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      I wish I’d captained Man Utd, they certainly get preferential treatment from refs – but I worry about Bruno Fernandes

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      BEING captain of a Premier League team is a real badge of honour.So being asked to skipper Manchester United — England’s most famous club — ought to be one of the biggest privileges that football has to offer.Bruno Fernandes has been criticised by Troy DeeneyCredit: GettyDeeney believes Fernandes has tried to get himself sent off in the pastCredit: Steve BellIt’s also an easier job to captain United than Watford, as I did for five years in the top flight, because United captains certainly get preferential treatment from referees — a free pass on certain things.When I heard some of the things Wayne Rooney used to say to referees when he was wearing the United armband, I sure as hell knew that I wouldn’t have got away with them as Watford skipper!As captain, you are asked to be the embodiment of your football club.You are representing the best that they can offer.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut with Bruno Fernandes, I do not see that.A captain comes into his own when the chips are down, when the team is struggling in a match, or stuck in a poor vein of form.Yet on more than one occasion, if United are getting well beaten, I have genuinely thought that Fernandes looks as if he wants to get sent off.It’s like if he shows “passion” — if he loses his head and is red-carded — it will show the supporters, show the world, just how much he cares.Most read in FootballThat was the impression that he gave in last season’s humiliating 7-0 defeat away to Liverpool, when he escaped punishment for manhandling a linesman.But for me that sort of thing is childish behaviour. It’s not how a captain shows leadership qualities.’How is he our captain’ moan Man Utd fans as Bruno Fernandes spotted furiously arguing with referee after Fulham lossI’ve made plenty of mistakes in life, so I don’t want to be over-critical.But I’m sure I never acted like that when captaining my team.On Sunday, United travel across town to play the champions and I fear they could get a real hiding.Not because they are playing particularly badly but because Manchester City are really starting to click, with Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne back to top form, as they proved in the FA Cup thrashing of Luton the other night.United have injury problems in defence, too. At Forest the other night, they had Sofyan Amrabat playing left-back and he looked as slow as me!I dread to think what City speed merchant Jeremy Doku might do against him if he plays.Erik ten Hag does not need his skipper to lose his head at the Etihad but that is always a fear with Fernandes.When I think of the best captains I played against — men like John Terry and Vincent Kompany — they had an aura, an in-built respect which meant when they spoke, world-class players in their team would know they had been spoken to and would react positively.And you don’t have to be an old-school leader to be a good captain.Martin Odegaard leads by example.I know he is one of Arsenal’s best players and I know he is highly regarded by his team-mates as an excellent skipper.I don’t think Fernandes commands that sort of respect.I know he has been caught up in a spat about his feigning of injuries, which Fulham highlighted in a TikTok post after they won at Old Trafford last weekend.I’m not sure that United should be troubling themselves getting embroiled in silly rows like that.Fernandes does seem to throw himself about a fair bit — but there are many Premier League players who do the same and I don’t think the United man is the worst culprit.But it is part of Bruno’s make-up and one of many reasons why I don’t think he is captaincy material.Having said that, who at United is? Harry Maguire, maybe, but he has lost the captaincy and has been playing better on the whole since having that responsibility taken off his shoulders.Casemiro would command respect but I don’t think his English is good enough for him to be captain.I don’t believe Ten Hag will still be United’s manager next season.I think he’s finished, whatever happens in the next three months, and when Dan Ashworth arrives from Newcastle as sporting director, he will want to make a change.If I was a United player, I’d have liked hearing their new billionaire investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe talking about wanting to “knock Liverpool and City off their perch”.I’d have liked the ambition and seen it as a challenge. I’d have wanted to be part of it. But I haven’t seen many of United’s players reacting in that way.I’m expecting a massive shake-up of the playing staff at United this summer and Fernandes will be one of the players the club will want to keep — but an incoming manager will surely be looking to appoint a new captain.The Portuguese is a very good player, if not a great one.When I played against him, he wasn’t one of those opposition players that our manager would spend a matchday-minus-one analysis session instructing us on how to stop him.If United made him available, I don’t see City or Liverpool or even Newcastle coming in for him.But he is a fine creative player, with good set-piece delivery and the ability to shoot from range. His goals and assists stats are good.Against Forest in the FA Cup on Wednesday, he proved the difference as United eked out a late 1-0 win.Yet I don’t see him as a proper captain, who leads by words and example.I don’t think he acts as that link between supporters and the team, as the best skippers tend to do.READ MORE SUN STORIESMaybe he’ll prove me wrong in the Manchester derby and provide a true captain’s performance.Or maybe he will get himself sent off. More

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      Unemployed Chelsea legend Frank Lampard teases return to management 10 months after last job

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      CHELSEA legend Frank Lampard has teased a stunning return to management.The former England star has been out of work for 10 months after leaving the Chelsea dugout for a second time.Frank Lampard is on the hunt for a new job after leaving Chelsea last summerCredit: GettyAnd he has since worked as a pundit on national television.However, Super Frank admits he’s looking for a new role despite enjoying life as a family man.The three-time Premier League winner is keeping his ear to the ground for any opportunities.But the legend will continue to relish the quality time he’s currently having with his children.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLampard told talkSPORT: “I’m enjoying being with the family and looking to get back at some point.“Hopefully something comes up that feels right for me, I’m keen to get working again but as I reiterate, I’m enjoying family life.“It’s an intense job so when you’re out of it, it’s nice to appreciate being around all my children.“You love the job. you understand the rigours of it in the modern day. I’ve enjoyed all the clubs I’ve worked with.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“They’ve all been big challenges for different reasons. I enjoy working with players, improve players and the team, so let’s see what comes.”Lampard, 45, turned his hand to management in 2018 as he took Derby County to the Champions play-off finals.I played with Lampard and Mata at Chelsea but flop who made just six appearances was most talented, says Eden HazardHis wildest dreams came true a year later when Chelsea came calling following a transfer ban.But after bringing through academy stars like Reece James and Mason Mount, Lampard was eventually axed after 18 months.A year later, he was hired by Everton to help them beat the drop.But after just 12 months, Lampard was shown the door in January 2023.He then made a stunning return to Chelsea a few months later, taking over as interim for the sacked Graham Potter.However, he managed just one win in 11 games and was shown the door for Mauricio Pochettino last summer. More

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      Nominees for Football Black List revealed with England ace Trent Alexander-Arnold and Vincent Kompany boss up for awards

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD and Vincent Kompany lead the nominees for the latest edition of the Football Black List.The annual award shines a light on the most influential black people in British football.Trent Alexander-Arnold has been nominated in the latest Football Black ListCredit: ReutersBurnley boss Vincent Kompany is also a nomineeCredit: GettyAnd it also highlights trailblazers working across all areas of the game from the black community.Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling all featured on last year’s list of nominees.But it’s Liverpool and England star Alexander-Arnold who leads the latest batch of players.He has been enjoying an excellent season for his club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd although currently injured, Alexander-Arnold is sure to play a huge role for England at this summer’s Euros.Other players nominated include Burnley’s Lyle Foster, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, Man United’s Nikita Parris and Chelsea’s Jess Carter.Elsewhere, Burnley boss Kompany is up in the Coaching and Management section.The Belgian stormed the Championship to win the title last season.Most read in FootballAnd he faces competition from Birmingham chief Hope Powell, Hull boss Liam Rosenior, Port Vale manager Darren Moore and West Ham coach Nicole Farley.The Football Black List was founded in 2008 and has a panel made up of representatives from the Premier League, FA, League Managers Association, Professional Footballers Association, EFL, PGMOL and Kick It Out.Man City unveil statues of Vincent Kompany and David Silva at Etihad for key roles in club’s meteoric rise to the topLeon Mann MBE, co-found of the Football Black List, said: “The Football Black List this year once again serves as a reminder of the positive contribution those of African and Caribbean heritage are making to the game both on and off the pitch. “However, we still face significant issues of underrepresentation that require urgent attention.”On the pitch in the Premier League 43% of the players are Black, according to the Black Footballers Partnership. “But there is an ongoing lack of diversity across all other areas of football – from the Boardroom to the Dugouts. “Therefore it is vital we shine a light on the role models leading the way for the next generation to follow into the sport to help address this.”Fellow co-founder Rodney Hinds added: “The Football Black List has been endorsed by the Black community and that provides a great sense of pride. The growing number of industry supporters is significant and appreciated too.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Quite rightly, the Football Black List is about those doing great work within the game, so congratulations to all the awardees. They are inspiring future generations.”It’s now been 15 years since the start of the Football Black List and that is a massive achievement for all those that have backed the initiative. Myself and Leon are grateful.” More

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      Premier League icon Tony Pulis, 66, lined up for sensational return to management four years after retiring

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      STOKE CITY are on the hunt to replace boss Steven Schumacher with former legendary boss Tony Pulis.Pulis retired from management back in 2020 and the ex-Premier League icon could be looking at a third spell at the club.Stoke have eyed up Tony Pulis to replace Steven Schumacher at StokeCredit: GettySchumacher only became manager at the club in DecemberCredit: GettyPulis, who is now retired, managed at the Championship side twiceCredit: PA:Empics SportSchumacher only took on the leading role at the BET365 Stadium in December but is already on the brink of losing his job.Stoke have won just two games this year and currently sit on the brink of relegation.And the club have eyed up 66-year-old Pulis – one of the club’s all-time greats – to come and save the day for the third time.As Stoke hopes to retain their Championship status they have eyed up someone who knows the club very well.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the ex-Bournemouth star has reportedly made it clear he does not want to come out of retirement any time soon.Pulis guided Stoke through a tough 2002–03 season avoiding relegation on the final day of the season. He then spent two more seasons with Stoke before being sacked in 2005.The Welshman then returned a year later after spending a season at Plymouth.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAfter narrowly missing out on a playoff spot in the 2006–07 season Pulis guided Stoke to the Premier League in the 2007–08 season by finishing runners-up in the Championship.With Stoke amongst the favourites for relegation upon their return to the top flight after a 23-year absence, they went on to comfortably survive and finished in 12th position. Pulis made history during the 2010–11 season as he guided Stoke to their first FA Cup Final after beating Bolton 5–0 in the semi-final.While they lost to Manchester City in the final they qualified for the Europa League the following term.But ended up losing 2-0 on aggregates in the Round of 32 against Spanish giants Valencia which ended in Pulis leaving the club at the end of the season. More

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      Tottenham dealt major injury blow with Richarlison to miss FOUR WEEKS including crunch top-four showdown

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      TOTTENHAM have suffered a big blow after it was confirmed Richarlison will be out for up to four weeks with a knee injury.The Brazilian, 26, has scored 11 goals in 25 games for Spurs this season, including nine in his last 10 Premier League matches.Richarlison is set to miss some crucial games for TottenhamCredit: GettyRicharlison has already scored 10 Premier League goals this seasonBut now he is set for a period on the sideline after sustaining a problem during Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat to Wolves earlier this month.Confirming the news in his press conference on Friday, manager Ange Postecoglou said: “Richarlison is out for three or four weeks.”He picked up a knee injury in the last game so he will be out for a little while.”It means the ex-Everton forward will miss this weekend’s home game against Crystal Palace.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is also expected to be absent for their crucial clash with top four rivals Aston Villa on Sunday, March 10.Richarlison will also likely be unavailable for Tottenham’s trip to Fulham on March 16 – their final game before the international break.Son Heung-min is expected to lead the line as the Brazil international’s replacement, moving from the left into the centre.They have a host of options on the flanks including Dejan Kulusevski, Brennan Johnson and Timo Werner.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJames Maddison can also play as a No10 or on either wing.Spurs have not played since their loss to Wolves nearly a fortnight ago.Tottenham fans say ‘that’s just ridiculous’ as transfer deadline day signing runs rings around defenders in viral video They were scheduled to take on London rivals Chelsea last weekend, but it was postponed as the Blues lost to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.And they fell further adrift of the top four as Villa beat Nottingham Forest 4-2 to move five points clear of Postecoglou’s side.Tottenham have a game in hand on Unai Emery’s men and can close the gap to two points with a win over Palace on Saturday afternoon.Villa then travel to Luton in the late game on Saturday. More

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      I’m an ex-Real Madrid star… I spoke to Man Utd target Zinedine Zidane and he told me the only THREE clubs he’d manage

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE has named the only three clubs that he’d choose to manage, according to his former team-mate Thomas Gravesen.The 51-year-old has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid in 2021 but still remains popular in Europe – with Man United reportedly keen to sign him.Zinedine Zidane has named the only three clubs he would manage forCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe who recently purchased a 27 per cent stake in the club – wants to make Zidane United’s next boss.Despite Ratcliffe’s wishes, United may have to look elsewhere after a former Real Madrid team-mate of Zidane revealed his three-club wishlist. Former Denmark ace Gravesen spoke to Discovery+ about the Frenchman and recalled a chat they had two years ago.He said: “I spoke to Zidane in Madrid two years ago and he told me that there are only three roles that he would like to accept. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”And they are Marseille, Madrid and the French team. We were in Madrid two years ago and he told me exactly that. “I also asked him if ‘I was willing to train again. And there he told me that there were possibilities only for those three.”Gravesen then responded to the rumours that Zidane could move to Old Trafford and suggested it would not be an easy move with the current United team. He continued: “I would say that the team he had in Madrid was fantastic, and he was prepared from the beginning. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”In the United the situation is different, it is very difficult to do something with the team that Ten Hag has at the moment.”Ratcliffe’s right-hand man Jean-Claude Blanc, at INEOS, is in regular contact with Zidane, according to the Independent. I won iconic Treble at Man Utd… but I fear I’ll have to BUY a football club to ever land another managerial jobMadrid remains the only team Zidane has managed since retiring from his legendary playing career in 2006 after that year’s FIFA World Cup.He led Los Blancos to countless silverware including two La Liga’s, three Champions League, two UEFA Super Cups and two Club World Cups.And the European and national success is exactly what INEOS is aspiring to do at Manchester United. More

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      Chelsea’s heartbroken stars treated to team-bonding night out just hours after devastating Carabao Cup final defeat

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      CHELSEA’S heartbroken stars were treated to a night out in London’s West End just hours after their devastating Wembley defeat.Boss Mauricio Pochettino, the squad and backroom staff enjoyed a meal and were allowed to relax at a posh bar and restaurant in the vicinity of the club’s Stamford Bridge ground.Chelsea’s players went for a team-bonding meal hours after the Carabao Cup finalCredit: RexMauricio Pochettino and his staff also attended the meal after defeat at WembleyCredit: RexHead coach Pochettino’s motto is ‘win as a team and lose as a team’.So he kept the booking open even though his players were reeling from losing last Sunday’s Carabao Cup final in extra time to Liverpool.For many of Pochettino’s £1 billion squad it was the first time they had played in a major final and for some it was the first time they had played at the 90,000 capacity national stadium.The squad went straight out after the game and the get together was seen as a chance for the young players to get to know each other better. They also discussed their shared experience at Wembley.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLStamford Bridge insiders insist the dinner date was low-key and informal.Training went ahead as normal the following morning on Monday when a further team meeting was held to get the loss out of their systems..Chelsea recovered from losing their biggest game under Pochettino’s nine month reign to beat Leeds on Wednesday and move into the last eight of the FA Cup.They face Leicester later this month for a place in the semi finals and a return trip to Wembley.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPochettino is now preparing his players to face struggling Brentford in the Premier League tomorrow.Speaking ahead of the match, he revealed what his idea of success in May would be.Frank Lampard reveals brutal Roman Abramovich blast after ex-Chelsea owner threatened to axe first team starsThe Blues boss told reporters: “[We] want to win every single game. It is normal. We are Chelsea, [we] hope we can win all games.”We should be ready for another game at Wembley. We need to start to win games in the league and get close to the positions at the top.”Chelsea suffered an agonising extra-time defeat to Liverpool on SundayCredit: Rex More

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      Chelsea vs Brentford: Blues take on Thomas Frank’s side in huge Premier League London derby – kick-off time, team news

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      CHELSEA will be looking to heap even more pressure on Thomas Frank with a win over Brentford.The Blues face the Bees at Stamford Bridge on Saturday in what could prove to be a tense West London derby.Chelsea returned to winning ways in midweekCredit: GettyBrentford were well beaten by West Ham last time outCredit: GettyMauricio Pochettino is in need of a win himself in the Premier League, with the club currently slumped in the bottom half.Chelsea sit 11th in the league after their draw with Manchester City in their last outing in the competition.To make matters worse for the big-spenders they went on to lose the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.Although there has been a small revival in midweek as they edged out Championship outfit Leeds in the 5th round of the FA Cup.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBrentford, however, are in deep trouble after an appalling run of form has seen them drop to 16th.Thomas Frank’s men do have a good record going into the match having won three of their last four matches against Chelsea.They will be desperate to see that form continue after their 4-2 loss to West Ham on Monday evening.Jarrod Bowen bagged twice in the opening seven minutes before going to score a hat-trick.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSShould the Bees fall to another defeat and Nottingham Forest and Luton Town win, they could find themselves dragged further into the relegation battle.Chelsea, on the other hand, could propel themselves into the top half and overtake Wolves and Newcastle if they win.Frank Lampard reveals brutal Roman Abramovich blast after ex-Chelsea owner threatened to axe first team starsAnother loss, however, could see even more pressure mount on Pochettino.Chelsea could drop to 12th place should Fulham beat Brighton and Hove Albion by a healthy goal margin.This would be disastrous for the Blues as it could make them set for back-to-back bottom-half finishes for the first time since 1996.What is their form like?Chelsea’s form has been a mixed bag during their last five Premier League outings.The Blues have won twice, lost twice and drawn once.Their last league win came on February 12 against Crystal Palace.Brentford have lost five of their last six games in the league with their only positive result being a 2-0 win over Wolves.The Bees have had a tough run of fixtures having played Manchester City twice as well as Liverpool and Tottenham.What is the team news?Chelsea could be set for a wholesale amount of changes to the team that beat Leeds.Pochettino could recall the likes of Djordje Petrovic, Ben Chilwell, Levi Colwill, Conor Gallagher and Cole Palmer to the starting XI.The manager will be without a number of stars, such as Christopher Nkunku, who is currently undergoing a rehabilitation programme.Benoit Badiashile, Carney Chukwuemeka, Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Romeo Lavia and Lesley Ugochukwu continue to miss out.Brentford have their own injury concerns with the likes of Rico Henry, Aaron Hickey, Kevin Schade and Bryan Mbeumo all set to miss out.To make matters worse, Thomas Frank confirmed today that Ben Mee will miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury he picked up against West Ham. Who will be the star men?Raheem Sterling has been much improved this season and could be Chelsea’s star man against Brentford.The winger will fancy his chances of grabbing a goal or an assist with the Bees’ two first-choice full-backs set to miss out.Sterling has already bagged nine goal contributions this season matching his total from last year.For Brentford, a lot of their key men are currently injured, so it is likely they will have to rely on some magic from Ivan Toney.The striker has been in good form since he returned from his ban.Toney has scored four goals in his seven Premier League outings.What have the managers said?Pochettino has given a breakdown of the last six days at Chelsea.He said: “Maybe yes [hard as it has been after the final]. We felt disappointed because we had faith to win, we were so close.”After 90 minutes we were the better side. In the second-half, the team’s energy dropped and we didn’t keep the energy after 90 minutes and that’s when we lose the game.”I repeat: Finals are not about deserve or not to deserve, it’s about to win.”Frank admitted that he was left irritated by the performance against West Ham and will be aiming for better against Chelsea.He said: “I think right now I’m mainly very irritated about the performance as it’s very unlike us. That’s my main focus.”We didn’t hit a good level individually and collectively. West Ham had a good level, and Bowen was unplayable, and Emerson put one into the top corner.”One of the things we’ve been very, very good at in all my time at Brentford is consistency in performances. There are very few games where we don’t perform to a certain level.”SunSport predictionChelsea 2 Brentford 2When is Chelsea vs Brentford?
      Chelsea’s clash with Brentford takes place on Saturday, March 2.
      The game kicks off at 3pm GMT and will be held at Stamford Bridge.
      The last time Chelsea played Brentford they lost 2-0 at home back in October.
      Is Chelsea vs Brentford on TV?
      Unfortunately, Chelsea vs Brentford will not be shown on TV in the UK.
      The game kicks off at 3pm, which comes under the TV blackout rule.
      You can keep up to date with the game live on SunSport with our blog.
      READ MORE SUN STORIESOdds
      Brentford – 2/1
      Draw – 11/4
      Chelsea – 23/20
      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and correct at time of publication. More