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      Unemployed Premier League icon watches Liverpool’s mauling to Atalanta as he searches for next manager job

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      RAFA BENITEZ watched Liverpool sink to a shock 3-0 hammering against Atalanta as he looks for his next managerial job. The Spaniard spent six years at Anfield, famously guiding them to the Champions League trophy in 2005. Rafa Benitez watched Liverpool sink to a shock 3-0 hammering against AtalantaCredit: PAHis last role was with Celta Vigo but he was sacked in March following a horror run of results and eight months in charge. Benitez is still looking for a new venture and was recently a shock candidate linked with replacing England boss Gareth Southgate. Liverpool are also recruiting for a new manager following Jurgen Klopp’s shock announcement that he will leave in the summer. Currently, Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim leads the race to succeed amid reports he has reached an agreement with Liverpool. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSky Sports Germany have reported that Amorim, who has impressed as boss of Sporting, is pushing for a move to join Liverpool.The 39-year-old is said to be willing and able to pen a deal that would see him stay at Anfield until at least 2027.However, nothing is set in stone and negotiations with current club Sporting are still yet to take place, meaning the deal could still hit a stumbling block.And Liverpool denied any agreement being reached. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Portuguese coach’s deal in Lisbon currently runs until 2026 and is believed to have a release clause of £25m.However, it has been suggested that figure would drop down to a more affordable £17m for clubs outside of Portugal.Awkward moment Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp confronts journalist in press conferenceLiverpool are said to be hopeful that they can further drive down that fee to a figure of around £8.5m.Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, German boss Julian Nagelsmann and Klopp’s No2 Pep Lijnders are other names in the frame. Liverpool next manager candidates

      Ruben Amorim

      Currently in charge at Sporting Lisbon and linked with top clubs in Europe

      Roberto De Zerbi

      Brighton’s manager who is linked with a big move next after transforming the Prem club

      Julian Nagelsmann

      Former Bundesliga winner with Bayern currently in charge of Germany

      Pep Lijnders

      Klopp’s trusted No2 with a link to Liverpool and the squad

      Ange Postecoglou

      Turned Spurs into a front-foot side chasing Champions League football

      Thomas Tuchel

      Champions League winner with Chelsea available next summer having announced his departure at Bayern

      Xabi Alonso

      Linked with the Liverpool and Bayern roles despite announcing he will remain at Bayer Leverkusen

      Steven Gerrard

      Liverpool legend and Scottish Prem winner with Rangers, currently in Saudi with Al-Ettifaq More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe holds face-to-face talks with Amanda Staveley to thrash out Dan Ashworth’s Man Utd move

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has met with Amanda Staveley in a bid to push through Dan Ashworth’s move to Manchester United.The Newcastle sporting director has agreed to take up the same role at Old Trafford.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has held face-to-face talks with Amanda StaveleyCredit: GettyThe Newcastle director is seeking compensation for sporting director Dan Ashworth’s exitCredit: PAAshworth has been on gardening leave since agreeing to move to Manchester UnitedCredit: PAHowever, the two clubs are yet to agree on compensation, with Ashworth placed on gardening leave by the Magpies in February.Newcastle are reportedly seeking £20million to let him go after he arrived on a four-year deal in 2022.United see that fee as too high, though, and Ratcliffe has now held face-to-face talks with Toon director Staveley, report the Times.The British billionaire is keen to reach an agreement for Ashworth’s move to United.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt is understood the meeting took place within the last week and negotiations are continuing.Ashworth previously held similar roles with West Brom, England and Brighton prior to his arrival at St. James’ Park two years ago.United plan to install him as John Murtough’s successor after announcing his exit as football director this week after 11 years at the club.Part of reshuffle following Ratcliffe’s purchase of a 25 per cent stake in the club and takeover of football operations.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSouthampton’s director of football Jason Wilcox has also agreed a move to United.However, his arrival is similarly being delayed until a compensation agreement can be reached with the Championship side.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans for Manchester United’s stadium, Old Trafford, could be a new ground for the cost of an old ground refit More

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      Man Utd pin hopes on 19-year-old after suffering yet another injury setback with key man out ‘for weeks’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will once again have to pin their hopes on Willy Kambwala this weekend.The 19-year-old is set to start alongside Harry Maguire against Bournemouth after the Red Devils confirmed a double injury setback.Willy Kambwala is set to start for Manchester United again this weekendCredit: GettyRaphael Varane has been ruled out for several weeks to leave Kambwala as one of two fit centre-backsCredit: GettyRaphael Varane and Jonny Evans will both miss out on Saturday evening.United have confirmed Varane will be out for a few weeks after suffering a muscle injury against Chelsea earlier this month.Meanwhile, Evans has a shorter-term muscle issue but will not be available this weekend.The latest setback leaves Kambwala and Maguire as the only fit centre-backs available to Erik ten Hag.READ MORE ON MAN UTEDLisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof are already sidelined and not expected to return until at least May.However, United fans are relishing the opportunity to see more of Kambwala in action.Reacting to the injury news on social media, one supporter wrote: “They can rest easy,” alongside a picture of the French teenager.Another also added: “Now is your time, Willy Kambwala.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, a third fan commented: “Time for Willy to step up.”Kambwala, who joined United from Sochaux aged 16 in 2020, has made eight first-team appearances for the club.Roy Keane jokingly accuses Ten Hag of DRINKING before TV interview as he blasts Man Utd for ‘playing like a small club’The first of those came when he started against West Ham in December, but he had to wait until last weekend for his second start.Injuries to Varane and Evans forced Ten Hag to recall Kambwala against Liverpool at Anfield, though.He is now set for a run in the side as United face a busy end to the season.The Red Devils have seven Premier League matches remaining as well as an FA Cup semi-final against Coventry on April 21.Willy Kambwala wants to become rock at the back for Man Utd… but Erik ten Hag probably won’t be around to see itBy Ken Lawrence
      ERIK TEN HAG insists he is still the right man to take Manchester United forward.
      The Dutchman believes he can recapture their former glories, despite escaping for the second time in a row what could have been humiliation by Liverpool at the weekend.
      And teen Willy Kambwala revealed his “passion” is to become a rock at the heart of United’s defence after making just his second start of the season against their bitter rivals.
      United trailed 1-0 at half-time on Sunday but fought back to take a 2-1 lead before Mo Salah’s 84th-minute equaliser from the penalty spot.
      Ten Hag was pleased with the second-half performance, declaring it “another signal and message for the future,” before adding, “the team and squad have high potential.”
      Yet the Old Trafford chief sounds more and more like he has his finger stuck in a leaky dyke and does not think it is going to hold.
      Comeback or not, United still threw away a lead for the third time in eight days following their 4-3 defeat to Chelsea and 1-1 draw with Brentford — both deep into injury time.
      And his body language suggests he expects to be crossing it to go back to Holland with his P45 this summer
      Click here to read Ken Lawrence’s comment piece in full.
      To read more from Ken Lawrence, click here.

      Kambwala made his second senior start against Liverpool last weekendCredit: Getty More

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      ‘He doesn’t look happy,’ says Wayne Rooney as Man Utd legend questions whether Rashford should leave for ‘fresh start’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Wayne Rooney has questioned Marcus Rashford’s future at Old Trafford.Rashford, 26, has endured a difficult season with the Red Devils.Marcus Rashford ‘doesn’t look happy’ at Old Trafford, according to Wayne RooneyCredit: GettyWayne Rooney believes Rashford could leave United to find form elsewhereCredit: GettyHe was briefly axed from the squad in January after missing training following a night out in Belfast.And despite reconciling with Erik ten Hag, the winger has struggled to find his form.Rooney now believes Rashford may need to leave the Red Devils in order to return to his best.The ex-United striker told Premier League productions: “He has had a very difficult season. We all know he has got the ability and got all the attributes to be a top world-class player.Read More on Man UtdInside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United…

      “That’s the frustrating thing. Last season, he went and scored a lot of goals. But this season, he hasn’t kicked on.”He doesn’t look happy when he is playing.”You wonder, is his best option to move away from the club and have a fresh start? But he is a Manchester lad.”I would love to see him get his career back on track at the club, go on to score goals and try to help the club win trophies. But he certainly has had a difficult season.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRashford has struggled to find form at times this seasonRashford has scored eight goals and provided five assists in 38 appearances for Man Utd this season.He signed a new five-year contract worth £325,000-a-week last summer but has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford at the end of the campaign.Neville and Carragher’s reaction to Man Utd vs Liverpool emerges in behind-the-scenes clip but fans spot bigger concernParis Saint-Germain are allegedly willing to launch a £75million bid for him.The Ligue 1 giants want to sign Rashford as a replacement for Kylian Mbappe, who is expected to join Real Madrid this summer. More

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      Chelsea and Liverpool ‘joined by Premier League rivals in race to trigger Nico Williams transfer release clause’

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      TOTTENHAM have joined Chelsea and Liverpool in the race to sign Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, according to reports.Williams, 21, has impressed for the La Liga side this season, scoring six goals and providing 14 assists across all competitions.Tottenham are interested in signing Nico WilliamsCredit: GettyHe is considered one of the most sought-after young wingers in Europe, with several clubs considering a summer swoop.Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have all been linked with a move for Williams in recent months.And according to The Telegraph, Tottenham are also keeping a close eye on him.Williams has a £42.8million release clause in his current contract.Read More on FootballSpurs are currently assessing whether or not they will need attacking reinforcements this summer.Tottenham’s north London rivals Arsenal are also monitoring the winger.And while Chelsea maintain an interest, club chiefs are prioritising a new out-and-out striker.Barcelona are also among his admirers, but officials are willing to hold out until 2025.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWilliams has impressed for Athletic Bilbao this seasonWilliams helped Athletic Bilbao win the Copa del Rey last week, ending the club’s 40-year wait for silverware.After the match, he told Diario AS: “I have many years left here, I am calm and happy. I can’t wait to get to Bilbao to celebrate.”Bizarre moment Arsenal target Nico Williams gets ‘dumbest red card ever seen’ after two yellows in 12 seconds – BEIN Sports 5The winger also has 13 caps for the Spanish national team.He made his senior international debut back in September 2022 and has since scored two goals. More

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      Premier League clubs vote for major rule change with it set to be introduced next season

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have voted in the use of semi-automated offsides.The new technology will be introduced next season.Semi-automated offsides will be brought into the Premier League for next seasonCredit: PA:Empics SportThe major change should reduce errors and speed up decisionsCredit: BBCHowever, it may not be ready across the board from the beginning of the campaign.And that could see it brought in either in September or November.The technology should help provide even more accuracy for offside calls.Crucially, it should also speed up VAR decisions which will undoubtedly please fans, players and even broadcasters alike. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA Premier League statement said: “At a Premier League Shareholders’ meeting today, clubs unanimously agreed to the introduction of Semi-Automated Offside Technology. “The new system will be used for the first time in the Premier League next season, and it is anticipated the technology will be ready to be introduced after one of the autumn international breaks.”The technology will provide quicker and consistent placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking, and will produce high-quality broadcast graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters.”The semi-automated offsides were used at the 2022 World Cup and are already in operation for the Champions League as well as the Serie A in Italy. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHowever, the Premier League voted against its introduction in England’s top flight last June. But SunSport reported back in November that the semi-automated offsides would be brought in for the 2024-25 Premier League. Arsenal vs Newcastle VAR micWhat are semi-automated offsides?

      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have voted in the use of semi-automated offsides from the 2024-25 season.
      The technology tracks 29 different points on the body of every player.
      Together with a chip in the football, the tech then can produce almost instantaneous decisions, even on the tightest of calls.
      These are then visualised with computer-generated 3D images which clearly show the offence on a screen for fans watching the broadcast from home.
      Referees on the pitch will need to step in and intervene if the offside call is subjective – ie the player in an offside position does not touch the ball.
      Here’s how it works:

      Each ground will have up to 12 special cameras with limb-tracking technology.
      These will focus on 29 goal-scoring body parts from every player on the pitch and will record their position 50 times per second.
      During the World Cup in Qatar, the microchip in the ball sent back data points 500 times every second to determine the  precise instant it was played by an attacker OR a defender
      That allowed the computer technology to alert the VAR that a player was in an offside position when the ball was played
      But all decisions were then checked to ensure the attacker was interfering with play
      The average time for an offside call in Qatar was cut to 25 seconds per incident
      In future, a 3D animation will “show” the decision to fans in the stadium and via broadcasters, and this will be available by the next stoppage in play after the decision.

      The tech uses “limb-tracking” cameras to track players along with a chip in the football to get the right decisions. Computer-generated 3D clips illustrate offside decisions, giving fans watching an immediate visual portrayal. The tech only notifies the referees in the case of an offside if the player out of position touches the ball.For subjective offside calls, such as an interfering attacker offside at a free-kick, the semi-automated offside technology can confirm if the player is on or not – then it is down to the match officials to determine their impact or lack of on the attacking phase. The tech should help speed up decisions on the fieldCredit: AlamyA chip inside the ball for the World Cup in Qatar proved successfulCredit: FIFA More

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      Roy Keane asked by Premier League owner ‘were you smoking weed’ after brutal ‘League Two player’ Erling Haaland

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      BURNLEY co-owner JJ Watt asked Manchester United legend Roy Keane if he was “smoking weed” when he labelled Erling Haaland a “League Two player” last month.Keane criticised the Manchester City striker following his performance against Arsenal on Easter Sunday.JJ Watt asked Keane if he was “smoking weed”Credit: YouTube/ The OverlapRoy Keane doubled down on his opinion about HaalandCredit: YouTube/ THE OVERLAPHe said: “The levels of his general play is so poor and not just today. I think laying stuff off, headers, whatever it might be. In terms of in front of goal, he’s the best in the world.”But his general play for such a player is so poor. Not just today, he has to improve.”He’s almost like a League Two player, that’s how I look at him. His general play, it has to improve and it will do over the next few years.”Keane’s rant left many football fans stunned, especially given Haaland’s Premier League goalscoring record.Read More on FootballFormer NFL star and Burnley co-owner Watt was also surprised by the United legend’s comments.In the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast, he asked Keane: “League Two striker? Were you smoking weed?”But the former midfielder doubled down on his comments, admitting: “I don’t know what the big deal is, I give Erling Haaland praise every week, I give Manchester City praise, and I think he’s an amazing striker. But his general play is that of a League Two player.”And I’m glad you are not agreeing with me, I don’t expect people to agree with me.‌ His general play, week in, week out is nowhere near good enough. As a goal scorer and a striker, the best – and I said that.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”His link-up play, the way he lays the ball off, sometimes the options he gives his teammates or the options he doesn’t give them – as a striker and a goal scorer the best in the world, but his other play is that of a League Two player.”The game against Arsenal was tough because they did well to contain the whole game, but in general, I don’t think what I said was a big deal. ‘He’s good at it’ – Harry Kane tipped for stunning career change after Bayern Munich and England star retires”He’s a young player and he will improve, and I guarantee you that Pep Guardiola sits with his staff on everything and say that he needs to do more, specifically when he’s not getting of chances or loads of goals.”Man City currently sit third in the Premier League table, one point behind Arsenal and Liverpool.They next face Luton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. More

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      Kalvin Phillips’ West Ham loan hits new low as struggling star set to be sidelined leaving Euros hopes on a knife-edge

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      KALVIN PHILLIPS is set to be sidelined for a fortnight with a hamstring injury.The West Ham midfielder, who has endured a horror loan spell in East London, suffered the hamstring strain in training on Tuesday.Kalvin Phillips is set to be sidelined for a fortnight with a hamstring injuryCredit: ReutersPhillips has endured a horror loan spell in East London since his arrival in JanuaryCredit: GettyPhillips did not travel to Germany with the Hammers for their Europa League quarter-final first leg against Bayer Leverkusen and will miss the return meeting in London next week.The on-loan Manchester City midfielder will also miss Sunday’s London derby against Fulham and is likely to miss the visit to Crystal Palace on April 21.Phillips has had a horrid time since arriving at West Ham on loan in January.The former Leeds United man has lost his place in the England squad, gave away a cheap goal on his Hammers debut, was sent off at Nottingham Forest and sparked an almighty collapse at Newcastle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWest Ham are still unclear as to when Jarrod Bowen will return from his back injury, though there is hope he will be able to feature in the second leg against Bayer Leverkusen next week.Meanwhile, Phillips’ place in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 team for this summer is under threat.The midfielder was snubbed of a place during the Three Lions’ friendlies against Brazil and Belgium after Southgate opted for Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo instead.This injury setback means the England star’s prospects of returning to the squad are now hanging by a thread.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSouthgate will name his provisional squad for Euro 2024 on 21 May. Since he arrived in East London, Phillips has failed to make any impact with zero assists and goals in 11 appearances.Fans are speculating where his future lies at West Ham and according to reports the midfielder has been in contact with Leeds about a potential return to the Championship side.Leeds ‘make contact with Kalvin Phillips over emotional transfer return’ to end two-year nightmareFrench outlet Sports Zone revealed Leeds have enquired about re-signing him.The 28-year-old left Elland Road to join Manchester City in a £45million transfer two years ago.The Whites recently made contact with Man City regarding a possible transfer.City are allegedly willing to accept £25million for Phillips.The midfielder joined Leeds’ academy at the age of 14 and progressed through the club’s youth ranks before signing his first professional contract four years later.He went on to make 234 appearances for the Whites, scoring 14 goals.Phillips’ West Ham loan is a disaster… it’s toe-curlingly difficult to watch, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      HE’S had an extraordinary career, Kalvin Phillips.
      A Treble-winner and one of only 12 living Englishmen to have started the final of a major international tournament.
      A home-town hero at Leeds, where he was the kingpin of Marcelo Bielsa’s buccaneering Championship-winning side and feted as the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’.
      England’s Player of the Year in 2021, when the Three Lions reached a final for the first time in more than half a century.
      Indeed, Phillips has featured in most of England’s best wins of the last three years — against Germany and Denmark at those Euros, home and away in qualifiers against Italy, against a Belgium side ranked No 1 in the world, the World Cup thrashing of Senegal and in last autumn’s hammering of the Scots.
      That record for Gareth Southgate’s side points to a great irony.
      If Phillips had stayed put as a Manchester City bench-warmer, he would be going to Germany this summer and quite possibly as a starter.
      The mighty man-bun man has been a fine footballer and, at 28, he might become one again.
      Phillips is also a good bloke too, much-loved in the England squad and attracting a full house from the entire Leeds staff when the club held a leaving do before his Etihad move in a £45million deal.
      But right now Phillips has become unwatchable. Toe-curling, cringeworthy, hide-behind-the-sofa-the-Daleks-are-coming levels of unwatchable.
      His loan switch to West Ham, which originally looked sensible for club and player, is an unmitigated disaster.
      And it feels as if Phillips is at the centre of a football-wide conspiracy which has deemed that anything which could go wrong, will go wrong. More