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      Sick world of ‘football trafficking’ where desperate kids are shipped to UK like Man United star… then sold into sex

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      SMILING for the cameras, Amad Diallo looked delighted this week as he signed a stunning new deal with Manchester United.The dazzling prodigy – originally from the Ivory Coast – has fulfilled the dream of so many African youngsters of a lucrative career at one of the world’s richest clubs.Amad Diallo is now Manchester United’s biggest rising star after being trafficked to Europe aged just 12Credit: GettyThe football ace at Boca Barco in ItalyCredit: Boca BarcoThousands of African youngsters share the same dream, only to find they have been sold a lie by sick traffickersCredit: GettyIt’s a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for the gifted youngster whose footballing journey began with him being trafficked to Europe as a 12-year-old.His dramatic equalising goal against arch-rivals Liverpool last Sunday follows his brilliantly executed volley to seal victory in the Manchester derby.His story will now be one of riches and, if he can help revive slumbering giant United, glory too.Yet, for thousands of other African youngsters, the promises of trials at clubs like United, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain made by shysters claiming to be agents are a sick con.READ MORE FEATURESThese ‘agents’ demand thousands in upfront payments which often amount to the life-savings of a player’s family.The trials never materialise. The ‘agents’ disappear with the cash and the teenagers are abandoned, leaving them at risk of being sexually exploited or left destitute.A few years ago a young lad turned up at the reception at Tottenham’s old White Hart Lane ground saying he’d come from overseas for his trial with the club.The youngster had been conned, there was no trial. Spurs’ safeguarding procedures kicked in and the police and local authorities were contacted.Most read in FootballCharity Foot Solidaire has estimated that as many as 15,000 teenage footballers are shipped out of West African countries every year under false pretences.Former Watford midfielder Al Bangura has told how attempts were made to force him into the sex trade after he was trafficked into the UK.Amad runs the show again but Rashford is lucky to stay on the pitch and Onana has night to forgetFleeing his native Sierra Leone after elders tried to make him follow in the footsteps of his late father and become the leader of a voodoo cult, he made for neighbouring Guinea aged just 14.There a Frenchman promised to help him secure his dream of bringing him to the UK to become a Premier League footballer.Bangura revealed: “I didn’t know he had another different intention – to get me into the sex trade.”On arriving in the UK, he says he was taken to premises where he met men who hadn’t come to discuss his football career. “All of a sudden I saw two or three guys come around me, trying to rape me and make me do stuff,” he remembered.”Because I was young and I was small, I just started screaming. They probably thought I knew what I was there for – obviously I know what I came over here for, I was here to play football.”I was just crying and proper screaming and I tried to make my way out – I was cold, I was crying, I was shaking, I didn’t know what to do, I was all over the place.”I made my way outside. I didn’t know where to start, I thought it was the end of my life.”Al Bangura opened up about how he was almost led into the sex tradeCredit: GettyWatford fans protest over a Home Office ruling that Bangura should return to Sierra Leone in 2007. The ruling was eventually overturnedCredit: Getty Images – GettyBangura managed to escape and seek asylum. He was spotted by a talent scout and joined Watford when he was 16 and later awarded a work permit based on his footballing abilities.The youngster played for the Hornets in the Premier League and also played for Brighton, Blackpool, Forest Green Rovers and Coventry City.Bangura, now 36, has worked with the Premier League and charities to raise awareness on trafficking.”I think there’s loads of vulnerable kids in Africa who want to achieve what I’ve achieved in my life,” he said.”There’s loads of kids who might not even tell their parents, or their parents might use their last money to make sure they come over here to play football and they end up doing something else.”It’s important for me, having been through what I’ve been through in my life, for me to say I’ve been through that, I’ve survived, but what about the young kids coming up, will they survive?“Are they going to be able to cope with that? So we really need to find a way to stop all of that.”It’s quite emotional to talk about it now, I’m happy I’ve got over it, but it’s sad for me.”Crooked agents Dr Serhat Yilmaz – a Lecturer in Sports Law at Loughborough University – describes football trafficking of children as “a dark form of modern slavery”.Ramshackle football academies have sprung up on dustbowl pitches across West Africa with youngsters chasing the dream of a lucrative contract with a top European team.Crooked agents wheedle cash out of families after promising child players a trial at a footballing giant.Instead many are abandoned or enslaved on reaching Britain and other leading footballing nations.An investigator with the Spanish National Police says the number of trafficking cases is “sharply increasing” there.One youngster, 17-year-old Tidiane, originally from Conakry, Guinea, believed his dream of playing professional football in Spain had come true.Scouted while playing in his homeland, his family raised cash to pay a smuggler who promised a place in a Barcelona academy.“I was brought to Spain in March 2023 with documents saying that I had come on a school exchange trip, along with several other Guineans my age,” he revealed.The youngsters were told that they would be supported by an academy while continuing to go to school.Football trafficking is ‘a dark form of modern slavery’, says an expertCredit: GettyTidiane added: “After 15 days, we still hadn’t started school or football training.“They didn’t tell us anything, and after a month and a half, we were asked to pay again, even though it hadn’t been planned.“We were lost, so we fled late one night while everyone was sleeping.”With no money and his ID card confiscated by his smuggler, Tidiane was reduced to scavenging for food and sleeping in parks for five months.In October 2023, he was rescued by the Caritas charity who are helping him restart his schooling.The teenager said: “My story is far too common in Spain, many of us end up in the clutches of ill-intentioned people who take advantage of youth and their dreams.”International governing body FIFA’s Article 19 – written in 2003 – forbids clubs from signing international players below the age of 18.Since then, amid football’s scramble for new young talent, agents, players and clubs have been trying to break it.Article 19 has a clause allowing a club to sign a player under the age of 18 if it can be proved the child’s family was moving to that country for “reasons other than football”.It means job opportunities for the child’s parents can suddenly emerge in the city of the club that is interested in signing the youngster.Diallo’s journeyManchester United star Amad Diallo managed to leave his Ivory Coast homeland and, aged 12, and join an Italian club.His footballing journey – well before arriving at Old Trafford – left him a pawn in the sometimes murky world of signing young African talent.Born in Abidjan, the Ivory Coast’s capital in 2002, his precocious talent suggested he had the ability to follow countrymen Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure and Gervinho to stardom in Europe.In 2014, the youngster – then known as Amad Diallo Traore – joined minnows ASD Boca Barco not far from Parma. His brother Hamed Junior Traore, also a gifted footballer, would join him.The pair were able to make a new life in Italy under the family reunification system as their parents were Italian residents.My story is far too common in Spain, many of us end up in the clutches of ill-intentioned people who take advantage of youth and their dreams.TidaneYouth coach Denis Cerlini would later tell the BBC: “We didn’t discover Amad, but rather he just came to us. It was a great stroke of luck.”The brilliant youngster and his brother were noticed by Giovanni Galli, the ex AC Milan goalkeeper who played for Italy at the 1986 World Cup, who was working for an Italian third division club.Galli invited the brothers for a trial, remembering: “I quickly saw they were simply too good for us. Amad played with bigger boys and drove them insane with his dribbling.”Instead, Galli tipped off Serie A club Atalanta who signed Diallo in 2015. His brother signed for Empoli.Then in 2017 agent and talent scout Giovanni Damiano Drago was arrested as part of Operation Baby Elephant, an investigation into the trafficking of footballers.In a plea bargain, Drago gave information to police about the immigration status of Diallo and other young players. It left the scout with a suspended sentence of one year and 10 months.Former AC Milan icon Giovanni Galli noticed Amad and his brotherCredit: GettyA young Amad poses with former Manchester United star Paul PogbaFive people were arrested, accused of smuggling Diallo, his brother and three other young footballers into Italy.DNA tests by investigators proved Diallo and his ‘brother’ – now on Bournemouth’s books – were not related to the purported parents. It was all an elaborate sham.Incredibly, the scam led to Diallo – who was a child when he was trafficked – being fined £42,000 by the Italia FA. Hamed Junior Traore received a fine for the same amount.Diallo dropped his fake surname Traore on his 18th birthday.Dreams & nightmaresIn January 2021 Diallo joined Manchester United for £18.7million from Atalanta. He has been described as the “jewel in the crown” of new manager Ruben Amorim’s team.In West Africa, thousands of young footballers will be admiring the now 22-year-old’s progress, dreaming of their own lucrative career.Some, desperate for the riches European football can offer, take matters into their own hands.On the migration routes along the Mediterranean coast and in the camps of Calais and Dunkirk I’ve met many aspiring young footballers trying to make it to the UK by flimsy boat.Dr Ini-Obong Nkang, 32,  author of the book Football Trafficking: A Legal Analysis of the Trade of African Minors – says the key to preventing trafficking is to boost African leagues.Dr Nkang told The Sun: “Dig deep, and you’ll find South African players aren’t being trafficked because South Africa has the most developed league on the continent.“They can see for themselves that, ‘OK, if I stay here and join an academy, I can still make a future for myself’.“In West Africa – where the bulk of trafficked players come from, the leagues are not up to scratch. That has to change.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDiallo’s goals against Liverpool and Manchester City made him the toast of Old Trafford.For other African youngsters dreaming of football’s wealth and glory, their journey to Europe at the hands of traffickers brings only misery.Amad has been described as the “jewel in the crown” of new manager Ruben Amorim’s teamCredit: GettyHe joined Manchester United for £18.7m from Atalanta in 2018Credit: EPA More

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      Man City set to win transfer race for Sierra Leone defender Juma Bah despite 18-year-old stalling approach from rivals

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      MANCHESTER CITY are set to win their scrap for Sierra Leone centre-half Juma Bah this week — despite massive opposition.City hope their sales pitch of signing the 18-year-old from Real Valladolid and loaning him out for the next 18 months still appeals to the player.Juma Bah has become a regular in LaLiga this seasonCredit: GettyBah stalled on the move when Inter Milan, Lens and Fenerbahce made contact.But City have been in for the teenager in a big way for the longest time of all suitors.Everton and Crystal Palace are still waiting for encouragement — but the lure of City may end the chase in the next couple of days.The 6ft 5in defender has become a regular in LaLiga this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHaving begun the campaign out of the team, Bah has started five of Valladolid’s last six games.City’s defence is set to take on a different look this month.The reigning Prem champions are closing in on a £33.6million deal for RC Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov.While skipper Kyle Walker has told club chiefs that he wants to leave the Etihad.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAfter Walker was left out of City’s 8-0 FA Cup drubbing of Salford yesterday, manager Pep Guardiola said: “Two days ago Kyle asked to explore the option to play abroad.”He asked after the treble, when Bayern (Munich) wanted him but the offer was not good enough.Erling Haaland swears in live TV interview after Man City win as Sky Sports reporter laughs nervously“He went to (director of football) Txiki (Begiristain) of course, and I prefer to play other players whose mind is here.“Maybe I’m wrong but I still am pretty convinced that there’s no-one in our job that doesn’t want to be where they are who can perform.“Kyle asked to explore, but it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen because you never know.”He has been our right-back and given us something we haven’t had.“He’s been amazing but now in his mind he would like to go to another country and play for other reasons.”Kyle Walker has asked to leave Man CityCredit: Getty More

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      Tottenham eyeing English winger and have transfer war chest but striker haunted by World Cup miss more realistic target

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      SPURS are facing a big window to give Ange Postecoglou the help he needs after so many of his first team have been laid low with injury.His defence has been decimated with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario out until late February with a fractured ankle.Ange Postecoglou has seen his squad decimated by injuriesCredit: AlamyWhile centre-backs Cristiano Romero, Micky van de Ven and Ben Davies are not scheduled to return until the end of this month.But they have had issues in attacking positions too with Richarlison missing for most of the season, while youngsters Wilson Odobert and Mikey Moore have also been absent.What do Tottenham need?The first need has been addressed: they have brought in a new goalkeeper.And not just a back-up, but someone who is ready to challenge Vicario for a starting spot right now, in the form of Czech rising star Antonin Kinsky.Most read in FootballThe 21-year-old joined from Slavia Prague for £12.5million plus add-ons and signed a six-and-a-half-year deal.He went straight into the side for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at home to Liverpool and was hugely impressive as he kept a clean sheet on his debut.But Spurs are looking at more signings this month, whether that be on loan or permanent.Centre-back and up top are two key areas, and in a perfect world they would like a wideman too.Most read in FootballDestiny Udogie’s long-term hamstring issue means they are short at left-back as well.Young South Korean winger Yang Min-hyeok, 18, was signed in the summer but has only just arrived at the club, though his focus right now is on adapting to his new environment.Spurs need a replacement for the injured Destiny UdogieCredit: GettyWho is the perfect buy?Spurs like Jamie Gittens, the 20-year-old English winger making waves at Borussia Dortmund.The former Manchester City academy starlet came on in last season’s Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.And this term he has been a regular starter with nine goals in 18 starts in all competitions.He would be just the kind of player to add some star quality to the left-hand side of Spurs’ attack, where Son Heung-min has sparkled for so long but this term has largely faded.But the England Under-21 man, previously known as Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, would be very expensive.Dortmund are sixth in a congested Bundesliga but are still very much in the hunt to finish in the top eight of the Champions League table phase.While the chances of them selling two wingers in one window seems slim, given team-mate Donyell Malen could leave for Aston Villa.Who is more realistic?Randal Kolo Muani is on the market at Paris Saint-Germain with the striker – best known for his 2022 World Cup final miss – available on loan.The France international, 26, could not get into the team when Kylian Mbappe was there and now is struggling for game-time as Luis Enrique prefers a false nine.Eight goals in 27 games for his country underlines his talent though and Postecoglou has already spoken publicly of how he needs to bring in another forward.You cannot blame him given Richarlison’s fitness had proved unreliable during his time at the club since joining from Everton for £60m in 2022.Muani has other suitors though, including Juventus and in the Bundesliga – though SunSport understands Chelsea are NOT interested.Spurs could make a compelling case for the former Eintracht Frankfurt man, who can also play out wide.They are also believed to like the look of current Eintracht goal-getter Omar Marmoush but he looks to be heading to Manchester City.Tottenham could also move for young Irish striker Mason Melia, 17, who has shown big potential and will likely leave St Patrick’s Athletic this month.At the back, they have been credited with an interest in Uzbeki speedy centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov, who looks set to depart Lens in the winter window.How are the finances looking?Strong. Chairman Daniel Levy cops flak from supporters regularly, particularly when results are poor as they have been of late.But the supremo can claim to have no profit and sustainability compliance issues, unlike other clubs.It means money is there to be spent in this window if they want to.Could anyone be on their way out?Being so stretched right now, it is more about adding players than losing them.Sergio Reguilon, 28, is out of contract in the summer and was expected to move on this month.Although even that may not be definite now given Udogie is expected to be out for another six weeks.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf they get the right players through the door, youngsters like Will Lankshear and Alfie Dorrington could be loaned out to gain experience.If everything went to plan, how could Tottenham line up after the January window? More

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      London Stadium costing taxpayer £1MILLION A WEEK to maintain with West Ham’s rent so low it leaves huge shortfall

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      THE London Stadium cost the taxpayer more than £50million last year — according to the firm that runs the Olympic landmark.E20 LLP, the company that controls the stadium’s running, lost £51.3m in 2024 — the equivalent of almost £1m-a-week.The London Stadium is costing the taxpayer almost £1m per weekCredit: AlamyAlarmingly, the ground’s owners predict future losses of £206.7m — also to be footed by the taxpayer.Predicted losses have shot up by £21m since last year.And the owners have warned the amount could increase again in the future.The £206.7m losses relate to the costs of hosting West Ham and UK Athletics events over the remaining terms of the two agreements.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTenants West Ham are the venue’s main users — but the Premier League club have no say in the daily running of the site.West Ham’s rent is so low it does not even cover the cost of repairs or staging their matches throughout the seasonThe Hammers paid £4.4m rent last season — leaving a huge shortfall, as the stadium required £8.3m to be spent on repairs and fitting solar panels on the roof.E20’s annual report revealed: “The agreements continue to present significant challenges for the long-term future financial performance of the stadium.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“The cost of hosting West Ham and of moving relocatable seats between football and athletics modes are loss-making.”E20’s report also said the Irons are taking further legal action over a £4m payment they were forced to pay to the stadium owners under the terms of their lease arrangement after Daniel Kretinsky bought club shares.Where it went wrong for Julen Lopetegui at West HamWest Ham moved to London Stadium in 2016, four year after it hosted the Olympic Games, as their spiritual home the Boleyn Ground was knocked down and converted into flats. More

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      Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set for £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transfer

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      PEP GUARDIOLA revealed Kyle Walker was left out of their FA Cup drubbing of Salford because he wants to QUIT the Etihad.The Manchester City boss initially said the reason for skipper Walker’s absence was tactical.Kyle Walker has asked to leave Man City for a £400,000-a-week move to Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyPep Guardiola revealed Walker’s request after axing him for the win over SalfordBut after the 8-0 win Pep admitted it is because the right-back hopes for a fresh start abroad.Walker – who has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia on a £400,000-a-week deal – has won six Prem titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Champions League since joining in a £50million deal from Spurs in 2017.But he has struggled for form this season and was expected to make a confident-boosting return against the Division Two side.Guardiola said: “Two days ago Kyle asked to explore the option to play abroad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He asked after the treble, when Bayern (Munich) wanted him but the offer was not good enough.“He went to (director of football) Txiki (Begiristain) of course, and I prefer to play other players whose mind is here.“Maybe I’m wrong but I still am pretty convinced that there’s no-one in our job that doesn’t want to be where they are who can perform.“Kyle asked to explore, but it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen because you never know. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”He has been our right back and given us something we haven’t had.“He’s been amazing but now in his mind he would like to go to another country and play for other reasons.”Kyle Walker’s wife Annie is SCRAPPING her £27m divorce bid as cheating Man City star eyes £400k-a-week moveWalker’s request comes after SunSport exclusively revealed wife Annie Kliner is scrapping her £27million divorce bid.An insider said: “It was just a few months ago that Annie served Kyle with divorce papers, but she’s having second thoughts.“He’s a top target for the Saudi Arabia clubs and if he decides to take a deal it’ll be life-changing — and not just because of the massive amount of money he’ll be making.”Walker is now back in the marital home, those close to Annie said.Wife Annie Kliner is scrapping her £27million divorce bidCredit: Refer to CaptionWalker has moved back into the marital home, SunSport revealedThey added: “Annie is no fool. She sought legal advice about the finances last year and knows that the deal in Saudi is worth a lot.“Annie says it’s not about the cash but keeping their family together, yet his earning potential is something she will have thought about.“She is savvy and has been mapping out a plan for a long time. “Annie always puts the children first but she has to think about herself too.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And financially she wants to know she would be secure whatever happens between them.“Kyle has assured her that whatever happens, she would have the financial support.” More

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      Man Utd will give Saka-less Arsenal hell in Cup clash if Arteta doesn’t learn from Amorim’s near masterclass v Liverpool

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      MANCHESTER UNITED travel down to North London to face Arsenal in what is, without a doubt, the most high profile match in the FA Cup third round.With United coming into this match on the back of a promising, and perhaps surprising, 2-2 draw away to league leaders Liverpool last weekend.Manchester United face Arsenal in the FA Cup this weekendCredit: APThe Red Devils will be encouraged by last week’s 2-2 draw with LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe absence of Bukayo Saka could hinder ArsenalCredit: GettyAnd with Arsenal having lost their Carabao Cup semi-final match 2-0 at home to Newcastle in midweek, both sides are in an interesting moment coming into this match.From a tactical perspective we know exactly what to expect from both of these teams.Arsenal will set up in a loose 4-3-3 system with their captain Martin Odegaard given the freedom to step forward into more advanced positions.The loss to injury of Bukayo Saka, however, has been a significant blow to Mikel Arteta’s side which makes their attack far less effective.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited, on the other hand, will play in their 3-4-3 (or more accurately 3-4-2-1) shape that we have seen since Amorim came into the club.United’s performance against Liverpool, which showed some tactical variation, gives some idea as to how they will play at the Emirates this coming weekend.Pressing high and oftenOne of the most striking features that we saw from United against Liverpool was their willingness to be aggressive out of possession.They pressed high and often as the Reds were looking to build their attacks.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThis was actually a very smart choice from Amorim and his coaching staff as United wanted to force Liverpool to attack quickly down the wide areas.They achieved this by pressing from more narrow positions from inside to outside.Given the tactical systems that the two were playing, 4-3-3 vs 3-4-2-1, Liverpool would have had a natural advantage of 3v2 in the midfield with Ryan Gravenberch typically the deepest midfield player where he would have been the free man.By pressing Liverpool quickly and trying to force them to play to the outside, United looked to take that advantage away quickly as Liverpool attacked.Man Utd’s mentality praised by Amorim after draw with Liverpool Man Utd’s high press against Liverpool saw Manuel Ugarte step up to track Alexis Mac Allister, ready to pounce on any mistakesWe see the United press here. Manuel Ugarte steps up in the midfield to track Alexis MacAllister and the two attacking midfielders and striker for United are ready to press any attempt at a short pass out from Liverpool.While United pressed the build-up from Liverpool they also were able to jump out and press the ball whenever Liverpool had possession deep inside their own half.The front three of Rasmus Hojlund, Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo were consistently looking for ways to apply pressure and to either force a mistake or a long ball from Liverpool.This type of high press that forces the opposition into areas where you are more comfortable would also work well against Arsenal.While the likes of Gabriel and William Saliba are comfortable on the ball for Arsenal they are less effective when they are forced to play quickly.Against Arsenal we are likely to see United continue to force the opposition to attack down the outsides of the pitch early. This will be especially effective against this Arsenal side with the likes of Trossard playing from the right of the attack as opposed to Bukayo Saka.Bruno Fernandes takes the front foot to press and pin Liverpool into their full-back positionHere, we see Bruno Fernandes taking the front foot and looking to jump higher in order to press the ball when Liverpool are pinned into their full-back position.The freedom of the two attacking midfielders to jump high is underpinned by the fact they have two wing-backs and two deeper midfielders behind them to provide support.We believe that we are likely to see United play aggressively and from the front foot out of possession against Arsenal. They are going to look to force mistakes from Arsenal early and in their own half.Attacking with pace on the counterThe term transitions has been more and more commonly used in football in recent years and Ruben Amorim is very much a coach who wants his team to be effective in these moments of transition.This means that when his team loses possession, and transitions from attack to defence, he wants them to be aggressive in pressing to try to regain the ball.It also means, however, that when they regain possession they will be aggressive in their attacking transition as they look to attack quickly and with pace.We saw the speed and aggressive nature of United on the counter attack clearly in this game against Liverpool.United were happy to sit deeper and defend when they were in the more established defensive phase.But as soon as there was an opportunity to spring forward and to attack we saw United move quickly. They were especially effective when pinning the Liverpool fullbacks with the attacking midfielders and the wing-backs working together to overload the Liverpool fullbacks on either side.Trent Alexander-Arnold finds himself isolated and pulled inside and the pass can be played to release the runner ahead in the wide areaIn this example United have regained possession with Bruno Fernandes in possession on the near side. Trent Alexander-Arnold finds himself isolated and pulled inside and the pass can be played to release the runner ahead in the wide area. This results in United pushing players forward at speed to attack the Liverpool back line.Arsenal under Arteta will likely be more cautious in their approach to building the attack than we saw Liverpool in the match last weekend.Arteta likes Arsenal to be slower and more methodical as they build their attack but this does not mean that there will not be spaces that United can take advantage of on the counter attack.This does not mean though that United cannot be effective in transition and on the counter attack against Arsenal.The North London side have a tendency to look to control possession but when they do move the ball high and wide they will leave spaces that can be taken advantage of by United.This example is from late in the game vs Liverpool and Amad takes possession deep inside his own half. In this situation, Amad drives forward but it is also notable that he has support from the likes of Hojlund and Garnacho to move quickly and support the counter attack. Amad drives forward but it is also notable that he has support from the likes of Hojlund and Garnacho to move quicklyFocusing attacks down the left-sideAgainst Liverpool we saw United develop a clear preference for attacking down the left-side of the pitch and we believe that this is something that we will see again against Arsenal this coming weekend.With Lisandro Martinez progressing the ball from the left sided central defensive position and with Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes effectively receiving and linking play, this strategy had clear benefits for United during this match.While you could argue that United were trying to attack Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back for Liverpool but in our opinion this was a clear plan regardless of who Liverpool played on that side.This means that Amad Diallo, on the other side, had space to attack the area with far side runs off the ball to further stress the opposition defensive line.These far side runs when combined with the passing and progression on the left-side will be effective in putting pressure on Arsenal’s defensive system.United were effective when building down the leftUnited were effective when building down the left because of the movement and intelligence of Fernandes. Here, Dalot has received possession and he has space to move forward into.Alexander-Arnold cannot move higher to engage because Fernandes has moved across and pinned Liverpool in that position.When they are building the play down their left-side do not be surprised to see United choose to go longer from Dalot or Martinez in order to release the runs of Hojlund as the main striker.The Danish striker is naturally left-footed so he has a tendency to position himself in the channels on that side of the pitch. Any long balls in the channels here will force William Saliba to have to defend 1v1 against the powerful Hojlund.Arsenal are more defensively solid than Liverpool but the tendency of United to overload the left-side and mix their approach between short combinations and longer passes will stress the Arsenal defence and allow United to create chances.Here, we see a moment when Alexander-Arnold has been caught too deep but United are able to take advantage of the space.United were able to take advantage of the space left behind the Liverpool defenceWe see Dalot and Fernandes have moved high and Gravenberch has been pulled wide to follow Fernandes. This takes away central cover and the long ball into the channel releases Hojlund who has bent his run.It will be interesting to see whether Arteta adjusts his normal approach defensively to take into account the fact that United will focus on that side of the pitch. There is no doubt that the 2-2 draw away to Liverpool at Anfield will have given United confidence coming into this game against Arsenal.READ MORE SUN STORIESWe think that they will continue to be aggressive both in and out of possession and they will look for ways to attack and unbalance the defensive line for Arsenal.A win in this match in the FA Cup could well be the start of a strong run for United. More

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      Man Utd and Arsenal in Matheus Cunha transfer battle with Wolves star ready to make summer move

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal target Matheus Cunha is expected to STAY at Wolves this month.But a January transfer move away from Molineux is still “not impossible”.Wolves star Matheus Cunha is being targeted by Manchester United and ArsenalCredit: GettyCunha prefers to stay at Wolves in January but a summer move is possibleCredit: RexSunSport can confirm both United and the Gunners are keeping tabs on the versatile forward during the winter market.A move before transfer deadline day is not completely out of the question.Sources, though, tell us the Brazil international would prefer to stay at Wolves and sign a new deal tying him until 2029.The centre-forward’s January status will largely depend on ongoing contract talks with the club.Read More on FootballNevetheless, the summer transfer window will possibly be a different story as Cunha could be more open then to considering offers.The striker has stood out for Wanderers during their turbulent campaign in the top flight.The Brazilian has scored 10 goals and bagged four assists in 19 Premier League appearances.Wolves are currently 17th in the table and have the same points tally as 18th-placed Ipswich Town, who are in the drop zone.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNew manager Vitor Pereira has improved the team’s fortunes after replacing Gary O’Neil last month by winning two and losing only one of his four matches in charge, which includes a 2-2 draw at Tottenham.Reports have suggested Cunha’s new deal would also include a relegation clause in case Wolves drop to the Championship.Which football clubs could Marcus Rashford join?Man Utd and Arsenal both need additions to add some spark to their attack for the second half of the season.The North Londoners have been lacking a natural centre-forward with Kai Havertz mostly filling in as a false nine.And United are likely to lose out-of-favour star man Marcus Rashford as early as this month, while other expensive strikers like Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have yet to hit a high note.Cunha switched to the West Midlands from Atletico Madrid, initially on loan in January 2023 before a £44million permanent deal.He launched his career with Swiss side Sion before spells in Germany with Red Bull Leipzig and Hertha Berlin. More

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      Everton ANNOUNCE David Moyes as new manager as club rehire legendary boss, 61, after brutally axing Sean Dyche

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      EVERTON have announced David Moyes as their new manager.The Scot, 61, returns to Goodison Park on a two-and-a-half-year contract more than 11 years after leaving for Manchester United.David Moyes has returned to Everton after over 11 years awayCredit: SplashMoyes was originally appointed by the Toffees in 2012Credit: PA:Press AssociationMoyes replaces former Toffees boss Sean Dyche, who was brutally sacked just hours before his side’s FA Cup clash with Peterborough on Thursday night.Everton went on to beat Posh 2-0 to advance to round four under the caretaker charge of club legends Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman.But Moyes has returned to the Goodison Park dugout on a £12.5million deal until 2027 and will take charge of his first game at home to Aston Villa on Wednesday.Upon confirmation of his comeback on Saturday morning, he said: “It’s great to be back! READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”I enjoyed 11 wonderful and successful years at Everton and didn’t hesitate when I was offered the opportunity to rejoin this great club.“I’m excited to be working with The Friedkin Group and I am looking forward to helping them rebuild the club.“Now we need Goodison and all Evertonians to play their part in getting behind the players in this important season so we can move into our fabulous new stadium as a Premier League team.”Executive Chairman Marc Watts added: “We are pleased that David is joining us at this pivotal time in Everton’s history. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”With over a decade of experience at the club, he is the right leader to propel us through our final season at Goodison Park and into our new stadium. “We look forward to working with David to build the foundation of a new era for Everton.”Sean Dyche SACKED by Everton just hours before FA Cup game as two club icons take charge and David Moyes in line for jobMoyes previously managed the Toffees between 2002 and 2013.He won 218 of his 518 games in charge – leading Everton to a top-four finish during the 2004-05 season.The Toffees achieved eight top-seven finished during Moyes’ 11 full seasons in charge.They also reached the 2009 FA Cup final, in which they were defeated by Chelsea.Moyes left Goodison Park to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.He lasted just seven months at United before being axed in April 2013.Moyes subsequently spent a year in Spain with Real Sociedad, before taking Sunderland down to the Championship during the 2016-17 campaign.The experienced boss resurrected his reputation across two spells at West Ham.He kept the Hammers up during the 2017-18 campaign, before being replaced by Manuel Pellegrini.Moyes returned to the London Stadium for a second stint in December 2019, staying for nearly five years.Arguably his career highlight came during the 2022-23 campaign, when he masterminded the Hammers’ Europa Conference League triumph.During Moyes’ time in East London, West Ham also reached the Europa League semi-finals.David Moyes’ managerial career by numbers1998-2002 – Preston P 234 W 112 D 50 L 622002-2013 – Everton P 518 W 218 D 139 L 1612013-14 – Man Utd P 51 W 27 D 9 L 152014-15 – Real Sociedad P 42 W 12 D 12 L 152016-17 – Sunderland P 43 W 8 D 7 L 282017-18 – West Ham P 31 W 9 D 10 L 122019-2024 – West Ham P 231 W 103 D 45 L 83Moyes left the Hammers at the end of last season when his contract was not renewed.His replacement Julen Lopetegui was sacked earlier this week, with Graham Potter brought in.Moyes arrives back at Everton with the Toffees sitting 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.READ MORE SUN STORIESDyche won only one of his final 11 games in charge but in December he did achieve creditable draws against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.Following Wednesday’s home clash with Villa, Everton take on Tottenham and Brighton before crunch relegation six-pointers against Leicester and Crystal Palace. Moyes managed Everton for 11 yearsCredit: Getty Images – GettySean Dyche was sacked earlier this weekCredit: GettyMoyes won the Europa Conference League with the HammersCredit: Alamy More