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      Man Utd title winner looks unrecognisable as he joins former club for the third time at 35 in emotional reunion

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      A FORMER Manchester United star looks unrecognisable after returning to his boyhood club.The ace spent two years at Old Trafford but crucially that included the 2012-13 season as Sir Alex Ferguson lifted his 13th Premier League title. This former Manchester United star has rejoined his boyhood club for a third spellCredit: InstagramHe only made five league appearances in his debut season after signing while in a chippy – even scoring and assisting in a 4-0 win over Wigan on his debut. However, he was granted a winner’s medal after Fergie approved a special dispensation.The footballer, 35, then scored on the final day of the season in a bonkers 5-5 draw with West Brom, the legendary Scot’s last match as boss.He continued to play a back-up role in defence under David Moyes the following season.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, he did rack up eight further Premier League games and 15 appearances in all competitions.But the Dutchman was sold in 2014 to Dynamo Moscow and he has since had spells in Belgium, America and back in his homeland. Now, though, he has penned a deal with Vitesse Arnhem in Holland’s second division – and rocks a totally different appearance from his Red Devils days with a new blonde hairstyle after ditching his iconic look.The defender came through the academy at Vitesse having joined aged 16 following a stint with Ajax and made his name at the club to earn his Old Trafford transfer. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe returned to the GelreDome in January 2017 but left two-and-a-half years later – only to pen a fresh contract at the club in August 2024 at the age of 35. But who is the mystery player, who has even launched a clothing brand as a lucrative side hustle? Man Utd hero Lee Sharpe opened up about the most unforgettable hairdryer treatment he ever received from legendary manager Sir Alex FergusonIt is none other than Alexander Buttner. The left-back was famous for his Mohican during his time in England.However, he struggled for regular minutes in the starting XI as he found himself behind Patrice Evra in the pecking order. Buttner added the KNVB Cup with Vitesse in 2017 to go with his Premier League medal. Despite representing the Netherlands at Under-19s and U20s level, he did not earn a senior cap for his country.Ironically, Buttner is now a team-mate of his cousin Giovanni Buttner at Vitesse, who were relegated from the Eredivisie last season after finishing bottom.The duo, born more than ten years apart, played together at De Graafschap and were reunited at Vitesse when Giovanni joined the club in September – a month after Alexander did the same. The mystery footballer is Alexander Buttner, who won the Premier League in 2013Credit: Getty – ContributorHe scored on his debut against WiganCredit: Action Images – ReutersHe was famous for his Mohican hairstyle at Old TraffordCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Premier League manager leaves game on CRUTCHES after injuring himself in the dugout as season goes from bad to worse

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      WEST HAM manager Julen Lopetegui was spotted leaving Anfield on crutches following last night’s Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool.The Hammers suffered a 5-1 loss to Arne Slot’s side as their season went from bad to worse.Julen Lopetegui injured himself during West Ham’s match against LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe West Ham boss suffered a calf issue on the touchlineJarell Quansah scored an own-goal to give West Ham the advantage after 21 minutes, but Diogo Jota quickly equalised.Second-half strikes from Jota, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo then sealed the win for Liverpool.New Hammers boss Lopetegui was animated on the touchline throughout and even appeared to injure himself at one point.With the score at 3-1, summer signing Crysencio Summerville missed a huge chance for the visitors.Read More in FootballLopetegui reacted by jumping in the air, but suffered a calf issue in the process.He then spent the remainder of the match seated in the dugout.During his post-match press conference, the Spaniard admitted: “I have one little injury in my calf.”Lopetegui went on to give his verdict on the game, adding: “I don’t think that we deserve this score. I think that we have been in the match, in a lot of moments, even better than them.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I prefer not to talk about the referee. It is very clear for me the decisions have been against us and the key decisions.”But in the end when we had chances to score we didn’t do. To win these kind of matches you have to stay close.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Bold £84m Bid for Nantes”After the third goal and the red card it was much more difficult. The last part of the match was very bad for us.”Liverpool will now face Brighton away in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. More

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      Man Utd fans say ‘peak Glazer insanity’ after finding out club failed in £83.5m transfer for Premier League flop

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have slammed the “peak insanity” from the Glazers after learning about their failed bid for a Barcelona flop.The controversial owners made a £83.5million offer to the LaLiga giants for Ansu Fati in 2020 – when the winger was just 17 years old.Manchester United’s £83million bid for Ansu Fati was rejected in 2020Credit: GettyThe forward failed to make his mark while on loan at BrightonCredit: GettyThe Glazer family has repeatedly come under fire for their failed recruitment plansWhile Fati was coming through the ranks and had burst onto the scene in Spain at the time, nothing warranted that price tag.In his 2019-20 debut season, then 16-year-old Fati became Barca’s youngest goalscorer — a record since taken by Lamine Yamal.He subsequently finished second in the 2020 Golden Boy award behind Erling Haaland – who arrived at Manchester City for £52million in 2022.United’s summer approach for Fati came on the back of a third-place finish in the Premier League under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBarca were able to fend off interest and tie Fati down to a long-term deal with a mammoth £363m release clause.When Lionel Messi left for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, Fati took over the No10 shirt — but then a serious knee injury struck.He was shipped out on a season-long loan to Prem side Brighton in 2023 – but failed to live up to their near £7million investment.Fati has been absent with a foot injury so far this season and still has plenty of time to realise his immense potential.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited fans have lashed out at the Glazers after learning new details of the failed move from The Athletic.One wrote: “Peak Glazer insanity”, before another commented: “That family were in a league of their own 😂.”Man Utd legend Roy Keane blasts Arsenal as ‘small team with small mentality’ in furious rant at Ian WrightA second said: “Typical United willing to send a fortune on any mid player.”A third added: “Obviously Ed Woodward and co would immediately overpay for such a player.”While another noted: “WOW. We dodged a nuke.”United left it late to do their business in 2020, sealing deadline day deals for Alex Telles, Edinson Cavani and Facundo Pellistri. Amad also signed at the end of the window, though he didn’t join until January 2021.Poor recruitment from the Glazer family has arguably been the greatest issue among fans throughout United’s post-Fergie era.The transfer strategy was so bad that it, alongside “draining the club allegations”, sparked as series of protests outside Old Trafford from 2021 onwards.United are guilty of over-spending on both unreliable and unproven players.Just look at the millions spent on Paul Pogba, Angel di Maria, and more recently Antony and Harry Maguire.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn fact, Bruno Fernandes’ arrival in 2020 is perhaps the only transfer decision that United have got right in the last 10 years.But the Red Devils have now placed their hopes in new minority stake co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who promised a different transfer strategy moving forward.Man Utd player ratings vs FC TwenteMANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford.That result dealt a big blow to their chances of finishing in the top eight and avoiding two extra fixtures.See how the players rated on an underwhelming night at Old Trafford.Andre Onana – 6Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 6Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.Harry Maguire – 6Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with a header cleared off the line.Lisandro Martinez – 7Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.Noussair Mazraoui – 6New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front.Christian Eriksen – 7Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser.Manuel Ugarte – 6A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser.Marcus Rashford – 8Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self.Bruno Fernandes – 6Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.Amad Diallo – 6His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund.Find out how the Man Utd subs rated here More

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      Jamie Carragher’s Cristiano Ronaldo comment leaves Man Utd icon Gary Neville looking sheepish live on Stick to Football

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER’S latest comment about Cristiano Ronaldo had Gary Neville looking sheepish live on Stick to Football.The former Liverpool defender was previously snubbed by the five-time Ballon d’Or winner after criticising his performances.Jamie Carragher left Gary Neville looking sheepish live on the Stick to Football podcastCredit: Stick to FootballThe former Liverpool defender made a comment about Cristiano RonaldoCredit: GettyHowever, he could not resist poking fun at their previous interaction at the expense of his ex-Manchester United team-mate.Carragher was speaking on Stick to Football, brought to you by Sky Bet, alongside Neville, Jill Scott, Roy Keane and Ian Wright.Discussing the best players from Premier League-winning teams, attention turned to United’s 2007/08 side.Under Sir Alex Ferguson, the Red Devils won both the league title and the Champions League that season.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBoth Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo were put forward from that squad, which was captained by Neville.During the debate, Carragher said: “Friend of the show isn’t he, Wayne.”Wright then replied: “They’re all friends of the show ‘Stick to United’ we’re doing.”This prompted Carragher to quip: “I don’t think Ronaldo is. He’s pied two of us.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNeville was left looking sheepish as he peered down at the table in response to his co-hosts remark.Ronaldo snubbed Carragher before Liverpool’s clash with United at Old Trafford in August 2022.Man Utd legend Roy Keane blasts Arsenal as ‘small team with small mentality’ in furious rant at Ian WrightThe Sky Sports pundit had been critical of the veteran forward since his return to the Red Devils the previous summer.As a result, Ronaldo ignored Carragher’s attempt at a handshake before embracing Neville and Keane on the touchline.Just two months later, though, Neville received the cold shoulder ahead of a match against West Ham live on Sky Sports.He had ripped into his ex-team-mate’s strop during the previous match against Tottenham before they crossed paths prior to kick-off.Carragher was snubbed by Ronaldo before Manchester United faced Liverpool in 2022Credit: Twitter @footballdailyThere was no embrace for Neville, however, despite Ronaldo speaking to fellow former United hero Louis Saha.Carragher reacted to the snub by writing on social media: “Welcome to the blanked by Ronaldo club @GNev2.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Neville joked on air: “We’re off the Christmas card list.”Ronaldo made 138 appearances alongside Neville for United, with the pair winning nine trophies including three league titles and the Champions League.Ronaldo then blanked Neville at Old Trafford just two months later in October 2022Credit: Sky SportsNeville joked ‘we’re off the Christmas card list’ after Ronaldo snubbed his former captainCredit: Sky Sports More

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      Why EA FC 25 has been forced to censor Jadon Sancho’s tattoos as eagle-eyed fans spot character’s unusual sleeve

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      THE LATEST edition of popular video game EA FC has been forced to censor the tattoos of Chelsea star Jadon Sancho.EA FC 25 hits shelves tomorrow and is available on various consoles including the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch.Jadon Sancho’s tattoos have been heavily censored in the new EA FC video gameCredit: GettySancho’s character has the same shapes as real life, but the ink has been blacked outCredit: EA FC 25However, fans who snapped up the ‘Ultimate Edition’ have been able to play the game, which used to be called FIFA, for the last week.Gamers can play a variety of modes from online seasons to their own personal career mode.But some eagle-eyed fanatics spotted a huge change to Sancho’s character.The former Manchester United winger moved to Chelsea this summer in a deadline day loan deal, which will become permanent next year for £25million.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSancho has already impressed with several assists and was even crowned Man of the Match on his debut.However, EA FC have made a big change to his look on their video game.In real life, Sancho boasts several tattoos, including an interesting sleeve on his right arm.The ink shows off several characters including Homer Simpson, Spider-Man and Sonic the Hedgehog.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut EA has not got the rights to copy the images in the same detail.And they have instead been censored on Sancho’s arm in the game, with the shapes roughly the same but the ink filled in black. Man Utd flop Jadon Sancho makes bizarre claim about Enzo Maresca being reason he joined Chelsea but it doesn’t add upSancho’s arm features inkings of Spider-Man and Sonic the HedgehogCredit: RexAnother tattoo shows off Marge and Homer SimpsonCredit: The TimesSancho had previously moaned about his tattoos not be included at all in video games.Speaking in 2019, when EA FC was still FIFA, he said: “My tattoo has got to be in the next FIFA game.“EA should also take a closer look at my hair to get my hairstyle better.“Because my hair actually has a transition on the sides, but not in FIFA 20.” More

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      Why is Leandro Trossard not suspended for Arsenal’s match against Leicester after being sent off vs Man City?

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      ARSENAL fans had it in their head that they would be welcoming Leicester to the Emirates without Leandro Trossard – but that is not the case!The Gunners forward was controversially sent off after picking up two yellow cards in a frenetic clash against Manchester City last weekend.Leandro Trossard was sent off in the crunch clash against Man CityCredit: AlamyAnd in normal procedures, Trossard would be suspended for the next Premier League match.However, the Belgian is part of the squad for Arsenal’s home fixture due to a little loophole.SunSport can explain what that is below.Why is Leandro Trossard not suspended against Leicester?Leandro Trossard is eligible to play for Arsenal against Leicester as he would have already served his suspension for the Gunners’ midweek Carabao Cup clash against Bolton.Read more on ArsenalRules state that suspensions from a two-yellow card dismissal can be carried into the next match across all domestic competitions.Trossard became the second Arsenal player to see red in the past three games – the other being Declan Rice against Brighton.Declan Rice was sent off for a similar incident just weeks beforeCredit: RexWhy did Leandro Trossard get a red card?The Belgian was initially booked for a tug on Manchester City star Savinho’s shirt.And then Trossard was sent for an early bath after barging Bernardo Silva in the back before delaying the restart by kicking the ball away.Most read in FootballArsenal were forced to play the entire second half with a man less and finally conceded a dramatic late equaliser in stoppage time.John Stones bundled the ball over the line in the 98th minute to rescue a point for the champions.What has been said?Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was furious with the decision that saw Trossard receive a red card.Speaking to Sky Sports, Arteta said: “We were more efficient and went 2-1 up and then there were two incidents, very similar, one in particular, but had a very different outcome which then forces you to have a game which nobody wants to watch.”I think it’s very clear. Very obvious. Hopefully what 100 per cent of what people thinks. “It’s not my job to come here and judge what happened. My job is to survive in the most difficult environment you can throw in football for 55 minutes.”And try to get things done to survive. That’s my job, the rest is not my job.”It’s already the second time it has happened in five games, which is really, really worrying if we want to see the best Premier League.”Arteta added: “Anyone that has played football or any sport [can see] it’s less than a second. Less than a second. The previous one [Doku] is more than a second. That’s it, simple.” More

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      Man Utd legend Roy Keane blasts ‘dinosaurs’ Arsenal as ‘small team with small mentality’ in furious rant at Ian Wright

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      ROY KEANE furiously labelled Arsenal a “small club with a small mentality” as he slammed their tactics in the 2-2 draw with Manchester City.Mikel Arteta’s men led 2-1 when they were reduced to 10 men at the end of the first half at the Etihad on Sunday as Leandro Trossard received a second yellow card for kicking the ball away.Roy Keane slammed Arsenal’s tactics against Manchester City as Ian Wright defended his former clubCredit: YouTube / Stick to FootballArsenal spent almost all of the second half in their own boxAfter the break, the Gunners then retreated into their own half and had just 12.5 per cent of the ball.Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz also failed to complete a single pass in the match, making them the first outfield players since records began to play 89 minutes of a Premier League match and not register a successful pass.Ultimately, Arsenal came up short with their low block as John Stones salvaged a point for the champions deep into stoppage time.And Manchester United icon Keane, 53, was furious with how the North London side played as he vented at Gunners legend Ian Wright.READ MORE ON ARSENALSpeaking on Stick to Football, brought to you by SkyBet, he said: “If Tony Pulis, Sam Allardyce, Steve Bruce or Neil Warnock set up a team like that for the second half, they are ‘dinosaurs’. When Arsenal do it, it’s called ‘brilliant’, it’s ‘concentration levels’. “When they won the ball back, which they did every now and again, try and look after it and try and get up the pitch.”There was an incident when [Ben] White just kicked it out of play, [Declan] Rice a couple of times, just kicked it up the pitch.”This is Arsenal we’re talking about – not a Championship team in the FA Cup – that’s hanging in there.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe then went on to add: “I’m on about when you’ve got it [the ball], still look after it.”Don’t even worry about playing one up front, but when you do get it try and get four, five, six passes.Arsenal vs Manchester City: Player Ratings Breakdown”They were just booting it like a small team with a small mentality.”When I see England international players just booting it out of play I’m going ‘What are you? League One? League Two?'”Keane’s criticism of Arsenal comes after his former team-mate Paul Scholes admitted Arteta’s side have “disappointed” him so far this season.He said: “Arsenal, at some point, have got to beat them [Manchester City at the Etihad]. They nearly did it, and it was a great effort.”I sat here at the start of the season and thought Arsenal might win the league, but I’ve been a little bit disappointed with their start to the season.”Arsenal have been poor going forward this season.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You look at all the goals they scored last year, and everyone was talking about getting a centre forward in the summer and you thought they probably didn’t need it.”But five or six games in, it feels like Arsenal are struggling – it’s not quite clicking.” More

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      Dan Friedkin ‘plotting bombshell move for ex-Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri’ after Everton takeover

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      NEW Everton owner Dan Friedkin has reportedly made ex-Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri his top managerial target.The American businessman finally bought the Toffees this week after seeing an £800million move collapse two months ago.Former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is being lined up as the new manager of EvertonCredit: AP:Associated PressThe Europa League and Serie A winner was most recently in charge of LazioCredit: ReutersFriedkin has taken over Farhad Moshiri’s 94.1 per cent stake in the club.And Everton are just the latest team in his impressive portfolio, with Friedkin also the owner of Roma.The Merseyside club have endured a sticky start to the season under Sean Dyche, who is yet to win while losing four of his five opening matches.Everton lie 19th in the table with just one point to their name and a negative goal difference of 9 after blowing a series of matchwinning leads.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Dyche is now said to be under real pressure, with reports claiming ex-England boss Gareth Southgate is in the frame to take charge.However Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport state that Serie A title winner Sarri is actually top of Friedkin’s shortlist.The chain-smoking tactician is best known by Premier League fans for his single season at Chelsea in the 2018/19 campaign.Sarri’s decision to implement a new possession-based style received a mixed reception, especially after a 6-0 defeat to Manchester City.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe was also embroiled in an infamous clash with Kepa Arrizabalaga during the Carabao Cup final.Sarri was left screaming on the sideline when his world-record £71million goalie refused to come off ahead of the penalty shootout against City, which Chelsea went on to narrowly lose.Everton’s £760million new stadium close to completion as incredible new video of ground is revealed Sean Dyche is yet to win a match this season, with Everton losing four of five games so farCredit: ReutersNew Toffees owner Dan Friedkin considered Sarri for his other team, RomaCredit: GettyBut the Italian ended his Stamford Bridge spell on a high as the Blues dominated Arsenal 4-1 in the Europa League final – while also recording a third-place finish back home.And Friedkin reckons Sarri is the right man to take Everton forward after considering him for the Roma job.Friedkin ruthlessly sacked club legend Daniele De Rossi earlier this month just four games into the season.But he ended up moving for Ivan Juric due to Sarri’s links with fierce rivals Lazio.The gaffer managed Roma’s enemies for almost three years before quitting in March.Maurizio Sarri’s major career statsSarri’s top-flight record as a boss:Empoli, 2012-2015: P132 W52 D45 L35Napoli, 2015-2018: P148 W98 D25 L25Chelsea, 2018-2019: P63 W39 D13 L11Juventus, 2019-2020: P52 W34 D9 L9Lazio, 2021-2024: P139 W67 D30 L42TrophiesEuropa League (Chelsea)Serie A (Juventus)They’re not the only Serie A side Sarri has managed either, having received great acclaim as Napoli boss between 2015 and 2018.He won major praise for his dynamic attacking style while setting a record for most consecutive wins on two separate occasions.But Napoli’s thin squad just felt short of ending Juventus’ title run, finishing second by four points in his final season.After Chelsea, Sarri ended up at Juventus where he paired Cristiano Ronaldo in attack with old favourite Gonzalo Higuain.He led the Turin giants to their ninth consecutive title.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut defeat in the Italian Cup final, as well as an early Champions League exit, saw him sacked after just 15 months.And Sarri is yet to manage since leaving Lazio earlier this year, where he managed a second-place Serie A finish in 2023. More