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      Why Cole Palmer has fewer touches but is more deadly as Maresca’s Chelsea tactics make the most of his talismanic star

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      COLE PALMER is averaging fewer touches this season.But the good news for Chelsea fans is he’s become even more deadly.Cole Palmer is even more efficient this season for ChelseaCredit: GettyThe star scored four goals against Brighton including this free-kickCredit: GettyAnd that is thanks to Enzo Maresca’s tactical tweak. Palmer enjoyed a stunning debut season at Stamford Bridge, thriving on a free role on the right under Mauricio Pochettino and was crowned PFA Young Player of the Year.He racked up a staggering 22 goals and 11 assists in his 33 Premier League appearances and did so with 65 touches per 90 minutes of action.However, this term under new boss Maresca his stats are even better. READ MORE ON CHELSEAPalmer has already racked up six goals and five assists from 596 minutes spanning seven games – at an average of just 57 touches per 90 minutes. In fact, Palmer boasts a whopping 44 Premier League goal involvements since the start of last season – two more than Erling Haaland. The numbers work out as a goal involvement every 54 minutes in 2024-25 compared to every 79 minutes in 2023-24.Of course, those numbers are boosted by his incredible four-goals-in-20-minutes blitz against Brighton in September. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd the reason behind the emphatic boost is because Palmer has been moved to playing more centrally as a No10 with Noni Madueke and Jadon Sancho the regulars out wide in the current Chelsea starting XI.That has enabled the England international to roam in the middle of the pitch and still drift wider – rather than trying to come in off the wing and find himself wrestling with team-mates for space. How to cure England’s Bellingham, Foden and Palmer headacheAt times he does drop deep but Palmer prefers to find square pockets between midfielders and defenders to receive the ball and cause damage – either shooting at goal or creating chances for his fellow forwards. Maresca, who coached Palmer at Manchester City, is relishing working with the star again – and is certainly getting the best out of him.The Italian explained to the Chelsea website: “He can play in different positions for us because he is so good on the ball. “He can play wide, in the middle, as a nine.“We try to use him in one position at the moment in the middle of the pitch.”But it depends a little bit on the game plan we have and sometimes we move him wide a little bit like he did many times against Brighton. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We try to give him the opportunity to enjoy his football because, with him, that is the main thing.”And after struggling to get into the game when played back in his old wide position for England in the Nations League, Palmer, Maresca and Chelsea fans will be desperate to see him back in the No10 when the Blues head to Anfield to take on Liverpool on Sunday. Palmer operates centrally with Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke either sideCredit: PA More

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      ‘I didn’t see the club going upwards’ – Paul Pogba reveals he predicted Man Utd woes five years ago

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      PAUL POGBA revealed he predicted Manchester United’s woes five years ago – after demanding to leave the club. Pogba found himself at civil war with then-United manager Jose Mourinho until Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over in December 2018. Paul Pogba wanted to leave Manchester United in 2019Credit: GettyThe Frenchman went onto finish the season as the club’s top goalscorer and things appeared to be on the up under Solskjaer. But Pogba has revealed he actually asked former United chief Ed Woodward to LEAVE in 2019 – before being denied. He told the Daily Mail: “I will tell you something I’ve never told anyone. “The year Jose went and Ole came, it was my best season at United but after the last game I told Ole and Ed Woodward that I thought it was my last year and that I wanted to leave.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I was 27 back then, it didn’t work out the way I wanted. I gave my best but I didn’t see the club going upwards.”Manchester City and Liverpool were better than us and they were improving. Ole said yes (to me leaving) and that he would talk to Ed.”My head was already that I wanted to go but I came back for pre-season because I wanted to be professional.”I spoke to Ed to try to make a move but he blocked it. I didn’t want to play for United anymore but I had to be professional.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Mentally I wasn’t there and then I got the injuries.” Pogba initially left United in 2012 for Juventus, but after four years in Italy he returned to Manchester in an £89m deal. Paul Pogba ban reducedBack in England he won the Europa League and League Cup but did finally get his move back to Juventus in 2022. His career hit a crisis in February when he was hit with a FOUR-YEAR football ban for failing a drug test for a banned substance. But the 2018 World Cup winner protested his innocence with the suspension slashed to just 18 months. It paves the way for Pogba to continue his career in January with his contract at Juve set to be terminated. He said: “I have goals and dreams — my dream was always to play for the national team and it is still in my head. “But today the future of Paul is to get back on the pitch and show I still have the level.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Football hasn’t stopped because I can’t play; players are playing, that’s life — that’s the circle. “All the players will say, ‘Pogba is back, I don’t want him to take my position’. That’s normal. But I have to be ready.”Pogba is set to resume his career in JanuaryCredit: Sky Sports News More

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      Former Premier League star reveals he was scammed out of over £500,000 by friend dubbed France’s Queen of Fraud

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      A FORMER Premier League star has revealed he was scammed out of more than £500,000 by the woman dubbed France’s Queen of Fraud.Aurelie Bard, 39, received a two-year suspended jail term in 2023 after being found guilty of stealing £635,000 from French firm Inseec six years ago.French entrepreneur Aurelie Bard – pictured with DJ Khaled – scammed £585,000 from an ex-Premier League footballerCredit: The Mega AgencyAnd the accountant is currently on trial for her alleged part in defrauding £84MILLION from fashion company Kiabi.She got to know the footballer when he played for her hometown club in France.The brunette later made multiple trips to England to visit him.However, the player told French media that she forged over 140 cheques from his private bank account – paying herself around 700,000 Euros (£585,000).READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpeaking anonymously, he told Le Parisien: “I was Aurelie’s first victim.”The player’s lawyer added: “She wrote cheques from one of his private accounts, and cashed them herself.”She bought herself presents with the money, such as a luxury watch, in order to seduce him and convince him she came from a wealthy family.”Aurelie B recognised what she had done in a written letter of confession.Most read in Football”Thanks to this we were later to recoup the funds by making my client’s bank face up to its responsibilities.”Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanThe player said he ended his acquaintance with Bard on learning of her deception but declined to press charges.He later had most of his losses refunded after proving his bank acted negligently in honouring cheques signed by Aurelie.The Kiabi fraud trial continues.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Man Utd players told to pay Sir Alex Ferguson’s salary after he was dropped from multi-million pound role

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      MANCHESTER UNITED players have been told to pay Sir Alex Ferguson’s salary after he was dropped from his multi-million pound role.The Red Devils legend was removed from his official ambassadorial role as part of cost-cutting measures.Sir Alex Ferguson should have his axed wage paid by Man Utd players, says Stuart PearceCredit: GettyPearce also cheekily hinted at another alternativeCredit: Getty13-time title winner Fergie was pocketing over £2million a year for representing United on the global stage.But Sir Jim Ratcliffe feels the money will be better spent elsewhere.Sir Alex will continue to fly the flag for United though, despite also being banned from the dressing room.And England icon Stuart Pearce reckons current players should chip together to restore Fergie’s wage.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ex-Man City star told talkSPORT: “Wouldn’t it be good if the United squad said we’ll fund that money per-season to keep Alex in post because he’s too important to this club?“I got a little bit mischievous and thought, what if Manchester City players said, wouldn’t it be good if we chipped in and paid Alex Ferguson’s wages each year to keep him in place for what he’s done for that club across the road, that is going to inspire us on a weekly basis.“It would be classy. You’ve sacked your best ever but we’ll fund him, it’s no problem.”One former player who was left outraged by the decision to axe Fergie was Eric Cantona.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe insisted the Scot should have the run of the place after his achievements.And the Frenchman went on to use an expletive to describe the chaos.Man Utd injury blow as £51m signing limps out of international duty to hand Ten Hag selection headache Cantona said: “Sir Alex Ferguson should be able to do anything he wants at the club until the day he dies. “Such a lack of respect. It’s totally scandalous. Sir Alex Ferguson will be my boss forever! And I throw them all in a big bag of s***!” More

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      Zinedine Zidane ‘in constant contact with Man Utd chief’ as Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues to consider Erik ten Hag future

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE has been in constant talks with one of Manchester United’s trusted chiefs.Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos team continue to weigh up what to do with Erik ten Hag’s future after holding crunch talks during the international break.Zinedine Zidane has been touted as a possible replacement for Erik ten HagCredit: SplashTen Hag has retained his role despite the pressure ramping upCredit: GettyIneos Sport CEO Jean-Claude Blanc has been in constant talks with fellow Frenchman ZidaneIneos’ chief executive officer of sport Jean-Claude Blanc has kept an open line of dialogue open with Zidane, according to The Independent.Ratcliffe and Frenchman Blanc have long been admirers of the former Real Madrid manager, who is yet to decide if he wants to return to management.Zidane’s three consecutive Champions League trophies is what Ineos is aspiring to bring to Old Trafford.Pressure is starting to mount on Ten Hag, with United 14th and on a -3 goal difference in their worst ever start in the Prem after seven games.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFor now it looks like United will stick by Ten Hag, who signed a one-year contract extension over the summer.Ratcliffe, Blanc and all other major decision makers held a seven-hour meeting in London last Tuesday but no details have emerged.Ten Hag survived a June review and was handed £205m during the summer window, to bring his total spending to more than £600m.With Thomas Tuchel now out of the running for the Man Utd job, Ratcliffe must adjust his shortlist should Ten Hag be sacked.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSZidane’s managerial careerIn four years at Real Madrid:2x LaLiga2x Supercopa de Espana3x Champions League2x Super Cup2x Club World Cup Tuchel was announced as England’s new boss and permanent successor to Gareth Southgate today.Zidane, 52, is one of the few men with winning pedigree who is currently out of a job.Thomas Tuchel gives his first message to fans as England manager But it was reported last month, that Zidane would reject the role, mostly on the basis of not being fully comfortable speaking English.He told L’Equipe: “Would I want to go to Manchester? I understand English, but I’m not completely fluent in it.”I know that there are coaches who go to clubs without speaking the language, but I work in a different way. “Many elements come into play in order to win, it is a global context. I know what I need to win.”But the Red Devils intend to keep that connection with Zidane open should there be a changes in both situations.He took charge of Real Madrid on two occasions and won two LaLigas and three Champions League titles.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has not managed since leaving Los Blancos for a second time in 2021.Graham Potter, Kieran McKenna, Simone Inzaghi, Ruben Amorim and Southgate also remain in contention to become the next United boss. More

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      World Cup 2026 will be battle of ex-Premier League stars with NINETEEN set to be managing countries – can you name them?

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      NINETEEN former Premier League stars could end up battling at the World Cup in 2026.The USA, Canada and Mexico will host the next edition of Fifa’s supreme tournament.New England boss Thomas Tuchel could be one of 19 ex-Premier League aces manager at the World CupCredit: APAnd there will be plenty of aces on display once qualification is sorted.Argentina are the current holders after victory in Qatar nearly two year ago.But Euro winners Spain will certainly fancy their chances.While the likes of France, Germany and Portugal are also likely to be challengers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEngland could even make a splash after securing Thomas Tuchel as their new manager.Of course, everything hinges on whether these nations make it to the finals.Other smaller countries are also ready to compete for a place in North America.And should realistic nations be in the group draw, there could be as many as nineteen former Premier League stars taking charge of World Cup teams.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFirst and foremost is USA boss Mauricio Pochettino, whose side are already guaranteed to be there.He took charge this month after leaving Chelsea, and is best remembered in the Prem for his time at Tottenham.Five things you may not know about Thomas Tuchel from younger Brazilian girlfriend to former modelling careerInside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.England also have an ex-top flight ace at the helm, with Tuchel another former Chelsea manager.And the list of former Prem aces continues with France’s Didier Deschamps, who played for the Blues towards the end of his career.Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman once took charge of Southampton and Everton.While Portugal’s Roberto Martinez enjoyed spells with the Toffees and Wigan.Moving on, Scotland’s Steve Clarke had six months at West Brom.And Sweden’s Jon Dahl Tomasson played briefly for Newcastle.Elsewhere, Ukraine’s Sergei Rebrov turned out for both Tottenham and West Ham.Wales’ Craig Bellamy made a splash with a ton of clubs including Liverpool and Man City.Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel.While Austria’s Ralf Rangnick took charge of Manchester United on an interim basis.Norway’s Stale Solbakken had a short playing career with Wimbledon in the late 90s.And Turkey’s Vincenzo Montella spent time on loan at Fulham.Outside of the European nations, ex-Man City title winner Roberto Mancini will be hoping to qualify with Saudi Arabia.In Africa, former Reading man Emerse Fae leads Ivory Coast.While Senegal’s Aliou Cisse played for both Birmingham and Portsmouth.In North America, Jesse March is looking to lead Canada to the World Cup after his time at Leeds.While former Newcastle and England boss Steve McClaren is now in charge of Jamaica.READ MORE SUN STORIESFinally, South American fans have ex-Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa in charge of Uruguay.While Argentina World Cup winner Lionel Scaloni was once on loan at West Ham. More

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      Why Man Utd are set for more disappointment this weekend against Brentford as stats lay bare awful record

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could add to their dismal record after the international break when they host Brentford on Saturday.Erik ten Hag is under huge pressure at Old Trafford following The Red Devils’ worst ever start to a Premier League campaign.Erik ten Hag is under huge pressure after a dreadful start to the seasonCredit: GettyBrentford boss Thomas Frank is eyeing a victory at Old Trafford this weekendCredit: RexEight points from seven games sees them languishing in 14th place in the table.They are also without a win in two Europa League matches.And the stats do not suggest things will begin to turn around this weekend.According to sports betting site BetVictor, Man Utd have won just THREE of their last 10 games after the October international break stretching back to 2014.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThat is the worst record of the so-called “Big Six” – and even below the likes of Newcastle and Aston Villa.It is yet more damning news for Ten Hag – who faces an injury crisis ahead of the Brentford game.Due to a host of defenders being unavailable, Jonny Evans could be set to start at left-back.Noussair Mazrouai, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro are all sidelined.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSelected clubs’ records after the October international break since 2014Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo also face fitness problems.And new signing Manuel Ugarte has worried Man Utd fans by coming off during Uruguay’s goalless draw with Ecuador on Tuesday.A day in the life of workaholic Ten Hag revealed by ex-Man Utd coach who jokes ‘his wife is on verge of divorcing him’Brentford have won just one of their last 11 meetings with Man Utd.That came in Ten Hag’s first away game in the Premier League as his side were thrashed 4-0 in West London. More

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      Man Utd injury blow as £51m signing limps off to hand Ten Hag selection headache

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      MANUEL UGARTE has given Erik ten Hag another headache after an injury scare while on international duty.The £51million summer signing was subbed after 82 minutes of Uruguay’s goalless draw against Ecuador on Tuesday.Manuel Ugarte limped off during Uruguay’s 0-0 draw with EcuadorIt comes as the latest injury blow to under-fire Erik ten HagUgarte has been used sparingly by Ten Hag, but the injuries in midfield are mountingHe appeared to be in some discomfort and had treatment from one of the medical team before deciding he could not continue.The former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder is due to fly back to England today and will be checked when he returns to Carrington.But another fitness concern is that last thing Ten Hag needs as he starts preparations for Saturday’s clash with Brentford.It means there are now question marks over TEN United players ahead of a busy run of fixtures over the next three weeks.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFellow new boy Noussair Mazrouai is out of action for a few weeks following a minor heart procedure – after he had heart palpitations in the draw at Aston Villa.Like the Moroccan, Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho also pulled out of international duty following the game at Villa Park.And wide man Amad Diallo returned early from a spell with the Ivory Coast squad due to illness.Full-backs Luke Shaw (calf) and Tyrell Malacia (knee) are still sidelined while another defender, Harry Maguire, limped off at Villa with a foot injury which he says will keep him out for a few weeks.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSummer signing Leny Yoro has still yet to make his competitive debut for United – but is understood to be making good progress in his recovery from a broken metatarsal.Meanwhile Mason Mount was ruled out of the final two matches before the break but his injury is not believed to be serious.Tactical analysis of Man Utd star Manuel UgarteTen Hag is due to hold his press conference on Thursday to preview the clash with the Bees and is expected to give updates on some of his absent stars.The Red Devils recorded 75 different cases of injury last term – the most in the Prem.The cost of these injuries was £39.81m spent on players Ten Hag could not select.Manuel Ugarte the next Roy KeaneBy PHIL THOMASNEARLY two decades have passed since Roy Keane led Manchester United into battle for the final time.It left a gap in the engine room that the Red Devils have never really come close to filling in the 19 years that have followed.Many tried and some managed it in flashes and, although the trophies still rolled in for a time, there was no snarling, bring-it-on warrior prowling the midfield.Until now… until the imminent capture of a man who views a 50-50 challenge like a starving Labrador staring at a side of ham.For three months, United have licked their own lips at the prospect of a midfield marshalled by Uruguayan tough guy Manuel Ugarte.Finally, they have their man.Ugarte is pretty much a ball-winner pure and simple.Rarely will you see him pinging 40-yard passes to split a defence.But ending his days with half the reputation of Keane and a fraction of his silverware would still mean a hell of a career. More