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      I played alongside Ronaldo and Scholes at Man Utd but now run a shop aged 35 – I regret leaving Reds too early

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      FORMER Manchestrer United starlet Richard Eckersley has now embarked on a very different career path. The Red Devils academy graduate, who was given his big break under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2009, has transitioned from football to running a zero-waste shop in Devon.Richard Eckersley began his senior career at Man Utd under Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty – ContributorThe forgotten Man Utd man now owns Britain’s first zero-waste supermarket with his wifeCredit: SWNS:South West News ServiceThe forgotten United man made his first-team debut in an FA Cup match against Tottenham on January 24 2009 as a substitute.Having joined United as a nine-year-old, he achieved his lifelong dream of making his first-team debut by stepping off the bench at Old Trafford.The former defender played alongside United legends Paul Scholes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Roy Keane.Eckersley told Manchester Evening News: “It was an awe-inspiring kind of moment.READ MORE MAN UTD”I was playing with people I had watched growing up and I was giving them the ball. It was a really surreal moment.”Three days later, he made his league debut in a 5-0 win over West Bromwich Albion.Then on March 1, 2009, he was on the bench for the League Cup Final against Spurs, which United won, earning him his first career medal.But his time with the senior squad did not last long as he left Old Trafford at the end of the season and signed a four-year contract with Burnley.Most read in FootballAnd the 35-year-old reflecting on his football said he regrets leaving Old Trafford so early on.Eckersley continued: “I think the decision to leave United was probably too early for me.Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealed”I think I probably should have stayed on and developed at Carrington under the coaches that I was already working with, because I was making steady progress.”I think the jump from the cusp of one of the world’s greatest teams, you could say at that time, to Burnley, who had just got promoted but were going to be a struggling team in the Premier League was a massive jump.”After moving to Burnley Eckersley’s career took a different turn. He had loan spells with Plymouth, Bradford, and Bury before crossing the Atlantic to join MLS side Toronto in 2011, making the move permanent the following season.The move to the MLS was a much-needed change for the Salford-born star, who had lost his love for the game in the UK.Eckerlsey said: “I was desperate just to play and desperate to enjoy football, because at the time I wasn’t enjoying football.”I was playing in League Two, I was going on loan to Bradford, Bury and places like that.”Even though it was competitive football, I just wasn’t enjoying the football side of things because I enjoyed playing football and how we used to play at United.”But at 26, after leaving Toronto and having stints with New York Red Bulls and Oldham, Eckersley decided to retire from football. Seeking a new direction that would bring him closer to his family, he chose an uncommon path for ex-footballers by opening a zero-waste shop.Passionate about vegan and organic food, Eckersley and his wife founded Earth.Food.Love, the UK’s first zero-waste shop, located in Totnes, Devon.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “It gives us a purpose, I think that is the biggest thing. I love letting my children see that. “I think that is the biggest thing: seeing their mum and their dad enjoying what they do. We’re all intermingling and they are never more than five minutes away from me all the time. That is important for me.” More

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      West Ham vs Chelsea LIVE SCORE: Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson with the goals as Blues thrash Hammers – latest updates

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      CHELSEA beat West Ham 3-0 in the Premier League thanks to goals from Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer. Jackson bagged an early brace after two brilliant team moves before Palmer made it three with an emphatic finish after the break.Kick off time: 12.30pm BSTTV/Stream: TNT Sports 1/discovery+FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Next up for Chelsea Maresca’s side are now flying high in second place with the weekend’s action to come.They have lost just one in five Prem games – their opener to City, and here is what they face in the coming weeks.Copy linkCopiedFofana a cause for concernThe defender will have nightmares tonight after being dragged about by Summerville.He was lucky the ref did not award a penalty for his pull on the winger, and Maresca sparred his blushes by taking him off in the 57th minute.In Fofana’s defence he is not a natural right-back but it is difficult to see how he starts ahead of Axel Disasi in the next match.Copy linkCopiedJackson and Caicedo steal the showNicolas Jackson produced a clinical display to win the match for Chelsea.He scored twice but his assist for Palmer’s goal was arguably the best of the lot, having played a brilliant one-two with Caicedo.The Chelsea midfielder was also integral to the win and made an impact on and off the ball.His pass for Jackson’s second goal took vision and precision and he was pinpoint with his accuracy.Copy linkCopiedFull-timeWest Ham 0 Chelsea 3Boos ring out at London Stadium as the visitors wrap up a comfortable three points.Jackson the man of the match with a clinical display that sends Chelsea second, with West Ham stuck in 14th win one win from five.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 390. There is actually time for another break. Kudus shot is blocked on the edge of the Chelsea box and then Felix goes close at the other end.The Portuguese sent his shot flying past the post.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 390. Chelsea have one last counter but Felix overhits his pass wide to Neto and the chance comes to nothing.Soler is then booked for a late tackle on Cucurella.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 390. Four minutes are added on and Chelsea look very comfortable, little chance of either side scoring now.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 387. The game is beginning to peter out with a dip in intensity clear on both sides.Chelsea fans are in fine voice as they cheer on their side climbing to second in the table.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 384. Chelsea make their final sub as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall replaces Fernandez.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 381. Dangerous ball in from Cresswell which only just evades Soucek and Bowen, who has been very quiet today.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 377. Home fans are beginning to head for the exits and who can blame them.Their team have thrown in the towel in the last few minutes and are in danger of conceding another.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 375. Chelsea close to a fourth! A brilliant clawing save from Areola denies Nkunku from close range.Caicedo’s back-post cross is headed back across goal by Colwill and Nkunku ought to score, but is brilliantly denied in fairness to the West Ham goalie.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 373. Aaron Cresswell and Andy Irving come on and the latter is involved instantly with a speculative effort from distance.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 371. How long can West Ham hold on until another goes in?Chelsea get another corner which falls to Madueke but his poor touch lets him down. West Ham break and Cucurella is booked after cynically fouling Kudus.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 368. Chelsea well on top here with a string of corners West Ham are forced to defend.No clear cut opportunities but it is Blues that look like scoring next, not the hosts.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 366. Chelsea finally have a spell just keep the ball and it ends up with Felix going close.Some intricate passing involving Neto and Fernandez finds the striker in the box, but he can only hit the side netting,Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 364. Another double sub for Chelsea with goalscorers Jackson and Palmer making way.Felix and Nkunku come on to add fresh legs – just what West Ham do not need.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 363. These counter-attacks keep on coming and this time Madueke has a good chance.His shot is well saved by Areola at the near post.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 361. Chelsea break again through Palmer this time and Jackson has a shot which is quickly closed down.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 358. Almost a goal for the Hammers as the ball flashes across the goalline with Sanchez nowhere to be seen.The keeper is then forced into a save from a curling Alvarez shot which he makes comfortably.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 357. A double substitution for Chelsea as Pedro Neto replaces Jadon Sancho, whose minutes are being carefully managed it seems.Fofana also makes way away after a sketchy display and is replaced by Disasi.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 3Palmer’s goal is his second of the season and there could be more to come in this game.Palmer celebrates in trademark styleCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 355. An error from Areola as he fails to connect with a header almost allows Jackson in, but the keeper recovers well.This is starting to become an end-to-end game with West Ham pouring bodies forward.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 354. Boos ring out from the home fans as Summerville is taken off despite being one of few positives.Antonio is his replacement.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0 Chelsea 351. Bowen is played in and fires a powerful shot from a tight angle that Sanchez is equal to.Copy linkCopied More

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      Man Utd legend Ruud van Nistelrooy giving £36million signing ‘secret’ advice to drastically improve goal tally

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      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has been giving one of Manchester United’s summer signings “secret” advice to improve his game.The Dutchman returned to Old Trafford in a coaching role this summer.Ruud van Nistelrooy has been giving a Manchester United star ‘secret’ scoring adviceCredit: GettyThe Dutchman returned to United as Erik ten Hag’s assistant earlier this summerCredit: GettyVan Nistelrooy joined the club’s backroom team as an assistant to manager Erik ten Hag.He has since got to work with the Red Devils’ star players, including £36million arrival Joshua Zirkzee.The forward has revealed his compatriot has been looking to help him increase his goal tally this season.However, Zirkzee refused to go into detail about their training ground conversations.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAsked what he had been working on with Van Nistelrooy, the 23-year-old told ViaPlay: “I want to keep it a secret.”(It’s been) great. He’s been a striker. Detailed work. Watching footage. Looking back. The way he works with you. That’s very important. I can relate to that; You can learn a lot from him.”Zirkzee signed from Bologna in July, penning a five-year deal with the Red Devils.He later scored on his Premier League debut against Fulham but it remains his only goal in five United appearances.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSVan Nistelrooy is now passing on his expertise to his old club’s latest Dutch striker.The former PSV man spent five years at Old Trafford as a players, scoring 150 goals in 219 matches between 2001 and 2005.Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealedWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. He also won four major trophies during that time, including a Premier League title under Sir Alex Ferguson.Zirkzee and Van Nistelrooy will be hoping he can add to his United tally this weekend.Ten Hag’s side travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace on Saturday evening.Joshua Zirkzee has been working with Van Nistelrooy to improve his United goal tallyCredit: Getty More

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      How Gary Neville’s ‘World of Man Utd’ regeneration could look as Sir Jim Ratcliffe prepares to demolish Old Trafford

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      GARY NEVILLE’S “World of Manchester United” could look a world away from their current Old Trafford home.Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is preparing to demolish the 74,310-capacity stadium to build a new ground for the Red Devils.Gary Neville wants to turn Old Trafford into a ‘World of Manchester United’Credit: SplashAI has predicted how Neville’s ‘World of Man Utd’ vision could lookCredit: MicrosoftFormer defender Neville is part of a task force looking at the future of the site, which has been United’s home since 1910.Revealing his own plans for the club’s home venue, he told The Athletic this week: “What I want to see is a world of Manchester Utd around that stadium – of opportunity, hope and belief.”It sounds Disneyfied, but I don’t mean a theme park. I mean where people visit that area and think, ‘Wow’.”In five, six or seven years, I want United to have the best stadium and training ground in the world, plus doing the right things on the football side.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”That will come again and we’re patient.”Neville’s hopes have now taken a step closer to becoming a reality after United hired architects to develop Old Trafford.Foster + Partners have been chosen for the project after previously working on Wembley Stadium.Their portfolio also includes the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, which hosted the 2022 World Cup final.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. Plans for the redeveloped Old Trafford site have yet to be revealed, but AI has predicted how United’s new stadium could look.Microsoft’s AI Image Generator has imagined a ground surrounded by tributes to the club.Inside the SoFi Stadium as Man Utd look for inspiration for new Old Trafford Maintaining features of the current stadium, the AI venue features a plaza for supporters running around the outside of the ground.Iconic design elements from Old Trafford have also been maintained, as well as a United badge on the pavement as fans enter the site.Meanwhile, another more ambitious design sees the venue turned into an island with a moat running around the stadium.Fans would have the option to travel by boat to matches, where the stadium features a curved roof in a modernised design.Another potential designs sees the stadium surrounded by a moatCredit: MicrosoftMinority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe plans to demolish the stadium to build a new home groundCredit: Jack Hill The TimesA host of possible designs for United’s new stadium have been imaginedCredit: Lord PingDevelopment work will give the venue a new look both inside and outside the groundCredit: Lord PingUnited have played at the Theatre of Dreams for 114 yearsCredit: AP More

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      Tottenham cult hero explains why Ange Postecoglou can end trophy hoodoo despite Coventry slog

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      TOTTENHAM legend Gus Poyet believes Ange Postecoglou can win the Carabao Cup and end Spurs’ miserable trophyless run.The North Londoners haven’t won any silverware since 2008 when they lifted the League Cup after beating Chelsea 2-1 in the final.Gus Poyet believes Ange Postecoglou can win the Carabao CupCredit: GettyPoyet claimed Tottenham can turn things around despite a poor showing with CoventryCredit: EPATottenham haven’t won a trophy in 16 years and almost got eliminated by the Championship sideCredit: RexPostecoglou’s side didn’t convince that this streak will be coming to an end this season after a poor showing at Coventry in the Carabao Cup that saw them barely snatching a late 2-1 victory on Wednesday.The Aussie tactician issued a defiant statement last week when he insisted that he “always” wins silverware in his second year in charge of any team.Poyet loved the Tottenham manager’s confidence after years of predecessors compromising for a top-four spot and he believes his former club finally has a winner in the dugout.The Chelsea legend told SunSport on behalf of William Hill when asked if Postecoglou can win the Carabao Cup: “Yes, I think it Is the first time in many, many years that we’ve seen a coach saying, ‘I’m gonna win something’. Read More on Football”Before that it was always qualifying for the Champions League. So why not?”I mean, about the performances or about how the team plays, it’s difficult to make an opinion. “You know, the coaches, we’re looking for a different thing but at the end of the day you have to win football games.”Your identity is very important because that way you have consistency. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”But in cup games, you need to win. I mean, I don’t remember anyone saying, ‘Yeah, we won the cup but we really played bad’.”So nobody will remember how they played at Coventry if they win the Carabao Cup. Ange Postecoglou appears to promise Tottenham fans a trophy THIS SEASON in feisty interview after Arsenal loss, X Sky Sports PL”So it’s a matter of getting through and winning the final. I don’t remember anyone complaining about winning in a final playing badly.”Poyet, though, understands that it won’t be easy for Tottenham to best other cup favourites, such as Manchester City, Liverpool and rivals Arsenal.The ex-Brighton boss believes Spurs could do with a bit of luck in the draw but also insists Postecoglou will have to find consistency to finally end those 16 years of hurt following a poor start in the Prem.Poyet said: “There’s two different situations in here. One is the draw. You need to be lucky. The other situation, I think it’s always more or less the same.”I don’t think there’s too much difference to Spurs from this year and last year, [Dominic] Solanke maybe, the striker [is the only difference]. You need to start scoring. “I think the situation now with Spurs is more about consistency. Everybody wants consistency, one that will help win football games constantly, every weekend, big derbies, all those situations.”Poyet maintains strong belief in Postecoglou and advised Tottenham chiefs to back him.But the ex-Sunderland boss also urged the players to step up for the 59-year-old head coach.Poyet added: “I’m always in the situation of, let’s wait, give the coach a chance and let’s wait. And then the players, they need to do their jobs. “[Managers] Are part of the staff to try to help the players to go and win for them. But the ones that play are the players. “I believed in this when I was a player. I needed to play. I needed to perform. I needed to read the game. I needed to take the decisions. I needed to do the right thing. “If I got one chance I needed to score that one. Not next week. So I really believed that when I was a player and I didn’t change.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Now I’m a coach. Now, the more we help them, the more we clarify things or convene things, the team plays better and wins football games. “So I think now every single Spurs player knows clearly his role. So now they need to do it.” More

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      My team coined the phrase ‘1-0 to the Arsenal’ but Mikel Arteta would be mad to park the bus at Man City

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      NIGEL WINTERBURN thinks Mikel Arteta would be crazy to park the bus at Manchester City, saying: Not even tactical genius George Graham would do it.The Gunners travel to the Etihad on Sunday with the chance to lay down an early Prem marker — to vanquish the memories of last season’s costly goalless draw.Nigel Winterburn says Arsenal must be bold at the EtihadCredit: GettyMikel Arteta has put on a defensive masterclass against Pep Guardiola in the pastCredit: GettyGeorge Graham created a Scroogelike defence but not even he would play for a goalless draw against a Guardiola teamCredit: GettyThat result back in March ultimately cost Arteta’s men the title last term, finishing second behind Pep Guardiola’s side yet again by just two points.Arsenal legend Winterburn, 60, was a part of ex-boss Graham’s glittering tenure — where the phrase “1-0 to The Arsenal” was coined due to the team’s highly rigid defensive structure.But Graham, in charge from 1986 to 1995, was also a gambler in big bouts — famously winning 2-0 at Anfield in 1989 to finish above title rivals Liverpool on the final day.Former full-back Winterburn, who won two league titles under Graham, says it would not be “disastrous” to play for a draw against City, especially after beating Tottenham last week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut he argued: “They should go full out. I don’t believe for one minute Arteta would say otherwise.“But I’ve never sat down with an Arsenal manager going, ‘Well, we’ll just take the draw today’. You have to manage the game as it goes along.“Arsenal will have been working on everything they can do to stop Man City but also as well to hurt them.“You might have to sit a little bit, protect what you’ve got.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“But if you’ve got the opportunity to hurt the opposition, you’ve got to do that.“If you think you can sit in and stop City creating even one chance, you’re on another planet.Man City vs Arsenal Wags“Technically, if you come away from this weekend with a draw against Man City, it’s not a disaster because of that big result of the North London derby.“They’ll both be thinking they want to win this game but absolutely they mustn’t lose it.”Arsenal’s defensive record away from home in 2024 has been stunning, conceding just three times — and have already kept four clean sheets in five games in all competitions this term.With a growing injury list, including skipper Martin Odegaard, Arteta set up to frustrate Spurs before hitting on the counter, eventually winning via a Gabriel header from a corner.Winterburn added: “I don’t think that style is an Arsenal plan but it’s great to have the armoury in your bag of… you know what, when you get pushed back, let’s not panic.“If they do their jobs properly, if they communicate, they can stifle the opposition.“A lot of people said it reminded them of Graham’s Arsenal and it was absolutely superb to watch as a defender, seeing how they worked for each other, to control it through to full-time.“Tactically, George was a genius when he came up against certain opposition. But also, what we did is when we attacked, we knew what we wanted to do.“We wanted to get the ball forward, we wanted to get wide, crosses into the box. So, we still had that game plan going forward.“This Arsenal team are different to us, they want to play out from the back.“I don’t know if Odegaard or Bukayo Saka completely enjoy the pleasure of the defending.“But they know to achieve success and to beat teams, it is a necessity and they have shown they have the ability to sit in and be solid and counter.”During the North London derby, Sky Sports’ Gary Neville compared Arsenal centre-back duo Gabriel and William Saliba to club legends Tony Adams and Steve Bould.READ MORE SUN STORIESWinterburn — who played alongside Adams and Bould for club and country — said on behalf of freebets.com: “I understand where he is coming from.“Those two are starting to make less and less mistakes and they’re looking very, very strong.”Arsenal ratings vs Atalanta as Raya saves uninspiring Gunners in ItalyARSENAL had some David Raya heroics to thank for a points in the Champions League opener.Raya’s stunning double save just after the break spared Thomas Partey’s blushes after the midfielder gave away a penalty.And that was the closest either side came to a goal in the 0-0 draw.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…David Raya – 9Produced a simply stunning double save to stop Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then flung himself across to push away the follow-up rebound header – even better than his effort to deny Ollie Watkins.Robbie Savage labelled it the “best save I’ve ever seen” while Gunners fans lauded their Spanish hero, who has conceded just once in five games so far this term.Ben White – 7Given the daunting task of trying to keep Ademola Lookman quiet inside a rocking Gewiss Stadium but completed the job with his classic relaxed, languid demeanour.William Saliba – 8One of the world’s top centre-backs but did not need to be anywhere near his best – solid enough when called upon, including excellent late sliding tackle in own box.Retegui showed great movement but Saliba will have far sterner tests this season, none more so than up against Erling Haaland on Sunday.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Like his partner Saliba, Gabriel helped ensure the Arsenal defence came out on top.Starting to run out of words to say about this pair who just concede so few chances.Jurrien Timber – 7Adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side – showing just how much he was missed when sidelined last season.Arguably had the easiest evening’s work of the four defenders.Thomas Partey – 4Martin Keown described the Gunners’ retraction en masse during the transition as Arteta putting up his own “Thames Barrier”.But Partey nearly allowed the floodgates to open by giving away the penalty three minutes into the second half – only to be rescued by Raya’s heroics.Declan Rice – 6Top awareness to sniff out the Atalanta danger and help control midfield.But squandered a great chance to drive Arsenal forward when he won the ball on the halfway line and could have launched a potent counter.Kai Havertz – 6With Jesus starting up front, Havertz dropped into a deeper role – but he is perfectly comfortable there, too, and can carry the ball forwards.Little to show for his evening, though, but continued to put a shift in defensively until the final whistle.Buakyo Saka – 6Drew the foul from Ederson who collected an early yellow and from the resulting free-kick almost squeezed a low effort into bottom corner but for top save.Given a breather for final 20 minutes with an eye on Sunday.Gabriel Jesus – 5Captain on the night was his typical busy self early on getting himself around but virtually all of his involvement was outside the Atalanta penalty area.Withdrawn before the hour mark.Gabriel Martinelli – 4Struggled to get in the game and then when he did get in, squandered a really good chance when he blazed over.Definitely not hitting top form so far this season and may well find himself among the subs against Manchester City. More

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      Inside astonishing Man City match fixing scandal which saw entire squad auctioned off and manager banned for life

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      IF Manchester City beat Arsenal on Sunday, some might say the title race  is already pretty much over.And everyone will be able to focus on the really big battle of the season: Man City versus the Premier League.Manchester City’s entire squad was auctioned off and the manager banned for life after a match-fixing scandalCredit: PAMan City are currently having troubles with the Premier LeagueCredit: RexBut off-the-field sagas in English football are a tale as old as time and City were at the centre of one of the first big scandals.After Aston Villa beat them 3-2 in the final match of the 1904-05  season, ending City’s title chances, a fight broke out between Sandy Turnbull and Villa’s Alex Leake.An investigation found that another City player, Billy Meredith, had offered £10 to Leake for Villa to throw the game.The FA banned Meredith for a year and when City refused to pay him, he took revenge.Read More on FootballMeredith revealed to the authorities that boss Tom Maley not only had instructed him to offer Leake the bribe but had also overseen a separate scheme of giving illegal payments to City players in excess of the £4-per-week maximum wage.As further details emerged, the club imploded. Maley was banned for life, some club directors were sacked and others received suspensions.The FA fined the club £900 and 17 players, as well as banning them from playing until New Year’s Day 1907.City then had to auction off all their players at the Queen’s Hotel in Manchester.Most read in FootballNeighbours Manchester United signed many of the more talented ones, including Meredith, and went on to be crowned champions in 1907-08.All forgotten and in the past, right?How much every Premier League club earns in shirt sponsorsWrong. There’s a Stockholm-based United fan who has an X account under the name of @BillyMeredithMU.Last week he responded to reports that the Prem would seek for City to be relegated if they won the case against the club.Cyber Billy agreed, saying:  “Relegation and removal of titles is the only result that would satisfy.”Of course, the current incarnation of City is yet to be found guilty of anything.The independent disciplinary commission only started to hear the case on Monday and City may have won a fifth title in a row by the time the verdict arrives.In any case, City deny all the allegations and claim to have a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence” to back up this position.At least the authorities were able to sort things out quickly and cleanly back in 1905.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut there is no prospect of Kevin De Bruyne doing a Billy Meredith and grassing City up for anything.And if United had their pick of City players at an auction, you still would not back them to come out of it with a left-back. More

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      Erik ten Hag hails major change that’s transformed Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd fortunes and got him firing again

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      THE smile is back on the face of Marcus Rashford.For too long last season the Manchester United striker had stopped enjoying his football.Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag praised Marcus Rashford’s return to goalscoring formCredit: GettyRashford struggled last season under Ten Hag following a glittering campaignCredit: GettyHe looked like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders as his form slumped and even the Old Trafford crowd started to turn against him.In truth he had lost focus and started enjoying the lifestyle that comes with being a footballer rather than the game itself.But the emotions on his face as he shed tears in front of the Red Devils fans following their 2-1 FA Cup final victory over neighbours Manchester City told you that the club still meant everything to him.Now after a summer’s rest he is looking back to the man who chalked up career-best figures two seasons ago of 30 goals.Read More on Man UtdBoss Erik ten Hag never lost faith in the player, despite having his patience tested, because he knew the talent he still had. A talent that has been evident again in the last two games with a goal against Southampton and two in the 7-0 Carabao Cup thrashing of League One outfit Barnsley.Now as the club prepare for Saturday’s tea-time kick-off away to Crystal Palace, Ten Hag has praised Rashford, 26, for showing the strength of character to bounce back.The Dutchman said: “I think every player who plays in the Premier League, but definitely in this club, you need some resilience.Most read in Football“Not any football career is only the way up, you always go down. You have to deal with it.“Marcus has experienced it and knows when there are setbacks how to fight back, how to set his career, his performance.Chelsea boss Maresca aims cheeky dig at Erik ten Hag after Jadon Sancho makes dazzling debut after Man Utd transfer“He took control of it and I think he is on the way back. He started the season very good, now he has to continue and to progress.”There is no doubt that the arrival of United scoring legend Ruud van Nistelrooy, 48, on to the coaching staff has helped Rashford refocus.Ten Hag added: “Probably he needed some help, by backing him for instance.”Which is what the gaffer did through the tough times.Although there is little doubt that had it not been for an injury crisis at the club last term, Rashford would have been staring at a prolonged time on the sidelines after one particular misdemeanour.He had already been warned about his off-field behaviour when he celebrated his birthday on the evening after United had been stuffed 3-0 at home in the derby against City last October.Off-field issuesThen he was out partying until the early hours of a Friday in January when United were training ahead of an FA Cup game away to Newport.That is now in the past and Rashford appears to have a new focus, one which Ten Hag believes could lead to a recall to the England squad having missed out on the Euros.Ten Hag said: “I think he will always be an option for every manager but it is not up to me.”There was a lot of social media chatter about Rashford not really celebrating his goals against Barnsley, suggesting all is not well.Perhaps he is just keeping it under wraps while he builds his reputation again, and the opponent was a side being dominated where he was player-of-the-match.United boss Ten Hag was in an upbeat mood on Friday with a near fully fit squad to pick from for a change after the injury problems of last season, which he has always said led to their terrible eighth-place finish.Injury returnsBoth Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount returned to full training this week and are in consideration for Saturday’s squad.Striker Hojlund, 21, has been out with a hamstring injury suffered during pre-season in the US.Midfielder Mount, 25, had his first season with United decimated by injury after his move from Chelsea.Then after starting in the Community Shield loss to City and both the opening two Premier league games of the season he was subbed at half-time at Brighton after feeling his hamstring.After his £55million switch — rising to £60m — Mount is desperate to prove he is not another expensive mistake at Old Trafford and Ten Hag is sure he will prove himself.Ten Hag said: “We have already seen glimpses in the start of the season, what he is capable of.“What he needs is a longer period where he can train fully with the team and play with the team.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Then he can come up to speed and then everyone will see his qualities.“I am totally convinced, I have seen in the start of the season what he can bring to the team. I am sure once he is in a longer run he will really improve.”Rashford scored for Man Utd against Southampton and Barnsley More