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    Paul Merson makes very early Premier League prediction live on TV as he promises to get multiple tattoos

    PAUL MERSON has made a bold bet while making an early prediction for next season.The 56-year-old former Arsenal attacker was working for Sky Sports to watch the Gunners beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford.Man Utd were beaten at home by Arsenal on Sunday in another dismal displayCredit: GettyPaul Merson made an early prediction for the Red Devils ahead of next termCredit: Sky SportsThe home side have been decimated by injuries this term, with ten players unavailable for their latest defeat.That result left them stuck in eighth place and on course for their worst-ever Premier League finish.United are now at serious risk of missing out on European football altogether having lost 19 games in all-competitions – the most since the 1978/79 season.The defeat by Arsenal was also the club’s ninth at Old Trafford this campaign, the joint-most at home in a single season in their history.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDespite all the changes off the pitch under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and speculation over Ten Hag’s potential departure, Merson is not convinced it will be a quick fix.And he even vowed to get a Manchester United tattoo if they finish above Arsenal next season.“It was shocking,” said Merson to start his rant on Sky Sports.“It’s not good enough. You can’t lose nine games at home – this is Man Utd.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe ex-England ace explained that United cannot blame their dire displays on injuries as he highlighted how Luton and Chelsea have had to deal with players sidelined as well this term.He continued: “I don’t care how many of those players get fit next season, there’s no way they are finishing above Arsenal next season. Not a chance.Where the Soccer Saturday stars are now“And I’ll have another tattoo as well. No chance. They are 30 points behind.”That came after Merson had earlier declared that he had zero faith in Tottenham doing Arsenal a favour by beating title rivals Manchester City on Tuesday.The Cityzens went top by thrashing Fulham 4-0 on Saturday, only for the Gunners to overtake them again with their win at Old Trafford.But Arsenal have played a match more, with City’s game in hand coming tomorrow against the Gunners’ neighbours in North London.And Merson made a wild bet live on TV as he insisted that Spurs have no chance of getting a result.He said: “Arsenal are probably going to finish second.READ MORE SUN STORIES“If you’re relying on Tottenham to win or draw a football match… yeah… no.“If they win that, I will have a Tottenham tattoo. I will. I’ll put it where you can’t see it!”Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
    Michael Owen – He has to go
    “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
    Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
    “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
    Jamie Carragher – Sacked
    “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
    Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
    “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
    Louis Saha – On the fence
    “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
    Alan Shearer – Sacked
    “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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    Ten Hag suffers wardrobe malfunction as fans say he ‘needs sacking for that suit’ and Gary Neville points out blunder

    ERIK TEN HAG got clobbered for Manchester United’s performance AND clobbered for his clobber on the touchline.Old Trafford legend Gary Neville joined fans in reckoning the under-fire manager got his “linen-up” all wrong.Erik ten Hag got a dressing down for dressing upCredit: GettyThe Man Utd boss was left with another drench-mark for failureCredit: GettyTen Hag chose a posh linen suit – despite a predicted downpour during the 1-0 Premier League defeat to new leaders Arsenal.And sure enough, the Dutchman was left looking more vulnerable than his job position as rain deluged down in the closing stages Ex-England defender Neville interjected during his Sky Sports punditry to say: “He’s gone spring/summer too early.”One viewer claimed: “Ten Hag deserves sacking for that suit, shirt and shoes combo alone.”READ MORE TOP STORIESAnother observer called it early over the 54-year-old’s fashion faux pas.He posted: “Ten Hag’s choice of linen suit when storms were forecast is looking a huge error of judgment. Especially with Ratcliffe watching on.”And as the ex-Ajax chief assessed the all-round damage in more ways than one, a fan wrote: “Ten Hag’s suit getting ruined in this rain. Straight to C&A in the morning for a replacement.”A keen-eyed observer added: “Erik ten Hag seems to be wearing the same suit he wore on his first day on the job. Turning back the clock?”Most read in FootballAt first Ten Hag could only moan about events on the pitchCredit: Getty”There’s no way they are finishing above Arsenal next season – and I’ll have another tattoo as well!”Paul Merson did NOT hold back on Erik ten Hag and the club’s management of injuries! 🤕 pic.twitter.com/ejGlNVc2fo— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 12, 2024

    And the manager’s performance in his Sunday best was even compared to a famous bleak play – perhaps fitting as the Theatre of Dreams turns ever more into a stage of nightmares.That post read: “Nothing more Death of a Salesman than Erik ten Hag in a damp beige spring suit, looking helplessly on as his overmatched Utd side find fightback against Arsenal impossible to manage.”Watch never-before-seen Premier League ‘RefCam’ footage of Crystal Palace’s 4-0 demolition of Man UtdBut the mood among fans was perhaps summed up by another claim.One fan reported: “The club are aware the linen suit isn’t doing the job but are prepared to wait until the summer before making a decision on a new tailoring direction.”SunSport’s verdict on Man Utd flopsSir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have a busy summer ahead to get Man Utd’s squad in order for next season. Below SunSport gives it verdict on how they should deal with the Red Devils flops this summer.
    Andre Onana – STAY: After a dodgy start at Old Trafford Onana has proven to be one of the more reliable members of the squad this season despite being peppered with shots constantly.
    Altay Bayindir – GO: Reports in February suggested Bayindir was unhappy with his bit part role at Man Utd amid interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray. If profit can be made on a sale then it should be done.
    Tom Heaton – STAY: Veteran goalkeeper Heaton, 38, is a reliable back-up and is on a relatively small wage at the club. So long as he is happy it makes sense to keep him.
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka – GO: Wan-Bissaka, 26, has never managed to make the right-back position his own. With his contract up in 2025 it makes sense to cash in now.
    Diogo Dalot – STAY: Dalot, 26, has been one of Man Utd’s most consistent performers this season.
    Raphael Varane – GO: If it wasn’t for his injury record there would be a strong shout to keep Varane, but costs need to be cut to allow the squad to be freshened up.
    Harry Maguire – GO: Maguire has showed he has the right character to be at Man Utd but overall ability and desired profile are another matter, with Maguire too slow to play in a high line defence.
    Lisandro Martinez – STAY: Martinez, 26, is second to none in terms of build up play. He needs a long-term defensive partner on the right side and to cut out the injuries which have plagued him this season.
    Jonny Evans – GO: Veteran campaigner Evans could easily be on the stay list if he was only going to be a bit part player. But he has shown his advanced years at times this season.
    Victor Lindelof – GO:  Lindelof, 29, has been reliable if not unremarkable in his Man Utd career. He has one year left on his contract so should be moved on if a decent transfer fee can be got for him.
    Willy Kambwala – STAY: He should be given the opportunity to mature for a few years behind a senior CB pairing before stepping into the first team as a starter or being moved on.
    Luke Shaw – GO: One of the Premier League’s best left-backs when fit, Shaw has been a good servant when available. But alas that has been his Achilles heel once again this season.
    Tyrell Malacia – STAY: Malacia, 24, was decent enough to earn some merit in his first season at Man Utd before injury ended his season and inadvertently led to his second season being a write off.
    Sofyan Amrabat – GO: Amrabat, 27, looked like a world beater at the Qatar World Cup with Morocco. But he’s had an underwhelming season in England and his loan spell will almost certainly not be made permanent.
    Casemiro – GO: An alarming physical decline has seen him turn from key star to burden. If a club is willing to buy the 32-year-old – who has two more years on his contract – then United should snatch their hand off.
    Christian Eriksen – GO: Eriksen proved a useful asset and Ineos should look to bring in another player with similar traits, but frankly his legs have looked gone towards the end of this season.
    Kobbie Mainoo – STAY: The first of the so-called untouchables, Mainoo has been a rare glimmer of hope in the Red Devils midfield this season.
    Mason Mount – STAY: Mount can be given the benefit of the doubt until summer 2025 at least after a debut season riddled with injury.
    Scott McTominay – STAY: McTominay, 27, has proven himself to be a brilliant plan B off the bench this season, and that is exactly why Ineos should look to keep him.
    Bruno Fernandes – STAY: Man Utd’s best player since his arrival just over four years ago, Fernandes, 29, remains second-to-none when it comes to creating chances while his tenacity boosts those around him.
    Antony – GO: There’s a case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history. Despite some memorable moments he simply isn’t Man Utd quality.
    Anthony Martial – GO: Ultimately Martial needs to be let go when his deal runs out this summer after an appalling injury record of late.
    Marcus Rashford – STAY: As easy as it would be to say Rashford should leave the club this summer, it is difficult to look at the market and find many available players capable of scoring 30 goals a season.
    Alejandro Garnacho – STAY: Another third of the untouchables trio, Garnacho has made the right-wing his own since coming into it. He’s a raw talent but has shown he has the quality to improve.
    Rasmus Hojlund – STAY: A slow burner in his first Man Utd season, the 21-year-old has often been starved of supply which has led to him being unable to get the goals his movement and unselfish play often merits.
    Amad Diallo – STAY: In the fleeting moments he has been on the pitch for Man Utd this season, Diallo has looked dangerous and exciting. He should be given a chance to flourish with some proper chances in the first team across a whole season. More

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    ‘I always worry when people say that,’ says Roy Keane after Gary Neville’s observation about Man Utd stars

    ROY Keane was quick to shoot down Gary Neville’s suggestion that Manchester United looked ‘lively’ in the warm-up before their game against Arsenal.Keane and Neville were appearing on Sky Sports for Super Sunday at Old Trafford.Roy Keane revealed his worry with watching Man Utd’s warm-upGary Neville said he thought Man Utd looked ‘lively’ before the matchCameras panned to Erik Ten Hag’s side limbering up on the pitch before the game as the pundits spoke.That prompted Neville to say: “They look quite lively in this warm-up, I hope they’re as lively in the game”.But hard to please Keane wasn’t having his former teammate’s comments.The Irishman replied: “I always worry when people say that”.Read more football newsNeville and Keane often get heated when it comes to discussing the beautiful game.The pair appear on The Overlap on YouTube, where they often clash.Most recently, they clashed after Keane called West Ham stars “idiots” following the news David Moyes will be leaving the club in the summer.Predicting the scores of this weekend’s fixtures on The Overlap’s Stick to Football show Neville felt Moyes would say goodbye with a win.Most read in FootballThe Manchester United legend said: “I think they will give him an amazing reception and I think the players will be up for it.”But due to them suffering an embarrassing 5-0 loss to Chelsea last Sunday, Keane interjected: “Why didn’t they thank him last week?’Idiots,’ fumes Roy Keane as he slams Premier League club in disagreement with Gary NevilleWe’ll be up for it this week, forget last week by the way. Idiots.”Neville hit back: “I’m not defending West Ham’s players, I’m just saying there will be a thank you type environment.”Keane predicted that Luton would win 2-1 as his old team-mate joked he was only saying that because “he’s had a falling out with the West Ham players.”But the no-nonsense Irishman continued as he ranted: “Yeah, they are officially a joke.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS More

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    Ex-Arsenal ace & Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson banned from driving after being caught speeding three times in one month

    EX-ENGLAND and Arsenal ace Paul Merson has been banned from driving after being convicted of speeding THREE times within a month.The Sky Sports pundit did 47mph in a 40mph limit on the A316 Great Chertsey Road in Feltham, south west London, on September 9.Paul Merson has been banned from drivingCredit: Ian WhittakerMerson, 56, was caught again doing the same speed on the same road just two days later in his silver Volkswagen Touareg.The retired midfielder was later caught speeding at 57mph in a 50mph stretch of the A316 Country Way in Sunbury on October 1.The trio of offences within a month came after he was caught driving 60mph in a 50mph limit on the M3 at Thorpe, Surrey, on February 27 last year.Merse, who also played for Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Middlesbrough, appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court today for a disqualification hearing.Read more newsHe pleaded guilty to all four charges and was banned from driving for six months after receiving 12 penalty points.The footy playmaker was also fined £2,640, must pay a victim surcharge of £1,056 and prosecution costs of £110 within 28 days.Chief Magistrate Joan Lindsay admitted his previous driving record was “not great” and warned: “You mustn’t drive on any UK road once you leave court.”The court heard he already had nine points on his driving licence for speeding twice in 2021 and once in 2022.Most read in FootballNicholas Maggs, defending, claimed the four new convictions were for “relatively modest” speeds in variable limits.He claimed disqualification will have a “substantial effect” on his wife, who doesn’t drive, and his family – as Merse does the school run.Where the Soccer Saturday stars are nowThe oldest of their three kids, aged three, six and nine, has to travel 45 minutes around four times a week for training and matches at Chelsea’s academy.He said: “On his behalf, I wish to put forward his remorse for these offences. He accepts it’s not acceptable.“Through me he apologises to the court for finding himself before the court and finding himself disqualified for driving. It’s going to make things substantially more difficult.“I’m sure the court will appreciate Mr Merson experienced a number of difficulties in his younger life and has now chosen to use these positively through unpaid speaking events to help younger people from suffering mental health problems.”The FA Cup winner, of Teddington, south west London, was driven to court in the passenger seat of his four-year-old VW.Asked if he wanted to comment after the conclusion of the case, Merson, wearing a maroon long-sleeved polo shirt and grey suit trousers, told The Sun: “Absolutely not.”It comes after the dad-of-eight received a 14-month ban for falling asleep behind the wheel and crashing his Mercedes into a lorry while drink driving on the M40 near Warwick in October 2011.READ MORE SUN STORIESMerson, praised for going public over his battle with alcohol, drugs and gambling addictions, earned 21 Three Lions caps and went to Euro ‘92 and World Cup ‘98.He won the old First Division title with the Gooners in 1989 and 1991, before securing an FA Cup and League Cup double in 1993.Merson appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court todayCredit: Ian WhittakerEx-Arsenal star Merson was fined £2,640Credit: RexThe Sky Sports pundit admitted the driving offencesCredit: Getty More

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    Gary Neville demands APOLOGY from Jamie Carragher for showing up nearly an HOUR late as Jill Scott asks ‘are you rough?’

    GARY NEVILLE demanded an apology from Jamie Carragher after the Liverpool legend arrived almost an hour late for the latest episode of the Overlap.Today’s Stick to Football show saw Neville, Roy Keane, Jill Scott and Ian Wright as part of the panel.The crew laughed as Carragher skulked in an hour late into the showCredit: YouTube / The OverlapHe joined Neville, Scott, Keane and WrightCredit: YouTube / The OverlapNeville jokingly asked if he had been out the night beforeCredit: YouTube / The OverlapBut there was no sign of Carragher on the show until nearly an hour into the podcast.When he eventually turned up, Jill Scott asked: “Oh my god! Are you rough?” As she looked for an explanation for his lateness.Carragher immediately apologised to his co-hosts before Neville grabbed a bottle from the set and joked: “Let’s get some whiskey for him! [To] Sort him out!”Carragher quipped back: “I needed some whiskey after seeing that advert!” Referring to Neville’s venture into modelling for British brand Hawes & Curtis.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCarragher explained that he had slept through his alarm after hosting Monday Night Football the night before and jokingly asked Neville: “Do I still get full pay?”The five hosts then went back to discuss the managerial situation at West Ham.Carragher’s lateness was discussed again later on in the show as Neville looked at his cue cards to look for questions from subscribers.After rifling through his cards, he realised he hadn’t been given the correct ones and took his frustration out on Carragher.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe asked: “Can we have an apology from you for being late?”Carragher held his hands up as he said: “Yeah I do apologise.”Gary Neville reveals what Man Utd legend Roy Keane did to ‘strutting’ Mark Clattenburg during incredibly frosty exchangeNeville then jokingly asked his team if anyone would like to ask a question as he had none written down.That led to Carragher quipping: “Yeah, how much did you get paid for that advert?” Referring again to Neville’s foray into modelling.The Overlap will soon be adding another member to its roster, with it being announced that Wayne Rooney will join the panel full-time next season.It comes after he last appeared on the podcast back in February. More

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    Former Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler apologises to Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes for deliberate mistake

    MARTIN TYLER has apologised to Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes for deliberately saying his name wrong.The iconic commentator was the voice of the Premier League before leaving Sky Sports at the end of last season. Martin Tyler has revealed he deliberately pronounced some players’ names incorrectlyCredit: GettyThe broadcasting legend apologised to Bruno FernandesCredit: PATyler spent 33 years at the broadcasters and has now opened up on his career on The Joy of Football podcast.With the 78-year-old veteran revealing that he deliberately pronounced Fernandes’ name wrong as the correct way of saying it was too harsh on English listeners’ ears.Tyler said: “Portuguese is really difficult. The Manchester United number eight is ‘Bruno Fer-nanj’. “And if I said that, I’d be laughed out of the commentary box, wouldn’t I? But that’s what it is.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We get sent, it’s very good of the Premier League, they get the players who must get fed up with doing it every year they say their name to the camera so that the world broadcasters can get it.”And Bruno comes up and goes ‘Bruno Fer-nanj’ and we all call him ‘Bruno Fer-nan-des’. Bruno, my apologies.On certain commentators all pronouncing players’ names differently, Tyler added: “Some are very linguistically good, some find it really difficult and want to anglicise everything. “But if you can get access to the player, ask the player.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The viewers need consistency, when you’ve spoken to a player and he’s made it quite clear that that’s how he wants his name said, you can’t really be responsible for the other commentators if they choose to do it a different way.”At least now we’ve got the names on the back of the shirts haven’t we.”Roy Keane gets into blazing row with Ian Wright over Man United captain Bruno Fernandes’ leadershipTyler is most associated with the Prem – but he has also covered the World Cup and Champions League during his lengthy career.He is additionally a qualified coach and has been an assistant for brief spells at Hemel Hempstead Town and Dartford in the sixth tier. More

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    Glamorous Sky Sports presenter Melissa Reddy stuns in daring dress during ‘dreamy trip’ to Paris

    MELISSA REDDY stunned her ever-growing fan base in a daring dress as she enjoyed a “dreamy trip” to Paris.The South African, 37, is a regular on our screens with Sky Sports.Melissa Reddy looked sensational on a recent trip to FranceCredit: Instagram @melissa_reddyThe Sky Sports presenter is becoming a huge favourite with footy fansCredit: InstagramHer latest snaps from Paris in this daring dress will have boosted her popularityCredit: Instagram @melissa_reddyThe South African regularly shares photos from her day-to-day adventuresCredit: instagram @melissa_reddyAnd she is often seen on TV interviewing Premier League stars.But the reporter also regularly shares behind-the-scenes insight into her day-to-day life, including interviews and visits to the gym.Melissa has impressed fans by showing off her workouts in her sports gear.Her followers also went wild for her beach outfit choice that left little to the imagination earlier this year.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe beauty also stunned fans by posing in a retro Boca Juniors shirt as part of a social media photo dump.Melissa has also dressed to impress and dazzled while on holiday.The presenter did just that when she travelled back to her South Africa homeland on a break from work in January.Now she has provided another gift from her travels to her 230,000 followers with more snaps from her holibobs.Most read in FootballMelissa donned a short pink dress in one of the snaps from her latest photo dump after a trip to Paris.She captioned the snaps with: “Dreamy trip with my dream girls to celebrate @alexisenunes birthday.”Sports reporter Melissa Reddy works up a sweat as she shows off her gym routineAnd it did not take long for fans to jump into the comments section.“You are a little star,” declared one admirer.Another said: “The most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”A third wrote: “Lovely pics Melissa, nice to see you having a well earned break.”“Absolutely the sexiest lady on the planet,” read another comment.“Little firecracker,” said a fifth before a sixth added: “”Looking fabulous!”Melissa shocked fans with her throwback shirts recentlyCredit: Instagram @melissa_reddyThe stunner is also a regular in the gym and often shares workout snapsCredit: Instagram / @melissa_reddyMelissa often shines in her glamorous outfitsCredit: instagram @melissa_reddyMelissa is on our screens more-and-more due to her work with Sky SportsCredit: Instagram @melissa_reddyAnd her bikini snaps have set pulses racingCredit: Instagram @melissa_reddy More

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    Sky Sports legend Martin Brundle brutally slams ‘silly’ F1 star for ‘unnecessary’ antics at Miami Grand Prix

    FORUMLA ONE legend Martin Brundle has laid into Kevin Magnussen for his ‘silly’ and ‘unnecessary’ antics at the Miami Grand Prix.The Sky Sports icon claimed that Magnussen’s crash with Logan Sargeant showed poor judgement in attempting an unorthodox overtake.Martin Brundle has had his say on Magnussen’s anticsKevin Magnussen was handed FIVE penalty on points on his Super LicenceCredit: ReutersWilliams driver Logan Sargeant exits the car after colliding with Magnussen during the Miami Grand PrixCredit: GettyMagnussen is potentially one more incident away from a F1 race ban after a series of controversial moves on track during the Miami GP weekend.Race stewards imposed five penalty points on the Haas driver’s Super Licence during the course of the event in Florida – doubling his existing total to 10.Drivers face an automatic one-race suspension if they accrue 12 penalty points across a rolling 12-month period.Magnussen left the track four times in the 19-lap Sprint race while defending against Lewis Hamilton, before crashing into Sergeant to bring out a Safety Car on Sunday.READ MORE F1 NEWSFighting the Williams driver for position, Magnussen made an opportunistic move at the exit of Turn 2 and punted Sargeant into the barrier and out of the race. And racing legend Brundle believes that the final incident was the last straw.Brundle wrote in his Sky Sports column: “Magnussen must have been exasperated with the number of times he was in the steward’s office after each of the two races.“He put up a supremely aggressive defence against Hamilton in the Sprint, sometimes over the limit but nevertheless applauded even by Hamilton.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“But in the race, Magnussen’s crash with Sargeant was just silly and unnecessary.”And created yet another pile of broken parts for the Williams team which is having rather a nightmare start to 2024.”Lando Norris wins his first EVER Grand Prix as Brit shocks champ Max Verstappen in MiamiHow Magnussen’s Miami weekend played outThe Dane picked up two time penalties and three penalty points for his antics in defending Hamilton in Saturday’s sprint.In Sunday’s race, he was hit with a 10-second time penalty and TWO super licence points for crashing into Sargeant to bring out the Safety Car at lap 29.The timely Safety Car saw McLaren driver Lando Norris emerge as the race leader after a time-saving pit stop.Norris held off Max Verstappen at the restart before creating a considerable gap to claim his first ever GP race win.Norris achieved his maiden Grand Prix win in MiamiCredit: GettyMagnussen’s verdict after the Sprint raceIn a honest admission after the Sprint to Sky Sports F1, Magnussen said: “All the penalties were well deserved – no doubt about it. But I had to play the team game again.”I started using these stupid tactics which I don’t like doing, but at the end of the day I did my job as a team player.READ MORE SUN STORIES “Nico scored his points because I got that gap for him so Lewis and Tsunoda couldn’t catch him.”Not the way I like to go racing at all, but it was what I had to do.” More