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      Arsenal chief Edu is LEAVING after crisis talks with club hierarchy in major blow to Mikel Arteta

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      MIKEL ARTETA has been dealt a major blow with close ally and Arsenal chief Edu Gaspar set to QUIT the club.The highly-rated sporting director has helped transform the Gunners from has-beens into title contenders.Mikel Arteta has been dealt a blow with Edu Gaspar set to quit ArsenalCredit: PAThe Brazilian has been behind Arsenal’s brilliant recent signingsCredit: GettyArsenal have become title challengers under Edu’s watchCredit: GettyBut Edu’s time at the Emirates is coming to an end.He has been in talks with the club’s hierarchy after a reshuffle of key positions.And although his reasons remain unclear, Edu has decided to walk away from his backroom role.SunSport understands he is in line to take up a new role in charge of Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ stable of clubs, which also include Olymipiacos in Greece and Rio Ave in Portugal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA similar position has been taken up by Jurgen Klopp with Red Bull, with the ex-Liverpool boss now their Global Head of Soccer.And Edu could TRIPLE his current Arsenal salary by becoming Marinakis’ go-to man at the head of his football empire.A former two-time title winner and Arsenal Invincibles champion, Edu returned to the club in 2019 – initially as technical director – before helping Arteta clear the decks.Big names like captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil were shown the door.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile new fan favourites including Martin Odegaard, William Saliba and Declan Rice have been signed during his tenure.As a result, Arsenal have finished the last two seasons as runners-up to Manchester City in the Premier League title race.Arsenal vs Newcastle: Player RatingsEdu’s exit comes on the back of a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Newcastle at St James’ Park on Saturday.The Gunners’ next match comes on Wednesday in the Champions League against Inter Milan.And boss Arteta will face questions over Edu’s exit at tomorrow’s press conference.Fans reacted quickly online to the news of his departure.One said: “The downfall of Arsenal begins.”Another declared: “I hate changes like this.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Heads starting to roll at Arsenal.”Another added: “Arteta could be the next to go.”Edu Gaspar’s Arsenal transfersSince 2019:David LuizNicolas PepeCedric SoaresPablo MariRunar RunarssonDani CeballosNuno TavaresAlbert Sambi LokongaFabio VieiraMarquinhosMatt TurnerWilliam SalibaKieran TierneyGabriel MartinelliThomas ParteyGabriel MagalhaesMartin OdegaardAaron RamsdaleTakehiro TomiyasuGabriel JesusOleksandr ZinchenkoLeandro TrossardJakub KiwiorDeclan RiceKai HavertzJurrien TimberDavid RayaRiccardo CalafioriMikel MerinoRaheem Sterling More

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      Mo Salah casts fresh doubt over Liverpool future as striker, 32, posts ‘no matter what happens I will never forget’

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      MO SALAH cast fresh doubt over his  future  —  sparking  panic  among Liverpool fans.The Kop talisman fired the Reds top of the table with Saturday’s winner against Brighton.Mo Salah scored the winner for Liverpool against Brighton on SaturdayCredit: PAHis future at the club remains up in the air with his contract expiring in the summerCredit: APBut Salah, who is out of contract next summer, and can speak to foreign clubs in January, once again hinted he may quit Anfield.The Egyptian star, 32, cryptically posted on social media: “No matter what happens, I will never forget what scoring at Anfield feels like.”Salah revealed in September there had been no talks over a new deal.And he suggested yesterday there had been no progress at resolving his situation after seven-and-a-half trophy-laden years as a Red.READ MORE ON LIVERPOOLFellow Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold also have uncertain futures with their contracts up at the end of the campaign.Salah’s seventh goal of the season moved him into eighth in the Premier League all-time scoring charts.His 164th strike — one above Kop icon Robbie Fowler — saw the Reds go two points clear of title rivals Manchester City.However, it is unclear how many more Salah will net with just over six months left on his deal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “Top of the table is where this club belongs. Nothing less.”Liverpool face a reunion with ex-midfielder Xabi Alonso when he brings his Bayer Leverkusen side to Anfield on Tuesday in the Champions League.Steven Gerrard mercilessly BOOED by Al-Ettifaq fans after losing local derby with Liverpool legend on brink of sackSlot’s side then host Aston Villa on Saturday. More

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      Bruno Fernandes apologises to Erik ten Hag as Man Utd captain says ‘it’s easier to sack the manager than 15 players’

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      BRUNO FERNANDES believes Manchester United’s players must take the blame for ex-boss Erik ten Hag getting the sack.The Red Devils captain apologised to the Dutchman in a phone call following his dismissal on Monday because he felt responsible due to his own poor form.Bruno Fernandes called Erik ten Hag following the Dutchman’s dismissalCredit: GettyTen Hag was sacked on Monday after two years in charge at Old TraffordCredit: GettyFernandes, 30, who scored his first Premier League goal of the season from the penalty spot in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at home to Chelsea, reckons United’s flops — including himself — let Ten Hag down.The Portugal midfielder said: “We know Erik has gone and it is not good for anyone when the manager goes. The team is not the best, results are not the best and he is the one who pays.“Whenever you see a manager go, you have to take some of the blame on yourself — it is because the team is not doing so well.“It is easier to get rid of a manager than 15 players.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“I spoke to Ten Hag and apologised to him, I was disappointed he has gone and I tried to help him.“I wasn’t scoring goals, we are not scoring goals and I feel responsible. I normally score a lot of goals but I always gave 100 per cent. He is aware of that.”Ironically, Fernandes has scored three goals in the two games since Ten Hag, who will be replaced by Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim from November 11, was axed.TV pundit and United icon Roy Keane replied with a scathing attack on Fernandes and said the playmaker had failed as captain.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe ex-Red Devils skipper, 53, fumed: “I wouldn’t have much time and patience for a player to say, ‘listen, sorry we’ve let you down’. Too little, too late.“You’re judged by what you do on the football pitch. I don’t think Bruno’s done enough as a captain of Man United over the last year to help the manager out. Far from it.Chelsea ratings vs Man Utd“The proof’s there with all the results. It’s not just on Bruno, of course. I wouldn’t want to be in the trenches with these players. My eyes don’t lie to me. A lot of them don’t have the DNA of a Manchester United player.“When the going gets tough, you roll your sleeves up. You become a team and you win an ugly game, but this United team doesn’t do it.”United face PAOK in the Europa League on Thursday and Leicester in the Premier League next Sunday, both at Old Trafford, before Amorim takes charge in the international break.Yet the Sporting boss will have a big task, with United currently on the club’s worst tally of points at this stage in almost 40 years after Moises Caicedo’s leveller on Sunday.Amorim’s countryman Fernandes said: “I am a big fan of Sporting and watch a lot of their games.“Ruben brought the excitement back to the club — it was a little bit split when he came to Sporting. He transformed everything.”Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy admitted it has been a tricky few days for the club but he has masterminded a Carabao Cup win and now a point against Chelsea.The ex-United striker will focus on getting through the two games before the break before seeking talks with Amorim over the future.READ MORE SUN STORIESRVN said: “It has been very difficult from last Monday to today, six days, a rollercoaster of emotions“I look forward to getting to know the new manager better.” More

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      Man Utd star Lisandro Martinez endangered Cole Palmer’s safety and was extremely lucky not to be given red card

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      LISANDRO MARTINEZ was extremely lucky not to receive a red card for serious foul play on Cole Palmer.The Manchester United defender’s studs caught the Chelsea playmaker high on his left knee.Lisandro Martinez escaped a red card for a knee-high challenge on Cole PalmerCredit: PAVAR reviewed it and decided to stick with the on-field decision of a yellow cardCredit: PAFormer Premier League referee Mark Halsey believes Martinez was luckyCredit: AFPReferee Rob Jones deemed it was a yellow card for a reckless challenge — but VAR Michael Salisbury should have intervened to upgrade the punishment to a red.Martinez endangered the safety of Palmer and knew what he was doing by stopping the attack at all costs.The challenge occurred in stoppage time at the end of the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca insisted during his post-match interview that it was an obvious red card offence.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe said: “I think there is not intention to take the ball and the foul is quite dangerous.”In his press conference he then added: “They show me before the press conference, I think it is quite clear for all of us.”The referee is there to make a decision, he took a different decision.”For me, when there is no intention to go for the ball and just the player, is a red.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan Utd legend Gary Neville agreed Martinez was fortunate to avoid being dismissed.On commentary, the former England right-back said: “When you go that high I think you’re asking for a red card. I think he’s lucky.Manchester United vs Chelsea: Player Ratings Breakdown (2)”When you go knee-high and the ball’s gone, I think it’s a red.” More

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      Fans stunned as Martinez escapes red card for ‘brutal attack’ on Cole Palmer after knee-high lunge in Man Utd vs Chelsea

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      ENZO MARESCA and Gary Neville joined football fans in voicing their surprise at the decision not to send off Lisandro Martinez for his challenge on Cole Palmer.Manchester United and Chelsea played out a drab 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.Lisandro Martinez only received a yellow card for this challengeCredit: PAIt left Cole Palmer in a heap on the floor and was reviewed by the VARCredit: PAA quick check led to referee Robert Jones’ decision being upheldCredit: Sky SportsIn stoppage time, Red Devils defender Martinez lunged into a tackle with Blues playmaker Palmer and caught him on the knee.Referee Robert Jones booked the Argentinian for the poorly-timed challenge, before a VAR review came up on the Sky Sports coverage.But the review quickly ended as the VAR deemed a caution to be a sufficient punishment.Yet Manchester United icon Neville, who was commentating on the game, admitted: “When you go that high I think you’re asking for a red card. I think he’s lucky.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”When you go knee-high and the ball’s gone, I think it’s a red.”While Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said: “I think there is not intention to take the ball and the foul is quite dangerous.”He went on to add “it is quite clear it is a red”.The official Premier League Match Centre channel explained the decision on X, saying: “The referee issued a yellow card to Martinez for a challenge on Palmer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”VAR checked for a potential red card and confirmed the referee’s call of no red card, deeming that it was a reckless challenge and not serious foul play.”But fans remained adamant the tackle was deserving of a red.Chelsea ratings vs Man UtdOne described it as a “brutal attack,” while another added: “Bro how is that not a red 😭😭.”A third replied: “Literal definition of a red.”And a fourth responded: “How can that not be a red card? Doesn’t matter if he slips as it’s still dangerous.” More

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      Man Utd ratings: Bruno Fernandes leads from the front with goal but Andre Onana looks shaky in Chelsea draw

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      MANCHESTER UNITED held Chelsea to a 1-1 bore-draw at Old Trafford as Ruud van Nistelrooy’s new-manager bounce fell flat.United struggled to put on a show for new gaffer Ruben Amorim, who arrives on November 11, as they sit 13th in Premier League table.Bruno Fernandes put United ahead with a 70th minute penaltyMoises Caicedo levelled with a brilliant volley three minutes laterCole Palmer threw the first punch as Matthijs De Ligt kept his shot out inside 10 minutesCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford struck the bar just before half-timeOld Trafford was full of verve and excitement pre-match but that fizzled out courtesy of another flat showing from their players. Noni Madueke had the best first chance after his header somehow smacked off the post from three yards out, before Levi Colwill missed the rebound.Apart from a couple of dazzling touches from Cole Palmer the first half lacked any sort of spark or quality.Marcus Rashford came agonisingly close to giving United the lead on the stroke of half-time but his volley hit the angle of post and bar.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever after some dire stuff from both teams, Bruno Fernandes’ 70th minute penalty put the home side ahead.But the penalty, given away after keeper Robert Sanchez clipped Rasmus Hojlund’s foot for the foul, left Chelsea needing to react.And Moises Caicedo provided the goods with a stunning controlled volley just four minutes later, to leave Chelsea without a victory at Old Trafford in their last 12 visits.Lisandro Martinez rode his luck in the closing stages with a knee-high challenge on Palmer, which was reviewed by VAR but deemed not worthy of a sending off.Most read in FootballHere’s how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated every Man Utd player…Andre Onana – 5 Will be disappointed not to keep out Caicedo’s equaliser. Almost put Casemiro in trouble with sloppy early pass too.‘Olivia Rodrigo, you traitor’, say Chelsea fans after singer paraded around Old Trafford pitch for Man Utd clashNoussair Mazraoui – 6 Key interception to prevent Neto getting in on goal late on and tried to support Garnacho where possibleMatthijs de Ligt – 6 Good early block to deny Palmer. Late slip under pressure from Jackson almost proved costly.Matthijs De Ligt played a full 90Credit: AlamyLisandro Martinez – 6Lucky not to concede a pen with clumsy challenge on Colwill and lucky to escape a red for x-rated late tackle on Palmer.Lisandro Martinez was lucky to not see red for a lunge on Palmer in injury timeDiogo Dalot – 6 Poor tackle on Pedro Neto earned a deserved booking and had a real battle with his international team-mate.Casemiro – 7 Made a difference with super ball to Hojlund in lead up to pen – but could he have got more distance on clearing header that was despatched by Moises Caicedo.Manuel Ugarte – 6 Rugby tackle on Palmer but Uruguayan showed signs he is starting to settle in after big money summer move. Alejandro Garnacho – 6 Always a threat but wasted some great chances. Shot straight at Sanchez and shanked another effort after great work by Fernandes.Bruno Fernandes – 8 Created United’s best two chances for Rashford and Garnacho and then kept his cool to score from the spot.Bruno Fernandes thought he’d won itMarcus Rashford – 6 Hit the angle with volley on stroke of half-time and saw another shot saved by Sanchez. Better from the England man. Rasmus Hojlund – 6 Did not touch the ball in the Chelsea box first half but when he finally did he won the penalty.SubsAmad Diallo (73′ for Rashford)A couple of nice touches but not much impact. READ MORE SUN STORIESJoshua Zirkzee (’84 for Hojlund)A couple of nice touches but not much impact. Victor Lindelof (’84 for Ugarte)Thrown on to keep things tight and did that. More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Moises Caicedo caps strong performance with goal but Malo Gusto struggles in Man Utd draw

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      CHELSEA earned a 1-1 draw at Manchester United as Moises Caicedo cancelled out Bruno Fernandes’ penalty.Blues keeper Robert Sanchez brought down Rasmus Hojlund with 20 minutes remaining and Fernandes rolled in what looked to be a decisive spot kick.Bruno Fernandes put Manchester United ahead from the penalty spotCredit: ReutersMoises Caicedo levelled with a brilliant low strikeCredit: GettyBut Chelsea hit back swiftly as Moises Caicedo’s sweet strike flew into the bottom corner.The result sees Chelsea climb above Arsenal and Aston Villa into fourth place.Man Utd move up to 13th but remain six points adrift of the Champions League places.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield saw the performances of the Chelsea players.READ MORE ON CHELSEARobert Sanchez – 3Made a few really good saves in the first half, and was much improved after a poor performance last time out against Newcastle.That was until he gave away a reckless penalty on Rasmus Hojlund, which was easily dispatched by Bruno Fernandes.His mistakes are starting to cost Chelsea time after time.Malo Gusto – 2Got in good positions in the first half, but was often wasteful when he got there.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWas booked for a late challenge on Manuel Ugarte, before being hooked for Cucurella at half-time after an awful overall showing. Malo Gusto was taken off at half-time after a difficult afternoonCredit: ReutersWesley Fofana – 6 A strong performance at the back was marred only by the Frenchman letting Rasmus Hojlund escape him before winning a penalty for his side. Enzo Maresca appears to forget Premier League rule with Jadon Sancho statement ahead of Man Utd clashShowed brilliant recovery pace throughout the game, and made some crucial challenges too.Levi Colwill – 6That was a strong defensive showing from the Chelsea number 6. For a player with a passing range as impressive as his is, it would’ve been nice to see him use it more as Chelsea looked for a goal.Reece James – 5Improved this week, but still showed signs of rustiness as he gave the ball away in dangerous positions a few times. More effective on the right side in Malo Gusto’s position, and more comfortable there as expected with Marc Cucurella on the left. Another 90 minutes in the tank is fantastic news for Chelsea fans.Moises Caicedo – 9Scored a certain contender for goal of the month with a sensational volley from the edge of the box to level the scoring for his side. Effective in breaking up play for the Blues once more, and showed why he is worthy of the £100m price tag Chelsea paid for him.Caicedo capped an impressive display with the equaliserCredit: GettyRomeo Lavia – 8Another impressive midfield performance from the Belgian, who shows prowess beyond his years on and off the ball. Seems the perfect pivot partner for Moises Caicedo, and people need to start talking about how Manchester City let him go for peanuts.Noni Madueke – 6Unfortunate to hit the post in the 13th minute with a header following a corner.Worked hard defensively throughout the game too, but was unable to really put his creative abilities to the test.Cole Palmer – 7In the first half, his signature ‘Palmer touch’ got the away supporters off their feet, and he was Chelsea’s most creative outlet on the day. Unable to add another goal or assist to his impressive tally this season, but still had a solid showing.Pedro Neto – 5Showed flashes of brilliance on the left-hand side, and came close with a shot across goal in the second half. Was moved to the right-hand side in the second half, but it was much of the same from there. Nicolas Jackson – 5Pretty invisible up front for Chelsea today. Worked hard and tracked back well when required to, but fans were left confused as to why Christopher Nkunku was left on the bench. In fairness to him, could’ve had an assist if Enzo Fernandez could finish his dinner.SubsMarc Cucurella (for Gusto, 46 mins) – 5A solid showing on the left-hand side. Chelsea look a better team with him in the 11.Mykhailo Mudryk (for Madueke, 70 mins) – 4Tried to light things up on the left hand side, but his spark wasn’t enough to win the game for his side. Enzo Fernandez (for Lavia, 70 mins) – 2Missed an absolute sitter which would have won his team the game after coming on. READ MORE SUN STORIESLooks very short on confidence.Unused subs: Tosin, Badiashile, Jorgensen, Felix, Nkunku, Veiga. More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson leaves Sir Jim Ratcliffe in stitches in the Old Trafford stands in first Prem match since Ten Hag exit

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON appeared to have Sir Jim Ratcliffe in stitches as the pair caught up ahead of Sunday’s battle between Manchester United and Chelsea.Both men were in attendance as the Red Devils took on the Blues in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s first Premier League match in caretaker charge.Sir Alex Ferguson caught up with Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Old TraffordCredit: PARatcliffe, 72, was in stitches during their chatCredit: PAThe Ineos chief appeared to enjoy catching up with FergusonCredit: PAAs they took their places in Old Trafford’s posh seats for the 1-1 draw, the duo shook hands.During their handshake, Ferguson appeared to say something that had Ratcliffe in fits of laughter.The Ineos chief, 72, beamed as he giggled with his mouth wide open.Ferguson, 82, was recently relieved of his £2million-a-year ambassadorial role at the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut there did not appear to be any animosity between the two men at all.Ferguson was also in attendance as his former striker Van Nistelrooy took caretaker charge against Leicester in the mid-week Carabao Cup clash.The Scot will have been delighted to witness the Red Devils’ 5-2 thumping of the Foxes.Fans were left surprised when they spotted who was sat next to Ferguson during the match.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe United legend was seen chatting away with former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan.They both appeared to enjoy the match, despite Vaughan being a Sheffield Wednesday fan.Fans spot Frank Lampard’s reaction to Roy Keane fuming at being called ‘Cardi B’ for outfit choice at Man Utd vs ChelseaLast weekend Ferguson took a break from the Premier League, instead watching son Darren’s Peterborough take on nearby Bolton.He also took a trip north of the border last month, watching former side Aberdeen draw 2-2 with Celtic at Parkhead.Ferguson watched the mid-week match alongside Michael VaughanCredit: Rex More