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      ‘It’s a fact’ – Jamie Carragher brutally shut down by Daniel Sturridge live on Sky Sports over controversial AFCON take

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER was shut down by both Daniel Sturridge and Micah Richards after disregarding the Africa Cup of Nations as a major tournament.The trio were covering Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Manchester City on Sky Sports when the topic of conversation turned to Mohamed Salah.Daniel Sturridge and Micah Richards were forced to step in after Jamie Carragher appeared to suggest that AFCON was not a major tournamentCredit: Sky SportsCarragher claimed that Salah needs to win a major tournament to be considered the best player in the worldCredit: GettyDebating whether or not he could win any individual awards – such as the Ballon d’Or – and become “the best in the world” this season, Carragher suggested there was one obstacle stopping him.The ex-defender claimed that Salah would have to win a major tournament with Egypt in order to be in the running.He said: “I think the problem (is) the fact he’s with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in the major tournament as such, or maybe got a great chance of winning, I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament.”Normally, the player who excels in that, like Vini Jr and (Kylian) Mbappe right now, Real Madrid looking really good going for the Champions League. Read More in Football”Liverpool will be in that conversation, but right now (Real Madrid) are certainly the front runner.”Richards quickly chimed in to say: “Just saying, AFCON is a major tournament. Just so you know.”But Carragher responded: “Egypt aren’t going to win the World Cup, are they?”Richards reiterated his point, but the ex-Liverpool man appeared to disregard it before Sturridge joined in the conversation.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It’s a fact. It’s a fact. If you win the Euros or the Copa America it’s deemed to be big so the AFCON is the same level,” the ex-striker said.Carragher also received some backlash on social media, with one person writing: “The disrespect AFCON gets within pundits and even fans is disgusting. Equivalent of Euro/Copa America and these people are treating it like it’s the Carabao Cup. Nasty work from Jamie Carragher!” ‘Oh, God… did he say that?’ – Pep Guardiola left in disbelief at Jamie Carragher’s ‘not nice and not true’ claimAnother commented: “It’s the scoff, for me, when he is corrected. It’s just awful.”A third said: “I like the way both Daniel Sturridge & Micah Richards correct Carragher here. They don’t hesitate to provide him with the correct information.”SunSport has contacted Sky for comment.Salah scored the opening goal as Liverpool beat Man City 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium.Dominik Szoboszlai netted the second to secure the win and boost the club’s title hopes. More

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      Man Utd lunches reduced to basics for all-but first team and kids denied Old Trafford game after Sir Jim Ratcliffe cuts

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has introduced another round of cuts to the Manchester United training ground – this time involving the food served in the canteen.The billionaire has made a host of changes behind the scenes at United since taking over last February.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has introduced another round of budget cutsCredit: PALunches at Carrington have been reduced to soup and sandwiches for everyone except the first teamCredit: ReutersOver 250 staff members have been axed, with many more set to follow in the coming weeks and months.Ratcliffe also cancelled the club’s annual Christmas party, raised ticket prices and cut funding for a charity helping former players.And his latest attempt to save money has seen him limit the lunch options in the training ground canteen to just soup and sandwiches for everybody except first-team players.Furthermore, Man Utd U18s were denied the chance to play at Old Trafford in the FA Youth Cup fifth round.READ MORE ON MAN UTDTraditionally, the match would have been staged at United’s main home, but instead it was played at the 12,000-capacity Leigh Sports Village, saving the club a total of £8,000.Man Utd currently sit 15th in the Premier League table, only above West Ham on goal difference.Ruben Amorim recently admitted that he is managing the “worst Man Utd team” in history.The Red Devils salvaged a point at Goodison Park at the weekend after going 2-0 down against Everton.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte struck in the second half to draw United level.After the match, head coach Amorim admitted he does not know how to fix the club’s current crisis.Man Utd ratings: Casemiro disappearing into irrelevance as Real Madrid legend saved again by Bruno Fernandes He said: “I don’t know what I need to do to bring more consistency. If I knew, I would change it.”We have to continue to think in the next game, everything we do in the week we have to use it in the game.”If we do that, we are near to winning games like we did in the second half. In this moment we need to focus on day by day. We need to survive this season, and then to think ahead. We have so many problems.”Then when we go to the game and let the time pass, it’s really hard. I don’t want to just say the negative part, the second half was so much better in the belief. In the end we were near to winning this game.”Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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      Adorable moment Lisandro Martinez’s mum helps Man Utd star with rehab after devastating injury KO’d season

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      INJURED Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez warmed hearts after sharing snaps from his mum’s visit.Martinez is in post-surgery rehab after tearing his ACL in the closing stages of Man Utd’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on February 2.Lisandro Martinez posted adorable snaps showing him hugging his mumMartinez is out for the season after tearing his ACL last monthSilvina helped her son with his rehab exercisesThe pair laughed as she urged Martinez to lift his leg higherThe Argentine is out for the rest of the season and is being supported by mum Silvina and his pregnant girlfriend.In his latest update after surgery, Martinez shared pictures from his mum’s visit to his Manchester home.The defender shared snaps of the pair hugging on his doorstep and a hilarious video of her helping him with exercises.His heartwarming Instagram post was captioned: “Thank you for hugging my heart and making me smile. 😁💖 I love you Ma!”READ MORE ON MAN UTDHis mum appeared to keeping his spirits up as she urged him to lift his injured right leg higher in the air.Martinez was wearing his Man Utd training kit and the clip showed him watching his team-mates lose 1-0 to Spurs last Sunday.The centre-back was laying on a rehab bed in his living room and his knee was covered in supportive tape.And fans praised the adorable moment, with one writing: “There’s nothing like a mother’s love and motivation.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another said: “This is so adorable.”A third added: “You’ve got this warrior.”Man Utd ratings: Casemiro disappearing into irrelevance as Real Madrid legend saved again by Bruno Fernandes One more wrote: “Even football players need their mothers.”The 27-year-old was stretchered off at Old Trafford against Palace after injuring his knee.The World Cup winner tussled for the ball with Eagles star Ismaila Sarr late on.But he appeared to get his leg stuck in the turf and was in serious pain.United have not won in the Premier League since his injury, losing to Spurs and drawing 2-2 with Everton this weekend.Martinez underwent surgery this month and gave up an emotional update on social media.He wrote on Instagram last week: “Today, after going through several stormy days where I allowed myself to feel and accept my sadness, helplessness, insecurities, fears, and a deep emotional imbalance, I am reconnecting with my essence and my values, which help me see things from a kinder and more positive perspective.”Thanking his club and the Argentine national team, he added: “I feel immense gratitude for the incredible work and support of @manchesterunited , @afaseleccion , my family, friends, team-mates, and everyone who took the time to send me a message of encouragement.Martinez showed he had the support of long-term partner MuriMartinez showed he had the support of childhood sweetheart Muri Lopez Benitez and their much-anticipated first child.The couple went public with 26-year-old Muri’s pregnancy last October.Martinez and Muri posted a photo of them holding their baby scan, with the defender writing in a message alongside their snap: “We are so happy that you came into our lives. Thank you for choosing us.”They later revealed they were expecting a daughter and have decided to name her Aurora.READ MORE SUN STORIESSince his £56.7million move from Ajax, the defender has had two operations on his foot and damaged the medical ligament in his right knee, although that injury didn’t require surgery.The Red Devils are hoping Martinez will be back to fitness for the start of next season.Martinez has been ruled out for the rest of the seasonThe defender left the field in tears on a stretcher at the start of the month More

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      Arsenal are more mentality muppets than monsters and you can see why fans have major reservations over Mikel Arteta

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      JURGEN KLOPP described his never-say-die Liverpool team as mentality monsters.So what are Arsenal under Mikel Arteta?Mikel Arteta’s side appear to be out of the title raceArsenal lost 1-0 to West Ham when it mattered most on SaturdayOn the back of this latest title collapse, they are English football’s mentality muppets.Saturday’s abject display at the Emirates was surely confirmation the club’s wait for a title, which now stands at 21 years, will continue.It is Arsenal’s longest gap for a title post-war and you have to wonder if Arteta is actually capable of getting them over the line.This was their first Premier League defeat in 16 matches and only the third of the season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut this was an absolute must-win and Arsenal bottled it just when they needed to show some b******s. You can see why Arteta was so angry afterwards. Conspiracy theorists — and there are certainly a few of them about — will complain about Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card, their fifth of the season, with the team dropping ten points in those games.Incredibly, this was the 20th sending-off in the top flight under Arteta, so it is absurd to blame the officials for all of them.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal have had some bad decisions go against them this term and Lewis-Skelly’s foul on Mohammed Kudus was on the halfway line.But it was still a red card.  Arteta has spent over £600million, so he has been backed heavily by the club.Arsenal player ratings vs West Ham (1)The decision not to sign a No 9 in the summer — or in January — was obviously ludicrous.It would have helped. But looking at this current team, you have to wonder whether that will have solved all their problems because there are just so many flaky  players in this squad.Due to the spectacular fall of Manchester City, this season was a great opportunity for Arteta.You can see why some of the club’s fans are now having major reservations over their manager.He will be given even more cash next summer. But if Arsenal find themselves in a similar situation in 12 months’ time, then the club may consider a change – even though it would break  hearts.Arteta has been hit badly by injuries this season which is why the team have gone backwards.And maybe they can still deliver something magical in the Champions League.Yet Liverpool suffered unbelievably bad luck last term with  injuries and, while they fell away in the league, Klopp’s team somehow managed to win the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea — even though they ended the game with a bunch of teenagers.Jarrod Bowen’s goal all but ended Arsenal’s title dreamsJurgen Klopp described his never-say-die Liverpool team as mentality monstersArsenal’s approach to the West Ham game was completely wrong. There was a lack of belief, desire and intensity, as well as quality.Equally, the visitors defended superbly and new boss Graham Potter seems a perfect fit.Over the last couple of seasons, the atmosphere at the Emirates has been superb, the best since the move to the stadium in 2006.Yet there was no buzz before or during this game. And it seemed as though the supporters were resigned to their team’s fate.Mikel Merino was the two-goal hero against Leicester a week earlier in his first ever-game as a central striker.You can see why Arteta started him in this position owing to the lack of options but the Spaniard looked lost up front.The defending for the opening goal from Jarrod Bowen before half-time was embarrassing, with Riccardo Calafiori deciding not to bother to stop a cross from Aaron Wan-Bissaka.Calafiori, a £42m summer buy from Bologna, is still adjusting to the Prem but this display was just not good enough.Arteta’s decision to relegate Lewis-Skelly to the bench was curious, particularly as he was also substituted at Leicester just minutes after he delivered a stunning goal-saving intervention.The one positive was the sight of defender Ben White returning to action after three months out.READ MORE SUN STORIESNow Arteta must lift his team for Wednesday’s tricky trip to Nottingham Forest.And at the very least, Arsenal’s players need to start showing that they actually care.Arsenal player ratings vs West HamMYLES Lewis-Skelly’s second red card of 2025 appeared to put the final nail in Arsenal’s title dreams and any chances of them catching Liverpool.The Gunners lost 1-0 to West Ham and failed to respond to Jarrod Bowen’s opener on the brink of half-time.The Hammers’ wall stood firm as Arsenal registered just two shots on target before Lewis-Skelly’s last-man foul on Mohammed Kudus was upgraded to a red after ref Craig Pawson went to the monitor.And Liverpool fans will breathe a sigh of relief given their recent dip in form as Arsenal remain EIGHT points behind Arne Slot’s men.Here SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rates every Arsenal player from the Emirates Stadium.DAVID RAYA – 5Declan Rice indicated to Raya that he expected him to come off his line to deal with the cross for the goal.Maybe he had a point but ultimately, Raya was let down by his defenders.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6West Ham did not offer much of a threat down their left so Timber had a reasonably comfortable game while he did try and get forward. WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Was ordered by Mikel Arteta to push forward more in the second half when Arsenal had possession and in the closing stages, seemed to spend more of his time in West Ham’s area.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Switched off for the Bowen goal but he was not the only one. Also found the impressive Kudus tough to handle when he cut inside.Guilty of delivering an abysmal cross late in the game when Arsenal needed a bit of quality.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 4A poor performance. Given the nod ahead of Lewis-Skelly but badly at fault for the opening goal as he did not get close enough to Aaron Wan-Bissaka who delivered the cross to Bowen.Was replaced after he kept losing the ball.DECLAN RICE – 5Not a day he will want to remember against his former club and he got plenty of stick from West Ham’s fans, as you would expect.Wasted one chance before the break and failed to track Bowen for the goal. Substituted shortly into the second half which was a surprise.THOMAS PARTEY – 5A sluggish performance from Partey whose passing was also poor. Lucky not to be replaced.ETHAN NWANERI – 6Had a fascinating battle with West Ham teenager Ollie Scaries, who  was making his first Premier League start.Nwaneri was excellent at Leicester but had less success against his fellow youngster although still had some bright moments.But, at least he has a bit of a spark unlike some of his more experienced team-mates. The 17-year-old sparked concern when he came off injured in the final 10.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5Not having his best season at Arsenal. This was the sort of game Arsenal needed their captain to deliver a moment of inspiration but he failed to do so. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5Not a surprise that he was not used as a false nine like that disastrous experiment against Leicester.But he had no joy against the impressive Wan-Bissaka.MIKEL MERINO – 5Was the two-goal hero in his first ever appearance as a substitute striker at Leicester but had no success against West Ham’s well-drilled defence.He looked lost out there as the makeshift No 9.SUBS:Myles Lewis-Skelly (for Calafiori 56 minutes) – 4Got a red card – Arsenal’s fifth of the campaign – and although he was a long way out could have no complaints.Oleksandr Zinchenko (for Rice 56 minutes) – 6Raheem Sterling (for Nwaneri 81 minutes) – N/ABen White (for Saliba 87 minutes) – 5Was handed his first Premier League minutes since returning to the squad for last week’s Leicester win. Subs not used: Neto, Tierney, Kiwior, Jorginho, Butler-Oyedeji. More

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      Man City 0 Liverpool 2: Reds make easy work of Pep Guardiola’s crumbling side to go 11 points clear at top of table

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      THE transfer of power is complete at the top of the Premier League.After Arne Slot’s champions-elect inflicted another emphatic defeat on Pep Guardiola’s fallen four-in-a-row kings, we can officially stop pretending that there is any sort of title race this season.Mo Salah and Domink Szoboszlai scored the goals as Liverpool beat Man CityCredit: GettySalah scored his 25th Prem goal of the seasonCredit: AFPSzoboszlai played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s victoryCredit: AFPMan City were outplayed for the second time this weekCredit: PAAn injured Haaland looked dejected as his watched on from the standsCredit: Sky SportsLiverpool are walking alone at the top of the table, 11 points clear of an Arsenal side who don’t have a fit centre-forward and have precious little discipline.The Reds are the best team in England by a country mile, as they proved by winning a league match at the Etihad for the first time in a decade.Mo Salah netted with a deflected strike from a genius corner-kick routine and then teed up Dominik Szoboslai for a 2-0 half-time lead as City were handed a painful lesson in ruthless efficiency by the runaway leaders.Liverpool are rarely thrilling but they are impressive in their clarity of thought, the speed of their attacks and the surgical nature of their finishing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCity dominated the ball but never looked like winning.It was their 14th defeat in all competitions since the end of October.Liverpool are unbeaten in the Premier League during that time, during which their only meaningful defeat was when Slot sent out the reserves at Plymouth in the FA Cup.The gulf between these clubs – for so long England’s top two – is vast.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSCity, who were outclassed by Real Madrid as they exited the Champions League in midweek, cannot even give elite clubs a proper game at present.Liverpool’s coronation had been almost confirmed by Jarrod Bowen’s winner for West Ham at Arsenal yesterday. ‘The miss I can accept, but what is harder to accept…’ Arne Slot slams ‘behaviour’ of Liverpool star Darwin NunezYet City had never previously lost a home league game to Liverpool under Guardiola.For all the brilliance of the matches, and the intensity of the rivalry between his side and Jurgen Klopp’s Reds, there was never a Premier League away win, in front of a crowd, for either side.For City, there was no Erling Haaland, while Ruben Dias, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva were all resting after their hiding at the Bernabeu.Kevin De Bruyne returned but the Belgian simply embodies City’s sudden, incomprehensible decline.Guardiola employed Phil Foden as a makeshift centre forward and it was ‘false nines’ all round with Slot opting to play Curtis Jones through the middle, leaving Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota on the bench.On paper, that appeared to be an unlikely show of respect towards Guardiola’s bullet-ridden troops.It turned out to be nothing of the sort.It only took 14 minutes for the league leaders to go in front with that beautifully-choreographed corner routine.After a Lewis blunder, Luis Diaz won the set-piece with a shot turned around the near post by Ederson.Alexis Mac Allister delivered it low to Dominik Szoboszlai, who had peeled away from the near post into space and cut back neatly for Salah to score with a shot which took a heavy deflection off Nathan Ake.Arsenal have a mural of their set-piece coach. Perhaps Liverpool will soon have one too.Slot’s side hadn’t looked convincing before that. Doku was frequently twisting Trent Alexander-Arnold inside out, yet while City dominated possession there was no end product.The champions netted on the half-hour but while Omar Marmoush had finished smartly, in off the far post, he had been in a comfortably offside position.Soon it was 2-0, Alexander-Arnold’s lofted pass releasing Salah, who darted forward and squared for Szoboszlai to ping his shot past a frozen Ederson – one of many City players who look gone at all levels.The sound of jubilant, crowing Scousers pounded the eardrums of every City fan and of the nation at large.And it was the last kick of the first half which summed up City’s implosion perfectly – a shot from the once-great De Bruyne which sailed over the corner flag.After the break, De Bruyne attempted a sliding tackle on Szoboszlai, missed, and careered into Guardiola in his technical area.Liverpool thought they had gone three-up when Ryan Graveberch’s visionary pass released Szoboszlai who squared for Jones to tap in – only for VAR to deem the Hungarian offside by a toenail, when he had been level by any previous understanding.Technology punishing a brilliant move and rewarding lazy defending.Instantly, City woke up and Marmoush’s fierce shot forced a first meaningful save from Alisson.READ MORE SUN STORIESNext, Diaz cut inside and had a powerful effort brilliantly saved by a fully-stretched Ederson.De Bruyne was hauled off in place of James McAtee but by then Liverpool were home and hosed. 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      Bruno Fernandes ‘involved in half-time bust-up with Everton legend’ before inspiring Man Utd comeback

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      BRUNO FERNANDES was involved in a bust-up with former Everton star Derek Mountfield at half-time on Saturday, according to reports.The Manchester United captain sparked his side’s comeback as he fired a free-kick past Jordan Pickford.Bruno Fernandes clashed with former Everton defender Derek MountfieldCredit: ReutersMountfield reportedly mimed elbowing Man Utd stars as they left the tunnelCredit: GettyThat came after his fallout with Mountfield over what appeared to be a bit of playful banter.According to The Telegraph Mountfield jokingly mimed elbowing the United stars as they left the tunnel to re-enter the pitch after half-time.But Fernandes took exception and exchanged some fiery words with the former defender, who was at Goodison being announced as an ‘Everton Giant’.Fernandes’ half-time frustration was understandable as his team trailed 2-0 following a dreadful first-half performance.READ MORE ON MAN UTDShambolic defending led to Beto’s opener and the Red Devils were carved open again in the build-up to Abdoulaye Doucoure’s goal.They offered nothing in attack and appeared to be drifting towards yet another defeat when Fernandes fired in from 25 yards.Manuel Ugarte scored a second to rescue a point.Rio Ferdinand slammed United’s first-half display, saying: “I’m sitting here and I don’t know if I have seen a United team this bad. It has been embarrassing in all different facets of the game.Most read in Football“Yes, we can talk about quality, you talk about talent, but one thing which is unforgivable is a lack of desire.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“There’s instances in this game where Man Utd need to look at this Everton team and take examples from it. It’s embarrassing to sit here and watch it.“We said they were going to have to come out and roll their sleeves up, because Everton would come out fighting.Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey gives verdict on Everton’s overturned penalty against Man Utd“Man Utd haven’t done that. They’ve been pressed, they’ve been harried. They haven’t been able to deal with the press at all.“They have chance after chance to clear the ball. Zero conviction, no-one taking over the situation.“You’ve got to fight. You don’t come to Everton at this place, whatever form they’re in, and think you can roll them over easily. Man Utd have not understood that assignment from the first whistle.“I hope [Amorim] went absolutely ballistic at the players. They were out-run, out-fought, out-jumped, every single department of the game. They were second best.” More

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      Why is Erling Haaland not playing for Man City against Liverpool?

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      MANCHESTER CITY welcome Liverpool for a blockbuster Super Sunday clash at the Etihad.The Reds can extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to a whopping 11 points with victory this afternoon.Erling Haaland will play no part against Liverpool this afternoonCredit: GettyMAN CITY VS LIVERPOOL LIVEIt comes after title rivals Arsenal fell to a 1-0 defeat to London rivals West Ham yesterday.Liverpool will fancy their chances against a wounded City side after they were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid on Wednesday night.Arne Slot’s men have been handed a welcome boost before the match with top scorer Erling Haaland not included in the City squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhy is Erling Haaland not playing for Man City against Liverpool?Erling Haaland limped off with a suspected knee issue during Man City’s 4-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday, February 15.He was since an unused substitute for their Champions League knockout play-off second leg with Real Madrid on Wednesday night after being deemed unable to start the match.Speaking before the Liverpool clash, Pep Guardiola said that yesterday (Saturday), Haaland “didn’t feel good” after training, which is why the forward is missing this afternoon.It’s the first time the Norwegian goal machine has not been named in the City squad for a Premier League match since April 2024, when he missed a 4-0 win over Brighton.Most read in FootballOmar Marmoush replaces Haaland up top, looking to build on his stunning hat-trick against Newcastle in his last Prem outing.How to watch Man City vs Liverpool?Man City vs Liverpool will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event/Premier League.Sky Sports customers can live stream the match via the NOW/Sky Sports app.Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog. More

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      ‘Has it landed yet’ – Eagle-eyed fans spot Ezri Konsa’s bonkers celebration after Aston Villa’s late winner vs Chelsea

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      ASTON VILLA ace Ezri Konsa went viral after a hilarious celebration against Chelsea.Villa defeated the Blues 2-1 on Saturday at Villa Park thanks to Marco Asensio’s brace, which cancelled out Enzo Fernandez’s opener.Aston Villa ace Ezri Konsa went viral after Saturday’s win over ChelseaCredit: RexVilla star Marco Asensio passionately celebrated his brace against ChelseaCredit: ReutersThe camera caught Konsa lobbing his boot in the air on the far left in a bonkers sceneCredit: X @SkySportsPLAsensio completed the Villans’ comeback just a minute before full-time with a fine strike that the West Londoners’ goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen couldn’t hold on to.All eyes were on the Paris Saint-Germain loanee passionately celebrating his finest performance since joining Unai Emery’s side last month.However, the camera caught Konsa, 27, doing the most peculiar thing in the background.The ecstatic centre-back appeared to be removing his boot and lobbing it up in the air as he celebrated Villa’s incredible comeback.Read More on FootballFans were left in stitches with that bonkers sight against Chelsea as they stormed social media.One fan tweeted: “Has the boot landed yet?!”Another commented: “On the roof of the North Stand.”A third wrote: “Hilarious. Think that should be his celebration for every goal we score from now on.”Most read in FootballThis fan said: “It landed back on Earth with snow on it apparently.”And that one made a hilarious reference to The Office’s character Chris Finch: “I bet he couldn’t throw it over the pub… That’s the real celebration!”Roy Keane breaks silence on Marcus Rashford’s shock transfer to Aston Villa and has MAJOR concernVilla are now eighth in the Premier League table with two points separating them from fourth place. More