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      Meet ex-Arsenal star looking to break Man Utd’s hearts at Wembley with Arsene Wenger a huge fan

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will have to deal with a former Arsenal starlet on Sunday in the FA Cup.United lock horns with Coventry in the semi-finals of the competition at Wembley in their bid to win a trophy that would salvage something positive from a turbulent campaign.Manchester United will lock horns with Arsenal academy graduate Ben SheafCredit: GettyCoventry ace Sheaf attracted praise from Arsenal legend Arsene WengerCredit: GettyAnd the Red Devils will meet a Hale End academy graduate that was singled out for praise by the Gunners’ legendary manager Arsene Wenger during his seven-year stint in north London.That is none other than Ben Sheaf, 26, who has been enjoying an impressive tenure at Coventry.Sheaf joined Arsenal’s youth ranks in 2014 at the age of 16 following a three-year stint at West Ham.The midfielder amassed a total of three goals and one assist in 60 appearances with the Under-23s following a handful of outings with the Under-18s.Read More on FootballThat led to a surprise call-up to Wenger’s senior side in the 2017-18 season.The legendary Frenchman also gave the defensive midfielder his senior debut in the Europa League during a 1-0 victory at Red Star Belgrade.The 74-year-old tactician also fielded Sheaf in the EFL Cup quarter-finals against West Ham two months later and he helped his team advance to the semi-finals with a 1-0 win.The Arsenal great was full of praise for the then youngster and predicted he would have a “good career”.Most read in FootballWenger told Arsenal Player seven years ago: “He’s always ahead of the game and his anticipation quality is absolutely huge.”He has that kind of mental strength as well. A typical British way of handling things, facing the difficulties with a very cool and intelligent way.Arsene Wenger reveals Arsenal star Mikel Arteta signed after his own failed attempt “There is something in him that I believe will allow him to progress always.”Because he analyses well what’s happening to him, he assesses well what is going on and that’s why I believe he will have a good career.”Sheaf, though, never got his big break at Arsenal like other fellow academy graduates, such as Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.Instead, the ex-England youth international was shipped out on loan for various clubs, like Stevenage, Doncaster Rovers and of course Coventry who signed him on a permanent deal in 2021.Since then, Sheaf has turned into an essential player for Mark Robins’ side as he has amassed a total of nine goals and nine assists in 139 appearances.I used to give Declan Rice compliments on the football pitch… I couldn’t help myself, says Troy DeeneyBy Troy Deeney
      THERE are certain people that you come across in football and you know instantly who they are, what they’re about and what the trajectory of their life is going to be.
      Anyone who has worked or grown up with Declan Rice knows that he has always been destined for the top.
      When he was at West Ham, he was a centre-half who played in midfield purely to help out and ended up excelling.
      The way he used to listen and learn from his old captain Mark Noble and be a student of the game was second to none.
      And because of that, whenever I interacted with him on a football pitch, I never felt the need to be disrespectful towards him because there was just a pure will to win.
      We would tell each other to ‘do one’ every now and again but then I would get these weird moments when he would do something special and I couldn’t help but say, ‘Good touch, mate’.
      He had this joyful atmosphere around him which you can see in all of his interviews, even now at Arsenal. You never see him get in trouble, being outlandish, but he has that jokey personality.
      He is still quite kiddish at 25, yet with a very serious body and mind in terms of being the best player he can be.
      When he was announced as England captain against Belgium, there was no outrage, no shock or surprise or, ‘Why him?’. It was more a sense of, ‘Yeah, that makes sense’.
      There is no doubt in my mind that he is in line to take the armband for his country full-time after Harry Kane moves on, alongside his midfield partner Jude Bellingham.
      Click here to read Troy Deeney’s column in full. More

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      Wolves drag 15-YEAR-OLD out of science lesson to train with first-team ahead of Arsenal.. with Man Utd keen on transfer

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      WOLVES dragged a 15-year-old kid out of a ­science lesson on Friday — because he may have to face Arsenal on Saturday night.Right-back Wes Okoduwa will be the club’s youngest player at 15 years and 344 days if he plays.Wesley Okoduwa could make history for Wolves on Saturday eveningCredit: GettyBoss Gary O’Neil said: “I hope he’s had more fun with us than he would have in science!”He’s ready for the game. He’s trained very well, he’s physically very good.”It’s probably slightly too early in his development but it’s the situation we’re in.”Wolves’ injury crisis means nine first-teamers are either sidelined or not fit enough to start against the title-chasing Gunners at Molineux on Saturday night.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLO’Neil added: “I’ve got ten senior outfield players that can start. We’re probably in the worst situation we’ve been in.”But the positive is there are loads of young players involved against Arsenal.”There might be a debut or two from the start for some of the younger lads. Some of those on the bench I don’t know too well, if I’m honest.”They’ve been training with the academy more than with us but they were with us today.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIf he plays, Okoduwa will also become the Premier League’s second-youngest player.Seen as one of England’s brightest talents in his age group, Okoduwa has been linked with Manchester United and has featured for Wolves’ Under-21s.Laura Woods asks ‘did I get pied there?’ in awkward moment during interview with Wolves boss Gary O’NeilIronically, Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri is the Prem’s youngest player.He featured against Brentford in September 2022 at the age of 15 years and 181 days. More

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      Former Premier League star, 62, now postman who delivers letters to old club’s training ground

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      THERE’S a good reason why Coventry’s FA Cup 1987 hero Micky Gynn hopes his old club delivers a first-class show against Manchester United at Wembley.Because for the last 28 years Gynn has worked as a postman for the Royal Mail and his daily round at Berkswell and Balsall Common — just ten minutes from Birmingham Airport — includes delivering the post to Sky Blues supporters as well as Aston Villa and Brum fans, too.Coventry legend Micky Gynn played in the club’s 1987 FA Cup final win over TottenhamCredit: PA:Empics SportHe has only been back to Wembley once since winning the FA Cup 37 years agoCredit: PA:Empics SportAnd Gynn, 62, who has been off work since January after a hand operation, once had a round that included delivery to his old Coventry training ground!He said: “That always felt a bit strange. I used to have that urge to turn back time and run in and get my shorts on and join in!”I have a hereditary condition called Dupuytren contracture where you suddenly get lumps appear on your hands, which need removing quickly.”I hope to get the all-clear to return to work next week. I have really missed it. I’ve worked for Royal Mail for 28 years and I want to celebrate my 30th anniversary with them.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer midfielder Gynn made his Wembley debut in the 1987 final, when his Sky Blues side won 3-2 against Tottenham.Amazingly, he has only been back to the national stadium once since as a player… three months later when Cov lost 1-0 to Everton in the Charity Shield.And he won’t be there tomorrow, either.He revealed: “I have been given two tickets for the semi-final but gave them to my son, Luke, and his friend due to the problem with my hand.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGynn has made lifelong friends from Coventry’s incredible first-ever major trophy success 37 years ago.He added: “We had reunions in 2007 after 20 years and in 2017 after 30 years. It’s not quite the same since we lost Cyrille Regis and our managers John Sillett and George Curtis.Chris Wilder leads furious backlash to FA Cup replays being scrapped as fans urged to protest at ‘ridiculous’ decision”I joined Coventry in 1983 from Peterborough at the same time as Trevor Peake and Dave Bennett. These guys are like my extended family.”The three of us were at the Coventry Transport Museum last week where the open-top bus we used after winning the final is still there. We did a bit for the BBC. It brought back so many happy memories.”Peaky will ping us a WhatsApp message every six weeks or so and a few of the lads including Steve Ogrizovic and Dave Burrows, Dave, Kirk Stephens, myself, Peaky plus family and great friends like Ady Metcalfe who are all part of our get together.”I will never ever get bored of talking about our 1987 win. My only regret is that I had a chance right at the end of the final to make it 4-2 and score the final goal.”Unfortunately I was out on my feet. It was a boiling hot day and I was completely dehydrated. Luckily it didn’t matter as we won anyway.” More

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      Ex-Chelsea owner Abramovich’s £2.5BILLION for Ukraine tied up in red tape… Government must shame those responsible

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      TWO years after former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich promised £2.5BILLION to help Ukraine victims, shamefully not a penny has left the UK.Blocked by red-tape, this huge sum from the sale of the club — seven times more than this country has provided — is idle and waiting for the Government to act.The huge sum promised by Roman Abramovich for Ukrainian victims of Russia’s invasion has yet to be dished outCredit: GettyKarren Brady says delays in help must end nowCredit: News Group Newspapers LimitedI’m told that a disagreement has formed between the Trustees running the fund and the Government about how it should be spent.Responsibility has passed from department to department while Ukrainians are slaughtered and buildings are reduced to rubble.Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron stated recently that Russia was “going to have to pay reparations for its illegal invasion, so why not spend some of the money now, rather than wait till the war is over and have all the legal wrangling.” Quite right too.Redress, a charity seeking justice for survivors, are demanding action from the Government in setting up structures here and in Ukraine to compensate victims.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe figures are mortifying — more than 125,000 war crimes including sexual abuse and torture have been reported, ten million people displaced and about 14 million in need of psychological aid.Many need help now. It’s a national disgrace that a charity which could do so much good in a country fighting a vicious, evil enemy is being stood up by Trustees who are the very ones who are meant to distribute the money.If I was the Government I would name and shame each one of these “Trustees” who have yet to apply for a License so the Government can release the money.Then I’d hold them to account by inviting them to a Select Committee to answer this question. Where is the money and why haven’t you released it to Ukraine?Most read in FootballFrank Lampard reveals brutal Roman Abramovich blast after ex-Chelsea owner threatened to axe first team stars More

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      Tottenham legend Gus Poyet explains why Arsenal are not out of Premier League title hunt after Aston Villa heartbreak

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      TOTTENHAM legend Gus Poyet is confident Arsenal are still in the running for the Premier League title despite their heartbreaking loss to Aston Villa.The Gunners suffered their first Prem loss of 2024 on Sunday following a 2-0 defeat to Villa at the Emirates.Tottenham legend Gus Poyet believes Arsenal are still in the Premier League title huntCredit: RexPoyet insists Arsenal will have to regain momentum and expects their rivals to drop pointsCredit: PAMikel Arteta’s men failed to climb to the top of the table and put extra distance between them at Liverpool, who lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace.Arsenal legend Paul Merson claimed the loss to Unai Emery’s men will cost his former team the title, and some agreed with the Sky Sports pundit.The North Londoners were then eliminated from the Champions League by Bayern Munich, who won 1-0 at the Allianz Arena.However, Poyet, 56, doesn’t believe the last two setbacks will affect Arsenal’s bid of winning their first title in 20 years as they are only two points away from Manchester City and the top.Read More on ArsenalBut the Chelsea hero is adamant his former rivals will have to regain the same consistency and momentum they built in January and went on to enjoy an undefeated run that saw them winning 10 out of 11 league matches.And Arteta’s side will have to start on Saturday against Wolves at Molineux.The Uruguayan believes that is the key that can help Arsenal shake off the loss to the Villans to continue chasing rivals City and Liverpool.And the former Brighton boss suggested the Citizens and the Reds will drop more points before the end of the season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERPoyet told SunSport on behalf of Real Money Roulette when asked if Arsenal would look back at that loss to Villa if they lose the Prem: “I would say probably, but I think we shouldn’t be that dramatic.”I think that the most important for us is how they’re gonna react. Arsenal’s title chances are ‘100% gone’ according to club legend who savages ‘lazy’ Gunners after Aston Villa shocker”Because if somebody was thinking they will be in a winning run without even drawing again until the end of the season, they are dreaming. “They don’t know the Premier League. I mean the Premier League is what we saw at the weekend. “When you think you’re good, somebody’s [going to] come in and knock you down. “So I think the important thing is the next games, I think it’s really important that they show that that game against Aston Villa didn’t affect the level of performances that they were having. “And for that we need to wait and see.” More

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      Laura Woods stuns as she shows off toned abs in purple dress and cosies up to Love Island star boyfriend Adam Collard

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      LAURA WOODS has shocked fans with an incredible omission from a sweet selection of pictured she labelled “Things I love”.The Arsenal supporter caused less of a surprise by going heavy on romantic shots with Love island star boyfriend Adam Collard.Laura Woods featured Adam Collard in things she lovesCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyThis lilac dress showed the broadcaster’s toned figureCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyLaura takes the lead online with a 754k Instagram followingCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyThe couple could not look more blissful than hereCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyBut her social media followers reacted with amazement at the lack of any Gunners’ images.And when put on the spot over fitness coach Collard, the TNT Sports presenter again staggered Arsenal fans.One of Laura’s 754,000 Instagram followers asked: “Is he a Gooner? That’s the main question.”The broadcaster confessed: “He is not” – followed by a crying-with-laughter emoji.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnother Woodsy admirer then chipped in to clarify what Collard is.”He’s a jammy git,” the jealous fan joked.Woods, 36, posted cosy photos with 28-year-old Collard, including one with her arm around him as they shared a drink.Other pics showed the couple appearing to be in total bliss on a paddleboard.Most read in FootballThere were also holiday clips, plus a shot of a topless Collard in a stream.Laura added snaps of what admirers called her “so cute” pet dog – with a rear-view image of her running alongside it on a beach.Laura Woods asks ‘did I get pied there?’ in awkward moment during interview with Wolves boss Gary O’NeilPhotos of Woodsy in a lilac dress, showing off much of her toned midriff, provided glamour.BBC presenter Alex Scott posted: “Things I love to see…. Woodsy happy.”To which Laura replied: “Ditto.”And when Gunners’ legend Ian Wright welcomed her pics with a heart emoji she fired back: “Love ya Wrighty.”But maybe the ex-striker’s intervention was one reason many fans couldn’t get over the absence of her favourite team from her pics.”Poor Arsenal didn’t get a mention,” said one.”Where’s Arsenal?” asked another, and a third noted: “Not one picture of Arsenal”.Nothing beats messing about on boats – or boardsCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyFans really digged snaps of Laura and her petCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyCosy and dozy, Laura’s dog rivalled her for popularityCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyWoodsy’s dog also won admiration for cutenessCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyFitness coach Collard was snapped at his most ruggedCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy More

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      Man Utd appoint Jason Wilcox as technical director with immediate effect in boost to Jadon Sancho

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have confirmed the appointment of Jason Wilcox as technical director.The former Blackburn winger, 53, who won the Premier League title as a player 19 years ago, will have overall responsibility for “football performance, recruitment and operations”.Jason Wilcox will join Manchester United as their new technical directorCredit: GettyJadon Sancho could be handed a second chance at Man Utd by former coach WilcoxCredit: GettyA club statement read: “Jason Wilcox has joined Manchester United as Technical Director with immediate effect.”He will work with all technical areas of the football department to achieve the highest standards of performance.”Wilcox’s former club Southampton confirmed they had received a compensation payment from Man Utd in a statement of their own.It read: “#SaintsFC has reluctantly agreed to allow Director of Football Jason Wilcox to join Manchester United, having reached agreement on an acceptable compensation fee.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWilcox, whose previous roles include technical director at Southampton and academy director at Manchester City, will report to the sporting director.The new sporting director has not yet been appointed but is expected to be Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth.And Wilcox’s arrival could hand a second chance to outcast Jadon Sancho as the pair worked together at the Man City academy.Wilcox is understood to be a “fan” of the Borussia Dortmund loanee.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSancho has scored two goals and provided two assists in 14 games since returning for a second stint with the German club.And on Tuesday they reached the Champions League semi-finals with a 5-4 aggregate victory over Atletico Madrid.Who is Jason Wilcox?Jason Wilcox was born in Bolton and is an English football executive, coach and former professional footballer.
      He played as a left winger during his career at enjoyed a 10-year spell at Blackburn Rovers.
      He was part of the Lancashire side that pipped Manchester United to the Premier League title in 1995, which is the only honour of his career.
      Wilcox made 271 league appearances for the club and scored 31 goals.
      After leaving Rovers in 1999, he went on to have stints at Leeds United, Leicester City and Blackpool before retiring in 2006.
      Before hanging up his boots he also earned three caps for England.
      He made his debut for the Three Lions in the 3-0 win over Hungary in 1996 but did not make the cut for Euro 96.
      In 2012, he joined Manchester City as a coach in the club’s academy and, after a year, was named the U18s head coach.
      He was later made the Ctizens’ academy director.
      In January 2023, Wilcox was appointed by Southampton as the club’s director of football.
      He is now the technical director at Manchester United and has responsibility for football performance, recruitment and operations.

      They will face Paris Saint-Germain for a place in the final at Wembley.There is believed to be no option to buy clause included within his loan move to Dortmund.However, his future remains undecided at Old Trafford after he accused Erik ten Hag of making him a “scapegoat” during their bust-up earlier this season.Wilcox’s arrival comes after Man Utd revealed ex-Man City boss Omar Berrada as their new chief executive.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowMan Utd are LUCKY to be seventh in the table… one particular stat is terrible, say Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd

      THE frightening thing about Manchester United’s season is that they should really be LOWER than seventh in the Premier League.
      Even during their current run of one win in seven league matches, United’s results have been better than their performances.
      Erik ten Hag’s team deserved to lose each of their last three drawn games against Brentford, Liverpool and Bournemouth.
      On goal difference, United are ninth in the league, while only seven teams have scored fewer than their 47 goals.
      And if we give any credence to ‘expected points’, then that stat would have them 15th in the table.
      If Ten Hag’s men lose Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final to Championship side Coventry, it should not come as a major surprise.
      Click here to read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
      To read more from Dave Kidd, click here. More

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      Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes drops major hint over future after buying new £4m home amid Arsenal transfer interest

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      BRUNO GUIMARAES has boosted Newcastle’s hopes he will stay beyond the summer after buying a £4million house in the North East.The Brazilian midfielder, 26, has been heavily linked with a blockbuster move at the end of the season – with Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain all interested.Bruno Guimaraes has been attracting interest from the Premier League and EuropeCredit: RexHe has a £100m release clause, but there is no indication to suggest admirers are willing to pay that sum.According to The Telegraph there is “growing optimism” he will remain at St James’ Park for the start of the 2024/25 campaign.And that positive stance has been supported by the news that Guimaraes has purchased a new home in Daras Hall, an exclusive neighbourhood in Northumberland.It is understood he will make this residence his family home for his wife and two children.READ MORE ON ARSENALNewcastle will reportedly reject any bids below £100m, an approach they will also take when it comes to interest from striker Alexander Isak.Guimaraes joined Eddie Howe’s men from Lyon for £35m in January 2022.He has played 101 games for Newcastle, scoring 14 goals and assisting a further 14.He has started all but one of their Premier League games this season – which he missed in November due to suspension.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd he penned a new £150,000-a-week deal last year to keep him on Tyneside until 2028.Guimaraes’ agent Alexis Malavolta recently claimed his client is “very happy” at Newcastle.Mikel Arteta reacts to Arsenal being dumped out of Champions League by Bayern MunichHowe is keen to avoid selling key players in the summer, but the Toon may be forced to offload stars due to restrictions around profit and sustainability rules.Newcastle sit sixth in the Premier League table, above Manchester United on goal difference, and are on course for Europa League qualification.Guimaraes has been ever-present for Newcastle this season More