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      Leicester could face Prem points deduction NEXT season but loophole means financial issue will NOT affect promotion bid

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      LEICESTER are facing questions from rivals about TWO potential breaches of financial rules.Clubs in both the Premier League and Championship suspect the Foxes broke the top flight’s £105million limit on losses for the three years that ended last term (an average of £35m per Prem season).Leicester could be hit with a points deductionCredit: GettyThey also believe Leicester will exceed the £83m of combined losses they can make over the three years ending with the current campaign, with the EFL allowing only £13m losses per season.But boss Enzo Maresca could lead them back to the Prem before any breaches are punished.There is growing frustration that it remains unclear which league is responsible for checking a club’s finances for the season when they are relegated from, or promoted to, the top flight.And the delay in resolving cases allows clubs to escape immediate penalty for gaining an unfair advantage.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIf any of last season’s relegated clubs — Leicester, Southampton and Leeds — broke rules in 2022-23, they could be promoted back to the Prem before a case was brought.But because of the Premier League’s revamped process, Everton and Nottingham Forest are facing punishment in the coming weeks for their alleged breaches in the same term.Both clubs had to submit their 2022-23 figures early, on December 31, as they had indicated last March that they would be close to the maximum permitted losses.It seems likely Leicester were in the same position — but relegation meant they did not have to reveal their numbers.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut if the Foxes gain promotion, they will be back in the Prem before either the EFL or Premier League has the chance to deal with any rule breach.Wouldn’t inflict that on anyone’ – Gary Lineker refuses ‘grisly’ Match of the Day request if Leicester win ChampionshipLeicester posted losses of at least £141.75m over three previous seasons, not including the last.Forest WERE brought to book by the League after promotion but that is no consolation to the clubs — including Leicester — who went down last season before they could face scrutiny.Leicester declined to comment, while the Prem and EFL said they were unable to talk about individual clubs. More

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      Incredible Phil Foden stat puts Man Utd to shame as Kyle Walker reveals Man City derby hero’s new nickname

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      PEP GUARDIOLA called Phil Foden the “best player in the Premier League” after his Manchester derby heroics.And one incredible stat from the two-goal Man City hero put United to shame.Phil Foden has been hailed as the best player in the Premier LeagueCredit: PAMarcus Rashford’s 30-yard strike stunned the Etihad on eight minutes but the Red Devils barely threatened Guardiola’s team after that.Despite that, they still went in at the break leading – largely thanks to Erling Haaland’s “worst miss ever” – but then Foden took centre stage.The 23-year-old England attacker curled a superb shot past Andre Onana to level on 56 minutes.United remained set up to try to stifle City and were hanging on at 1-1 when two of their key players were forced off – which their manager Erik ten Hag claims cost them.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThen with just ten minutes to go he fired them ahead as he burst away from Casemiro following a one-two with Julian Alvarez.Haaland then rounded off the scoring in stoppage time to secure Manchester derby bragging rights and the 3-1 victory.United only managed to muster three shots, with one on target, all game – while Foden alone had THREE TIMES as many.After taking his tally to 18 goals in 39 appearances in all competitions this term, it was Foden that rightly took home the player of the match award.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd his boss Guardiola hailed the academy product’s “world class” abilities as he called him the Premier League’s best player this season.He said: “Right now, he is the best (in the league). To be world class you have to win games. He’s winning games.Man City 3 Man Utd 1: Brilliant Foden double completes comeback from Rashford thunderbolt to pile more misery on Ten Hag“Always he scored goals but now he’s winning games. When you do this you reach another level as a player.“He will already be a legendary player because at his age, the games played, the minutes, the goals scored, the titles won and he is from here and that is why the connection with the fans is unbelievable.“He is the player of the season. With all respect for the incredible players but no-one has been so decisive for us as him this season.”Team-mate Kyle Walker added: “We call him ‘The Sniper’ because he loves a shot. So when he comes in on that left foot you know he has got the quality and composure to pick his spot.“Phil has taken on more responsibility this season.“We need important players like him who can win you games.”The modest matchwinner vowed to just “keep working hard” after his latest exploits.READ MORE SUN STORIESFoden said: “It’s my aim to turn up in the big games.“That’s what I want to do and this season I think I’ve done that. I just need to keep working hard.” More

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      ‘Damn, too soon’ – Ivan Toney’s stunned reaction to awkward question from DJ Vick Hope as he presents at Brit Awards

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      IVAN TONEY was almost speechless as he provided a stunned reaction to an awkward question at the Brit Awards.Brentford’s star player joined DJ Vick Hope to present an award at last night’s glitzy ceremony.Ivan Toney was left stunned after being asked an awkward question by Vick HopeCredit: GettyThe DJ and the Brentford star presented a gong together at the Brit AwardsCredit: PAMusic stars far and wide were given accolades at the O2 Arena in London.Toney presented the Producer of the Year gong to Chase & Status – just hours after featuring in Brentford’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea.But it was the pre-award banter between the striker and Hope that left the audience and millions watching on TV open-mouthed.As the pair engaged the crowd, cheeky DJ Hope made a reference to Toney’s eight-month ban for betting offences.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe teased: “We are so pleased to be presenting the award for Producer of the Year.“Ivan, any bets on who it could be?”This provoked a stunned reaction from Toney, who smiled as he answered.The England Euro hopeful said: “Damn, too soon, too soon.”Most read in FootballFans at home had mixed reactions to the joke.One said: “Terrible gag by the script writers.”Inside Ivan Toney’s Life As A FootballerCredit: GettyAnother noted: “Belter this…”But one person declared: “It’s just a bit of banter.”Since returning from his ban, Toney has scored four goals in seven games for Brentford.He hit an incredible 20 goals in the Premier League last term.And Toney is dreaming of making England’s squad for the Euros this summer.It could also be the time when he finally leaves Brentford, with Toney out of contract in 2025.READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal and Chelsea are thought to be interested.But Brentford could demand a large fee, having previously asked for an eye-watering £100million. More

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      ‘Are you winding me up here?’ says Gary Neville as he spots Micah Richards’ reaction to his Man Utd analysis

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      GARY NEVILLE asked Micah Richards “are you winding me up” as he was quizzed by his fellow pundit after Manchester United’s derby loss to City.Marcus Rashford opened the scoring after ten minutes of the grudge match at the Etihad. Gary Neville spotted Micah Richards ‘winding’ him upCredit: Sky SportsBut Phil Foden’s double and a late Erling Haaland strike turned the game around for the Premier League champions.Neville was quick to insist that United’s top-four hopes were still intact, despite falling 11 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa. He even claimed the performance was “the best defensively from a discipline point of view in Erik ten Hag’s whole period at United”.However, he added: “In a perfect world they would be 20 to 30 yards further forward up the pitch, playing as compact as that. They were really at the edge of their box.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Rashford and Garnacho got so deep, they couldn’t then get up the pitch.”But there is something there today that meant they’ve addressed the carnage, gaps and chaos in midfield over the last few month.”That’s when former City star Richards spotted his opportunity to play host.First he quizzed Nev about his “confidence”, then about the impact of Luke Shaw’s injury absence.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd, as actual Sky Sports presenter Kelly Cates tried to get a word in, Neville joked: “Is he winding me up here?”Unperturbed, Neville went on: “Some games after United, I’ve thought, ‘What the hell is that?’ Fifa President Infantino hails Scottish football thriller”At least today I saw that there was a plan and there was real attention to detail on how they were going to defend. “So today I think is something you can buy into more in terms of how they looked because sometimes in the last few weeks you think, ‘What they doing? Where are they all?'” But former United captain Roy Keane was no so impressed. Keane interjected: “But that’s where the standards have dropped. You’re almost praising them, they’ve lost. “The reason you’re at Manchester United is to perform in the big games and to compete against Man City and Liverpool. “But no, we’re sitting here going, ‘I thought they done alright, better shape.’ “They got beaten 3-1 and the last half an hour they were just hanging in there, they couldn’t get in a kick.” More

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      Man City star Rodri breaks incredible 16-year Premier League record vs Man Utd as he overtakes Chelsea legend

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      RODRI helped Manchester City earn bragging rights over rivals United – and broke a Premier League record in the process. The midfielder played all 90 minutes of the derby, with Phil Foden’s double and Erling Haaland’s late strike cancelling out Marcus Rashford’s opener. Rodri celebrates victory over Man UtdCredit: RexRodri has still not lost a club game since City’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in February 2023. Since then, he has featured for City 58 times without being beaten.After the Spaniard was sent off against Nottingham Forest in September, City lost all three of the domestic games he missed.But when he is on the pitch, it is a different story. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCity’s 1-0 win against Bournemouth last weekend saw Rodri draw level with ex-Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho on 58 games without defeat.The former Portugal centre-back set that record between November 2006 and February 2008, over 16 years ago. But now it has been broken by Rodri, who extended his unbeaten run of appearances to 59 following victory in the Manchester derby. Despite Rodri’s record-breaking feat the praise rightly went to team-mate Foden. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUnited legend Gary Neville said: “Sometimes derby matches can be emotional passionate affairs especially for local players who have come through the academy and it means a lot to.”He’s as cool as ice, Phil Foden. He’s such a special talent. He’s here to stay. He’s such a wonderful player.”Did you spot AFC Wimbledon star’s ‘top class s***housery’ in warm-ups before fiery clash with hated rivals MK Dons? More

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      Man Utd fans demand ‘superhero’ Kobbie Mainoo is on plane to Euro 2024 after starlet puts body on the line vs Man City

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans demanded that “superhero” Kobbie Mainoo goes to Euro 2024 following his performance against City. The 18-year-old sensation started in the middle of the park at the Etihad in the Manchester derby. Fans demanded that ‘superhero’ Kobbie Mainoo goes to Euro 2024Credit: Sky SportsMarcus Rashford put United ahead with a wonderstrike after just eight minutes. But City pressed for a leveller before half-time and needed the heroics of Mainoo to keep United ahead. A cross fell to Phil Foden and his volley was bravely blocked by the young midfielder – leaving fans in awe. One said: “Kobbie Mainoo stopping a close-range shot from going in with his head. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Gives absolutely everything for the badge. I LOVE THIS BOY!!!”Another added: “If Kobbie Mainoo goes to the Euros then it’s coming home.”One hailed: “It will be a crime if kobbie Mainoo doesn’t make it to Euros.”Another gushed: “I know a superhero when I see one. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I know Rashford scored a class goal but thoughts on that Mainoo first half performance United fans.”Despite Mainoo’s defensive prowess, he could do nothing to stop Foden’s stunning equaliser on the hour mark. And it was his England team-mate who later put City ahead with ten minutes to go and seal a second-half double. Erling Haaland then wrapped up the three points in added time to condemn United to a 3-1 defeat. Man Utd star Diogo Dalot builds the ‘worst footballer in history’ with the left foot of Antony More

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      Man Utd star Diogo Dalot builds the ‘worst footballer in history’ with the left foot of Antony

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      DIOGO DALOT has left fans scratching their heads after building his perfect footballer.The Manchester United full-back was asked to build his own player from those also sponsored by Puma.Diogo Dalot’s perfect footballer was slammed by fansCredit: TikTok / goalglobalHe included the left foot of Manchester United team-mate AntonyCredit: RexHe listed his picks for left foot, right foot, speed, strength, skills and football IQ in a recent interview with Puma.Dalot started by choosing his United team-mate Antony’s left foot, which he paired with the right of Neymar.He stuck with the Brazilian for skills as well as choosing himself for the speed slot.Jack Grealish got the nod for Dalot’s strength choice, before he completed the player with Kai Havertz’s football IQ.Fans were not convinced on social media, though, with one commenting: “He just built the worst football in history with the right foot of Neymar.”Another added: “This has to be the most mid perfect football player I’ve ever seen.”A third fan also wrote: “Surely he was asked to create the worst player of all-time.”Dalot selected Antony despite the winger scoring just once in 27 matches for the Red Devils this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHavertz has also come in for criticism during his debut campaign with Arsenal.However, the German international has racked up seven goals for the Gunners this term.My dad ‘beat up’ Man Utd legend Roy Keane in a furious dressing room fight – now I’m making my own way in the EFLNeymar has been sidelined since October after rupturing his ACL and is not expected to return for Al-Hilal until at least the end of April.It has also been an injury-hit campaign for Grealish, who was not fit to make the squad for the Manchester derby after limping off in midweek against Luton.Dalot did start the derby, though, making his 36th appearance across all competitions of the season.The 24-year-old has scored twice and added three assists from right-back for Erik ten Hag’s side this term.Dalot’s player was dubbed the ‘worst footballer in history’ by fansCredit: TikTok / goalglobal More

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      Man City 0-1 Man Utd LIVE SCORE: Marcus Rashford scores THUNDERBOLT to give Red Devils a shock lead – latest updates

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are taking on bitter rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium RIGHT NOW.And Erik ten Hag’s side have taken a shock lead after Marcus Rashford’s thunderbolt on eight minutes.Kevin De Bruyne returned to the City starting XI in the Premier League after making FOUR assists to Erling Haaland in the FA Cup midweek.
      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League
      Live stream: NOW
      Man City team: Ederson, Walker, Dias, Ake, Stones, Rodri, Bernardo, Foden, De Bruyne, Doku, Haaland
      Man Utd team: Onana, Dalot, Varane, Evans, Lindelof, Casemiro, Mainoo, McTominay, Fernandes, Rashford, Garnacho
      PADDY POWER WELCOME OFFER – get £40 in free bet builder betsMan City 0-1 Man Utd
      37. United are defending in big numbers.
      As City push and pass their way forward, the visitors are often sat with ten men behind the ball, leaving only Marcus Rashford up top.
      That’s a long time left on the clock to be playing so deep.
      Copy linkCopiedMan City 0-1 Man Utd
      35. De Bruyne takes matters into his own hands (feet) by coming in off the right flank to open up space for a shot.
      However, the midfielder rather rushes at the opportunity, pulling his effort uncharacteristically wide of the near post.
      Copy linkCopiedMan City 0-1 Man Utd
      33. Another fine stop from Onana!
      City are turning the screw on their opponents now, and almost bag an equaliser.
      Walker accelerates down the right, tees up De Bruyne for a cross that’s cleared by Varane, but only to Rodri, who executes an immediate sliced volley destined for the bottom corner.
      That is until Onana gets down low to his left in order to push away.
      Copy linkCopiedMan City 0-1 Man Utd
      31. All the talk was of Kevin De Bruyne’s creativity before this match, but it’s been Bernardo Silva as the man most likely to make something happen so far.
      The Spaniard has already been responsible for laying on five chances this afternoon.
      Copy linkCopiedMan City 0-1 Man Utd
      29. Decent play from City.
      Dias sends a diagonal pass into the path of Doku on the left, the Belgian comes inside and exchanges passes with Silva before shooting well wide of the target.
      Copy linkCopiedMan City 0-1 Man Utd
      26. A foul is given against Lindelof up the left touchline, and – remarkably – the first free-kick of the contest is awarded.
      Copy linkCopiedMan City 0-1 Man Utd
      24. Hopeful shouts of handball from the home fans as a cross crashes into Dalot and goes behind for a corner.
      In fact, Andy Madley delays the restart while VAR take a second look, but it takes barely a second to notice that Dalot’s arm was tucked into his body in a natural position.
      Copy linkCopiedMan City 0-1 Man Utd
      22. Perhaps I should have said 3-3?
      A lifted cross into the City box from the left has the home defence nowhere to be seen.
      The ball is just too high for the arriving McTominay, but sits perfectly for Rashford at the far post.
      A wild miscue of a shot follows, making a mockery of the screamer he netted from three times the distance a quarter of an hour earlier.
      Copy linkCopiedMan City 0-1 Man Utd
      20. This is an incredibly open match full of non-stop attacking action.
      It could easily be 2-2 already.
      Copy linkCopiedMan City 0-1 Man Utd
      18. Big chance for Foden! Must be! Saved!
      Now it’s the turn of the United defence to open up and allow an opponent a free path to goal – a route that a forward fails to capitalise on.
      Huge credit to Onana, who is quick off his line to narrow Foden’s angle, and then imposing enough to block the subsequent low shot.
      Copy linkCopiedMan City 0-1 Man Utd
      16. Another chance for Rashford! Oh, he miscontrols!
      Dias’ slip on halfway presents the opportunity for Fernandes to poke a through ball into the path of the goalscorer, and all he has to do is head it forward to leave himself clear on goal.
      However, Rashford makes a real mess of it, and City breathe a huge, collective sigh of relief.
      Copy linkCopiedMan City 0-1 Man Utd
      14. Foden goes for goal! Saved by Onana!
      City move the ball from left to right across the United penalty area, presenting Foden with a chance from a wider angle than he would have liked.
      The forward does well to get a strike away, but it’s one comfortably dealt with by the United goalkeeper.
      Copy linkCopiedMan City 0-1 Man Utd
      12. On co-commentary, Gary Neville ponders whether Ake’s decision to drop back as Onana launched forward for the goal came as a result of Garnacho beating him for pace on the flank just minutes earlier.
      Copy linkCopiedMan City 0-1 Man Utd
      10. Stunned by that opener, City go looking for an immediate response.
      Foden attempts to feed Haaland, but Casemiro gets a foot in to carry the pass beyond the striker.
      Copy linkCopiedMan City 0-1 Man Utd
      8. What an extraordinary hit from Marcus Rashford!
      A long clearance upfield from Andre Onana catches Manchester City out with Bruno Fernandes played onside by a dozing Nathan Ake on the near side.
      The Manchester United captain then does brilliantly to hold the ball up, turn, and lay it back into the path of Rashford.
      What follows is sensational; the England forward takes the shot on first time from 25 yards, it flies past Ederson, and crashes into the net off the crossbar.
      The strike silences the Etihad! It silences the haters! And it has United in front!
      An absolute stunner – in more ways that one.
      Copy linkCopiedWhat a goal!!

      Copy linkCopiedMan City 0-0 Man Utd
      6. Now it’s Doku’s turn to test the United defence with some unpredictable skill and pace.
      Dalot stands up to the challenge, and then we have a first glimpse of the threat that United carry on the counter.
      Garnacho gets away from Ake on the right, and looks to have the legs to go all the way.
      Somehow the winger gets held up on route, and his eventual deflected cross is an easy grab for Ederson.
      Copy linkCopiedMan City 0-0 Man Utd
      4. The barrage continues.
      The game has been played exclusively in United’s half so far, indeed it’s mostly in their 18-yard box.
      Silva is just about crowded our as he lines up a shot inside the area, and then Stones goes to crowd following a challenge from Casemiro.
      The referee and video officials say no penalty, and they’re absolutely right. The Brazilian got a foot on the ball with Stones kicking the back of his opponent’s leg.
      Copy linkCopiedMan City 0-0 Man Utd
      2. The home side force a corner with less than a minute on the clock, and immediately to pull their red rivals apart.
      Clever passing and movement from the dead ball draws United’s defence out, allowing Foden to strike a goal from 22 yards out.
      Deflected and behind for another corner.
      Copy linkCopiedKick-off – Man City v Man Utd
      1. Here we go! Bernardo Silva gets this Manchester City underway with a one-man kick-off all the way back to Ederson, and sets the tone of the hosts in possession.
      Andy Madley is the man in charge, and the champions are already on the charge…
      Copy linkCopiedHere come the two teams!
      The rain has been falling in Manchester – no surprise there – but it seems to have paused to allow the players to make their entrance at the Etihad.
      Ahead of kick-off, the atmosphere is more anxious than raucous. Perhaps both supporters fear a slip-up, one that could leave the blue half playing catch-up in the title race, or one would leave the red half red-faced.
      Kick-off comes next.
      Copy linkCopiedPep hails incredible partnership
      Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne will play together in the Premier League for just the fourth time this season, and for Pep Guardiola, the return of that partnership could not have been better timed.
      The Manchester City boss believes his squad have done brilliantly to stay in the title race without their star duo, and now hope the pair can fire them to the top.
      At the end we are here and many times we have been without them and still we are there. We won’t be at the top tonight, but we are here because everyone is making contributions. When they [Haaland and De Bruyne] perform at the highest level, it is incredible for us.”Pep GuardiolaSky Sports

      Copy linkCopiedCity shooting for club record
      Stop Erling Haaland and stop Manchester City, right? Of course not.
      Even when they were without the Norwegian striker this season, the Citizens were unstoppable in front of goal, especially at home.
      In fact, City have scored in each of their last 54 games at the Etihad in all competitions.
      And now Haaland is back from injury, back in red-hot form, and back paired with his creator supreme in Kevin De Bruyne.
      So it seems a case of when City will score, rather than if – and once they do, they will equal their club record of scoring in 55 consecutive home games, which they first set between January 2012 and January 2014.
      Copy linkCopiedMore back four roulette for Erik
      Injuries, form and suspensions have caused chaos for Manchester United’s defence this season.
      And any hope that Erik ten Hag may have had for a settled back line for the remainder of the campaign has been blown apart by recent injuries to Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire.
      The Dutchman goes for a quartet of Diogo Dalot, Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof this afternoon, a selection that Kelly Cates tells us is the 21st different back four that United have opted for in 27 Premier League games this season.
      Copy linkCopiedDerby brings away day joy
      No fixture in Premier League history has resulted in more away wins than Manchester City against Manchester United.
      The derby has served up 22 successes for the side making the short trip across the city, the same number of away victories given to us by games between Aston Villa and Liverpool.
      Indeed, of the 54 fixtures to be played 40+ times in the Premier League, the Manchester derby has the highest proportion of away triumphs at 42% (22/53).
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