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    Premier League release PSR statement on Leicester amid fears club could be hit by points deduction

    PREM clubs sailing close to the financial wind breathed a sigh of relief as it emerged there were NO Profitability and Sustainability Rules breaches last season.But League chiefs are STILL pursuing Leicester, despite the Foxes having successfully argued a legal loophole which meant the Prem could not charge them for breaking the rules in 2022-23.Leicester have avoided a Premier League chargeCredit: GettyAll the clubs who had posted aggregate losses over the previous two seasons had a hard deadline for their 2023-24 accounts on December 31.Clubs are limited to “allowable losses” – once spending on infrastructure, the youth and women’s teams and community projects is taken off – of a maximum £105m over three seasons, with the limit £22m less for any seasons spent outside the Prem.Under rules voted in by the clubs in 2023, charges then had to be laid by League bosses within 14 days, with the hard deadline today.Any alleged breaches would have been dealt with and punishments imposed before the end of this campaign.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnlike last season, which saw Everton and Nottingham Forest deducted points, the deadline passed with no clubs being charged.However, it emerged that Prem lawyers are still arguing that the case involving Leicester should be reopened.In a statement, a Prem spokesman said: “Issues as to the jurisdiction of the Premier League over Leicester City Football Club in relation to PSR compliance are currently the subject of confidential arbitration proceedings.“Accordingly, neither the League nor the club will make any further comment at this stage about any aspect of the club’s compliance or otherwise with any of the PSR or related Rules.Most read in Football“No complaint has been brought against Leicester by the League for any breach of the PSRs for the period ending Season 2023/24.”Leicester, who faced a significant points deduction after being charged, persuaded an appeal hearing that they were not under Prem jurisdiction because they had been relegated to the Championship last season.Premier League sides deducted points and others at riskThat ruling, though, is evidently still being challenged by Prem legal chiefs.The lack of charges demonstrates the success of last summer’s end of season player swap deals between a number of Prem clubs, aimed at meeting PSR rules.That transfer merry-go-round saw Newcastle sell midfielder Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest for £35m, with Greek keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos heading the other way in a £20m deal.Everton, looking at a loss of around £90m for the previous two campaigns, sold Ben Godfrey to Atalanta for £10m and Lewis Dobbin to Aston Villa for £9m in the final days before the official June 30 end of last term.The Goodison Park side also paid £9m for Villa’s Tim Iroegbunam, while Chelsea sold Ian Maatsen to Unai Emery’s men for £37.5m and bought youngster Omari Kellyman for £19m.Villa brought in more than £40m from Juventus for midfielder Douglas Luiz.Those deals led to Prem chiefs warning clubs that they must not use loopholes in the rulebook to avoid PSR penalties and that they are duty bound to act “with utmost good faith” towards the competition and rivals.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere were arguments that charging each other potentially inflated fees – with incoming transfers “amortised” over contract lengths while sales can be lodged at full book value – to get round PSR provisions was a breach of that undertaking.However, all the deals have been cleared by League bosses, ensuring the final Prem table is set to be exactly that – with all points earned on the pitch counting at the end of the season in May. More

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    Chelsea ‘offer Christopher Nkunku in swap transfer for Bayern Munich’s 19-year-old sensation Mathys Tel’

    CHELSEA have offered Christopher Nkunku in a sensational swap deal for Bayern Munich ace Mathys Tel.The Blues have been keeping tabs on £40million-rated Tel, 19, since last summer.Chelsea continue to monitor Bayern Munich ace Mathys TelCredit: GettyChelsea have offered Christopher Nkunku in exchange for TelCredit: AlamyAccording to The Mail, the West Londoners have made an enquiry for the winger during the January transfer window.Meanwhile, Bayern are keen to bring Nkunku, 27, back to Germany after his stunning four-year stint at RB Leipzig.And Bild reporter Christian Falk claims Chelsea have proposed a swap deal.The Premier League giants have offered the France international to Bayern in exchange for his younger compatriot.Read Moe on ChelseaTel has seen his playing time limited at the Allianz Arena with only 12 appearances across all competitions under his belt.But Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund insists the club want to hold on to the France Under-21 international.Freund said: “Mathys is a great talent and should play an important role for us.“Our clear goal is for Mathys to make his breakthrough with us. Of course if a player is unhappy, we can talk about it. But we are very happy with him”.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesNkunku, on the other hand, hasn’t been able to cement a place in Enzo Maresca’s starting line-up with Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer proving to be more clinical.The versatile forward has only scored two goals in 18 Premier League appearances.Chelsea clash with Shamrock Rovers temporarily stopped as Christopher Nkunku pelted with TOILET ROLLHowever, the Frenchman has amassed a total of 13 goals and four assists in 28 appearances across all competitions.Chelsea, though, are keeping their options open as it’s often hard to land major targets during the winter market.That is why club chiefs are also keeping tabs on Ipswich Town’s in-form star Liam Delap.Nevertheless, Chelsea are prioritising a centre-back with Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi posing as their top target. More

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    Inside Pep Guardiola’s £2.7million luxury bachelor pad in Manchester as Man City boss ‘splits from wife after 30 years’

    MANCHESTER CITY boss Pep Guardiola resides in a £2.7million luxury Salford apartment.Reports emerged in Spain yesterday that Guardiola, 53, split with wife of 30 years Cristina last month.Pep Guardiola lives in a Salford apartmentCredit: MENThe Man City boss spent £2.7m on the property in 2017Credit: MENPep, 53, has split from wife CristinaCredit: GettyThe couple had been living apart for nearly five years, after Cristina moved back to Barcelona to run her fashion company.In 2021, Guardiola bought an 8,000-square-foot mansion in Pedarlbes, the most expensive area in Barcelona, for £8.55million.When in Manchester, however, the experienced boss preferred to live in an apartment closer to the city centre.Upon moving to the Etihad in 2017, Guardiola forked out £2.7m on a luxury apartment in City Suites.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRather than heading to a sprawling mansion in the leafy Cheshire suburbs, Guardiola instead opted for the “most desirable address” in Salford.His apartment is situated in a private section of a 16-floor hotel, and is located near several designer shops and high-end restaurants and wine bars.Guardiola also has access to an 18-metre indoor spa pool, exquisite spa and sauna facilities as well as a 24-hour gym.In addition to these amenities, the City boss also has two private parking spots, a 24-hour concierge team, dry-cleaning services and access to a private executive lounge.Most read in FootballGuardiola has three kids with wife CristinaCredit: GettyOperations director Gavin Bailey told the Manchester Evening News in 2017: “It’s not like a hotel.”We’re trying to make it more special, this is effectively your home during your stay, and we run it that way.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transfer”We have people here for four nights but then we also have people here who are staying for 12 months.“It might be someone on a work assignment here, or a theatre production company here who were here for three months, we have TV people, sports people, you might recognise people walking around the building but we try to run it as though this is your space.”According to Spanish outlet Sport, Guardiola’s relationship with Cristina remains “cordial, stable and friendly” despite their split.The pair met at Cristina’s family clothes store when he was just 18, as he modelled for designer Antonio Miro.Guardiola’s apartment is located in Manchester’s ‘most desirable area’Credit: MENThe City boss has access to a private pool and jacuzziCredit: MENSerra Claret stock many brands he has worn on the touchline, such as Dsquared2, CP Company and Armani.And in January 2024, Guardiola revealed Cristina helps pick out his matchday outfits.He told Men In Blazers: “My wife is the best in the world at many things, but especially in fashion.”So she says normally to me, don’t wear this or wear that, so I follow her.”I am smart enough to know that when people are much much better than me, follow their advice, and hers is really good.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe pair wed in an intimate ceremony in 2014.They have three children together; Maria, 24, Marius, 22, and Valentina, 17.Guardiola attended the Wimbledon Championships with wife Cristina and daughter Maria last summerCredit: APPep and Cristina had been together for 30 yearsCredit: Rex More

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    Gabriel Jesus set for months out after suffering suspected ACL injury as Arsenal target loan transfer as cover

    ARSENAL have been dealt a major injury blow with Gabriel Jesus out for months with a suspected ACL tear.The Brazilian striker had only recently returned to Mikel Arteta’s starting XI.Gabriel Jesus has suffered a suspected ACL injuryCredit: PAThe Arsenal star went down during his side’s FA Cup defeat to Man UtdCredit: GettyJesus was stretchered off and will now be out for monthsCredit: AFPJesus, 27, netted three goals in Arsenal’s previous four games before starting the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.But his FA Cup adventure was cut short following a collision with Bruno Fernandes.Jesus collapsed in a heap before writhing on the ground in pain.He then received lengthy treatment from medics before being stretchered off the field.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the Athletic claims Jesus is now facing a long time on the sidelines after suffering an injury to his ACL.Further specialist reviews are scheduled for Tuesday to establish the full extent of the damage.But the striker is now all-but guaranteed to miss the remainder of the season.Arteta admitted: “We know more now. Not looking good at all.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”We need one more specialist and we will have more information this afternoon. I don’t want to confirm anything until the final report. It is the doctor’s job.”We were very worried at the time and we are very worried today.”Arteta not sure about trophy hopes after ‘incredible’ Arsenal loss With Jesus set for an extended period away from the pitch, Arsenal could be forced to dip into the January transfer market.The Gunners could explore a potential loan deal for a striker, but they will not be able to sign anyone from the Premier League due to their two allocated slots being taken up by Raheem Sterling and Neto.Instead, they will have to look abroad.Arteta and Co may reignite their interest in Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic before the window closes.Arsenal pushed to sign him three years ago but lost out to Juve just before the January deadline.However, the Serie A giants could be open to letting him go this month.They reportedly offered him to Manchester United as part of a swap deal for Joshua Zirkzee last week.READ MORE SUN STORIESDiscussing the possibility of signing another forward this month, Arteta added: “We are actively looking in the market, the same since day one. We would be naïve not to do that.”We are trying and let’s see what we are able to do.”Arsenal ratings vs Man Utd as Martinelli looks lively but wasteful Havertz costs Gunners another trophy chanceKAI HAVERTZ missed two sitters and a penalty in the shoot-out as Arsenal were dumped out of the FA Cup.The Gunners huffed and puffed but failed to find a winner, even after extra-time, against Manchester United’s 10 men.And it all went wrong in the penalty shootout as Altay Bayindir saved Havertz’s effort.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the Arsenal stars…DAVID RAYA – 6Could do nothing about United’s goal and produced a stellar stop to deny Zirkzee in extra-time.JURRIEN TIMBER – 7Very effective on the overlap and worked well being fed by Odegaard.Tested a couple of times by Alejandro Garnacho who proved a problem on the counter-attack.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Dealt with Hojlund well although the striker did not pose much of a threat.GABRIEL – 6Terrible error to lose possession to Alejandro Garnacho who was put through on goal and set up Bruno Fernandes to score.Made amends with a brilliant finish Bukayo Saka would have been proud of.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 5A quiet game at left-back, probably should have got forward more particularly after United went down to ten men and had Garnacho filling in at right-back.JORGINHO – 5Kept things ticking over in the middle and was always an outlet for his team-mates.MIKEL MERINO – 4Anonymous in the middle. Difficult to see what he brings to this Arsenal side.Missed a good chance to put his side ahead moments after the equaliser and was taken off shortly after that.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7A pleasure to watch. Made everything happen, his ability to turn on the ball in the middle of the park created opportunities time after time.But he missed the chance to win the game from the penalty spot.GABRIEL JESUS – 6Lovely pass to break the lines and put through Martinelli, who found the back of the net but was offside.Fell awkwardly when defending a cross in the first half and was carried off on a stretcher.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Was the main attacking threat in the first half with his direct style causing the visitors all sorts of problems.Produced good movement and a finish to match but his goal was disallowed for offside.KAI HAVERTZ – 3Won the penalty after a deft touch past Maguire.But he missed two sitters including one just three minutes from time to win the match, and his penalty miss proved decisive in the shoot-out.SUBSTITUTESRaheem Sterling (for Jesus, 40mins) – 6Looked sharp when he got the ball and did well in the build-up to Havertz winning the penalty.Declan Rice (for Merino, 73mins) – 6Almost scored with what might have been his first touch but his header was brilliantly saved.Should have grabbed the winner in the dying moments but his low effort was again superbly matched by Bayindir.Leandro Trossard (for Lewis-Skelly, extra-time) – 5Will wonder how he didn’t score after Matthijs de Ligt produced a goalline clearance to deny him.Blazed over with an effort from just outside the box.Thomas Partey (for Timber, 101mins) – 5Put in a few good crosses. Came close to a winner with an effort that was deflected narrowly over the bar.Kieran Tierney (for Jorginho, 113mins) -His arrival onto the pitch was greeted with a big cheer but he did not have much time to impact the match. More

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    David Moyes reveals he nearly returned to Everton FOUR TIMES after leaving for Man Utd as he replaces axed Sean Dyche

    THE Moyesiah was back at Finch Farm — and admits he does not have much time to deliver a miracle.Certainly less than in his first stint. In charge of Everton for 11 years before joining Manchester United in 2013, David Moyes was all smiles as he completed his stunning return to Merseyside.David Moyes admits he nearly returned to Everton FOUR times after leaving Man UtdCredit: PAThe Scot previously spent 11 years managing the ToffeesCredit: PAThe Scotsman revealed he had come close to a Goodison return on numerous occasions before the stars finally aligned.With Everton 16th in the Premier League, one point off the relegation zone, the 61-year-old is out to steady the ship. He wants to ensure the club move to their gleaming new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock as a top-flight club. And maybe, just maybe, he could get Everton back into Europe.As he entered the room, Moyes said: “I see plenty of old faces, mine included,” before posing with the Everton shirt, something which would have seemed impossible a few weeks ago  before Sean Dyche was sacked.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMoyes, whose second spell at West Ham ended in the summer, said: “I’ve had other opportunities to consider other jobs. Quite a few since I’ve left West Ham. I didn’t feel ready for it, anyway.“But this was too big an opportunity to turn down. I want to try to show I can do it again. I’ve come very close to coming back on three or four occasions.“I’ve had talks at different times in my career to come back and for different reasons it’s not quite happened.“That’s football. It used to be going back didn’t sound good but I returned to West Ham and we won a European trophy.Most read in Football“I hadn’t been back at Finch Farm since the day I left. My first day as  manager, I went into a dressing room with David Ginola, Paul Gascoigne,  Duncan Ferguson and Thomas Gravesen.“With me being a really young coach, I was saying, ‘My goodness, they won’t even know who I am’. I walk back in a  different stage of my career. People know me a bit more, the players will know me.Stefan Borson reveals why Everton’s new owner is the best option the club could have hoped for “I know a lot of the players and some of them who I’ve probably tried to sign. I hope that we can get together and work well and make something happen.”Moyes says this opportunity is a shock, following Dyche’s exit. Now he must prepare for tomorrow’s visit of Aston Villa.He said: “Sean was doing a really good job. I didn’t see any changes materialising at the time. I wasn’t necessarily out there looking to go back but, as everybody knows, this is a different beast to me.“There’s a lot of people in this room who have probably seen the last few years at Everton. It’s been a difficult time and I admire a lot of them for steering it through a difficult period.”And Moyes, thanks to the club’s new owners, will be given a few quid to spend in the January transfer window.He said: “The damage has been done through a long period of time but we’ve had a great time here and I’d love to be part of making it better, if possible.  “At the end of it there’s a stadium. The stadium looks the business, looks elite. So we need to start getting some elite players.”In his first spell, Moyes almost steered Everton into the Champions League — until a controversial decision from ref Pierluigi Collina in a play-off at Villarreal in 2005 cost them.Moyes said: “Last time, we got away from relegation trouble and went on to a sixth, seventh and ninth finish in three or four years in the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIES“At Everton, I remember feeling like a team who were challenging against the top teams trying to be in Europe. I did it quite quickly at West Ham.“My idea is to try and do everything as quickly as I can here because I am not going to be here for 11 years like I was before.” More

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    THREE Premier League clubs fearing points deductions with charges set to be handed out on PSR D-Day

    PREM club chiefs could face points deductions – when League bosses lay formal charges for breaching Profitability and Sustainability Rules last season.All the clubs who had posted aggregate losses over the previous two seasons had a hard deadline for their 2023-24 accounts on December 31.Prem club chiefs could face points deductions for breaching Profitability and Sustainability RulesUnder rules voted in by the clubs in 2023, charges must be then laid by League bosses within 14 days, with the cases dealt with and any punishments imposed before the end of this campaign.Clubs are limited to “allowable losses” – once spending on infrastructure, the youth and women’s teams and community projects is taken off – of a maximum £105m over three seasons, with the limit £22m less for any seasons spent outside the Prem.Last term, Nottingham Forest were deducted four points for busting their £61m loss limit by £34m. The City Ground club admitted in March that they were on course for PSR losses of between £12m and £17m. READ MORE IN football That is despite finally being able to include the £47m sale of Brennan Johnson to Spurs in their calculations.But the previous losses meant they entered the season already £9m OVER their 2023-24 loss limit of £83m.Meanwhile, Everton – who had already been hit with a six point penalty for breaches the previous season – lost two more for posting losses of £16.5m.The Toffees, now under new ownership, were looking at a loss of around £90m for the previous two campaigns and were once again sailing close to the PSR wind.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThose sales were part of an end of season transfer merry-go-round which also saw Everton pay £9m for Villa’s Tim Iroegbunam, Chelsea sell Ian Maatsen to Unai Emery’s men for £37.5m and buy youngster Omari Kellyman for £19m.Those deals led to Prem chiefs warning clubs that they must not use loopholes in the rulebook to avoid PSR penalties and that they are duty bound to act “with utmost good faith” towards the competition and rivals.Ange Postecoglou praises hosts Tamworth after hard-fought FA Cup win There were arguments that charging each other potentially inflated fees – with incoming transfers “amortised” over contract lengths while sales can be lodged at full book value – to get round PSR provisions was a breach of that undertaking.Leicester, who successfully argued they were not under Prem jurisdiction because they had been relegated to the Championship last season, are thought to be most at threat after cumulative losses of £124m for the final three seasons before they were relegated.But it is understood that two other clubs may be close to the cut line and could find their figures queried by Prem legal chiefs, opening them up to charges that could have major repercussions. More

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    Pep Guardiola ‘SPLITS from wife after 30 years and three children together’ according to reports in Spain

    PEP GUARDIOLA has SPLIT from his wife of 30 years, according to reports in Spain.Barcelona-based newspaper Sport report that Guardiola and wife Cristina decided to end their relationship in December while both in Spain.Pep Guardiola and Cristina in July 2024Credit: RexThe couple met as teenagersCredit: GettyThe two pictured in 2013 in MunichCredit: Bongarts – GettySport say their relationship is still “cordial, stable and friendly” despite deciding to part ways. The report claims they have been living apart for nearly five years after Cristina moved back to Barcelona to run her fashion company. But she has been moving from Spain to London – still spending time with Manchester City manager Guardiola. City declined to comment when approached over reports of the split. READ MORE IN football Guardiola is believed to have met Cristina in her family’s clothes store called Serra Claret when he was just 18. He was modelling for designer Antonio Miro in Serra’s shop when he first met Cristina. And even as recently as January 2024, the former midfielder revealed Cristina helps pick out his matchday outfits. Serra Claret stock many brands he has worn on the touchline, such as Dsquared2, CP Company and Armani.Most read in FootballHe told Men In Blazers: “My wife is the best in the world at many things, but especially in fashion.”So she says normally to me, don’t wear this or wear that, so I follow her.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transfer”I am smart enough to know that when people are much much better than me, follow their advices, and hers is really good.”Despite meeting as teens, they waited a long time to get married.They tied the knot in 2014 in an intimate ceremony in Spain – a private service just for close family in Catalonia.And the two have three children, Maria, Marius and Valentina.Eldest daughter Maria, 24, is a model who has over 900,000 followers on Instagram.Son Marius, 22, currently resides in Dubai and runs three companies – one of them dedicated to advertising and marketing. And youngest Valentina, 17, is focused on studies.Cristina supported Guardiola as a player and then manager – his career as a boss starting with Barcelona in 2008.He won three LaLiga titles and two Champions League trophies with Barca before moving to Bayern Munich in 2013. He left Germany in 2016 after three seasons – in each of which he won the Bundesliga.READ MORE SUN STORIESGuardiola joined City in 2016 and has won SIX Premier League titles during his reign – and also a Champions League in 2023 to complete an historic Treble.But this season has seen a dip in form, with with six losses leaving the club in sixth – 12 points adrift of leaders Liverpool. Guardiola with Cristina and their three kids in 2018Credit: PA:Press AssociationEldest Maria is a modelCredit: INSTAGRAMGuardiola has won six Premier League titles with CityCredit: Getty More

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    Major update on Marcus Rashford’s future as Man Utd outcast’s agent holds transfer talks with European giants

    BORUSSIA DORTMUND chiefs reportedly held talks with Marcus Rashford’s representatives last week over a proposed move.Rashford has fallen out of favour with new United manager Ruben Amorim in recent weeks.Marcus Rashford’s agent held talks with Borussia DortmundCredit: PAThe 27-year-old has not featured for the club since December 12 – when he played 56 minutes against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League.He later admitted he was looking for a “new challenge” away from Old Trafford, leaving his team-mates furious.Several clubs have since expressed an interest in signing the forward, including Tottenham, West Ham and AC Milan.But Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg claims Borussia Dortmund have taken a huge step towards a potential deal.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBVB sporting director Sebastian Kehl met with Rashford’s agent last week to discuss the possibility of a transfer.The Bundesliga giants are still in the race to sign him, but it will be difficult to achieve because his demands are currently deemed too expensive.AC Milan also remain interested, with officials prepared to approach Man Utd for talks.Amorim gave an update on Rashford’s future following United’s FA Cup win over Arsenal on Sunday.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAsked if the forward has played his last game for the club, he responded: “I don’t know, We will see.”He is a player for Manchester United, we will see, he has to work. He has to represent his club, and he loves his club, but I have to make choices.Ruben Amorim explains why Marcus Rashford is still exiled at Man Utd despite ‘wanting to play’ “I have already spoken about how I make the choices.”It is what it is, so let’s continue, let’s see the next game and, like I said, I have to make a selection.”Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as Maguire and Co dig deep to win after Dalot’s moment of madnessMANCHESTER UNITED produced a heroic effort to squeeze past Arsenal and into the FA Cup’s fourth round on penalties.The Red Devils were forced to dig deep at the Emirates following Diogo Dalot’s 61st minute red card.On a freezing cold afternoon in North London, SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rates and slates each United performer…ALTAY BAYINDIR – 8Poor punch up in the air which allowed the ball to fall nicely for Gabriel to finish.Redeemed himself with a brilliant penalty save to keep the score level, before superbly denying Declan Rice twice.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7Was assured on and off the ball if unspectacular. Got his body on the line as the Gunners pushed for a winner.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 8Solid in defence and kept the backline well organised. Produced the best tackle of the match on the goalline to deny Leandro Trossard a certain goal.HARRY MAGUIRE – 8Commanding in the air and made several key blocks but gave away the penalty which Arsenal missed to go in front.Got away with an earlier error as he failed to clear – the ball landed at Kai Havertz’s feet but he somehow skewed wide with his effort.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Had to be on high alert to deal with the movement of Arsenal forwards but it was a task he managed well.DIOGO DALOT – 3Booked for a mistimed lunge on Lewis-Skelly. He followed that up with another silly, late foul on Merino with the ball about to go out of play for his second yellow. Stupid red card.MANUEL UGARTE – 7A firefighter all across the pitch for his side, although spent most of the match in his own half given Arsenal’s dominance.Was booked for one foul too many just before the hour mark and was lucky to escape a red card as he went head-to-head with Havertz after the penalty incident.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Lively in the middle and kept a close eye on Jorginho. Looked sharp on the ball and showed some clever touches.Should have done better to head clear before Gabriel’s equaliser.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7Always an outlet on the counter which was much needed for the Red Devils.Made the most of a Gabriel error to burst in on goal and pass across to Fernandes to score.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Was booked for throwing a trademark tantrum after claiming he was fouled on the edge of the box when lining up a shot.Showed his class with a brilliant first-time finish which he bent around a defender into the far corner.RASMUS HOJLUND – 3Failed to provide the focal point that United badly needed, which meant almost every pass forward was dealt with by the Arsenal centre-halves. Was fortunate there was no VAR to take a look at his apparent elbow on William Saliba, which left the Arsenal star bloodied.SUBSTITUTESAmad (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Lively on the counter too but just lacking a bit of quality – though was outnumbered every time he got the ball.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 80mins) – 6Some very clever touches when he came on and provided a presence up front at a time United badly needed it.Toby Collyer (for Mainoo, 80mins) – 5Showed plenty of energy but was missing quality in some areas.Tyrell Malacia (for Ugarte, extra-time) – 6Stuck to his task well.Leno Yoro (for Maguire, 104) – 6Did his job well during the closing stages of the match. Converted his penalty in the shoot-out with aplomb. More