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    ‘Have you even watched them?’ asks Jamie Carragher as he’s stunned by Gary Neville’s team of the year selection

    JAMIE CARRAGHER was left stunned after Gary Neville named a Manchester City defender in his Premier League team of the season so far.The Sky Sports pundits picked their sides on Monday Night Football and it was the selection of Josko Gvardiol which proved the most contentious.Gary Neville was asked to name his Premier League team of the season so farJosko Gvardiol was a surprise inclusion in Neville’s squadBoth Carragher and Neville were on the same page for a number of their picks.Carragher chose three Liverpool players but there was no room for any of Pep Guardiola’s strugglers in his team.Both agreed on seven picks: Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Moises Caicedo, Mohamed Salah, Cole Palmer, Matheus Cunha and Chris Wood.The only point of contention between the former defenders was their choice in between the sticks and their back line.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNeville’s selection of Gvardiol as his left-back prompted laughter from Carragher – with the Liverpool legend asking if he’d “actually watched Man City?”Carra said: “How have you picked Gvardiol at left-back? He gives a goal away every game.”Have you actually watched Man City? Obviously not enough. What games have you watched? Are you serious?” In response, Neville admitted he had struggled to pick a left-back, but stood by his decision.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Man Utd legend said: “I am serious, yeah. To be honest with you, left-back I was struggling with badly. “But Josko Gvardiol has scored four goals, he’s always a threat. He’s been the one that’s consistently played.Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher revisit Premier League predictions with Champions League chasers tipped to go down”If I was picking a team right now and I was thinking about building a back four, he’d be the player that I’d put in at left-back. “He’s a goal threat, he does his job reasonably well at left-back. City are giving goals away left, right and centre, I get that at the moment.”It’s not usual for them, it’s not usual for him. But who are the other left-backs in the league?”Carragher, though, hit back: “We’re picking on the first half of the season and he’s given goals away, so why have you picked him?”Have you actually watched Man City? Obviously not enough. What games have you watched? Are you serious?Jamie CarragherNeville bluntly responded: “Because I think he’s the best left-back in the league.” City’s surprisingly poor form has left them sixth at the midway point, though they ended a dismal run of form by beating Leicester 2-0 on Sunday.Carragher chose Antonee Robinson as his left-back with the American’s impressive performances for Fulham earning him links with a move elsewhere.Neville completed his defence with Trent Alexander-Arnold, William Saliba and Van Dijk.On Alexander-Arnold, the former right back said: “His defending has improved. There’s more intensity to his defending, I’m not saying it’s perfect, I don’t think it will be.”He has a far better attitude to his defending right now than I’ve seen previously. These last 12 months he’s improved enormously.” Carragher instead opted for Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina on the right flank, arguing that he has been a vital piece in their drastic improvement since last season.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “Every time I watch him, I do look at him and think he could play for a team that expects to be in the Champions League every season.”Meanwhile Carragher selected Nikola Milenkovic to partner Van Dijk and David Raya as the best goalkeeper.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Bizarre video shows Man Utd star Diogo Dalot interviewed as he undergoes laser hair removal as fans say ‘game’s gone’

    A BIZARRE video has emerged showing Manchester United star Diogo Dalot being interviewed while having his chest hair lasered.The Portuguese wing-back made sure to keep his grooming regime going despite United’s dismal form under new boss Ruben Amorim.Man Utd star Diogo Dalot gave an interview while undergoing laser hair removal treatmentCredit: TikTok/rem_laser_clinicThe defender lifted the lid on his teammates’ grooming habitsCredit: TikTok/rem_laser_clinicDalot donned safety glasses and removed his shirt while undergoing treatment at the REM Laser Clinic in Bolton.A machine then proceeded to remove hair from Dalot’s torso with a close-range laser beam.And at the same time, the defender gave an interview revealing that some other United stars also like to have their body hair removed in a similar fashion.Dalot said: “Any of my team-mates that like to do this kind of treatment, I’ve already recommended it to them!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe added: “Probably (they ignored the suggestion). Those who are a bit lazy to drive to clinics and prefer to do it.“Everyone is different but those who like it, I think they will come back.“I would say it’s (part of the culture). Every player in this case has a specific own routine and some players like it, some don’t.“Obviously we want to look our best, look after ourselves, be in our best shape possible, look confident, so everyone his his own different want of doing it.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I would say you have everything inside the dressing room, we have everything.”Fans were less than impressed with Dalot’s visit to the surgery though, with United on a four-game losing streak ahead of fixtures with Liverpool and Arsenal.Ruben Amorim hauls off Joshua Zirkzee after 32 minutes to huge cheers as Man Utd are embarrassed in first halfOne said: “The game’s gone.”Another declared: “Show this to Roy Keane.”One noted: “Football is completely washed.”Another added: “Up against Salah in a couple of days…”Man Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Joshua Zirkzee is hooked after half an hour and Kobbie Mainoo the only bright sparkKOBBIE MAINOO’S performance was the only silver lining as Manchester United suffered a fourth consecutive defeat.Newcastle struck twice in the opening 19 minutes as they threatened to tally up a cricket score at Old Trafford.Joshua Zirkzee was ruthlessly subbed after half an hour after struggling in a No10 role – but there was no recovering for Ruben Amorim’s side.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the United display…Andre Onana – 5Little he could do about both goals and was barely tested other than that.Noussair Mazraouri – 4The first two goals came down his side as he failed to close down the crosses that were turned in by Isak and Joelinton.But he was positive in possession and put in a few dangerous crosses.Matthijs de Ligt – 5Did not do much wrong for Newcastle goals but can be criticised for his failure to organise his defensive team-mates.Harry Maguire – 4Lost Isak for the opener as he was caught ball watching.Almost made amends but his diving header cannoned back off the post.Lisandro Martinez – 3A complete mismatch as he attempted to battle Joelinton for a cross the Brazilian turned in.Also lost Isak for the opener and even faced the wrong way as the cross came in.Diogo Dalot – 5Offered some much needed stability on the left flank and produced a good cross for Maguire’s headed chance.Casemiro – 3Dismal throughout. So far off the pace and barely made a pass.Missed a guilt-edge chance to pull one back on the stroke of half-time.Christian Eriksen – 4Similarly inept in protecting his defence as Casemiro, as he was overran time and time again.He did at least put a few passes together and improved after Mainoo came on.Amad Diallo – 4A tricky evening up against the hardworking Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall so was largely ineffective.Joshua Zirkzee – 2Nothing went his way and the fans quickly got on his back. He was hauled off in the 33rd minute and his substitution was greeted with cheers by the Old Trafford faithful.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Fed off scraps but did not stop running and was a rare bright spark – came very close with a low shot that whistled past the post in the first half.SubsKobbie Mainoo (for Zirkzee) – 6Turned things around after his introduction and made things happen with his accurate passing.Set up Casemiro for a chance the Brazilian should have buried.Leny Yoro (for Martinez, 64mins) – 6Had a good chance from a corner but sent his free header wide.Alejandro Garnacho (for Casemiro, 64mins) – 4Struggled to make an impact as he failed to beat a man.Antony (for De Ligt, 83 mins) – 5Not enough time to influence the match. More

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    Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold whisks model girlfriend to Venice on romantic break amid Real Madrid transfer talk

    TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD whisked his model girlfriend away to Venice for a romantic mini-break as speculation over his Liverpool future swirlsThe 26-year-old was pictured alongside gorgeous Estelle Behnke at Italian restaurant Regina Corner on Monday.Trent Alexander Arnold was spotted enjoying a holiday with girlfriend Estelle Behnke in VeniceCredit: BackGridThe couple enjoyed exploring the area togetherCredit: BackGridThey were spotted grabbing some lunchCredit: BackGridThey had reportedly been staying at the £1,500-a-night Aman hotel during their time in the city.The couple started dating recently and were spotted together on a date in Cheshire last month.A source told The Sun: “It’s very early days but they are officially dating — they seem really into each other. Trent hasn’t been single long and is enjoying spending time with Estelle.”They’re just really enjoying each other’s company and seem quite smitten.”Read More in FootballAlexander-Arnold and his Liverpool team-mates had a rare few days off after the statement 5-0 thrashing of West Ham on December 29.They next face bitter rivals Manchester United at Anfield this Sunday.Trent scored his first goal of the season against the Hammers and celebrated by imitating a chatting hand amid ongoing speculation around his future.The full-back has been heavily linked with a move away from Liverpool in recent weeks, with his contract set to expire in the summer.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA restaurant owner posed for a photo alongside the coupleCredit: Instagram / @reginacorner.ristoranteThe loved-up couple travelled to Venice after Liverpool’s match on SundayCredit: BackGridTrent has been linked with a move away from AnfieldCredit: BackGridAlexander-Arnold came through the youth setup at Liverpool and has been with the club since 2006.He could leave on a free transfer in the summer unless he pens a new contract and can start talks with European clubs TODAY.Real Madrid have long been targeting a move for the England defender, with Alexander-Arnold understood to be tempted by a move to the Spanish capital.Reports emerged on New Year’s Eve of an audacious bid by Los Blancos to sign Alexander-Arnold in a cut-price deal this transfer window.Liverpool promptly rejected the offer and remain determined to keep their academy graduate for the long term.Awkward Alexander-Arnold billboard showing Liverpool star posing with ex is erected in MilanThe couple were allegedly staying at the £1,5000-a-night Aman hotelCredit: BackGrid More

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    Juventus to offer Joshua Zirkzee January escape route after Man Utd career hit nightmare low… but only on loan

    JUVENTUS are lining up a loan move for Joshua Zirkzee after his Manchester United career hit a new low on Monday night.The Dutch international forward was subbed after just 33 minutes of the 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle on Monday night.Juventus are preparing a loan move for Man Utd misfit Joshua ZirkzeeCredit: AlamyAnd United fans welcomed the decision before jeering as the £35million forward left the pitch to be replaced by Kobbie Mainoo.Zirkzee looked to be visibly upset as he made his way straight down the tunnel but he was back in the dug-out for the second half.While Ruben Amorim has pledged to support the 23-year-old, his future at Old Trafford is looking increasingly uncertain.He is well regarded in Italy having made enjoyed an impressive spell with Bologna to earn his move to United in the summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd during that time, he worked under Thiago Motta – who is now in charge of the Turin giants and would be delighted to work with him again.However the chances of Juventus giving the Red Devils a welcome cash windfall this month are slim and any approach is likely to be on a loan basis.United are looking to raise some cash to support Amorim’s attempts to bring in new faces in the winter window.Zirkzee has appeared in all 19 of his club’s Prem games so far, scoring three goals, but has been made a scapegoat for their problems by some fans.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmorim says he and the club will put an arm round Zirkzee’s shoulder following his ordeal.The United boss said: “You have to think about the tea, the player was suffering during the game and we needed another midfielder.Manchester United vs Newcastle: Player Ratings Revealed“It was tough to do it but I’ve talked with Joshua on it and at that moment it was important for him to come out.“I know he’s a really good guy. When he went down the tunnel, I understand some guys can be in a bad way – but it is life.“He is a really good lad. We will support him and continue.” More

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    Wantaway Man Utd star Marcus Rashford grins as he enjoys lunch with team-mate day after warming bench in Newcastle loss

    WANTAWAY Manchester United star Marcus Rashford grinned as he enjoyed lunch with a pal.The England forward was spotted dining at the upmarket Cibo Restaurant in Hale Village just one day after warming the bench in his side’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle.Marcus Rashford was all smiles as he enjoyed lunch outCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe Man Utd star was joined by teammate Tyrell MalaciaCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeRashford was an unused sub in last night’s defeat to NewcastleCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeMalacia was also left on the bench at Old TraffordCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeRashford was recalled to Ruben Amorim’s match-day squad for the first time in five games after being axed for the 2-1 derby win at Manchester City.But the ace did not see any action on the pitch despite United crashing to their sixth defeat in 11 games under Amorim.The result also marked their fourth defeat on the bounce ahead of trips to Liverpool and Arsenal.Yet Rashford appeared to take the latest snub in his stride as he joined teammate Tyrell Malacia — another player who has lost his spot under Amorim — and pals for lunch on Tuesday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 27-year-old wore a hooded jacket as he protected himself from the cold while entering and leaving the restaurant.Rashford did not seem to be fazed by doubts over his future either as he flashed a smile and shared a laugh with friends.It now remains to be seen whether he remains at United by the end of the January transfer window after declaring he is ready for a “new challenge.”Rashford left his club stunned with the bold admission following his axe from December’s derby win.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.“When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.Manchester United vs Newcastle: Player Ratings RevealedRashford had failed to make the previous four matchday squadsCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHis future remains unclear after his transfer exit commentsCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeRashford cut a glum figure on the bench last nightCredit: RexUnited suffered their fourth defeat in a rowCredit: Reuters“If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse.“I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person.“When I leave, I’ll make a statement, and it will be from me. It’s disheartening to be left out of a derby, but it’s happened, we won the game so let’s move on.“It’s disappointing but I’m also someone as I’ve got older I can deal with setbacks.“What am I going to do about it? Sit there and cry about it? Or do my best the next time I’m available?” More

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    David Moyes hints he’s ready to return to management six months after West Ham exit but rules out ‘very difficult’ job

    FORMER West Ham boss David Moyes has revealed he is not ready to retire just yet.However, he will only return to management when the right job comes up.David Moyes has revealed he would love to return to managementCredit: GettyMoyes has been out of work since leaving the Hammers in May.He refused to rule out the possibility of a third stint at the London Stadium earlier this month amid mounting concerns around Julen Lopetegui – the man who replaced him.The Scot has also been linked with a return to Everton under the club’s new owners.But Moyes, who was this week appointed an OBE in the New Year Honours list for services to football, has revealed that while he wants to make a return to the sport, he will only do so if and when the perfect opportunity arises.Read More in FootballThe 61-year-old told BBC Sport: “I don’t consider myself done yet but I am certainly enjoying some time off.”The one thing I won’t do is put any manager under pressure personally, because I don’t believe in it. I have not liked it when I have been in that position myself.”We are all getting a little bit older and I have to make sure I am doing the right thing for myself.”Football is in my blood. It has been since I was a boy. I love watching football and I have enjoyed my career.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”If there is another part to it, so be it. But I would only want it to be a good part. I wouldn’t want to be coming in and doing something which is very difficult.”I don’t want to be at the bottom of the league and fighting relegation which I have had a few times, so we will see how things go.”‘David Moyes felt under appreciated by West Ham fans’ but Julen Lopetegui can win cup | Karren BradyMoyes spent six years with West Ham in total and won the Europa Conference League at the end of the 2022-23 season.He has also managed Sunderland, Real Sociedad, Manchester United, Everton and Preston North End. More

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    Kyle Walker tells Sky Sports ‘get this man on more often’ as he sits next to ex-Prem star at world Darts Championship

    KYLE WALKER told Sky Sports to “get this man on more often” as he sat next to an ex-Premier League star at the darts.England star Walker took time away from Man City’s dismal season to enjoy the action at the World Darts Championship last night.Kyle Walker had a message for Sky Sports as he enjoyed a night at the dartsCredit: RexWalker came off the bench as Man City beat Leicester on SundayCredit: GettyThe ace was all smiles at Ally Pally as he watched Michael van Gerwen and Luke Littler seal their places in the quarters.But despite being a high-profile visitor, Walker still engaged in the popular fan banter that has made darts one of the most popular sports around.Many supporters love attending in fancy dress.While others choose to spend their time downing beer and singing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Walker instead opted to join in with another fun activity.Like many around him, he grabbed a blank piece of cardboard before writing a message on it.Holding it up to the camera, Walker revealed it read: “Sky, get this man on more often please.”The person in question turned out to be none other than former footballer Michael Brown.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe ace played for numerous teams in the Premier League including Tottenham, Fulham, Wigan and Portsmouth.After retiring in 2018, Brown now works as a pundit.Kyle Walker and ex-lover Lauryn Goodman in fresh row over intercom security system at her £2.4m homeWalker was sat next to former Premier League star Michael BrownBrown played in the Premier League for numerous teams including PortsmouthCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe is often found on BBC Sport and even had Walker on his latest podcast.Man City’s right-back was in fine spirits after coming off the bench in Sunday’s 2-0 win at Leicester.The victory was just the second in City’s last 14 matches.Walker will now be hoping to start in Saturday’s home clash against West Ham.And City can perhaps get their season back on track with favourable fixtures against Salford City, Brentford and Ipswich afterwards.World Darts Championship – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the Ally Pally extravaganza…All the info: News, features and interviews: More

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    Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher revisit Premier League predictions with Champions League chasers tipped to go down

    GARY NEVILLE hilariously demanded that Jamie Carragher apologises as the pundits looked back at their Premier League predictions.At the halfway point of the season, the Sky Sports duo had the chance to revisit and change the calls they made before a ball was kicked.Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville tackled their pre-season predictionsCredit: GettyNeville and Carragher made these predictions at the start of the seasonThe pundits updated their estimates at the halfway stage of the seasonCredit: Sky Sports Neville made a wise guess that Southampton, Ipswich and Leicester would get relegated.Carragher also chose the Saints and the Foxes but made a horror prediction that Nottingham Forest would go down.Nuno Espirito Santo’s are instead second in the table on 37 points and are eyeing up Champions League qualification. Neville joked that Carragher should be giving Forest fans an “apology” for underestimating them.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThough both agreed the high-flyers would finish this season in sixth.Before the first game of the campaign, Carragher thought that Manchester City would win the league. But with his former club Liverpool now eight points clear at the top of the table, he changed his prediction to Arne Slot’s clinching the title.However, Neville did not change his mind and stuck to his guns with Arsenal winning the Prem.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe explained: “Liverpool are massive favourites and are in great form but there is still a long way to go.”But I just think Arsenal have got a resilience to them and they have got a back four that can hold it together.Gary Neville’s brutal Secret Santa present for Jamie Carragher ‘rejected’ by Everton”I think they will hang in there and if it does get close towards the end, they could hunt Liverpool down. That is what I am hoping for.”Neville had boldly predicted his beloved Manchester United would come third.And he even had a bet with Carragher that they would finish above Liverpool.Neville conceded that he will be “paying out early”, with the Red Devils languishing in 14th and manager Ruben Amorim admitting a battle to avoid the drop is a “possibility”.As the former right-back was mocked, he hit back: “Where did Carragher have Manchester United at the start of the season in his predictions? Was it fifth?”Carragher responded: “Well it definitely wasn’t above Liverpool.” More