with all the action down the other end.
      Alejandro Garnacho was looking particularly lively down the left where Harry Maguire twice found him with Crossfield balls.
      Both times he chose to cut inside and have a shot of his own but missed the target each time.
      The deadlock was broken courtesy of Antony’s fifth goal since his £85million move to Old Trafford from Ajax and his second in successive games after scoring against Everton.
      United moved the ball neatly and when Fred fed him wide on the wing the chance came.
      He was afforded far too much time and room to do what he likes to do which is cut in from the right and curl a shot with his left.
      This one moved perfectly beyond the grasp of Ashley Maynard-Brewer and tucked itself just inside the far post.
      Fred almost added to that lead with a 38th minute free kick from 22 yards that crashed off the inside of the left-hand upright.
      As far as Charlton were concerned, an Albie Morgan free-kick which flew wide was all they had to offer the 9,000 visiting fans.
      New Charlton manager Dean Holden is a United fanCredit: Reuters
      Recently appointed Addicks boss Dean Holden had lead his side to much needed back to back wins ahead of this game so changed only the goalkeeper from the side that beat Lincoln.
      Holden a United fan once snuck into the ground dressed as a steward to watch United take on Borussia Dortmund back in 1997.
      Salford born and still a Red Devils fan he has held a season ticket for 30 years.
      But he was desperate to spring a shock against the club he loves and take Charlton further then they have ever gone in the competition.
      At 1-0 his side were still in touch and certainly started the second-half like this would be more of a competition.
      Charlton’s Scott Fraser spurned a chance to grab a goalCredit: Reuters
      When Albie Morgan played a ball back to Scott Fraser in space on the edge of the area an early second-half chance opened up but he blazed his shot over.
      That would be as near as they would come and a minute from time Marcus Rashford made the game safe when set up by Pellistri to tuck the ball away.
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      He would add a second in injury time.
      He has now scored in eight successive games here and it is eight wins in a row now for Ten Hag. More

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      Tottenham face transfer battle with bitter rivals Arsenal in bid to sign Brighton star Leandro Trossard

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      TOTTENHAM are interested in a January move for Brighton’s Leandro Trossard.Spurs are looking to add one or two additions to their squad this window with right wing-back and an attacking player the priorities.
      Tottenham are interested in signing Brighton star Leandro TrossardCredit: Getty
      Versatile Trossard, 28, is on their radar for the latter role but other Premier League clubs are also keen, with arch-rivals Arsenal believed to be among them.
      The Belgian’s contract with the Seagulls expires at the end of the season.
      But SunSport understands Albion have the option to extend it by a further year, which they will do if he is still at the club beyond the January window.
      Trossard has seven goals in the Premier League this season, including a hat-trick at Liverpool in October, though his form has nosedived since returning from the World Cup.
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      He was criticised for his work ethic by Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi ahead of their 5-1 win against Middlesbrough on Saturday and missed that FA Cup clash with a calf problem.
      Arsenal’s long-standing interest dates all the way back to before Trossard joined Brighton in 2019 in Genk.
      Speaking exclusively to SunSport shortly after signing during a pre-season trip to Austria, Trossard felt a switch to the Amex was the smart move at the time which could lead to a bigger move in the future.
      Speaking in July 2019, he said: “The Brighton project is more for me at the moment. 
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      “Maybe in a few years I have another idea, I show myself in the Premier League and we can make the next step.”
      Brighton have raked in millions in recent years following the big-money sales of Ben White to Arsenal, Marc Cucurella to Chelsea and Yves Bissouma to Tottenham.
      Meanwhile, Spurs are big fans of Sporting Lisbon wing-back Pedro Porro, previously of Manchester City, but are currently unwilling to pay his £36.7million buy-out clause. More

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      Man Utd fans fume after Diogo Dalot goes off injured in Carabao Cup clash against Charlton

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left fuming after Diogo Dalot went off injured against Charlton. The Carabao quarter-final clash had been going to plan after Antony’s stunning opener.
      Medical staff assessed Dalot after he went down with a knockCredit: Getty
      The full-back was replaced by Aaron Wan-Bissaka after walking offCredit: PA
      But then Dalot was subbed off after picking up a knock just after the half-hour mark with Aaron Wan-Bissaka on his place.
      The 23-year-old is the club’s first choice right-back and now could potentially miss Saturday’s huge Manchester Derby.
      Some fans may have been surprised the full-back was starting the cup clash against League 1 Charlton, which Manchester United won 3-0.
      Other first-team stars like Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes had been removed from the starting line-up ahead of the weekend game, but Dalot was looking to build match fitness after a recent knock.
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      The injury left United fans both fearful and annoyed.
      One panicked supporter tweeted: “Dalot injured in such a bad time! Too many matches to play.. Already vdb [Donny van de Beek] injured for long term!”
      Another United follower said: “Dalot injured ffs. Need a right-back asap. I still don’t think we’ll get top 4 due to our lack of depth.”
      While a third fan said: “Dalot’s injured? I ain’t watching.”
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      And another complained: “Dalot injured. Honestly can’t catch a break with injuries this season man. City on weekend and we’re going to have to play [Wan-Bissaka].”
      Many fans also took note of the fact that after City, the Red Devils have difficult games against Crystal Palace and Arsenal to come.
      But not all fans from the red half of Manchester were doom and gloom.
      One said: “Dalot isn’t injured, Erik ten Hag just isn’t taking any chances.”
      If Dalot can not make the game against Manchester City, it is possible Wan-Bissaka may deputise in his absence.
      While the former Crystal Palace defender has been out of favour under ten Hag, he has started in all of United’s post- World Cup league games while Dalot recovered from a previous injury.
      He has been linked with a return to Selhurst Park this month. More

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      Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ‘being eyed by several Spanish clubs’ as Joao Felix loan transfer edges closer

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      CHELSEA star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is reportedly attracting interest from clubs in Spain.The Gabon striker joined the Blues in the summer but has failed to find his best form for the club.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is reportedly being eyed up by clubs in SpainCredit: Alamy
      Atletico Madrid could move for him if Joao Felix leavesCredit: Rex
      He has struggled for regular game time at Stamford Bridge since his arrival.
      Aubameyang has played nine times in the Premier League, scoring just once.
      It has been a disappointment for the club as there had been hope he would continue the fine form he showed at Barcelona in a six-month spell at the end of last season.
      In just 18 starts for the Catalonian side he scored 13 goals.
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      And his pathway to the pitch could be further blocked when Chelsea complete the loan signing of Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix.
      Aubameyang missed the side’s defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup after hurting his back, but is expected to be fit for the next game on Saturday.
      However, he could find a way out of the club without playing much more football in the Blues shirt.
      The 33-year-old is being eyed up by several clubs in LaLiga, including Atletico, according to the Daily Mail.
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      The capital club could be viewing the former Arsenal captain as a replacement for Felix should he leave the Metropolitano Stadium this month.
      However, whether or not Chelsea would be willing to let him leave would be another thing.
      Aubameyang is one of the club’s only senior strikers as Romelu Lukaku is on loan and Armando Broja is out for the long-term with an injury.
      There is new boy David Datro Fofana, but it remains to be seen whether he will be handed a first-team role. More

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      ‘Worst I’ve seen’ – Man Utd fans demand Tyrell Malacia never takes corners again after horror efforts against Charlton

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have slammed defender Tyrell Malacia for his horrendous corner-taking against Charlton.The summer signing from Feyenoord smashed an effort straight out of play in their Carabao Cup quarter-final clash against the League One side.
      Tyrell Malacia has been hammered by Manchester United fans for his poor cornersCredit: Reuters
      Erik ten Hag was spotted making a note immediately after one effort
      In another attempt, the 23-year-old kicked the turf before the ball leading to an underwhelming delivery.
      And fans did not take to kindly to the efforts as one viewer, who spotted manager Erik ten Hag making a note after the second gaffe, wrote: “Not sure Malacia will want to see what Ten Hag wrote on his little pad after those two corners.”
      A second commented: “No more corners for Malacia.”
      A third said: “Don’t think Malacia will be on corners for much longer. Kicked the turf before the ball with his first one and spooned the second straight into the stands.”

      A fourth added: “Malacia just took the worst corner I have ever seen in my life.”
      A fifth joked: “You can just tell from these Malacia corners that he’s way too excited to play with Weghorst.”
      Manchester United did take the lead in the game as Anthony netted from range in the 21st minute.
      Charlton are the lowest-ranked side left in the tournament but are up against it if they are to somehow make it to the semi-finals.
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      The Red Devils are in fine form and have won their previous five games.
      Malacia joined the club in the summer for £13million and was Erik ten Hag’s first signing as boss. More

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      Southampton launch Jeremy Doku transfer bid as talks begin with Rennes over signing 20-year-old Belgian winger

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      SOUTHAMPTON will reportedly launch a bid for winger Jeremy Doku as they bid to fight their way out of relegation. The highly-rated winger is currently at Rennes after a £23m move in 2020.
      Doku came from Anderlecht’s academy and emerged a major young talentCredit: AFP
      While injuries have hampered his progress in France, Doku has demonstrated flashes of quality and goal-threat.
      Foot Mercato report that the Saints are bidding to bring him to St Mary’s to give their struggling side a boost.
      The Premier League side are believed to be enquiring about his availability.
      Southampton will be hoping he can bring some additional sharpness to their goal-shy forward line.
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      But the report adds that Rennes will be unwilling to let him go easily.
      Doku scored his first goal for more than a year in the French Cup over the weekend as Rennes won 2-1 away at 10-man Bordeaux.
      But he is yet to register a goal or assist in the league in 10 appearances this season.
      Despite his misfiring, Rennes are enjoying another solid season in Ligue 1.
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      They are currently fourth, two points behind Marseille who occupy the final Champions League spot.
      While they aim for Europe, Southampton are toiling in the Premier League.
      The south-coast sit bottom of their league, three points away from safety, having lost their last six games in the division.
      Nathan Jones was brought in to replace Ralph Hassenhuttl in November but has failed to turn things around, losing all four of his league games.
      But a surprise FA Cup win at Crystal Palace will provide hope to fans that a great escape is still possible.
      Southampton have already been busy in the window and have reportedly signed Argentine midfielder Carlos Alcaraz. More

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      People are only just realising Louis van Gaal’s real name with former Man Utd manager going by shortened version

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      FOOTBALL fans are just learning Louis van Gaal’s real name – with the Dutchman going with the shorter version. The legendary manager has enjoyed an incredible career in football but has now re-entered retirement following the World Cup.
      Despite managing some major football clubs in his time, many football fans were not aware of van Gaal’s interesting middle nameCredit: PA
      Van Gaal took charge of the Netherlands for the third time as he led them to Qatar.
      His Holland team had been making steady progress before being knocked out in a frantic game with Argentina in the quarter-finals.
      Footy fans who had followed the 71-year-old’s career thought they knew everything about him.
      But some will still be shocked to learn one of his middle names is “Maria”.
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      The former Manchester United manager’s full name is Aloysius Paulus Maria Louis van Gaal.
      He opts for the shorter version professionally.
      Fellow Dutchman Wout Weghorst – who could be Old Trafford-bound – also shares the middle-name of “Maria”.
      The Burnley striker’s full name is Wout François Maria Weghorst.
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      Van Gaal revealed in April that he was battling prostate cancer.
      He later revealed that his treatment for the illness was going well.
      He also said that he would not be taking another job after the World Cup.
      Van Gaal’s coaching career goes all the way back to the 1980s with his first major role being the assistant manager at Dutch club AZ.
      His first senior management role was at Ajax in 1991 and he would win the league three times in his six years at the club.
      Van Gaal would then have two stints at Barcelona and take charge of AZ and Bayern Munich.
      His final club job would be at Man United between 2014 and 2016.
      He would deliver the club’s first piece of major silverware following the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.
      But then Van Gaal would be sacked only days later before being replaced by Jose Mourinho. More

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      Man Utd ‘AGREE £3m Wout Weghorst loan transfer with Cristiano Ronaldo domino effect set to hand Besiktas replacement’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly agreed to sign striker Wout Weghorst on loan.The club have been trying to find a new forward since Cristiano Ronaldo left the club.
      Manchester United have reportedly agreed on a deal for Wout Weghorst to join the clubCredit: Rex
      Besiktas could reportedly sign Al Nassr star Vincent Aboubakar as a replacementCredit: AFP
      It appears they have found their man after agreeing on a deal with his parent club, Burnley and Besiktas, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
      However, he claims that a deal would only be completed once the Turkish club have found a replacement.
      The reporter tweeted: “Manchester United have reached full, verbal agreement to sign Wout Weghorst.
      “Understand deal will cost around €3m (£2.65m) to Besiktas — Weghorst will join on loan from Burnley.
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      “Final step needed, Besiktas will only approve the deal if they find the right replacement.”
      However, it appears Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr has aided United and created a domino effect.
      The Saudi club had to axe a foreign player to make room for the Portuguese star, and cut Vincent Aboubakar loose.
      And Besiktas are now in talks with attacker Aboubakar to be the replacement for Weghorst, according to The Atheltic.
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      Weghorst, who appeared to say goodbye to the Besiktas fans after scoring at the weekend, has bagged nine goals in 18 appearances so far this season.
      He will bring a more direct approach to the United attack, with Ten Hag currently relying on Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford as his main forwards.
      If a deal for Weghorst does fall through, the Red Devils have also been linked with moves for Edin Dzeko and Olivier Giroud.
      Red Devils manager Erik ten hag has been warned on the deal as having “too many Dutch people” is “dangerous”.
      Former Dutch international Marco van Basten told Ziggo Sport: “It can become dangerous if you have too many Dutch people and things are not going well. 
      “You also saw that at Barcelona, when they had five Dutch people. Then it will work against you.
      “Ten Hag has to be careful with that.”
      The club currently have Dutch stars Tyrell Malacia and Donny van de Beek and have been continuously linked with Barcelona midfielder Frenki de Jong. More