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      Arsenal fixture chaos eased as crunch Carabao Cup quarter-final clash confirmed but women’s fixture moved

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      ARSENAL’S fixture nightmare involving the Carabao Cup quarter-final has been eased after it was announced the game would be played on Wednesday, December 18.The Gunners’ progression into the final eight of the competition – where they drew Crystal Palace at the Emirates – caused a horribly congested schedule in the middle of the month.Mikel Arteta has seen Arsenal’s men handed an eased fixture scheduleCredit: RexThey will face Crystal Palace on Wednesday, December 18Credit: ReutersBut it will force Arsenal Women to have their Champions League game with Bayern Munich moved elsewhereCredit: GettyMikel Arteta’s side were fearing a two-day turnaround with an Arsenal Women’s Champions League clash against Bayern Munich at the Emirates meaning a Wednesday clash was not possible.This would have either led to Crystal Palace being left with a two-day turnaround after playing Brighton on Sunday if the game was played on Tuesday 17 or both sides facing a two-day turnaround before their Premier League clash with the Eagles on Saturday evening if the game was played on Thursday.However, a twist to events has seen Arsenal men given priority to play the fixture at the Emirates on Wednesday.The EFL have confirmed that the fixture will take place at 7.30pm on Wednesday, December 18.READ MORE IN FOOTBAL;A club statement on the matter of the moved women’s game said: “We are liaising with UEFA, and further details regarding our UEFA Women’s Champions League match against Bayern Munich will be announced in due course.”Arsenal Women normally play all of their European home games and eight of their 11 home games in the Women’s Super League at the Emirates.Tickets for the Bayern game have been on sale since September 28.But Boreham Wood’s Meadow Park, where the women’s team play the rest of their home games, does not meet Uefa stadium regulations.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSunSport understands that a new venue, rather than a new date, is being targeted for Arsenal on the moved fixture.Fans of the women’s team were furious with the announcement and the priority given to the men’s team over the women’s.Huge Arsenal boost as Martin Odegaard returns to training ahead of Inter Milan clash Taking to social media, the Arsenal Women Supporters Club said: “Really disappointed by the change in priorities for this game. “It’s been set in stone for a while, and now shifting the date affects so many people, especially traveling and international Gooners who have already booked flights and hotels.”A second fan said: “Not that the women’s team didn’t already have a champions league game being played here the same night that fans have already booked tickets, days off work, travel and hotels for or anything… Do better Arsenal.”A third said: “This is ludicrous.”Carabao Cup quarter-final in fullQuarter-final fixture dates and times confirmed:Arsenal v Crystal Palace – December 18, 7.30pmNewcastle v Brentford – December 18, 7.45pmSouthampton v Liverpool – December 18, 8pmTottenham v Manchester United – December 19, 8pmAnother said: “Really disappointing that the women’s game against Bayern has been shifted for this.”A fifth added: “A UEFA game is surely more important than an EFL game, no matter whether it’s the men’s or women’s team?”Arsenal men’s clash with Crystal Palace will be the early kick-off that evening.It will be shown on Sky Sports football.Newcastle’s clash with Brentford will commence at 7.45pm on Wednesday and will not appear on live TV, but rather Sky Sports+.Southampton against Liverpool will start at 8pm that day and be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Tottenham’s clash against Manchester United will take place on Thursday, December 19 at 8pm.It will be aired on live TV with Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.Arsenal and Edu resignation statement in fullEdu Gaspar has today resigned from his position as our Sporting Director.Edu, our former player and Invincible, re-joined us in the role of Technical Director in July 2019. He progressed through the club and was promoted to Sporting Director in November 2022, where he oversaw men’s, women’s and academy football.   We thank Edu for the part he has played in our renewed football strategy and driving the club forward with the values of Arsenal in his heart. Edu said: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make.”Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.  “I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend. “Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”Our Co-Chair, Josh Kroenke, added: “We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward.  “Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.  “Change and evolution is a part of our club.  We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.” More

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      Noel Gallagher hit by commentator’s curse as eight-word statement live on TNT Sports backfires horribly

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      NOEL GALLAGHER is perfectly suited to become a full-time commentator, after showing he had the commentators curse.The Oasis star made a surprise appearance on TNT Sports co-commentary alongside Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist for Manchester City’s clash against Sporting Lisbon.Noel Gallagher was hit by commentators curse while working on TNT Sports’ coverage of Sporting Lisbon v Man CityCredit: RexGallagher commented how easy the game was before Sporting scored two minutes later and went on to put four past the Oasis star’s favourite teamCredit: EPAAll eyes were on the fixture due to it being Ruben Amorim’s final home game in the charge of the Eagles before he moves over to join City’s fallen rivals Manchester United.And TNT bizarrely opted to include City superfan Gallagher as part of their commentary team.Supporters are used to seeing the Rock ‘N’ Roll Star in the crowd at City games, but his presence on the broadcast is Half the World Away from his usual Tuesday night.Pep Guardiola’s side threatened to ruin Amorim’s farewell after Phil Foden smashed them into the lead early on.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCity seemed to be in their usual cruise control tempo and were cutting open the Portuguese champions at will.Speaking on co-comms, Gallagher was then heard saying: “I didn’t think it would be this easy.”However, moments after the musician’s comments Viktor Gyokeres was put through on the City goal and scored past Ederson to net an equaliser. Gallagher’s curse continued in the second half, as Sporting doubled their tally just seconds after the restart.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGyokeres then went on to score hat-trick as he scored twice from the penalty spot, while Erling Haaland saw his own penalty hit the bar.The 4-1 defeat was City’s third defeat on the bounce, and the first time they had conceded four goals in the Champions League since playing Barcelona in 2016.New Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim in awkward interview with reporter Taking to social media, fans highlighted Gallagher’s commentator curse.One fan said: “Glad to see Noel Gallagher now knows what a commentator curse feels like.”A second said: “What was @NoelGallagher saying about it being easy?”A third said: “Noel Gallagher banging on about how easy it is for City. Just before conceding.”Another said: “I’m here for the Noel Gallagher ‘didn’t expect it to be this easy’ equaliser.”A fifth added: “Noel Gallagher was just saying how easy this game is.”A sixth said: “Noel Gallagher 35’ : ‘I didn’t expect it to be this easy’. Sporting CP 37’ : Go up the other end and score. Please put Noel on Co-Comms every week.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother said: “Noel Gallagher curse, he should never commentate on a City game EVER!”An eighth said: “Did anyone else catch Noel Gallagher on commentary, saying ‘I didn’t think it would be this easy’ at 0-1.”Oasis – The Gallagher Feud TimelineBrothers Noel and Liam Gallagher have a long history of ongoing fights – both physical and verbal – here’s the full history of the band and what they’ve said to each other.1991 – Liam Gallagher forms Oasis with Paul Arthurs, Paul McGuigan and Tony McCarroll, later asking Noel to join.1993 – The band sign to Creation Records and start work on their debut album.August 1994 – Oasis shoot to fame with their debut album, Definitely Maybe, with tracks including Rock n Roll Star, Live Forever and Supersonic. It’s one of the fastest selling debuts ever for a British band.September 1994 – Noel temporarily leaves the band’s tour after Liam smacks him in the face with a tambourine on stage in Los Angeles.1995 – The band release their second album, (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? which features Wonderwall, Don’t Look Back in Anger, and Champagne Supernova.1996 – Liam is forced to sit out a leg of tour shows due to laryngitis, but causes chaos when he was filmed heckling his brother from a balcony while a taping of MTV Unplugged.2000 – Noel quits the band temporarily for a second time when, while partying in Barcelona, Liam riles Noel by questioning if his daughter, Anais, is actually his. The pair get into a fist fight.2005 – Noel tells Q Magazine that he’s ‘never forgiven’ Liam for his comments about Anais and he’s ‘never apologised. He tells the mag: “He’s my brother. I hope he’s reading this and realises that. He’s my brother but he’s at arm’s length until he apologises for what he’s done.”2009 – Noel admits in an interview with Q that he ‘doesn’t like Liam’, branding him “rude, arrogant, intimidating, and lazy”. “He’s the angriest man you’ll ever meet,” he added. “He’s like a man with a fork in a world of soup.”Liam later retaliates and tells NME: “It takes more than blood to be my brother. He doesn’t like me and I don’t like him.”August 23, 2009 – Oasis pull out of a headline slot at V Festival in the UK due to Liam having laryngitis.August 28, 2009 – Ahead of the Rock en Seine festival, Noel and Liam get into another fight, during which time Liam breaks one of Noel’s guitars after “waving it like an axe” according to Noel.August 28, 2009 – Noel quits the band for the third and final time, saying in a statement: “It’s with some sadness and great relief to tell you that I quit Oasis tonight. I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer.”2010 – Oasis win ‘best album of the last 30 years’ at the Brit Awards for (What’s the Story) Morning Glory. Liam picks up the gong, and thanks everyone except Noel. He later says this was misinterpreted as a dig.2011 – Liam tries to sue Noel after he claims in the interview they cancelled their V Festival performance due to Liam being hungover. Liam disputed it said the comment “questioned my professionalism”. He later apologised and the lawsuit was dropped.2011 – Noel admits regrets at quitting before the Paris gig, telling Absolute Radio and admits if he did “we may never have split up.”2011 – 2014 – Liam and the other bandmates continue under new name, Beady Eye, while Noel forms new band, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.2015 – After years of jabs online, especially through media and Twitter, Liam teases he’s buried the hatchet with Noel by sharing an All Areas pass from a High Flying Birds gig. However, the fight would recommence two months later after Noel publicly dismissed suggestion Oasis would reunite for Glastonbury 2016.2017 – Liam performs at Manchester’s One Love concert after the bombing at Ariana Grande’s show, with Don’t Look Back In Anger becoming a unifying anthem for the incident. He then slams Noel for not attending. Noel later tells Sunday Times: “Young music fan were slaughtered, and he, twice, takes it somewhere to be about him. He needs to see somebody.”2018 – Liam suggests a reunion for the 2018 World Cup on Twitter, writing: “let’s get the big O back together and stop f***ing about the drinks are on me”. When it fell on deaf ears, he added: “I’ll take that as a NO then.”2019 – Noel speaks out after Liam sends ‘threatening messages’ to Anais after a comment made about then wife Sara McDonald. Liam later apologises publicly to Anais.2020 – Liam urges Noel to reunite for a one-off charity gig. More

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      Sky Sports pundit tipped to replace under-fire Julen Lopetegui as West Ham manager

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      A SKY SPORTS pundit has been tipped to take over from under-fire West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui.The Hammers boss is under mounting pressure in East London after a poor start to the season was compounded by a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Nottingham Forest on Saturday.Julen Lopetegui has had a poor start to the season as West Ham managerCredit: GettyThat defeat has left West Ham looming in 14th spot, losing half of their league games already this term.With former Wolves boss Lopetegui now under a microscope, managers up and down the country are being linked with the job.And Jeff Stelling reckons that a Sky Sports pundit could be the right man to replace the Spaniard.Speaking on talkSPORT breakfast, Stelling backed Frank Lampard to fill the hot-seat.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLampard has been working as a Sky Sports pundit since his last foray into management as Chelsea’s interim boss last year. It’s understood that Lopetegui is still being backed by chiefs at West Ham, but Stelling reckons Lampard would do a great job at filling his boots if that changes.He said: “I’m going to mention someone who might divide opinions.“Is it time, if Lopetegui goes, for West Ham to bring Frank Lampard home? Just a thought.Most read in FootballJeff Stelling has tipped Frank Lampard to take over from LopeteguiCredit: GettyLampard is currently without a job after last managing Chelsea in 2023Credit: PAFrank Lampard managerial careerA brief look at Lampard’s managerial career so far…July 2017 – June 2018: Chelsea Youth CoachJuly 2018 – July 2019: Derby County Manager July 2019 – Jan 2021: Chelsea ManagerJan 2022 – Jan 2023: Everton ManagerApril 2023 – June 2023: Chelsea Interim ManagerFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“He is available. He’s been mentioned in connection with the Roma job, but West Ham would be ideal for him.“I know there’s a man in situ at the moment, but it is just a speculative suggestion at the moment.”I played with Frank Lampard at Chelsea and we never lost.. but I’d still rather line up alongside Steven Gerrard’Lampard started his playing career with West Ham as a youngster, making 179 appearances for the club before switching to London rivals Chelsea in 2001.His managerial career has seen him take charge of Everton and Derby, as well as having two spells at Chelsea.He hasn’t ventured back into coaching since his second spell at Stamford Bridge ended in June 2023, but has been linked with a return to the technical area in Italy.According to reports, Lampard is being eyed as the potential new boss at Italian giants Roma.Lampard started his career at West HamCredit: GettyHe has managed Chelsea twice, once as permanent boss and once as interim managerCredit: GettyLampard has been working as a pundit since his last job with the BluesCredit: X / SkySportsPL More

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      ‘That’s the type of game where babies are made’, says Prem legend to leave Monday Night Football studio in stitches

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      PREMIER LEAGUE legend Dimitar Berbatov left fans in stitches with a hilarious comment about Fulham’s comeback win over Brentford.The Cottagers were trailing 1-0 in stoppage time – only for substitute Harry Wilson to score two stunning goals and turn the result on its head.Dimitar Berbatov said ‘babies will be made’ after his former club’s late winnerHarry Wilson scored two stunning goals to win it for FulhamCredit: GettyWith the hosts struggling to break their West London rivals down, Wilson darted across the near post and cleverly flicked the ball over Mark Flekken between the sticks with 92 minutes on the clock.And then just seconds from the final whistle, he grabbed his second with a sensational diving header.The goal sparked huge celebrations at Craven Cottage and in the Sky Sports studio as ex-Fulham striker Berbatov ran around with his hands on his head.After calming down to provide his analysis of the game, the 43-year-old Bulgarian made a hilarious remark.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBerbatov said: “This is the type of game where, you know, after the game babies are made.”Sky presenter David Jones and pundit Jamie Carragher burst into laughter.The former Liverpool man then cheekily added: “On that note let’s go for a break.”Fans found it brilliant, with one saying: “Sky Sports gold.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother added: “Can Sky employ Dimitar Berbatov permanently please?”More commented: “Absolutely brilliant.”Man Utd legend shows off ripped body at 42 in first-touch tutorial… as fans say he could teach current stars a thing or twoBerbatov won the Premier League twice at Man Utd during his glittering career.He also played for the likes of Bayer Leverkusen, Tottenham, Fulham and Monaco. More

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      Jamie Carragher savages Arsenal on Monday Night Football and says they’re ‘like a Mourinho team without the trophies’

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER has brutally compared Arsenal to a Jose Mourinho team without the trophies.The Sky Sports pundit was sharing his thoughts after the Gunners were beaten 1-0 by Newcastle on Saturday to leave them seven points behind league leaders Liverpool.Mikel Arteta’s side are morphing into a Jose Mourinho team, says Jamie CarragherCredit: GettyJose Mourinho traits are being seen in the current Arsenal teamCredit: GettyBut Carragher brutally reminded Arsenal fans they have not won the leagueStats show Arsenal are relying more on set-pieces and like to go directCredit: Sky SportsCarragher claimed when Mikel Arteta’s side first competed for the title, Arsenal set out to play a brand of football based on what he had learned while with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.But after narrowly missing out on being crowned champions in the 2022/23 season after having an eight-point lead over City in January, the manager must have felt they lacked the physicality to get them over the line.The ex-Liverpool defender says Arteta has changed style and is now like the current Fenerbahce boss – but he so far lacks the Special One’s glittering trophy cabinet. Carragher explained: “Guardiola and Mourinho are the two most dominant and successful managers in the last 20 years. But they are at both ends of the spectrum in terms of style of football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Arsenal are morphing into Jose Mourinho. It is not a criticism of Mikel Arteta, it is an analysis.”This is a guy who has won the Premier League three times, Arsenal have not won it in 20 years.”Carragher then listed the traits he sees in the current Gunners team that reminds me of Mourinho’s old Chelsea side.He highlighted they are both strong defensively, have height and strength, rely on set-piece and play a direct style at times.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut there is one difference as Carragher added: “But the one thing we should also say where Arsenal are not like Mourinho is winning trophies.”If Mourinho is watching tonight, he will say ‘but I win trophies’.Edu’s exit is a huge loss for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal will feel very different without him, says SunSport’s Jack Rosser”At the moment Arsenal have not won a trophy, but they have been fantastic.”Anyone who thinks I have plucked this Mourinho thing out to create negativity around Arsenal – it is analysing where Arsenal are going.”If people do not agree with that then I don’t think you are actually watching what is going on.”I think Arteta feels he does not have the attacking quality of Man City.”So he is going another way to try to win the league, which is being strong defensively and a more powerful team.”This is what the team is morphing into, it is not a criticism, it is an analysis.”Fans loved the comparison, with a Tottenham saying: “Carragher basically saying Arteta is Mourinho without the trophies lol.”Another added: “He’s spot on. Arsenal fans done want to hear the truth.”Carragher also highlighted how Arsenal have moved away from signing technical players like Martin Odegaard and Oleksandr Zinchenko.Instead, Arteta with the help of resigned chief Edu have gone in favour of physical stars like Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori.The stats back up Carragher’s theory with Arsenal more reliant on set-pieces and are more playing long balls than they did last season.On the numbers, the pundit said: “Especially in away games, I struggle to see how they score a goal aside from a set-piece.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The elephant in the room is that Martin Odegaard is injured, he is probably among the top four or five players in the Premier League.”But do not forget City were without Kevin De Bruyne this and last season. They are heavily reliant on Odegaard.”Arsenal and Edu resignation statement in fullEdu Gaspar has today resigned from his position as our Sporting Director.Edu, our former player and Invincible, re-joined us in the role of Technical Director in July 2019. He progressed through the club and was promoted to Sporting Director in November 2022, where he oversaw men’s, women’s and academy football.   We thank Edu for the part he has played in our renewed football strategy and driving the club forward with the values of Arsenal in his heart. Edu said: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make.”Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.  “I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend. “Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”Our Co-Chair, Josh Kroenke, added: “We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward.  “Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.  “Change and evolution is a part of our club.  We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.” More

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      Fans spot Frank Lampard’s reaction after Roy Keane gets called ‘Cardi B’ for his outfit choice at Man Utd vs Chelsea

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      ROY Keane was the butt of the joke because of his fashion choice as he appeared as a pundit on Sky Sports.The Man Utd legend was a guest on Super Sunday alongside Frank Lampard and Jamie Redknapp.Sky Sports presenter Kelly Cates pokes fun at Roy Keane’s fashion attireFellow pundit Frank Lampard thought the joke was hilariousEven Keane saw the funny side of Cates’ Cardi B gagThe former pros were taking in the Red Devils’ game against Chelsea at Old Trafford.But at half-time, things took a turn when presenter Kelly Cates poked fun at Keane’s attire.She began the half-time segment saying: “We’ve seen Olivia Rodrigo watching on from the stands, and we’ve got Cardi B in the studio as well.”The quick gag drew laughter from Lampard who couldn’t help but chuckle at Cates’ jibe.read more football newsWhile a smiling Redknapp was heard saying: “Wow.”For his part, Keane took the quip in his stride and gave Cates a grin.However, fans online spotted Lampard and Redknapp’s reaction and loved the moment.One posted: “Lampard and Redknapp laughing at that comment Cardi b to Roy Keane quality.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA second shared: “@skysports Kelly Cates is simply a class presenter. Saying they’ve got Cardi B in the studio because Roy Keane is wearing a cardigan and then zooming in on Roy’s stare at her was great.”A third wrote: “Roy Keane getting called cardi B for his cardigan has been the highlight of super Sunday so far.”Manchester United vs Chelsea: Player Ratings Breakdown (2)While a fourth added: “I swear @KellyCates life flashed before her eyes when she made that Cardi B joke about Roy Keane at half time just then.”The half-time entertainment certainly provided more thrills than a dull first half at Old Trafford.The second half was marginally better, and United thought they may have won it when Bruno Fernandes scored from the spot after 70 minutes.However, they were quickly pegged back by Moises Caicedo’s volley.It ended 1-1 with Man Utd climbing to 13th in the table. Chelsea’s point took them into the top four, above London rivals Arsenal. More

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      Jamie Redknapp blasts Man Utd fans accusing Old Trafford crowd of creating as much atmosphere as Covid times

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      JAMIE REDKNAPP has called out Manchester United fans for giving their players the silent treatment against Chelsea.The Sky Sports pundit savaged the subdued atmosphere during United’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Super Sunday. Jamie Redknapp has savaged Man Utd’s atmosphere – and likened it to a game in CovidA capacity crowd is at Old Trafford to watch United face ChelseaCredit: GettyInterim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy is taking charge of his first Premier League gameCredit: PARedknapp was far from impressed by the noise levels as Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side drew a blank in the first half at Old Trafford. Marcus Rashford came closest to breaking the deadlock before the break at the Theatre of Dreams, crashing a volley onto the crossbar.But the game remained scoreless at the break, with Redknapp baffled by the lack of energy in the home support. Redknapp told his Sky colleagues Roy Keane and Frank Lampard: “It’s like watching a game in Covid. READ MORE MAN UTD”There’s no crowd, there’s no atmosphere, no energy.”The players have got to do more [to get the crowd going].”One fan agreed on X: “Old Trafford feels more like a library than the Theatre of Dreams lately.”Another wrote: “It’s disappointing to hear that about Old Trafford. A lively atmosphere makes all the difference in the game. Fans need to bring that energy back!”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut a third argued: “Redknapp baiting as usual. Crowd is immense.”Van Nistelrooy watched his side improve in the second 45, taking the game to the visitors.Manchester United vs Chelsea: Player Ratings Breakdown (2)Bruno Fernandes looked to have given United all three points, slotting home from the penalty spot after Rasmus Hojlund was felled.But Moises Caicedo responded with a stunning volley minutes later, ensuring the Blues took a point home to West London. Van Nistelrooy will remain in post for a further two matches before new boss Ruben Amorim arrives on November 11. Redknapp’s colleague Gary Neville had earlier called out the club for its poor transfer dealings over the past decade.Neville claimed only Bruno Fernandes has lived up to his hefty transfer fee out of the £1.8bn in signings United have made since 2013.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.He told Sky: “There are players that have come here with great potential and ones that you thought would be good signings for the club.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Only really Bruno [Fernandes] I can think of in 10 years has signed for the club and done more than I thought he would.”I can’t think of any other player. That’s £1.8bn spent in the last 10 years, that’s one thing that has to change.” More

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      Fans baffled as Paul Merson ‘dresses like a lemon’ for Sky Sports Soccer Saturday return… but there’s a reason for it

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      PAUL MERSON left fans baffled after dressing “like a lemon” on his Soccer Saturday comeback.The Sky Sports pundit made his return to the programme for this weekend’s Premier League action.Paul Merson wore an incredible outfit on his return to Sky Sports’ Soccer SaturdayCredit: X / PaulMerseFans were left baffled by the choice as they reacted on social mediaCredit: Sky SportsMerson, 56, had been absent from the show due to his commitment to BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.However, it appeared that he had forgotten to swap the glitzy ballroom outfits, and he took his spot on the panel.The former Arsenal star wore a bright yellow suit, with a sparkly top and a huge rosette, which left many viewers baffled on social media.One fan commented: “He really brought the sunshine to the studio!”READ MORE ON SPORTA second wrote: “He is just sensational.”A third posted: “He’s looking dashing.”A fourth said: “A man of his word!! Nice suit by the way.”A fifth joked: “He is dressed like a lemon.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother added: “I thought he was getting married.”However, there was a reason for his choice of a more flamboyant outfit. Paul Merson AXED from Strictly after shock dance off with series favouriteMerson wore the outfit while appearing on Strictly Come DancingCredit: PASoccer Saturday host Simon Thomas asked him to wear the yellow suit on his return.Merson followed through with the request as he stunned in the studio.He insisted he would be wearing the suit for the whole show as he did not bring “any other clobber”.The retired footballer was the fourth celebrity to leave Strictly after he lost the dance-off to JLS star JB Gill and his partner Amy Dowden.During his time on the show, he danced to the football anthem Vindaloo and Pitball’s Fireball.Who are these famous footballers? More