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      in Soccer

      I am 15 and a personal shopper for Man Utd and Man City’s future stars, who pay up to £8,000 for designer clothes

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      HENRY MOFFAT is getting ready to sit his GCSE’s – while making sure the future stars of Manchester United and Manchester City are kitted out in the latest designer threads.The 15-year-old from London set up Umi Sneakers on Instagram two years ago and sources shoes and high-end fashion for the likes of James Garner, Alejandro Garnacho, Cole Palmer and more.
      15-year-old Henry Moffat, who owns Umi Sneakers, poses with client Louie Barry of Aston VillaCredit: Instagram@umisneakers
      Man Utd starlets including Teden Mengi are some of Henry’s clientsCredit: Instagram@umisneakers
      Entrepreneur Henry came up with the idea when he was just 13, after winning a pair of Yeezy 350s in an online draw and reselling them online.
      His first footballer was promising United talent Isak Hansen-Aaroen, but now he counts as many as 60 youth players as clients, who will pay up to £8,000 for a pair of hard-to-find trainers.
      The plan is to grow old with his customers.
      “I like to work with academy stars, rather than established ones, with the hope I can be on their journey as they progress through their ranks,” Henry told SunSport.
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      “As I get older, they get older with me and hopefully we can stay in touch and I can help style them.”
      It all started for Henry by chance.
      “I didn’t think about doing this as a business, but when I won a pair of Yeezy 350s I thought about reselling them.
      “I ended up making a profit and it hit me that it would be a good idea for a business.”
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      The ambitious teenager set up Instagram page Umi Sneakers, that now has almost 15,000 followers, and advertised his services as a stylist who can “source your fashion needs”.
      He contacted several academy players, and one bit back.
      Henry revealed: “Just before Isak Hansen-Aaroen signed for Man Utd he contacted me online and placed an order.”
      The pair of Jordans Hansen-Aaroen sourced made an impression on the Red Devils’ young stars.
      “It was then a bit of a snowball-effect, through word-of-mouth other United academy stars got in touch.
      “In turn, those who were internationals also passed on my details and I began to get clients from other clubs, including Man City, Arsenal and Chelsea.
      “They placed their trust in me and I was able to deliver what they want.”
      Some football stars of tomorrow earn high salaries that afford them the luxuries in life.
      Plenty of Henry’s clientele have money-to-burn and aren’t afraid to splash the cash.
      “The most a footballer has spent with me was around £8,000 for a pair of Dior Jordans.
      Man Utd’s Norwegian wonderkid Isak Hansen-Aaroen bought a pair of Nike Air Jordans from Henry and through word-of-mouth his business grewCredit: Instagram@umisneakers
      Red Devils youngster James Garner models an entire outfit styled by Umi SneakersCredit: Instagram@umisneakers
      Marc Jurado also got kitted out by Henry at Umi SneakersCredit: Instagram@umisneakers
      “But it really varies – some will spend £200, or £500 for an item of clothing”.
      It’s not uncommon for Henry to provide entire outfits either for any given occasion.
      “I don’t necessarily call myself a stylist, but if someone comes to me and they have an event like a dinner.
      “They will tell me their favourite designers and I will piece together an outfit for them.”
      You can imagine that Henry is the envy of his school mates.
      However, he takes it all in his stride – and his pals are supportive of his roaring trade.
      “They are pleased for me, they don’t really say anything other than think it’s cool what I do,” he said.
      “I don’t make a big deal out of it – it’s a dream to work with footballers who I admire.”
      And the footballers themselves aren’t surprised with who they are dealing with – despite his tender years.
      “No one seems shocked by my age, and they don’t say anything about it,” he said.
      “As long as I get what they need – it’s just all very normal.”
      For now, Henry is juggling studying for his GCSE’s with Umi Sneakers.
      Chelsea youngster Harvey Vale flashes his purchase in a customised Umi Sneakers bagCredit: Instagram@umisneakers
      Arsenal youngster Tim Akinola is also now part of Umi Sneakers ever-expanding client baseCredit: Instagram@umisneakers
      It’s a business he plans to keep on growing.
      “It keeps me very busy, and in the two years Umi Sneakers has grown rapidly,” he divulged.
      “We’ll see what the future holds – but I am very happy with how things are going right now.” More

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      in Boxing

      Inside Deontay Wilder’s $1.2million Alabama mansion on Lake Tuscaloosa, with hot tub and panic room from Fort Knox

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      FOR Deontay Wilder, home’s where the heart is.The Bronze Bomber lives in a stunning $1.2million mansion in Alabama which backs onto the famous and picturesque Lake Tuscaloosa.
      Inside Deontay Wilder’s $1.2m mansion in AlabamaCredit: Realtor
      The property boasts stunning views of Lake TuscaloosaCredit: Realtor
      The 36-year-old heavyweight boxer was born and raised in the southern state, and always has his training camps there.
      Wilder said: “I like being in Alabama.
      “I was raised here and have been here all my life, though I have homes in other states.
      “I love doing my camp here, I started out here as far as boxing is concerned and my career is concerned, and we’re going to live that out until the end of my career.”
      And with an incredible house like this, who can blame him.
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      IT’S A KNOCKOUT
      Built in 2012, the 5,600 square-foot property boasts four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a two-car garage.
      Sadly, that won’t be enough to house Wilder’s mega car collection, but at least he has a huge driveway that he can park them on.
      Hardwood floors, an outdoor kitchen perfect for a BBQ are other ace features, as well as a lift to take you down to the basement.
      However, the home’s biggest selling point though is its location – sitting above Lake Tuscaloosa.
      The property boasts four bedroomsCredit: Realtor
      There are also four bathroomsCredit: Realtor
      The outside kitchen is perfect for a BBQCredit: Realtor
      Wilder has his own office to negotiate his fights inCredit: Realtor
      A lift takes you down to the basementCredit: Realtor
      The property is open planCredit: Realtor
      The views are unparalleled, with trees surrounding the abode – ensuring his complete privacy.
      There’s even his personal tram that takes him down into the lake.
      PANIC STATIONS
      Standing at 6ft 7in tall, and with a record of knocking out 41 of his 44 opponents, you wouldn’t think anyone would be brave enough to break into Wilder’s home.
      But as a family fan, he has to think about his children and reality TV missus Telli Swift.
      Wilder has his own panic room in his mansionCredit: Realtor
      A tram takes you through to Lake TuscaloosaCredit: Realtor
      The kitchen is spaciousCredit: Realtor
      An island seats up to six people at one timeCredit: Realtor
      Hardwood floors can be found throughout the propertyCredit: Realtor
      That’s why he has a panic room installed in case of intruders.
      Fitted with a steel door from the legendary Fort Knox it’s the perfect spot to hide until help is on its way.
      That said, we can’t see Deontay ducking anyone.
      The vault door is made to the same high specification as a Fort Knox safe, named after the famous gold reserves fortress in Kentucky. More

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      in Boxing

      John Fury was sent to jail for 11 years and is the bare-knuckle fighter dad of Tyson Fury who courts controversy

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      TYSON FURY’S rise to heavyweight boxing glory is largely down to one man – his father John.The 33-year-old WBC champ, who brilliantly defended his title against Dillian Whyte in May, featured in ITV’s warts-and-all documentary Tyson Fury: The Gypsy King.
      Tyson’s dad John Fury was a boxer, going pro in bare-knuckle fighting
      John went to prison in 2011 after gouging another man’s eye outCredit: PA:Press Association
      His Irish-born dad was a boxer too, fighting 13 professional bouts.
      He also fought in bare-knuckle brawls and claims he won £100,000 in one bout.
      John Fury, 58, also served four years of an 11-year sentence for gouging a man’s eye out in a sickening attack.
      And such is John’s influence on his son, it is believed he is the reason why Tyson parted ways with long-term trainer Ben Davison.
      Just like Tyson, life began in the ring for John.
      He had very little choice. Born in Galway, it was a family tradition to enter the fight game.
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      And he was good at it too.
      Standing at 6ft 3in, John fought 13 times as a pro boxer in the 1980s and 90s for a record of 8-4-1 at heavyweight.
      His one title fight ended up being a defeat against Yorkshire-born Neil Malpass in 1989.
      Journeyman Malpass pummelled John and won on points in a ten-round contest.
      John fought four more times after that, retiring after losing his final fight against Steve Garber at the G-Mex Centre in Manchester in 1995.
      STREET FIGHTING MAN
      But he was also more than handy at bare-knuckle fighting.
      John, who later coached Tyson and his brother, Love Island star Tommy, told the Daily Star: “In 1992, I fought the ­so-called ­champion at the time, an Irishman whose name I can’t even remember, over in Ireland.
      John Fury fought 13 times, winning eight fights during his boxing careerCredit: Rex Features
      John Fury was ringside to see Tyson Fury become heavyweight champion of the worldCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      John believes he can be a mentor to son Tyson Fury now after his prison reformationCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “With stakes and everything, I came up over a hundred grand.
      “The fights I had were usually over within seconds.
      “I weren’t an especially big puncher, but, once I got going, I’d not stop swinging until they were out cold.
      “I’d not come up for air. I just wanted to kill. I’d hit them with fists, elbows, head, teeth and feet until they dropped and give best [surrendered].
      “If they didn’t, I’d kick their face off, it was up to them. Afterwards, shake hands and on to the next one.
      “In my twenties I was a really ­formidable force.”
      When he quit fighting he became Tyson’s trainer, steering him to the British title after just eight contests.
      Born in Galway, Ireland, John’s family were travellers who foughtCredit: Rex Features
      Tommy Fury returned to the boxing ring after becoming a huge reality TV starCredit: Getty Images
      NAMED HIS SON AFTER MIKE TYSON
      When Tyson Fury was born back in 1988, Mike Tyson ruled supreme as undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
      But the baby was three months premature and weighed just 1lb.
      Fury was given slim chances of survival by doctors, but proved he was a fighter from birth.
      Father John Fury explained on ITV’s documentary Tyson Fury – The Gypsy King: “He was just a pound in weight.
      “The doctor said he probably won’t make it, he’s very weak.
      “I said to all them doctors, he won’t be small, I said he’ll be nearly 7ft tall, 20 stone, the next heavyweight champion of the world.
      “I thought, ‘There’s only one name fitting for him, he’s fought hard to become a person living in this world.’
      “Mike Tyson was the best in the world at that time.
      “Tyson Luke Fury – that’s his name.”
      A TIME FOR REFLECTION
      Fighting got John in serious trouble in 2011.
      A 12-year grudge with Oathie Sykes boiled over and John tried to gouge his foe’s eye out in a fight at a car auction.
      John, the self-confessed ‘hardest man in Britain’, broke down in court as he pleaded for a lenient sentence.
      He told the court: “I’m worried about my son. His boxing career is on the line.
      “If I could give my own eye to him to get back to my children I would do – I’m begging you for my life.”
      But Skyes offered a different testimony, saying: “It was like he was trying to pull his finger into my brains through my socket.”
      John Fury got in a row with Oathie Sykes, blinding his foeCredit: Rex Features
      Fury once called himself the hardest man in BritainCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      RELEASED WHEN HIS SON WAS CHAMP
      In 2015, John was released from prison after serving four years of his sentence.
      Two months later, his family were celebrating Tyson becoming heavyweight champion of the world after his epic victory against Wladimir Klitschko in Germany.
      John was ringside, and he couldn’t have been prouder of his boy.
      Reformed John was also ready to be a calming influence on his son’s life.
      John told the BBC: “Sometimes his mental state can carry him away but I can understand and help with that.
      “I’ve been very unlucky, but very lucky as well because my son has remained undefeated [during my time in prison] and come on in leaps and bounds.
      “But when I think he is going down the wrong way I can pull him up and tell him ‘we don’t need that’.”
      The Fury clan were happy to be reunited after John’s prison releaseCredit: Instagram @tommytntfury
      NOT AFRAID TO SPEAK HIS MIND
      Since his release, John has become a media pundit for his son’s fights, primarily those taking place in the US because he can’t get a visa to travel to the States due to his criminal record.
      Fury admitted: “I’ve been a naughty boy and there is no point hiding it. I’m not allowed in the country.”
      He’s appeared on BT Sport, and was critical of Tyson’s trainer Ben Davison after his son struggled to overcome Otto Wallin, surviving a nasty gash on his eye that required plastic surgery to fix.
      It was no coincidence that Davison was relieved of his duties after that fight.
      He told BT Sport: “I’ve never seen him as bad.
      “He looked weight-drained, he looked like he’d left it all in the gym to be honest with you.”
      Not mincing his words, he added: “I’m being honest about it, he’s my son, I’m a straight talker, that’s the worst I’ve seen my son.
      John Fury often appears on BT Sport to talk about his son’s fights
      It is believed John Fury is the reason Tyson split with long-term trainer Ben DavisonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “But what I can say? I’m very proud of the way he mauled his way through it, he showed world class heart and he will come again.
      “He needs to go back to the drawing board and see what’s gone wrong here. And be honest to look in the mirror and say, ‘Things ain’t gone right.’
      “He needs to look where he’s gone wrong. I’ve half an idea, but that’s for my own.”
      But John has since seen Tyson overcome Deontay Wilder twice, before seeing off Whyte to enter retirement unbeaten.
      However, it’s now reckoned Fury is lining up a stunning comeback with a trilogy against Derek Chisora or match-up against Hafthor Bjornsson in his sights More

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      in Soccer

      Watch shocking moment Man Utd fans FIGHT each other in stands at tense Old Trafford during horror defeat to Brighton

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      THIS is the shocking moment a brawl erupted between Manchester United fans at Old Trafford.The scrap broke out as the Red Devils crashed to a 2-1 opening day defeat against Brighton.
      Two Man Utd fans scrap during their side’s horror loss to BrightonCredit: AP
      Fans had to be pulled apart in tense scenes at Old TraffordCredit: AP
      Two Man Utd fans scrapped as their team lost 2-1 at home to BrightonCredit: Twitter

      A video posted on social media showed two men grappling in the South Stand as the game carried on in the background.
      Stunned onlookers attempted to get involved by trying to break up the unsightly melee.
      The short clip ended with the two men squaring up to each while shouting in front of dozens of supporters.
      It is unclear what triggered the fight between the pair.
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      But neither will have been happy with the end result at the Theatre of Dreams.
      Erik ten Hag was hoping to mark his first-ever Premier League game with a morale-boosting win.
      But the day turned into a nightmare for United as two goals from Pascal Gross put Brighton on course for a historic win at Old Trafford.
      Red Devils fans have only just got over the 4-0 stuffing at the Amex late last season.
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      And United were miles off the pace as their flops failed to deliver the goods yet again.
      Some irate fans staged a protest against the Glazer ownership before the game.
      And United’s farcical transfer window has gone from bad to worse after it emerged they are trying to sign 33-year-old Marko Arnautovic from Italian minnows Bologna.
      Meanwhile, Ten Hag has told warring fans not to expect a quick fix on the pitch.
      He said: “It is a hell of a job. We have to work really hard, analyse then move forward.
      “We have to take the lessons and learn quickly from it. We don’t have time and we have to deliver.
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      “I think also with these players we could also have done it better.
      “I knew it could happen but I think we should have done better – that is clear but I know also it will not come overnight.” More

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      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson’s former £1.5m Las Vegas mansion was used in The Hangover, boasts an infinity pool, two spas and a waterfall

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      THIS is the house where Mike Tyson became a Hollywood star.In 2008, the now 56-year-old former heavyweight champion let movie director Todd Phillips and his cameras into a stunning mansion he lived in with wife No3 Lakiha.
      Inside Mike Tyson’s former £1.5m Las Vegas mansion used in The HangoverCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      The gorgeous property has an infinity pool with two spas and a waterfallCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      They filmed hilarious scenes from cult movie The Hangover, in a cameo that would go on to define him and rebuild his career after years of bankruptcy.
      Found in the beautiful gated community called Seven Hills in the suburb of Henderson, it boasts six bedrooms, six-and-a-half bathrooms and its own private balcony.
      And golf enthusiasts will enjoy the incredible 18-hole Rio Secco Golf Club, as well as four large private parks filled with basketball courts, tennis courts and football pitches.

      ITALIAN-STYLE
      Like many new builds in Las Vegas within gated communities, the 5,740-square-feet mansion was built in an Italian style in 2001.
      Two-storeys in size, the entrance opens to a grand reception room with a 25-foot-high lit waterfall, which connects to the great room that has a wet bar and fireplace.
      You can imagine the great room is perfect for lounging, and where cannabis-advocate Tyson may possibly enjoy an occasional smoke.
      Hit movie The Hangover starring Bradley Cooper was filmed in Tyson’s houseCredit: Warner Bros
      Mike Tyson in 2009 hit movie The HangoverCredit: Kobal Collection – Rex Features
      The living room has vaulted ceilings and walls of windows that offer plenty of natural light.
      Completing the look is a family room with a moon-shaped wet bar.
      While a centre-island kitchen has a another wet bar, and a wine cellar.
      For those chilly desert evenings, the home has four fireplaces.
      There’s also a garage for space for four cars.
      There are six-and-a-half bathroomsCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      The Italian-style property was built in 2001Credit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      A 25 foot waterfall awaits you in the front entranceCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      The kitchen boasts a centre islandCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      The mansion is two-storeys in sizeCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      The great room could be cannabis advocate Tyson’s smoking roomCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      OUTSIDE SPACE
      The sprawling property also has plenty of outside space.
      There’s a huge pool should ‘Iron Mike’ fancy taking a dip.
      In total, the garden boasts an infinity pool with two spas and a waterfall, as well as a large patio area, featuring a fire pit, BBQ area, bar area and pool bathroom.
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      Movie fans will remember Zach Galifianakis urinating in it in The Hangover.
      However, it’s the 18-hole golf course that’s shared with other residents in the private community, as well as four large parks that have basketball courts and football pitches that make it a scenic surrounding.
      Tyson and Lakiha have lived in Henderson, Nevada since 2008, moving to a property nearby in 2016. But she won’t be happy if the ‘Wolf Pack’ pop round, mind.

      The property boasts a total of four fireplacesCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      Large windows mean the property has plenty of natural lightCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      The wrought iron staircase runs through the homeCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      Tyson and his wife Lakiha have lived in Henderson, Nevada since 2008Credit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      Mike Tyson reveals he is in boxing training ahead of shock return to the ring for four-round charity fight More

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      in Soccer

      Meet Chelsea signing Marc Cucurella’s stunning Wag Claudia Rodriguez, who is a budding fashion designer

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      CHELSEA’S new signing Marc Cucurella arrives at Stamford Bridge with a glowing reputation – but that’s not all.In Claudia Rodriguez, Chelsea new boy Cucurella brings with him a Wag worthy of the Club World Cup winners.
      Meet Claudia Rodriguez – the stunning Wag of Chelsea new boy Marc CucurellaCredit: @_claurodri
      Gorgeous Rodriguez is a fashion designer and works in communicationsCredit: @_claurodri
      Cucurella and Claudia met in 2018 in BarcelonaCredit: @_claurodri
      The Spanish defender, 24, has moved from Brighton to the Blues for a deal worth £62million.
      Claudia and their two sons, Mateo and Rio will be joining him in West London – and surely will be cheering him on from the stands at Stamford Bridge.
      The stunning brunette works in communications, according to her Instagram.
      While she is also a budding fashion designer. Here’s the latest Wag who will enjoy the delights of the King’s Road and Sloane Square.
      Read more about Wags
      Met in Barcelona
      Cucurella and Claudia’s love story began in Barcelona, when the left-back played for the Catalans.
      They met in 2018, although details of how are unknown.
      Their romance blossomed and she soon followed him to Madrid where he starred for Getafe a year later.
      Most read in Football
      Around that time, the pair welcomed their first child – a boy they called Mateo.
      Two years later Rio arrived on the scene. At the last game of the season at the Amex, Cucurella brought his kids onto the pitch in his arms.
      And he was joined by elegant Claudia, as the happy family posed for snaps on the pitch.
      The pair are yet to marry, but are still loved up after four years together, as her Instagram snaps show.
      She regularly shares cute snaps online to her 16,000 plus followers.
      But, she very much is her own woman.
      The Amex was Claudia’s second home and she regularly watched Cucurella playCredit: @_claurodri
      Rodriguez shows off her enviable bikini bodCredit: @_claurodri
      Cucurella invited his partner and two sons onto the pitch for the final home game of the seasonCredit: @_claurodri
      Rodriguez regularly shares loved up snaps with her 16,000 followers on InstagramCredit: @_claurodri
      Communicator and fashion designer
      Cucurella has signed for Chelsea on a six-year contract and will be earning more than the £50,000-per-week he was said to be earning with the Seagulls.
      Now he is in the big league, Claudia could be content with being a housewife.
      But she has her own bold ambitions.
      Currently, she said she works in communications, according to her social media.
      And she wants to follow her heart with her own passion project.
      Claudia’s next ambition is to be a fashion designerCredit: @_claurodri
      Cucurella and Claudia will cut quite the glam couple in London’s West LondonCredit: @_claurodri
      Claudia is an aspiring fashion designer and wants to launch her own brand.
      As a footballer’s Wag, she could certainly dress plenty of her beau’s team-mates.
      And just maybe the fashion boutiques of the King’s Road will be showing off Claudia’s range in years to come. More

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      in Soccer

      Three reasons why Man Utd will beat Brighton to get Erik ten Hag off to flying start despite rift with Cristiano Ronaldo

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      THE Premier League season is back. And what does that normally bring? False hope for Man United fans, that’s what.
      New Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag will be in charge of his first Premier League game on SundayCredit: Reuters
      Brighton boss Graham Potter takes his team to Old TraffordCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
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      The new United coach Erik ten Hag has seen his preparations overshadowed by the behaviour of their star striker and talisman Cristiano Ronaldo.
      The Portuguese international has made it clear that he wants to leave the club in search of Champions League football.
      As Ronaldo did not travel on the pre-season tours there are many questions around who will lead the attack for United at the start of the season.
      While Manchester United have had a somewhat turbulent pre-season the same cannot be said of Brighton.
      Yes, they have lost two of their stronger players with Yves Bissouma off to Tottenham and Marc Cucurella to Chelsea.
      Read more on Man Utd
      But they have gone about their business calmly and methodically as they always do. 
      This all adds up to an interesting encounter this coming Sunday with a stable Brighton side visiting a United team around whom there are still a lot of questions.
      Here are three key areas which will dictate Sunday’s outcome.
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      No Bissouma, no problem
      In terms of their recruitment, Brighton are a side who work with one eye on the future.
      Most read in Football
      We know that Brighton will play with a three at the back system this coming Sunday and Caicedo appears to be the favourite to take the ‘6’ role at the base of the midfield just in front of the defensive line

      Last season we saw them add two players, Enock Mwepu from Red Bull Salzburg and Moises Caicedo from Independiente del Valle, with a view to adding security to their squad in the face of interest in their Malian international midfielder Yves Bissouma.
      While Bissouma did not move until this summer both Mwepu and Caicedo had time to settle at the club before they had to step forward to take more responsibility this coming season.
      We expect to see Brighton start the match in a 3-5-2 system and this will match up to a 4-2-3-1 from United.
      The midfield battle will be key with Ten Hag likely to start with a double pivot at the base of the midfield – Fred and Scott McTominay – while Bruno Fernandes will operate as the ‘10’.
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      This will mean that the midfield unit from Brighton will have to be ready to battle to control this key area of the pitch.
      With Caicedo likely to play as the ‘6’ and Enock Mwepu ready to play as one of the two ‘8’s we have seen Brighton manager Graham Potter try out different options as the third midfielder across pre-season.
      The smart money will be on the third midfielder being one of Alexis Mac Allister or Pascal Gross.
      Potter likes Brighton’s central defenders to take responsibility for progressing the ball. With Caicedo and MacAllister positioned in the midfield Mwepu takes up positions ahead of the ball.
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      Brighton have different options in terms of the styles of midfielders that they can choose from.
      Moses Caicedo is perhaps more comfortable in a deeper role where he can break up attacks before playing progressive passes that break the lines and move his team forward.
      Enock Mwepu is more of a box-to-box threat while Alexis MacAllister carries a more attacking threat.
      The key will be how the Brighton midfield combine to battle a United midfield with the same personnel as last season but a very different model of playing.
      Utd will revolve around Fernandes
      The appointment of Ten Hag and his coaching staff has re-energised both the playing staff and the fans of Manchester United.
      On social media, we saw footage emerge showing some of the training drills that the United players were competing in under their new coach.
      One of the biggest takeaways from these videos was that there was a new intensity amongst the United squad with players throwing themselves into challenges and the ball being moved at real speed.
      While there are a number of United players who will benefit from a more robust and professional approach from the coaching staff it is perhaps Bruno Fernandes who stands to benefit the most.
      The Portuguese international midfielder is an intense individual who is obsessed with football.
      Often at times last season, he cut a disconsolate figure on the pitch as United struggled to play with any cohesion.
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      With Tyrell Malacia in possession at left-back position, Bruno Fernandes drops off in the midfield to separate from his marker and take up a position in a large pocket of space.
      This pre-season has seen Fernandes get back to approaching his best as he buzzes around the final third and creates danger consistently while United are in the attacking phase of the game.
      He has the ability to find pockets of space to receive the ball in the final third as well as the intelligence to attack space around the penalty area.
      In this match, the positioning and movement of Fernandes will be key for United as they look to find space to play into in the final third.
      Brighton will press aggressively in order to disrupt the United build-up and as such the away team will need to play at tempo in order to break through to the final third.
      This will mean that they will need players like Fernandes who will allow them to play quickly into dangerous areas.
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      Fernandes also provides threat when making runs from deep to attack the defensive line and break into the penalty area.
      Fernandes is a creative and attacking threat who can affect the game at any point.
      One of the keys in this match will surround how Brighton set up to deny him the space that he needs in the final third to be at his most effective.
      New look to Utd’s attack
      With Cristiano Ronaldo increasingly unlikely to feature this coming Sunday, at least from the start of the match, we will see a new look to the United attack.
      Anthony Martial looked likely to be given an opportunity to reinvigorate his United career but is likely to miss out with a hamstring injury.
      Last season we saw Ronaldo typically play as the central striker for United and the Portuguese international forward is explosive in the final third but he does not typically cause trouble with his movement or link-up play.
      Marcus Rashford attack, and Anthony Martial makes a dynamic diagonal run between opposition defenders. This run empties the central space and allows Rashford the opportunity to cut inside to attack towards the goal.
      Martial has impressed this pre-season with his willingness to work relentlessly and to threaten space behind the defensive line with his pace and off-the-ball movement.
      Last season, when facing a United that were spearheaded by Ronaldo, we would see opposition teams content to play higher defensive lines as they were less worried about the pace of Ronaldo.
      Martial, or possibly Rashford or Elanga if they repace him, forces teams to play deeper with his movement and aggressive runs behind the line.
      This movement from those will give United options in this game to play longer in order to stretch the play but it will also force Brighton to defend the threat in behind by playing slightly less aggressively with their defensive line. 
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      While Martial threatens to break the defensive line with runs in behind the opposition structure, Fernandes offers options to connect in front of the defensive line. This effectively gives United a high/low combination that is tough to defend.
      How Man Utd could line up against Brighton
      The style of play from Martial in offering aggressive off-the-ball movements also plays into the strengths of Bruno Fernandes in the ‘10’ role.
      Brighton will have to drop off to defend the space and prevent whoever starts for United from making free runs through and into space but in doing so they will give space for Fernandes that he can occupy in front of them to receive the ball.
      Who will win?
      Even if you add in the 50% pre-season tax (meaning, pre-season friendlies count for absolutely nothing) United already feel in better shape than at any point last season.
      Granted, they’ve not had a chance to prove that wrong yet.
      With that in mind, you’d fancy them to beat Brighton no matter how well-drilled and pleasing on the eye Potter has the Seagulls being.
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      A win for United at Old Trafford will count way more than just three points to the club – equally, a defeat for Brighton won’t cause any major dramas at the Amex.
      Flip that around however, and you can already imagine the outcry if Brighton get a win on Sunday.
      The new Total Football Analysis Magazine is out now.
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      in Soccer

      Chelsea new boy Kalidou Koulibaly’s acts of kindness, from giving coats to the homeless to buying ambulances in Senegal

      by

      KALIDOU Koulibaly knows a few things about life’s struggle.Born in the French commune Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, some 50 miles southeast of Nancy to African parents who migrated from Senegal, he understood the challenges faced by those in less privileged positions.
      Chelsea new boy Kalidou KoulibalyCredit: Getty
      Koulibaly arrives in his Porsche to hand out coats to the homeless in Naples
      That has encouraged the giant centre-back, nicknamed ‘The Wall’, to never forget his roots and give back when he can.
      His acts of kindness know no bounds, as he put his hard-earned salary to use to help others.
      Buying coats for the homeless
      Salvatore Falco, head of media relations at Arci Mediterraneo, recently revealed he reached out to Koulibaly for his assistance.
      The charity Falco works for helps migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in Naples. A subject close to the ex-Napoli’s stars heart and is part of his DNA.
      Read more in sport
      He had already heard of Koulibaly’s incredible generosity through the local media.
      One tale told how he personally handed out coats to the homeless during the winter.
      Another story goes that he bumped into a stray boy in a supermarket car park and gave him a £500 note.
      While in 2019, when a 12-year-old boy from Senegal was flown to Naples for reconstructive surgery after suffering terrible burns, Koulibaly made sure he was at the hospital to see him through.
      Most read in Football
      In honour of his charity work, Arci Mediterraneo saluted the local hero, along with his former team-mate Fauzi Ghulam, with the Social Impact Award.
      Koulibaly wasn’t done there. Doing more than fulfilling the usual meet and greet requests, he answered questions from the group about his own experiences and what Arci Mediterraneo offers.
      As well as helping migrants learn the language and what trades they can get into, it also has a football team.
      After inspecting the charity’s facilities, Koulibaly’s first act was to donate training tops, balls and bags.
      Better still, he visited the players to meet them on International Migrants’ Day last December. Like him, many were from Senegal and had their own dreams of football stardom.
      And, at a time when he had suffered racial abuse from rival fans in Serie A, he wanted to address the group with an important message.
      A rousing speech from a leader
      The Athletic managed to get a transcript of a speech he delivered to the football team that day.
      “I don’t speak much in public,” he said.
      Koulibaly was given an award for his charity work by Arci MediterraneoCredit: Instagram
      Giant defender Koulibaly gave Arci Mediterraneo’s football team a rousing speechCredit: Instagram
      “I’m more of a fact-finder. I can say that you (the team) are stronger than us (professional football players) because at our level we do not experience the same problems as you.
      “We have experienced racism, but not as much as you have, because you don’t have the power to make your voice heard and heard like we do.
      “We can go on TV. We’re more fortunate because if we’re victims of racist violence, I’ll be on TV and it’ll be shown 10 times more, I’m well known.
      “You don’t have the same strength as me. That’s why I spoke out against the discrimination you are going through.
      “I will use my voice to speak for you, because if you don’t have a voice, it is my duty to speak, it is my right.
      “I don’t care about myself. It hurts when I am the victim of racist abuse, of course.
      “But the people who don’t have a voice, who don’t listen… they are insulted, nobody says anything about it.
      “Instead tell them, ‘Come on, don’t cry about it. It could be worse.” What could be worse? It could be worse for me, true.
      “But I don’t think it could get any worse for these kids. They’ve been on a much tougher journey than me and I know quite a bit about it.
      “My African friends have been through the same thing, but this is a journey that none of us could have imagined.
      “Their stories have to be heard to be believed. I have friends who try. I didn’t because my parents moved to France. They moved to work. It was easier for them.
      “But these guys who had to run away from something or come here dreaming of a life like ours, honestly, I’m amazed.
      “I admire them because they took a path that I could not have imagined.
      “I was lucky to go to school. My parents gave me a good start in life. I am not from a rich family.
      “It was just what I needed and I thank them for it. So I will fight for these children who did not have my vote.
      “I hope the team continues to do well, I hope the team changes over time. What do I mean by change?
      “I mean, some players are hoping to go on to bigger and better things than they are today. I wish them all the best in life because they are part of the community that I am a part of.”
      He left on one final note. “I won’t let you out of my sight, I want to know how things are going.”
      Never forgot his roots
      Although he was born in France, Koulibaly roots are firmly planted in Senegal – a country he represents internationally.
      Back in 2021, he celebrated his 30th birthday by donating two ambulances and medical equipment to hospitals to the African country.
      Koulibaly often visits Senegal and is a hero to the people thereCredit: Instagram @kkoulibaly26
      Last year Koulibaly donated this ambulance to a Senegal hospital
      According to La Gazzetta dello Sport via Football Italia, Koulibaly paid for a number of items to be shipped to Senegal from the port of Naples.
      Among those include two ambulances, hospital gowns, stretchers, personal protective equipment and thousands of protective masks.
      It’s moments like this that have made him an inspiration for his fans.
      Read More on The Sun
      One messaged on Twitter: “We are proud of you. I love people who never forget their origin and culture. This is how self-respect is earned.”
      Another remarked: “You are a great man, a great player. Your heart is huge.” More