Sport Live Blogs

DANIEL KRETINSKY is in line for a £650million West Ham takeover after signing a deal for an optional buy out.The Czech tycoon, 46, could push through a full takeover by 2023 with David Sullivan and David Gold agree to the sale.
Kretinsky is already on the board after buying a 27 per cent stake at the board, has an Olympian showjumping girlfriend and has been branded the ‘Czech Sphinx’.
Antonio Conte’s Tottenham were stunned by Mura in the Europa Conference League.
Harry Kane was on the scoresheet again, but Ryan Sessegnon saw red in the first half and Spurs lost with the final kick of the game.
West Ham won 2-0 away to Rapid Vienna and Leicester beat Legia Warsaw 3-1 at King Power Stadium as police were forced to get involved with the away fans.
There were mixed fortunes for the Old Firm clubs as Celtic crashed out of Europe with a 3-2 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen while Rangers won 2-0 at home to Sparta Prague, ensuring their path to the next round.
Meanwhile, Chelsea could be in for £84million Federico Chiesa, with the Juventus star on the Blues’ radar.
Thomas Tuchel’s side qualified for the Champions League last 16 following their win and are in the hat for the draw on December 13.
In other news, Erling Haaland could be given a new contract at Borussia Dortmund, which would double the Norwegian’s wages.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid are all interested in signing the goalscoring machine, 21.
And Newcastle have reportedly joined the race to sign £70m Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic.
Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
FIRING BLANCS 
Real Madrid fans have launched an astonishing broadside at superstar Gareth Bale and his agent.
The Madrid faithful are up in arms over comments made by his representative Jonathan Barnett.
And they reiterated a long-standing complaint that Bale appears more interested in playing for Wales than he does for the LaLiga leaders.
His case was not helped when he returned home from international duty last week with yet another injury.
A small group of fans then accosted the 32-year-old as he was leaving Real’s training ground – throwing a marker pen at his car amid cries of ‘f*** you’.
That led his agent to brand the supporters ‘disgusting’ and not worth his client’s time.
Those words have sparked fury amid the wider fanbase, with an official supporters’ group releasing a brutal statement against the pair.
In it, they claimed Barnett is a ‘fierce critic’ of the club and ignorant of its history – particularly after he locked horns with ex-boss Zinedine Zidane.
STERLING EFFORT
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is impressed with what he’s seen from Raheem Sterling recently.
Sterling’s had a tough time at the Etihad this season, but he got back on the scoresheet in City’s 2-1 win over Barcelona in the Champions League this week.
And Pep’s over the moon with the England winger’s contribution.
He said: “I am so glad for him, it helps us that’s for sure,” he said at his pre-match press conference ahead of City’s game against West Ham.
“He was decisive. He was completely decisive in what we have done in the last three years.
“This is a step to get back to his best form.”
BEN BLOW
Chelsea star Ben Chilwell will be out for at least six weeks with a partial ACL injury.
But the England left-back could miss even more action if he requires surgery next year.
Chilwell had just emerged as a key figure for Chelsea, reinventing the attacking wing-back role alongside teammate Reece James with three goals and an assist in just six league outings.
But the ex-Leicester ace’s delight turned to misery in Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Juventus.
Chilwell went down in agony clutching his knee after a collision with an opponent.
And he needed support from two medics to limp off the Stamford Bridge turf.
Chelsea were left sweating on scans amid fears Chilwell had fully ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, ruling him out for nine months.
However, Thomas Tuchel revealed on Friday the defender is hopefully set to miss just six weeks of action.
RAINBOW PRIDE
Leicester City will be celebrating Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign at Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Watford at King Power Stadium.
The initiative – which is backed by each top-flight club – demonstrates ongoing commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion and making it clear that football is for everyone.
All Premier League fixtures between 27 November and 2 December will be dedicated to Rainbow Laces, with clubs showing support through matchday activities, with branding visible at every stadium, while rainbow-themed captain’s armbands, laces and pin badges are also available.
In addition to this, City’s players will warm-up in rainbow t-shirts, with rainbow clappers to be left on each seat ahead of the game on Filbert Way for fans to show further support for the campaign.
Leicester City will be celebrating Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign at Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Watford at King Power Stadium 🏳️‍🌈— Leicester City (@LCFC) November 26, 2021

PRIVATE PAGE
Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard has revealed he is trying to ‘cut as many corners’ as possible in order to swiftly implement his philosophy at the club.
One of those corners is setting up a ‘secret’ Instagram account just for Aston Villa players that allows them to watch training videos and match analysis, as well as read motivational quotes.
The page is called ‘Bodymoor1,’ according to the Telegraph, and is followed by the majority of Villa’s first team-set up.
It currently has 35 followers that include the likes of Gerrard himself and forward Ollie Watkins, and is named after Aston Villa’s training ground.
Speaking on the secret page in his pre-Crystal Palace press conference, Liverpool legend Gerrard said: “Instagram is another way, alongside your likes of the WhatsApps to put in information and reminders to players.
“We’ve come in at a time where we haven’t had the luxury of a pre-season where you have five-six weeks to build your identity and the way you want it to look.
“So we’re trying to cut as many corners as we can to get the identity and the standards across to the players that we expect as a group of staff.”

JOEY IN THE DOCK
Joey Barton is set to go on trial accused of assaulting another football manager after a heated League One game.
The Bristol Rovers manager, 39, denies attacking then-Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel back in April 2019.
Prosecutors claim Barton – who was then managing Fleetwood – hit out in the tunnel after a Barnsley win.
Stendel was left with facial injuries after the alleged bust-up.
Ex-Premier League star Barton, of Widnes in Cheshire, was said to be furious after seeing one of his players sent off in a 4-2 defeat.
A steward and a cop stopped his BMW from leaving the ground.
He was later arrested after Barnsley complained to South Yorkshire Police about the alleged incident.
A trial will begin at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday after jurors were selected today.
RED RETURN
Ex-Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum could be set to return to the Premier League just six months after signing for PSG, according to reports.
The Dutch ace has only started three Ligue 1 matches for PSG.
And according to TeamTalk, Wijnaldum could be tempted into a move back to the Prem.
His representatives have allegedly already started to search for potential suitors with Newcastle said to be interested in the ex-Kop favourite.
But the Toon may face and uphill battle as PSG are said to be reluctant to sell Wijnaldum.
‘NOT GOOD NEWS’ 
Jurgen Klopp has praised Manchester United’s appointment of Ralf Rangnick by hailing him as an “organised and experienced coach”.
Klopp, whose managerial style was inspired by Rangnick, insists it is “not good news” for other Premier League clubs that the German has arrived in England.
When asked about Rangnick’s arrival, he said: “Unfortunately a good coach is coming to England, to Manchester United!
“He’s a really experienced manager, built two clubs from nowhere.
“Man United will be organised on the pitch. That’s obviously not good news for other teams.”
WRECK-IT RALF
Manchester United target Ralf Rangnick is a ‘merchant’ who only cares about money according to the former Lokomotiv Moscow president.
Rangnick, 63, is set to be appointed Man Utd’s new interim manager following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer earlier this week, according to reports.
But former Lokomotiv Moscow president Nikolai Naumov has accused Rangnick of not ‘caring about football’ and argues that he is only interested in money.
In a sensational rant to Match TV, Naumov claimed: “It’s not about Manchester. For Rangnick, this is no escape, betrayal, or disgrace. Rangnick is a merchant.
“He absolutely does not care about football, because he only does business around him.
“And the more countries, leagues and football clubs he covers, the more he will earn.
“He’s absolutely indifferent to Lokomotiv. He did not come here to raise football, but to earn money.
“Now he was offered money elsewhere, and he and his company will go to United.”

ED IN HIS HANDS 
Arsenal technical director Edu has recalled the time he was sent to jail after arriving into England with a fake Portuguese passport.
The 43-year-old had agreed a deal to join the Gunners from Corinthians in the summer of 2000, but was made to wait until the following New Year before linking up.
Edu had believed the passport secured by his agent was legitimate, though he was stopped by border control after touching down in Blighty.
However, unbeknownst to Edu, his agent at the time had supplied him with a counterfeit passport in a hurried effort to get his transfer to Arsenal over the line.
He was then held by Brazilian authorities for 10 hours while the situation was being investigated which is when the tears came flooding down.
Edu explained to The Athletic: “When I got there, I realised how serious the situation was. That’s when I started to cry — ‘Man, I’m in prison’.”
CASH CRISIS
Angry Bayern Munich fans blasted club bosses over a Qatari sponsorship deal as tensions boiled over at their annual general meeting.
A group of supporters hit out over the five-year deal with Qatar Airways – worth around £16.9million a season.
They fumed over accusations of human rights abuses at the Gulf state, which hosts the World Cup next year.
The deal is due to expire in 2023 but fans have been putting pressure on current president Herbert Hainer and CEO Oliver Kahn not to renew.
And Thursday’s AGM descended into chaos amid chants for Hainer’s removal after the club blocked fans from voting on the deal.
A group of around 800 supporters shouted ‘Hainer out!’ and ‘we are the fans you don’t want’ in front of the stunned Bayern officials.
BREAKING 
Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky has signed a deal to complete a full takeover of West Ham.
Kretinsky forked out £150million to buy a 27 per cent stake in the Hammers earlier this month and joined co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold on the board.
At the time it was thought there was a belief the businessman would take his time getting used to life in the Premier League before upping his interest.
But documents lodged at Companies House show a deal has already been signed by Kretinsky and Sullivan to buy a controlling stake at an already agreed rate – valuing the London club around £650m.
The ‘Put and Call’ agreement is mentioned several times in new articles of association lodged by the club’s parent company WH Holding Ltd on November 23.
It shows the terms of a takeover are already sealed, with 46-year-old Kretinsky having an unspecified time to complete the deal before it expires.
‘WELCOME ZIZOU’ 
The pieces appear to be falling into place in Manchester United’s pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino.
A well-connected member of the Qatari royal family has announced Zinedine Zidane WILL take over at the Parc des Princes.
That would free up Pochettino to head to Old Trafford on a long-term appointment following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad Al-Thani has links to the Qatari sovereign wealth fund that bankrolls PSG.
He is also reported to be the brother of the French giants’ principal owner and has previously spoken out over Kylian Mbappe’s future at the club.
And the royal figure took to Twitter to confirm ex-Real Madrid boss Zidane has accepted an offer from the Ligue 1 leaders.
He tweeted: “Things are settled. It will be announced soon. Welcome Zezo.”
HOWE DO YOU DO?
Newcastle have confirmed that Eddie Howe WILL return to the dugout for tomorrow’s clash with Arsenal.
The new Toon boss, 43, was forced to watch his first game in charge last week from his hotel room after testing positive for Covid-19.
Jason Tindall was on the touchline as Newcastle drew a thriller with Brentford 3-3 at St James’ Park.
But after returning a negative Covid-19 test this morning, Howe will be back in the technical area at the Emirates as the Magpies continue their hunt for a first win of the season.
ERL OF MANCHESTER
Ralf Ragnick’s Manchester United appointment may just give the Red Devils the edge over the rest of Europe when it comes to signing Erling Haaland.
Borussia Dortmund sensation Haaland has been linked with a host of clubs, but United will now feel confident they can win the race.
That’s because Rangnick is the man responsible for signing Haaland while he was director of football at RB Salzburg.
And his relationship with the 22-year-old could be a deciding factor in luring the striker to Old Trafford.
Spanish outlet AS are claiming Manchester United’s appointment of Rangnick is ‘decisive’ in the battle to sign Haaland.
Rangnick signed Haaland from Norwegian club Molde in 2019 for just £7million.
CRIS CROSS
A fuming Cristiano Ronaldo blasts former Juventus team-mates in extraordinary behind-the-scenes footage.
The Portuguese great lost his cool at half-time during Juve’s Champions League last-16 encounter with Porto last season.
Juventus were clear favourites to progress to the quarter-finals but found themselves 1-0 down at half-time in the second-leg.
That made it a 3-1 aggregate advantage to Porto and then-Juve striker Ronaldo wasn’t having any of it.
The new documentary ‘All or Nothing: Juventus’ captured a fascinating clash between CR7 and Juan Cuadrado at Allianz Stadium.
Ronaldo screamed: “We have to work harder. What the f***! We didn’t play at all! Nothing!”
Cuadrado then replied: “Don’t worry”
Ronaldo: “We played s***, always!”
JOSE’S JIBE 
Frank Lampard has revealed Jose Mourinho’s hilarious tongue-in-cheek quip following his sacking as Chelsea manager.
Lamps, 43, was given the axe by Roman Abramovich in January with the worst points-per-game ratio of any manager in the Russian’s era.
Thomas Tuchel replaced him and won the Champions League while the former midfielder remains out of work.
And Lampard was given a morale boost by his former boss Mourinho.
The Special One knows exactly how it feels to be sacked by Chelsea – having been through it twice.
And the then-Tottenham boss joked Lampard can now class himself as a ‘real manager’.
ZAK HIM UP
Manchester United are reportedly keen on a move for Switzerland international Denis Zakaria in a bid to bolster their midfield.
The 25-year-old is out of contract at Borussia Monchengladbach at the end of the season and could be on his way to the Premier League.
But the Red Devils are set to face stiff competition when it comes to signing Zakaria.
Barcelona, Juventus and Roma are all eager to sign the midfielder, according to journalist Nicolo Schira.
Zakaria has rejected Gladbach’s offers of a new contract and seems destined to move on.
And Manchester United’s current midfield pairing of Fred and Scott McTominay have been the subject of intense criticism this campaign.
So a move for Zakaria would give incoming interim boss Ralf Rangnick another option in the middle of the park.
O’NO
Four Tottenham players should never wear a Spurs shirt again following their humiliating 2-1 defeat to NS Mura in the Europa Conference League, according to ex-player Jamie O’Hara.
O’Hara, who played 56 times for Spurs, did not hold back as he singled out Matt Doherty, Tanguy Ndombele, Dele Alli and Davinson Sanchez for their indefendible displays.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “These are a Slovenian top-flight side that I would expect a National League side to give a game.
“It has been a disgrace and some of the players – and I’ll name them as well – (Matt) Doherty, (Tanguy) Ndombele, Dele Alli, Davinson Sanchez were absolutely shocking, they shouldn’t wear a Spurs shirt again some of them in my opinion.
“This is a European game you need to win and go out an impress a new manager in Antonio Conte.
“You’ve got to go out there and give everything you’ve got and put in an unbelievable performance for yourself to say ‘I want to be part of this group and part of this Conte era’ – and not one player on that pitch deserves any credit from that game.
“It was a shocking performance. These players are strolling around the park like they’re dismissing this game as if they think they’re too good to play in it.”
‘SECURITY REASONS’
BT Sport have defiantly backed Chris Sutton after he again was denied accreditation to work at Ibrox last night.
The broadcasters will instead cover both matches featuring Celtic and Rangers from a studio at an empty Parkhead.
It read: “We have a presentation team who reflect all angles and experiences in Scottish football but who were not all provided with the necessary accreditation at Ibrox today.
“We will not be forced to split a team of professionals behind and in front of screen.
“The only way to provide viewers with the continuity of coverage across tonight’s two matches featuring Celtic and Rangers was to set up a studio elsewhere.”
Currie then welcomed studio guest Stiliyan Petrov before welcoming “the elephant in the room, Chris Sutton.”
It follows Sutton being denied access to the ground alongside ex-Celtic boss Neil Lennon for ‘security reasons’ earlier in the campaign.
GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS
Tottenham embarrassed themselves on the European stage, falling to a 2-1 defeat at Slovenian side Mura.
The European minnows netted an added-time winner to shock the Premier League giants.
Elsewhere in Europe, both West Ham and Leicester secured wins.
The Hammers will finish top of their group no matter what the result is against Dynamo Zagreb next month, and they skip the Round of 32 stage.
German football mastermind Ralf Rangnick is set to become Man Utd’s interim manager.
The 63-year-old will take over for six months whilst United look for a permanent fix, and once the right man is found, Rangnick will move up to a ‘consultancy’ role.
Nicknamed ‘The Professor’, he was one of the pioneers of Gegenpressing, a style of play where teams immediately press the opposition after losing possession of the ball.
His influence has been felt in the modern game, with many teams adopting his philosophy.
Liverpool and Juventus sent scouts to watch Olympiacos wonderkid Aguibou Camara in action against Fenerbahce.
The Greek champions beat the Turkish outfit last night at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in a crucial encounter and Camara played the full 90 minutes for Pedro Martins’ side.
According to Greek journalist and editor of Sportime Giannis Chorianopoulos, the Reds sent a representative to Athens to keep tabs on the talented attacking midfielder.
Gareth Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett has lashed out at Real Madrid fans who abused his client last week.
Bale was leaving Real’s Valdebebas training facility on Friday when one furious supporter appeared to throw a marker pen at his car window with cries of ‘F*** you’ heard.
Barnett was furious with that incident and branded that small group of yobs as “disgusting” when he landed in Madrid.
He told El Chiringuito when asked if he considers the opinion of Real fans: “I don’t, why should I care?
“I think they’ve been disgusting to Gareth Bale.”
ROARING DRAGONS
Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey have been tipped to deliver World Cup play-off glory for Wales.
The Dragons will find out their opponents for March’s home semi-final in today’s Zurich draw.
Ex-Wales striker Earnshaw said: “Whoever we play we have to be positive in our approach because we have some very good players.
“It’s different from a normal game because you know the prize at the end of it is huge. When you go into the play-offs you have to make sure you handle everything. The pressure is big.
“It’s great we have the likes of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey because they are two people who are great footballers but the one thing that doesn’t get highlighted is the amount of pressure and weight of the nation on their shoulders always but they deliver consistently.
“To qualify for a World Cup would be amazing and unbelievable for the whole country.”

CONTE BELIEVE IT
Angry Antonio Conte saw his Spurs flops produce the biggest Euro horror show in the club’s history and said: “I am not a magician.”
he was given a reality shock in the defeat to Mura and acknowledged there is a lot of work to do to improve the side.
After the match he said: “After three weeks I am starting to understand the situation. It is not simple.
“At this moment the level at Tottenham is not so high.
“I am happy to stay here but we have to work a lot to improve the quality of the squad. We are Tottenham but there is an important gap with the top teams but I am not scared.
“I want to reduce the time to try and win something. The situation now is starting to be very clear in my mind.
“I like to win, I play to win in every competition that we have to play. This must be the same for my players.”
Antonio Conte says the level at Tottenham isn’t so high after 2-1 defeat against NS Mura
FAN TROUBLE
Ugly scenes broke out in Leicester’s Europa League game with Legia Warsaw as away fans attacked police.
The Foxes were leading the game 3-1 when the travelling supporters clashed with security and police.
Flares were set off as they attempted to storm the home stands where Leicester fans were sitting and threw objects.

3 PINTS FOR A WIN
Footie fans could be allowed to drink during games again for the first time in 36 years, writes NATASHA CLARK and NICHOLAS GUTTERIDGE.
The law banning booze in stands could be axed as part of a wide-ranging review of the sport.
Among recommendations is a test scheme for fans to be able to drink alcohol during matches at League Two and National League clubs.
Ministers have welcomed the move, part of a fan-led review headed by ex-sports minister Tracey Crouch.
She said a “small scale and limited pilot” on the sale of alcohol “in sight of the pitch” would help struggling clubs rake in extra cash.
Ms Crouch added yesterday: “This is about the financial sustainability of the lowest parts of the league — such a small change would make a huge difference.”
Research suggests an average League Two club loses around £184,000 a season by not being able to sell booze to fans watching matches.
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ANTONIO CONTE’s Tottenham were stunned by Mura in the Europa Conference League.Harry Kane was on the scoresheet again, but Ryan Sessegnon saw red in the first half and Spurs lost with the final kick of the game.
Meanwhile, Chelsea could be in for £84million Federico Chiesa, with the Juventus star on the Blues’ radar.
Thomas Tuchel’s side qualified for the Champions League last 16 following their win and are in the hat for the draw on December 13.
In other news, Erling Haaland could be given a new contract at Borussia Dortmund, which would double the Norwegian’s wages.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid are all interested in signing the goalscoring machine, 21.
And Newcastle have reportedly joined the race to sign £70m Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic.
Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
ROARING DRAGONS
Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey have been tipped to deliver World Cup play-off glory for Wales.
The Dragons will find out their opponents for March’s home semi-final in today’s Zurich draw.
Ex-Wales striker Earnshaw said: “Whoever we play we have to be positive in our approach because we have some very good players.
“It’s different from a normal game because you know the prize at the end of it is huge. When you go into the play-offs you have to make sure you handle everything. The pressure is big.
“It’s great we have the likes of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey because they are two people who are great footballers but the one thing that doesn’t get highlighted is the amount of pressure and weight of the nation on their shoulders always but they deliver consistently.
“To qualify for a World Cup would be amazing and unbelievable for the whole country.”

CONTE BELIEVE IT
Angry Antonio Conte saw his Spurs flops produce the biggest Euro horror show in the club’s history and said: “I am not a magician.”
he was given a reality shock in the defeat to Mura and acknowledged there is a lot of work to do to improve the side.
After the match he said: “After three weeks I am starting to understand the situation. It is not simple.
“At this moment the level at Tottenham is not so high.
“I am happy to stay here but we have to work a lot to improve the quality of the squad. We are Tottenham but there is an important gap with the top teams but I am not scared.
“I want to reduce the time to try and win something. The situation now is starting to be very clear in my mind.
“I like to win, I play to win in every competition that we have to play. This must be the same for my players.”
Antonio Conte says the level at Tottenham isn’t so high after 2-1 defeat against NS Mura
FAN TROUBLE
Ugly scenes broke out in Leicester’s Europa League game with Legia Warsaw as away fans attacked police.
The Foxes were leading the game 3-1 when the travelling supporters clashed with security and police.
Flares were set off as they attempted to storm the home stands where Leicester fans were sitting and threw objects.

3 PINTS FOR A WIN
Footie fans could be allowed to drink during games again for the first time in 36 years, writes NATASHA CLARK and NICHOLAS GUTTERIDGE.
The law banning booze in stands could be axed as part of a wide-ranging review of the sport.
Among recommendations is a test scheme for fans to be able to drink alcohol during matches at League Two and National League clubs.
Ministers have welcomed the move, part of a fan-led review headed by ex-sports minister Tracey Crouch.
She said a “small scale and limited pilot” on the sale of alcohol “in sight of the pitch” would help struggling clubs rake in extra cash.
Ms Crouch added yesterday: “This is about the financial sustainability of the lowest parts of the league — such a small change would make a huge difference.”
Research suggests an average League Two club loses around £184,000 a season by not being able to sell booze to fans watching matches.
NOT SHAW
Ralf Rangnick raised concern over Manchester United star Luke Shaw in an interview in 2020, writes KEALAN HUGHES.
The coach, 63, is set to take over as interim boss after agreeing a deal with the club.
And he could be keen to improve the defence judging by an answer he gave in regard to where the Red Devils need to improve.
“I think on the market there are a few young central defenders.
“They (United) could do with a left-back.
“I know they have Luke Shaw but I’m not so sure if he’s still on the same kind of level you need for a club like Manchester United.”
IRON GRIP
West Ham got the job done with victory over Rapid to seal top spot in qualifying and a place in the last 16 of the Europa League, DUNCAN WRIGHT.
Two goals late in the first half set the Hammers on course for the win which ensured they topped Group H and avoided a play-off tie against a Champions League team.
With Borussia Dortmund already dropping down and the likes of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid also in danger, safe passage is a major boost for the London club.
And it ensures boss David Moyes has the luxury of resting all his big players in the final match next month with the club in the middle of a hectic run of fixtures through to the new year.
It takes their run to four wins and one draw in Europea – not bad for a club enjoying their first experience in the group stages of the competition.
EUROPEAN SCORES
Tottenham have just lost 2-1 to Slovenian side NS Mura in the Europa Conference League……
Here’s the scores from the Europa League:

Crvena Zvezda 1-0 Ludogorets FT
Rapid Wien 0-2 West Ham FT
Midtjylland 3-2 Braga FT
Lokomotiv Moscow 0-3 Lazio FT
Dinamo Zagreb 1-1 Genk FT
Real Betis 2-0 Ferencvaros FT
Galatasaray 4-2 Marseille FT
Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 Celtic FT
Olympiacos vs Fenerbahce 8PM
PSV vs Sturm Graz 8PM
Rangers vs Sparta Prague 8PM
Leicester City vs Legia Warsaw 8PM
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Antwerp 8PM
Monaco vs Real Sociedad 8PM
Brondby vs Lyon 8PM

And the only real relevant result in the Europa Conference League:

Mura 2-1 Tottenham FT

Credit: GETTY IMAGES
WRECK IT RALF
Should Man Utd land Ralf Rangnick and line him up for a future ‘consultancy’ role supporting a top class manager, it might just be the best bit of business the club has done since Fergie left.
Ralf Rangnick told Man Utd board on Monday he’ll accept this interim job only if future ‘consultancy’ with power on club choices will be included in the deal. Man Utd are prepared to accept this condition. 🔴🇩🇪 #MUFCTalks now on with Lokomotiv as advanced by @TheAthleticUK. pic.twitter.com/VA3XSb0eef— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 25, 2021

SESSPITT
Ryan Sessegnon suffered a nightmare on his big chance to impress new Tottenham boss Antonio Conte, writes GARY STONEHOUSE.
The 21-year-old was handed an opportunity to shine when he was named in the starting line-up for the Europa Conference League clash away to Slovenian minnows NS Mura.
But the former Fulham star’s night was over after just half an hour after he was given his marching orders.
Sessegnon was firstly booked after only 11 minutes for a mistimed tackle.
The wing-back was then sent-off for a second booking 20 minutes later.
Credit: Getty
POCH CHASE
Manchester United are still ‘in pursuit’ of Paris Saint-Germain’s Mauricio Pochettino despite reaching an agreement with Ralf Rangnick to become interim boss, writes GARY STONEHOUSE.
The German, 63, will sign a six-month contract with the Red Devils, after the club sacked Norwegian boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The veteran is understood to have initially rejected United, but after new terms were offered, he has now accepted the deal to step into the dug-out until May.
After that he is expected to take on a consultancy role at Old Trafford for the following two years.
Rangnick is currently the head of sports and development at Lokomotiv Moscow.
That means, due to work permit issues, he will not be in charge for Sunday’s clash at Chelsea.
Rangnick left RB Leipzig last year and joined Lokomotiv in the summer.
However, despite his impending arrival, The MEN states United ‘are still very much in pursuit’ of Pochettino with regards to him joining at the end of the season.
HAMMERS WONT SPEND BIG
Daniel Kretinsky may have purchased 27 per cent of West Ham, but he has warned fans big money won’t be spent in the transfer market yet.
He told the Evening Standard: “Our investment will bring a positive improvement to the club’s capital structure, initially enabling a reduction of its long-term debt and increasing the ability to further direct funds generated into key areas.
“I hope our business acumen and experience of football will also prove beneficial to West Ham United.
“We have come to support the club but – so as to manage supporters’ expectations – that doesn’t mean big spending in the January transfer window.
“I’m hugely impressed by the work of David Moyes and his team who have improved results over a long period of time.
“This gradual evolution is, in my opinion, the most healthy way to build a strong club on a firm basis and with the right attitudes and culture.
“I speak from experience. We tried to rush the development of Sparta Prague a couple of years ago and the results were disappointing.
“Improving the quality of the squad is great, of course. But we prefer a gradual way that preserves and protects the ethos of the club and its values. Including team spirit.”
RED ALERT
Liverpool and Juventus have sent scouts to watch Olympiacos wonderkid Aguibou Camara in action against Fenerbahce, writes KOSTAS LIANOS.
The Greek champions take on the Turkish outfit tonight at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in a crucial encounter and Camara is set to start for Pedro Martins’ side.
According to Greek journalist and editor of Sportime Giannis Chorianopoulos, the Reds have sent a representative to Athens to keep tabs on the talented attacking midfielder.
SunSport revealed recently that the Merseysiders are interested in signing the versatile midfielder, who can also play as a winger.
However, Liverpool look set for an intense bidding war as fellow Premier League clubs Leicester and Newcastle are also eyeing the Guinea international.
Sources have told SunSport the Prem trio have made contact with the player’s agent.
RON WORRY
Some Manchester United fans are fearing for legend Cristiano Ronaldo after it emerged Ralf Rangnick is set to become interim manager.
The German, 63, will sign a six-month contract with the Red Devils, after the club sacked Norwegian boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
However, the news that Rangnick is set to arrive at United has led to many wondering where the 36-year-old Ronaldo would fit in under the new man.
Especially after Rangnick labelled the Portuguese icon as ‘too old’ five years ago while he was RB Leipzig.
Back then he asked whether he would ever consider signing Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.
And he replied: “It would be absurd to think that it could work with them here. They are both too old and too expensive.”
‘DISGUSTING’ 
Gareth Bale agent Jonathan Barnett has lashed out at Real Madrid fans who abused his client last week.
Bale was leaving Real’s Valdebebas training facility on Friday when one furious supporter appeared to throw a marker pen at his car window with cries of ‘F**k you’ heard.
Barnett was furious with that incident and branded that small group of yobs as “disgusting” when he landed in Madrid.
He told El Chiringuito when asked if he considers the opinion of Real fans: “I don’t, why should I care?
“I think they’ve been disgusting to Gareth Bale.”
RED FACED
Jurgen Klopp was left red-faced after being called out by a furious reporter for his recent comments about the African Cup of Nations.
Klopp was forced to clarify his comments after he previously referred to AFCON as ‘a little tournament’, which he claimed was ironic and taken out of context.
But the description still landed him in hot water, with Ojora Babatunde of OJB Sports demanding an apology from Klopp in a heated exchange via Zoom.
Babatunde said: “Hi Jurgen, during your last pre-match presser, you deliberately regarded the Africa Cup of Nations as a ‘little tournament’.
“I think it’s an insult to the players, an insult to the fans, an insult to the people, an insult to the continent and I think you owe the continent an apology.”
Klopp, who was visibly stunned, replied: “I didn’t mean it like that. I didn’t mean it like that, I don’t know why you understand it like that to be honest…”
The two then proceeded to interrupt each other before Klopp allowed the reporter to get his point across.
Babatunde then pressed Klopp further, saying: “That was what you said, I listened to the presser and you said the continent in Africa [is little], that is what you said.”
The pair then went back and forth over the issue with neither party backing down from their point of view.
NICK OF TIME
Manchester United have agreed a deal to appoint Ralf Rangnick as interim manager, according to reports.
The move is subject to his current club Lokomotiv Moscow allowing him to leave, report The Athletic.
He is currently head of sports and development at the Russian club but it is believed that United do not think there will be any obstacle to prevent him from leaving.
Rangnick, 63, will sign on for six months as manager before moving into a consultancy role at the club at the end of the season.
However, the Red Devils have been unable to get a deal sorted prior to the visit to Chelsea on Sunday.
That means Michael Carrick will continue in the dugout and have the opportunity to win his first Premier League match as a manager.
PLAYER COLLAPSED
Wigan striker Charlie Wyke has been rushed to hospital after collapsing in training, the club has confirmed.
The 28-year-old collapsed and was attended to by Wigan’s medical staff before being taken to hospital where he will be monitored over the next few days.
On the incident, Wigan Athletic Chief Executive, Mal Brannigan, said: “First and foremost, the absolute priority for everyone associated with Wigan Athletic is Charlie’s health and wellbeing and providing support to him and his family.
“As a Club, we would like to place on record our sincere appreciation to all of the staff within the NHS who, within what we know are challenging times, were excellent in their response and subsequent care for Charlie, working together with our medical team.
“Clearly this news will cause alarm, though we would politely request that the privacy of Charlie and his family is respected.
“At the appropriate time, we will look to provide further updates to our supporters.”
VAN DER HEART
Rafael van der Vaart has questioned if Lionel Messi still has the same desire for football as Cristiano Ronaldo.
Both players made mega moves this summer with Cristiano heading to Man United and Messi joining Paris Saint-Germain.
But while Ronaldo’s hit the ground running at United, the same can’t be said of Messi in Paris.
And Van der Vaart reckons the difference between the two footballing greats lies in their hunger, which makes the Dutchman sad.
He said: “It makes me sad. It’s a question of desire. Does he [Messi] want it or not? When you compare him to Cristiano Ronaldo, one is fighting to take his team to the next level – and one isn’t.”
WHAT A JOK
Sheffield United have sacked Slavisa Jokanovic.
The former Fulham boss was only appointed by the Blades back in May.
But following an inconsistent start to the season, United have opted to get rid – hiring last season’s caretaker Paul Heckingbottom on a permanent basis until 2026.
In a brutal article that features a picture of Heckingbottom rather than Jokanovic, the Serb is hardly even mentioned.
There is no thank you for his efforts or any respectful parting words.
They wrote: “Sheffield United and Slavisa Jokanovic have parted company, with Paul Heckingbottom installed as the club’s football manager.
“Yorkshireman Heckingbottom takes charge of the club’s football business immediately after agreeing a contract through to the end of the 2025/26 season.
“He will begin by leading training at the Randox Health Academy on Friday and be in position for Sunday’s Sky Bet Championship fixture with Bristol City.
“Following several months of strategic planning and a lacklustre start to the season, the board decided that a change was in the best long-term interests of the club.”
DUS THE MAN 
Manchester United will battle it out with a host of Europe’s top clubs including Spurs to sign £70million-rated Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.
According to the Daily Mail, the Red Devils are the latest to join the list of clubs keeping tabs of Vlahovic – including Spurs, Newcastle, AC Milan and Juventus.
The 21-year-old striker is currently one of Europe’s most sought after players, having scored 12 goals in 14 games in all competitions so far this season.
He netted an impressive 21 goals in 37 Serie A appearances for Fiorentina last season, which saw him win the Serie A Best Young Player for 2020-21 award.
BLUE BUYS
Thomas Tuchel could be without Ben Chilwell for the rest of the season amid fears the left-back suffered a serious knee injury in the win against Juventus.
If Chilwell is out long-term, then Chelsea will be tempted to dip into the transfer market in January to sign a replacement.
Chilwell had to be helped from the pitch after jarring his leg in the 4-0 win over Juve and is undergoing scans to discover the extent of the injury.
It leaves Marcos Alonso as Tuchel’s only other current option in the position.
And with the Blues expected to challenge for silverware on multiple fronts this campaign another left-back could be a priority.
BABY ON BOARD 
Donny van de Beek and partner Estelle Bergkamp enjoyed a heartwarming, football-themed baby gender reveal.
The happy couple revealed earlier this month that they are expecting their first child.
And now they know that they will be welcoming a baby girl into the world.
In pictures shared to Instagram, Donny gave fans a look at his football-related reveal.
Pregnant Estelle, daughter of Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp, joined the Manchester United midfielder in a five-aside cage.
Donny, 24, then booted a football, with the mini ball designed to release smoke of a certain colour when kicked.
The couple colour coded blue for a boy and pink for a girl.
Their faces painted a joyful picture as pink smoke rose into the air.
They then posed for a sweet picture together, grinning at each other in delight.
PAUL OVER 
Real Madrid have halted their pursuit of Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, according to reports.
The 28-year-old Frenchman is set to leave Old Trafford for free in the summer when his contract expires.
And Real Madrid have been heavily linked with a move for the World Cup winner as they prepare to bolster their squad under Carlo Ancelotti.
But, according to AS, the Spanish giants are no longer interested in bringing Pogba to the club despite him being available for free.
TIME’S UP
Slavisa Jokanovic is set to be sacked by Sheffield United after just six months.
The Serbian replaced Chris Wilder as permanent manager following relegation from the Premier League.
But with the Blades 16th in the Championship, Jokaonovic has been axed with United eight points above the relegation zone and eight points below the final play-off place.
U23s coach Paul Heckingbottom is set to take charge on Sunday against Bristol City for a second caretaker spell after taking the reins for 11 games following Wilder’s exit.
And Heckingbottom will be given a chance to stake a claim for the job, with former Norwich and Preston boss Alex Neil also considered.
Tuesday’s win at Reading – where midfielder John Fleck was rushed to hospital after collapsing on the pitch – was Sheffield United’s sixth win from 19 games.
Jokanovic, who had won promotion to the Prem with Watford and Fulham, left Qatari side Al-Gharafa in May and was tasked with an immediate return to the top-flight.
Coming in after Heckingbotton’s interim spell at the end of last season, United have lost as many matches – eight – as they lost.
And whereas fellow relegated sides Fulham and West Brom are riding high, the South Yorkshire club have suffered a severe hangover since dropping down to the Championship.
Despite selling Aaron Ramsdale for £30million to Arsenal, the Blades kept the vast majority of the squad but have struggled for any form of consistency.
Jokanovic, 53, is believed to have been frustrated at the club’s summer transfer business, with only four players signed – all on loan – and the Serb failing to land the two wingers he was desperate for.
DRUM ROLL
The World Cup 2022 play-off draw will include ten nations who finished as runners up in qualifying.
And will also include two Nations League group winners who missed out on a spot in their respective group.
Just three sides will make it through the play-offs and play at the 2022 World Cup from the twelve who enter the play-off stage.
The teams in the hat are:
Seeded:

Portugal
Italy
Scotland
Russia
Sweden
Wales

Unseeded

Austria
North Macedonia
Turkey
Poland
Ukraine
Czech Republic

Load more entries… More

CHELSEA came away from their 4-0 win over Juventus with their chests puffed out – but for Ben Chilwell it is a different story.The club fear their left back will be out for a long time with a knee injury he sustained during the game.
The £50million left back is undergoing a scan today to assess suspected damage to his anterior cruciate ligament.
Thomas Tuchel’s side qualified for the Champions League last 16 following their win and are in the hat for the draw on December 13.
Meanwhile across London, Declan Rice is reportedly being targeted by a number of European giants.
The England midfielder has seemingly been growing and improving each month for the past few years and has been superb for the Hammers in their march to the top four this season.
In other news, Erling Haaland could be given a new contract at Borussia Dortmund, which would double the Norwegian’s wages.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid are all interested in signing the goalscoring machine, 21.
And Newcastle have reportedly joined the race to sign £70m Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic.
Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
TRANSFER TAX
Prem clubs are facing a £160million transfer tax each season to support the lower leagues.
It is a key recommendation of former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch’s ‘fan-led review’ of football.
But clubs and Prem chiefs are likely to fight the plans — and block calls for an overhaul of the parachute payment system for relegated clubs.
Crouch and her team, appointed after the failed breakaway European Super League in April, feel the best way to distribute funds from the top down is with a new levy.
The tax would be “similar to stamp duty” paid on properties for clubs buying players.
KO BLOW
Newcastle’s £300million Saudi takeover would NOT have been waved through by a proposed new owners’ test for football.
Former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch and her ‘fan-led review’ team have recommended a new comprehensive process for the entire game.
In order to be approved by the proposed new independent regulator who would be appointed by the Government, any owner would have to pass a new ‘Integrity Test’.
While a potential owner would be considered ‘of good character’ unless there is ‘reliable evidence’ to the contrary, the regulator would look at ‘criminal matters’, ‘relevant information from credible and reliable sources’, past business dealings and ‘integrity and reputation’ of close family members.
ON THE PUL
Chelsea have put a £42m price tag on their out-of-favour winger, Christian Pulisic.
According to reports, Pulisic, 23, is wanted by Liverpool and Barcelona.
Catalan newspaper El Nacional are reporting that Chelsea are prepared to sell Pulisic but have asked for £42m.
Pulisic has been hit with numerous injuries in the past calendar year and is not said to be part of Tuchel’s long-term plans.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS

Man City 2 PSG 1

Liverpool 2 Porto 0

Brugge 0 RB Leizpig 5

Atletico Madrid 0 AC Milan 1

Besiktas 1 Ajax 2

Sporting Lisbon 3 Borussia Dortmund 1

Inter Milan 2 Shakhtar Donetsk 0

Sheriff 0 Real Madrid 3

LINK UP
Man Utd want Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to replace Paul Pogba in the summer, says Corriere dello Sport.
And the Lazio star’s agent admits he needs a ‘new adventure’.
Mateja Kezman said: “He is a great club player.
“Soon the time will come for him to live a new adventure and new dreams.”
FIOR BLIMEY
Arsenal are set to miss out on Dusan Vlahovic to Juventus.
Reports in Italy claim the Fiorentina striker could be set for a stunning £50million Serie A switch.
And Arsenal would stand little chance of challenging if they too submitted a suitable offer.

ARE BRU SERIOUS?
Steve Bruce has reportedly been offered to his former club Manchester United by his agent.
The Mail claims United’s ex-captain has been put forward for the interim role following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s exit.
Bruce himself was only sacked by Newcastle earlier this month.
And an incredible move to Old Trafford could be on the cards.
REECE LIGHTNING
The ‘sky is the limit’ for Reece James, according to Chelsea teammate Christian Pulisic.
He said: “Absolutely we’re all impressed.
“What he can do on the field is pretty special. He’s got so much ability, so many different ways to help the team. The sky is the limit for him.
“Honestly, the way he is playing right now and the way he strikes the ball, I wouldn’t be surprised [if he stayed top scorer].
“That’s what’s great about our system – it allows him to attack a lot. He was really strong last night and you could see how much he helped us in attack.”
JESS OFF
Jesse Lingard remains determined to leave Manchester United despite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure.
The Mail claims the England star is ‘unmoved’ by the managerial change and still has no plans to open up negotiations over a new contract.
Former loan side West Ham are keen and a January transfer looks to be moving closer.
LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS
XI: Alisson, Williams, Matip, Konate, Tsimikas, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Morton, Thiago, Salah, Minamino, Mane.
Porto XI: Costa, Mario, Mbemba, Pepe, Zaidu, Uribe, Oliveira, Otavio, Diaz, Taremi, Evanilson.
MAN CITY TEAM NEWS
XI: Ederson, Walker, Dias, Stones, Cancelo, Rodrigo, Gundogan, Zinchenko, Mahrez, Bernardo, Sterling
PSG XI: Navas, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Kimpembe, Mendes, Paredes, Herrera, Gueye, Messi, Mbappe, Neymar.
FOLLOW THE ACTION HERE
ROBERT-NO
Roberto Mancini has supposedly SNUBBED an approach from Manchester United.
The 56-year-old former Manchester City boss plans to focus on World Cup qualification with Italy.
German newspaper BILD report that Mancini turned down contact with the Red Devils as he is to fulfil his ‘duty’ to help Italy qualify for the World Cup.

AR YEAH
Former Arsenal star Andriy Arshavin claims Premier League target Sardar Azmoun wants to quit Zenit St Petersburg.
He explained: “Azmoun has a desire to leave. Both sides are behaving openly and honestly. 
“The player wants to leave. Azmoun remains a professional, he had a good first half (of the season). But we cannot force Serdar to stay. 
“Azmoun, at Zenit, can only be replaced by a foreigner. It is important to find one. I don’t see a similar player in Russia.” 
ALL IN FAVRE
Lucien Favre is the latest name to be thrown into the hat to potentially become Manchester United’s interim manager.
The United hierarchy have allegedly reached out to the 64-year-old to discuss his interest in the post vacated by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, according to The Telegraph.
Favre’s one of many high-profile names to be linked with the United job recently.
The Swiss native’s a wanted man in the Premier League and has previously been in talks with both Newcastle and Crystal Palace but neither switch materialised.
DAN’S BACK
Daniel Farke is in line for an immediate return to management just two weeks after being sacked by Norwich.
The Guardian says he is wanted by scandal-hit Werder Bremen following the shock resignation of coach Markus Anfang at the weekend.
Anfang is currently under investigation by the German authorities after being accused of using a faked Covid vaccination certificate.
Farke’s swift return to football comes after Norwich fans blasted the club’s new badge, which will be introduced next summer.

FRESH FACES
Former Man Utd defender Jon Spector has urged his old side to sign Kieran Trippier and Declan Rice in January.
Also name-checking Ruben Neves, he told BritishGambler.co.uk: “Trippier could be a really good solution for them. 
“Even if they changed to a back four, I still think he fits in really well within the team, and I’d love to see a player like him at United.
“Declan Rice would be a fantastic option. Ruben Neves as well has been very good for Wolves and could be a good option for them.”
MOUNT EVEREST
Mason Mount is loving life at Stamford Bridge and is not going anywhere, according to reports.
The Chelsea star is one of a host of top players set to be offered new contracts.
But the Telegraph reports the England international is in no rush to put pen to paper on a new contract.
Instead he remains committed to helping Chelsea win yet more trophies under stand-out boss Thomas Tuchel.

COMMITTED
Man Utd target Brendan Rodgers has again stressed his commitment to Leicester City.
He said: “I don’t take it as anything. For me it’s not real. 
“There’s always gossip and speculation and I suppose that will always be there until United appoint a full-time manager.
“I’ve always said my commitment is here. My commitment is to this group of players, this team.
“So it (leaving) doesn’t come across my mind to be honest.”
THAT’LL SHOW EM
Former Arsenal boss Unai Emery is the latest shock addition to the list of candidates being considered for the Man United job.
According to German paper Bild, the Villarreal gaffer is in full contention to take charge at Old Trafford.
But there has so far been no contact between United and Emery after they played each other in the Champions League last night.
IN FOR THE KYL
Emmanuel Petit thinks Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe could ‘easily’ seal a shock transfer to newly mega-rich Newcastle.
He told gambling.com: “Anything can happen. We see what’s happened with Newcastle United – there have been rumours and you never know what’s going to happen at the end of the day, things can turn very easily and very quickly.
“There is a big link with Real Madrid and I know that in his mind when he was a child he was dreaming of playing for clubs like this, because of the stars they have there and the history of the club.
“Maybe he’s interested in Real Madrid because he’s tired of what’s happening here in France.
“I think he gets the feeling sometimes that he doesn’t get the same recognition as players like [Lionel] Messi or Neymar.”
ERROR STREWN
Chelsea flop Hakim Ziyech is the Premier League player most prone to mistakes – and Manchester United’s Paul Pogba is second.
New research has shown which Premier League players are making the most errors and how often they’re making them.
Out-of-favour Blues playmaker Ziyech has the dubious honour of topping the gaffe charts, making a mistake once every 4.29 minutes.
United midfielder Pogba cocks up once every 4.37 minutes and has notched up a whopping 145 blunders already this season.
The study by BettingOdds.com sees Manchester City’s reliable Fernandinho also feature in the top ten, making a mistake once every 4.87 minutes.

Most mistake prone player per club
Arsenal: Thomas Partey – 78 mistakes (8.05 minutes per mistake)
Aston Villa:Jacob Ramsey – 83 (7.23)
Brentford: Bryan Mbeumo – 151 (6.11)
Brighton: Tariq Lamptey – 32 (5.09)
Burnley: Matej Vydra – 43 (5.00)
Chelsea: Hakim Ziyech – 49 (4.29)
Crystal Palace: Conor Gallagher – 157 (6.10)
Everton: Allan – 123 (8.56)
Leeds: Kalvin Phillips – 130 (6.23)
Leicester: Wilfred Ndidi – 96 (7.50)
Liverpool: Konstantinos Tsimikas – 59 (6.59)
Man City: Fernandinho – 38 (4.87)
Man United: Paul Pogba – 145 (4.37)
Newcastle United: Sean Longstaff – 112 (6.49)
Norwich: Kieran Dowell – 46 (4.54)
Southampton: Mohamed Elyounoussi – 137 (5.44)
Tottenham: Emerson Royal – 107 (7.15)
Watford: Juraj Kucka – 174 (4.90)
West Ham: Tomas Soucek – 161 (6.64)
Wolves: Ruben Neves – 123 (7.34)

BEN BLOW
There are fears that Ben Chilwell suffered a serious knee injury in Chelsea’s Champions League win over Juventus.
The Chelsea defender is undergoing a scan today to assess suspected damage to his anterior cruciate ligament.
It means a spell on the sidelines could be on the cards for the £50million left-back just as he was starting to reassert his position in the team.
Chilwell had to be helped from the pitch 19 minutes from time in Chelsea’s thumping 4-0 Champions League win over Juventus on Wednesday.
He jarred his knee and looked to be in severe pain on the pitch before medics came to his assistance.
If he is side-lined it means boss Thomas Tuchel will have to rely on Spaniard Marcos Alonso to fill the left back slot for what looks destined to be a hectic season.

CRIS-IS
Antonio Conte fears Cristian Romero’s injury is more serious than first thought.
On-loan Atalanta defender Romero missed Tottenham’s 2-1 win over Leeds on Sunday after hurting his hamstring while playing for Argentina during the international break.
He is due to have another scan in the coming days to discover the full extent of the problem.
But new Spurs boss Conte, speaking ahead of tomorrow’s Europa Conference League clash at NS Mura, said: “Honestly, I think his injury is serious. But we have to wait.
“I don’t know now the time he needs to recover. Surely his injury is more serious than Giovani Lo Celso or Dane Scarlett’s.
“We have to wait for the next scan and then the doctor can give more information on the dates for his recovery.”

BAYERN STAR CHOUPO-MOTING TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has tested positive for the Coronavirus.The FC Bayern attacker is currently isolating at home and is feeling fine despite the circumstances. pic.twitter.com/Gv6wi7mI6u— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) November 24, 2021

MAUR WORK NEEDED
Manchester United have had an approach for Mauricio Pochettino knocked back by PSG.
The French club have been annoyed by reports that United could poach their manager and that he is desperate to move to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils board have now shelved any plans to get the 49-year-old away from the French capital until at least the summer.
United are searching for a new manager after sacking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last Saturday following the 4-1 defeat to Watford.
Pochettino and Leicester’s Brendan Rodgers are the leading candidates to replace him full-time.
Michael Carrick has been put in temporary charge and had a good start to his caretaker reign with a 2-0 Champions League win away to Villarreal last night.
He will remain at the helm for Sunday’s trip to Stamford Bridge and the 4.30pm kick-off against Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Load more entries… More

CHELSEA came away from their 4-0 win over Juventus with their chests puffed out – but for Ben Chilwell it is a different story.The club fear their left back will be out for a long time with a knee injury he sustained during the game.
The £50million left back is undergoing a scan today to assess suspected damage to his anterior cruciate ligament.
Thomas Tuchel’s side qualified for the Champions League last 16 following their win and are in the hat for the draw on December 13.
Meanwhile across London, Declan Rice is reportedly being targeted by a number of European giants.
The England midfielder has seemingly been growing and improving each month for the past few years and has been superb for the Hammers in their march to the top four this season.
In other news, Erling Haaland could be given a new contract at Borussia Dortmund, which would double the Norwegian’s wages.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid are all interested in signing the goalscoring machine, 21.
And Newcastle have reportedly joined the race to sign £70m Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic.
Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
COMMITTED
Man Utd target Brendan Rodgers has again stressed his commitment to Leicester City.
He said: “I don’t take it as anything. For me it’s not real. 
“There’s always gossip and speculation and I suppose that will always be there until United appoint a full-time manager.
“I’ve always said my commitment is here. My commitment is to this group of players, this team.
“So it (leaving) doesn’t come across my mind to be honest.”
THAT’LL SHOW EM
Former Arsenal boss Unai Emery is the latest shock addition to the list of candidates being considered for the Man United job.
According to German paper Bild, the Villarreal gaffer is in full contention to take charge at Old Trafford.
But there has so far been no contact between United and Emery after they played each other in the Champions League last night.
IN FOR THE KYL
Emmanuel Petit thinks Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe could ‘easily’ seal a shock transfer to newly mega-rich Newcastle.
He told gambling.com: “Anything can happen. We see what’s happened with Newcastle United – there have been rumours and you never know what’s going to happen at the end of the day, things can turn very easily and very quickly.
“There is a big link with Real Madrid and I know that in his mind when he was a child he was dreaming of playing for clubs like this, because of the stars they have there and the history of the club.
“Maybe he’s interested in Real Madrid because he’s tired of what’s happening here in France.
“I think he gets the feeling sometimes that he doesn’t get the same recognition as players like [Lionel] Messi or Neymar.”
ERROR STREWN
Chelsea flop Hakim Ziyech is the Premier League player most prone to mistakes – and Manchester United’s Paul Pogba is second.
New research has shown which Premier League players are making the most errors and how often they’re making them.
Out-of-favour Blues playmaker Ziyech has the dubious honour of topping the gaffe charts, making a mistake once every 4.29 minutes.
United midfielder Pogba cocks up once every 4.37 minutes and has notched up a whopping 145 blunders already this season.
The study by BettingOdds.com sees Manchester City’s reliable Fernandinho also feature in the top ten, making a mistake once every 4.87 minutes.

Most mistake prone player per club
Arsenal: Thomas Partey – 78 mistakes (8.05 minutes per mistake)
Aston Villa:Jacob Ramsey – 83 (7.23)
Brentford: Bryan Mbeumo – 151 (6.11)
Brighton: Tariq Lamptey – 32 (5.09)
Burnley: Matej Vydra – 43 (5.00)
Chelsea: Hakim Ziyech – 49 (4.29)
Crystal Palace: Conor Gallagher – 157 (6.10)
Everton: Allan – 123 (8.56)
Leeds: Kalvin Phillips – 130 (6.23)
Leicester: Wilfred Ndidi – 96 (7.50)
Liverpool: Konstantinos Tsimikas – 59 (6.59)
Man City: Fernandinho – 38 (4.87)
Man United: Paul Pogba – 145 (4.37)
Newcastle United: Sean Longstaff – 112 (6.49)
Norwich: Kieran Dowell – 46 (4.54)
Southampton: Mohamed Elyounoussi – 137 (5.44)
Tottenham: Emerson Royal – 107 (7.15)
Watford: Juraj Kucka – 174 (4.90)
West Ham: Tomas Soucek – 161 (6.64)
Wolves: Ruben Neves – 123 (7.34)

BEN BLOW
There are fears that Ben Chilwell suffered a serious knee injury in Chelsea’s Champions League win over Juventus.
The Chelsea defender is undergoing a scan today to assess suspected damage to his anterior cruciate ligament.
It means a spell on the sidelines could be on the cards for the £50million left-back just as he was starting to reassert his position in the team.
Chilwell had to be helped from the pitch 19 minutes from time in Chelsea’s thumping 4-0 Champions League win over Juventus on Wednesday.
He jarred his knee and looked to be in severe pain on the pitch before medics came to his assistance.
If he is side-lined it means boss Thomas Tuchel will have to rely on Spaniard Marcos Alonso to fill the left back slot for what looks destined to be a hectic season.

CRIS-IS
Antonio Conte fears Cristian Romero’s injury is more serious than first thought.
On-loan Atalanta defender Romero missed Tottenham’s 2-1 win over Leeds on Sunday after hurting his hamstring while playing for Argentina during the international break.
He is due to have another scan in the coming days to discover the full extent of the problem.
But new Spurs boss Conte, speaking ahead of tomorrow’s Europa Conference League clash at NS Mura, said: “Honestly, I think his injury is serious. But we have to wait.
“I don’t know now the time he needs to recover. Surely his injury is more serious than Giovani Lo Celso or Dane Scarlett’s.
“We have to wait for the next scan and then the doctor can give more information on the dates for his recovery.”

BAYERN STAR CHOUPO-MOTING TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has tested positive for the Coronavirus.The FC Bayern attacker is currently isolating at home and is feeling fine despite the circumstances. pic.twitter.com/Gv6wi7mI6u— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) November 24, 2021

MAUR WORK NEEDED
Manchester United have had an approach for Mauricio Pochettino knocked back by PSG.
The French club have been annoyed by reports that United could poach their manager and that he is desperate to move to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils board have now shelved any plans to get the 49-year-old away from the French capital until at least the summer.
United are searching for a new manager after sacking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last Saturday following the 4-1 defeat to Watford.
Pochettino and Leicester’s Brendan Rodgers are the leading candidates to replace him full-time.
Michael Carrick has been put in temporary charge and had a good start to his caretaker reign with a 2-0 Champions League win away to Villarreal last night.
He will remain at the helm for Sunday’s trip to Stamford Bridge and the 4.30pm kick-off against Premier League leaders Chelsea.

KING JAMES
Former Chelsea star Joe Cole has claimed right-back Reece James is as good as the best strikers in the business when he gets in front of goal.
The England international scored Thomas Tuchel’s side’s second goal in their 4-0 demolition of Juventus on Tuesday night.
And on BT Sport after the game, a buzzing Cole raved: “I was blown away by his technical ability. Especially for such a big, strong, athletic lad.
“His touch is velvet, he makes the right pass, takes the right decisions. And when he gets in front of goal it is like your top, top strikers’ level of composure and technique.”

EU’VE CHANGED
Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain boast a combined £1BILLION of talent in their 2021-22 squads – but things were once very different.
In fact, 13 years ago – when the two clubs first met in Europe – they looked VERY different.
Man City and PSG were drawn together in the same Uefa Cup group after taking very unconventional routes to the tournament.
Scarcely-believable now, but PSG finished 16TH in Ligue 1 in 2007-08 and only qualify for the Uefa Cup having won the Coupe de France.
City, meanwhile, only booked their place thanks to their FAIR PLAY record after finishing ninth a season earlier.
And on December 3, 2008 the pair finally met for the first time in Europe, with City having been taken over by Sheikh Mansour in September of the same year.

MAUR WORK NEEDED
Manchester United have had an approach for Mauricio Pochettino knocked back by PSG.
The French club have been annoyed by reports that United could poach their manager and that he is desperate to move to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils board have now shelved any plans to get the 49-year-old away from the French capital until at least the summer.
United are searching for a new manager after sacking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last Saturday following the 4-1 defeat to Watford.
Pochettino and Leicester’s Brendan Rodgers are the leading candidates to replace him full-time.
Michael Carrick has been put in temporary charge and had a good start to his caretaker reign with a 2-0 Champions League win away to Villarreal last night.
He will remain at the helm for Sunday’s trip to Stamford Bridge and the 4.30pm kick-off against Premier League leaders Chelsea.

FLECK DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITAL
Sheffield United’s John Fleck has been discharged from hospital after collapsing at Reading on Tuesday night. 
The Blades midfielder was rushed to hospital but has been allowed back home after staying overnight.
The club said: “Sheffield United is grateful to report that John Fleck has been discharged from hospital and will return to Sheffield today (Wednesday).
“He was conscious when he was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and was communicative with club and medical personnel, as well as his family.
“After comprehensive medical examinations and staying in hospital overnight for observation, he has been allowed home, where United medical staff will continue to monitor him closely.
“United and John Fleck would like to thank all who assisted at a stressful time last night and also everyone for their supportive messages.”
The Scotland international, 30, went down unchallenged during United’s 1-0 win against Reading before team-mates frantically waved medics on.
There was a ten-minute delay as Fleck received oxygen before he was stretchered onto an ambulance.
United goalscorer Jayden Bogle said: “It’s horrible whenever something like this happens.
“It happens so quickly. You don’ expect it, you expect to play a normal match. You don’t really think about those things going into games.
“The main thing is that he’s OK.”
LION CALL
Lionel Messi has offered Liverpool hope of signing Kylian Mbappe by placing doubt on his move to Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants had two bids rejected for Mbappe last summer.
But they remain keen on the forward, who is still yet to put pen to paper on a new contract despite his current deal expiring next summer.
When asked about the Frenchman’s possible move to Real, Messi told Marca: “The truth is I do not know. Only he knows what he has in his head and what he is going to do.
“I can only say that I am happy that he has stayed here this year. He is a very important player for us and to fight for the objectives we have. He is fully focused on our goals.
“And then he will decide what he will do when the season is over. The truth is that I don’t know what will happen. But he speaks very well in everything: Spanish, English, obviously French.”
Liverpool have also been linked with a transfer move for Mbappe in the past.
And it appears there could be an opportunity for the Reds to hijack Real’s move, with Mbappe seemingly undecided on his next move.

NUMBER RON
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player in Champions League history to score three late winners in one season with his goal last night.
The Portuguese superstar bailed Manchester United out once more with his classy finish away at Villarreal.
He broke the deadlock on 78 minutes after Fred’s interception, lofting the ball over goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.
Jadon Sancho blasted in his first Red Devils goal in the 90th minute to make it 2-0.
But it was Ronaldo who grabbed the winner.
United have won three of their five Champions League group stage matches so far – enough to book their place in the knockout stages.
And in all three, Ronaldo has settled it inside the last 15 minutes.

PEP TALK
Pep Guardiola endorsed the credentials of Mauricio Pochettino by insisting titles are not necessary to be a top manager.
The PSG boss is in the frame to become Manchester United’s next manager following the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Sunday.
On Wednesday night he goes head-to-head with Pep, who has a glittering CV from his time with Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
And speaking about the Argentine, Guardiola said: “Yes you can be a top manager without titles, of course. The managers who have the chance to win titles are at top top clubs with good investments and exceptional players.
“Otherwise it’s impossible to win. That doesn’t mean the managers in the Championship or in the PL but outside the top six at the top cannot be excellent managers.
“They can be in tactics, and communication, leading the team, as human beings. it’s not necessary to win titles to be a top manager.
“I’m pretty sure the managers get better every year. Every season we go through you have a lot of learning every season, I’m pretty sure he’s an excellent manager.”

FOOTIE ACE GUILTY
Karim Benzema was found guilty today over a sex tape blackmail plot targeting his former France teammate Mathieu Valbuena.
But the Real Madrid ace, 33, dodged jail as he was handed a one-year suspended sentence by a court in Versailles, near Paris.
He was also fined £63,000 after being convicted of complicity in the blackmail plot.
The forward, who had denied any wrongdoing, was not in court.
He is due to play for Spanish giants Real against Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol later today.
He also swerved his trial last month, choosing instead to train with his club ahead of their El Clasico clash with Barcelona.
Prosecutors said Benzema was working with a gang who blackmailed former France midfielder Valbuena, now 37.
He is said to have convinced his international teammate to cough up so an X-rated video would not be made public.

KANTE BELIEVE IT
N’Golo Kante is an injury doubt for Chelsea’s game against Manchester United after being forced off in tonight’s 4-0 win over Juventus, writes ANTHONY CHAPMAN.
And Ben Chilwell could also miss out after limping off with an apparent knee problem.
Midfielder Kante lasted just 38 minutes in Tuesday’s Champions League group stage game, which sealed Chelsea’s place in the knockout stages.
And Chilwell was withdrawn for Cesar Azpilicueta in the 68th minute after a collision while sprinting.
Kante looked to be moving awkwardly moments before he was taken off by Thomas Tuchel.
STERLING RETURN TO LIVERPOOL?
Former Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson believes his old club should go in for Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling.
The England international’s future is currently up in the air after being benched for much of the season so far.
And Johnson feels a second spell at Anfield could work out for both Sterling and Liverpool.
He told Betting Odds: “If it’s genuinely between Liverpool and Barcelona then it’s no competition considering where both clubs are at the moment.
“Liverpool could certainly do with a player like Raheem but he would probably struggle initially to get into their starting XI as both Salah and Mané are on flames at the moment.
“However, they can’t play 60 games a season each either. There would certainly be an opportunity for Raheem to fight for a space at Liverpool. He’s still a world class player and I’m sure Liverpool would like the chance to re-sign him.”
DOUBLE DEAL
Eddie Howe is keen on bringing Kieran Trippier back to the Premier League in a bid to help him kickstart the St. James’ Park revolution.
Newcastle also want out-of-contract Borussia Dortmund midfielder Axel Witsel to add some much needed steel in midfield.
England international Trippier was linked with Manchester United in the summer but a move failed to materialise.
And now according to the Mirror the Magpies are eyeing a swoop for the 31-year-old Atletico Madrid full-back in January.
New boss Eddie Howe is targeting players with plenty of character to help his side beat the drop.
He believes Trippier, who has been capped 35 times by the Three Lions, has what it takes to help steer his side to safety.
Discussions are reportedly already underway between Toon chiefs and Trippier’s representatives.
Meanwhile 120-cap Belgium international Witsel is out-of-contract in the summer and free to begin negotiations regarding a pre-contract deal from January 1.
German outlet Sport1 report the player himself is ‘open’ to a move at the end of what will be four years in the Bundesliga.

HAAD BARGAIN
Borussia Dortmund hope doubling Erling Haaland’s wages and delaying his cheap release clause will convince him to stay at the club, according to reports.
The Norwegian striker, 21, is one of the hottest properties in world football with his brutal goalscoring rate.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid are among the European elite fighting over his signature.
But according to Sky in Germany, Dortmund are preparing to table a new contract for Haaland.
That offer would see his wages leap from around £145,000 per week to £290,000 per week.
The report also adds that the release clause in Haaland’s current deal – £63million which becomes active next summer – would be postponed by another 12 months.
That could see Dortmund hold on to the player for an extra year or get a more reasonable transfer fee if they sold him at the end of this season.

HEART & SOL
Michael Carrick dedicated Manchester United’s win at Villarreal to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after the club legend was sacked at the weekend.
After the game, Carrick told BT Sport: “We came here to win the game, I believed we would.
“We were ready and it was a tough game. The boys dug in and showed a little bit of everything.
“Let’s be honest, I don’t think anyone would have expected to come out here and play pretty football from the word go.
“When you have suffered results-wise and you’re not in a great vein of form, it’s not easy to come out and let everything click.
“We had to dig in and we had to fight and it didn’t go our way at times and the game looked like it was drifting away then the subs made a massive impact. The boys gave everything.”

FAB DISPLAY
Fabio Capello was blown away by Chelsea’s tactics as they gave Juventus a ‘lesson in football’ in their 4-0 win.
The Italian said: “I think this was a real lesson in football from Chelsea.
“Let’s take Liverpool for example, they play aggressively and vertically.
“And tonight we saw Chelsea press, run and never pass the ball backwards. They never start from the back, instead they are always proactive, always forward, no passes to the goalkeeper.
“These are rhythms that the Italian league is no longer used to. There is a big difference in speed and quality compared to our league.
“There is another pressure. Then here are the tackles, you enter hard, the referee does not whistle for fouls that would be whistled here [in Serie A].
“In Italy you play too much with the goalkeeper. I think they are two German coaches, maybe we need to learn from them and update ourselves.
“A coach used to say, ‘How you train is you play.’ When there is great intensity and competitive spirit and you are not used to it, it becomes difficult. When you train with not enough rhythm in the end you get these results in Europe.”

GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS
Declan Rice isn’t only hot property in England, he’s also being eyed by a number of top European clubs.
The 22-year-old West Ham captain has taken his game to another level this season, leading to European juggernauts believing he’s the ‘real deal’, according to Eurosport’s Dean Jones.
Man Utd managerial target Mauricio Pochettino has declared he is ‘happy in Paris’.
Speaking ahead of Paris Saint-Germain’s crunch UCL clash against Manchester City, he said: “My contract is until 2023 – this season and one more. I don’t say anything different.
“I’m happy in Paris – that’s a fact. I’m happy in Paris.”
Liverpool, Leicester and Newcastle are keeping tabs on Olympiacos wonderkid Aguibou Camara.
Camara, 20, has been a revelation in Piraeus since joining the Greek champions from Lille last summer and has put together a series of impressive performances in the Europa League and Superleague.
The versatile midfielder, who can also play on the wing, has already amassed five goals and two assists in 17 appearances across all competitions – and helped Pedro Martins’ side beat AEK Athens on Sunday’s local derby with a screamer.
SunSport understands that Liverpool, Leicester and Newcastle have all made contact with the Guinea international’s agent.
And Bayern Munich have reportedly docked the wages of five isolating players who refused to get coronavirus vaccines.
Bild claims Serge Gnabry, Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Michael Cuisance have been informed their pay will be withheld for every match and training session missed while self-isolating.
The Bayern quintet have all apparently turned down the offer of a jab.
TOP FORM
David de Gea pulled off some outstanding saves against Villarreal tonight.
He also kept a clean sheet, helping confirm United’s place in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

FEEL THE FERN
Heading into tomorrow’s UCL fixtures, Man Utd’s Bruno Fernandes tops the assists charts.

Load more entries… More

CHELSEA sealed qualification through to the Champions League knockout stages with an emphatic 4-0 win over Juventus. Meanwhile across London, Declan Rice is reportedly being targeted by a number of European giants.
Gareth Southgate has signed a new contract with England, keeping him in the job until after Euro 2024.
The Three Lions boss has done a top job since taking the post in 2016 and will now lead England at the World Cup in 2022 and the Euros.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have reportedly joined the race to sign £70m Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic.
Newcastle are also putting their January transfer plans into place, with reports linking them to Inter’s Marcelo Brozovic and Bayern Munich’s Niklas Sule.
We’ve also the very latest on Chelsea’s transfer plans, while Romelu Lukaku is a major doubt for the clash with Juventus.
Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
TOP FORM
David de Gea pulled off some outstanding saves against Villarreal tonight.
He also kept a clean sheet, helping confirm United’s place in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

FEEL THE FERN
Heading into tomorrow’s UCL fixtures, Man Utd’s Bruno Fernandes tops the assists charts.

IN THE RON-NING
Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski is the top scorer in the Champions League this season.
Ajax’s Seb Haller has grabbed seven…. not bad for a man who struggled at West Ham.
And Man Utd’s Cristiano Ronaldo has bagged SIX crucial goals for the Red Devils.

KANTE BELIEVE IT
N’Golo Kante is an injury doubt for Chelsea’s game against Manchester United after being forced off in tonight’s 4-0 win over Juventus, writes ANTHONY CHAPMAN.
And Ben Chilwell could also miss out after limping off with an apparent knee problem.
Midfielder Kante lasted just 38 minutes in Tuesday’s Champions League group stage game, which sealed Chelsea’s place in the knockout stages.
And Chilwell was withdrawn for Cesar Azpilicueta in the 68th minute after a collision while sprinting.
Kante looked to be moving awkwardly moments before he was taken off by Thomas Tuchel.
BREAKING: BLADES SHOCK
Sheffield United star John Fleck has been rushed to hospital after collapsing on the pitch in worrying scenes against Reading, writes DAVE FRASER.
The Blades midfielder, 30, received around TEN MINUTES of urgent medical care on the pitch at the Madejski Stadium.
Fleck was taken away from the ground in an ambulance in what Sheff Utd called ‘concerning moments’.
The club tweeted: “Concerning moments as urgent medical attention needed for John Fleck.
“Play is yet to restart but the Scottish midfielder is on his feet and receiving further medical care.
“Fleck leaves the field on a stretcher after receiving urgent medical care.
“Our thoughts are with you, Flecky!”
FT AROUND THE GROUNDS
Here’s the results from Tuesday’s Champions League fixtures:

Dynamo Kyiv 1-2 Bayern Munich FT
Villarreal 0-2 Man Utd FT
Chelsea 4-0 Juventus FT
Barcelona 0-0 Benfica FT
Sevilla 2-0 Wolfsburg FT
Malmo 1-1 Zenit FT
Lille 1-0 RB Salzburg FT
Young Boys 3-3 Atalanta FT

Credit: PA
UNITED WIN FOR SOLSKJAER
Man Utd interim manager Michael Carrick dedicated tonight’s 2-0 win over Villarreal to sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho netted to book United’s place in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
He told BT Sport: “We came here to win the game, I believed we would.
“We were ready and it was a tough game. The boys dug in and showed a little bit of everything.
“Let’s be honest, I don’t think anyone would have expected to come out here and play pretty football from the word go.
“When you have suffered results-wise and you’re not in a great vein of form, it’s not easy to come out and let everything click.
“We had to dig in and we had to fight and it didn’t go our way at times and the game looked like it was drifting away then the subs made a massive impact. The boys gave everything.”
GUTTED TAV
Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell says Nuno Tavares will be ‘gutted’ after his poor performance against Liverpool last weekend.
The Gunners were brushed aside 4-0 at Anfield, ending their ten-game unbeaten streak.
On Tavares, Campbell told FootballInsider: “Tavares is going to be gutted.
“Look, he did not have a great second half. He made a couple of big errors but by and large he did OK. They were elementary mistakes but these things happen.
“He is playing against [Mohamed] Salah – arguably the hottest player in the world right now. For the [Diogo] Jota goal, he robbed Salah of the ball and then got the simple part wrong – passing to a yellow shirt. Sometimes you cannot legislate for that.
“That goal made it a mountain to climb. Arsenal just could not hold out.
“It was painful for Tavares but it should be for everyone. It was a 4-0 defeat.”
AROUND THE GROUNDS
Here’s a look at tonight’s Champions League scores:

Dynamo Kyiv 1-2 Bayern Munich FT
Villarreal 0-2 Man Utd FT
Chelsea 1- Juventus HT
Barcelona 0-0 Benfica HT
Sevilla 1-0 Wolfsburg HT
Malmo 1-0 Zenit HT
Lille 1-0 RB Salzburg HT
Young Boys 1-1 Atalanta HT

MARC MY WORDS
Marc Overmars is reportedly unwilling to make the move from Ajax to become Newcastle’s director of football, writes JAKE LAMBOURNE.
The Arsenal legend, who won the Premier League and FA Cup in the 1997-98 season, has been linked with relocating to Tyneside following the club’s £300million takeover.
Dutch journalist Valentijn Driessen declared last month that the 48-year-old would accept the Magpies’ offer.
He told Voetbalpraat: “Overmars will go, I think. If he gets the chance, he goes.
“Overmars has to start in January or February, because he has to put together the squad for the new season.
“And his successor must do that for Ajax.”
But according to De Telegraaf, Overmars will NOT be joining Newcastle any time soon, as he ‘isn’t interested’ in the job.

‘HAPPY IN PARIS’ 
Mauricio Pochettino has insisted he is ‘very happy at Paris Saint-Germain’ amid Manchester United rumours – but refused to rule out a move to Old Trafford, writes DAVE FRASER.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked on Sunday morning just hours after the 4-1 humiliation at Watford.
On the rumours linking him with United, Pochettino said: “I’m very focused on football.
“I’m, not a child, I’ve spent my whole life playing football and spent 12 years as a coach – I know rumours will always be there.
“Sometimes positive and negative. But they cannot distract you. That’s football.
“We are focused 100 per cent to get the best result we can. So we can’t talk about that.
“I respect my club, PSG. What other clubs are doing is not my problem. I need to focus on PSG.
“I was a player here and love the club and fans. It’s a fantastic time to be at the club.
“Football is today, not tomorrow. Football is about results… two years ago, we left Tottenham and a few weeks before there were a lot of rumours about us and look what happened.
“It’s about winning. It’s about the results.
“My contract is until 2023 – this season and one more. I don’t say anything different.
“I’m happy in Paris – that’s a fact. I’m happy in Paris.”
FT IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
There were two early kick-offs in the Champions League tonight.

Dynamo Kyiv 1-2 Bayern Munich
Villarreal 0-2 Man Utd

And there’s a whole load of other games that kick-off in the competition in a matter of minutes!

Chelsea vs Juventus
Barcelona vs Benfica
Sevilla vs Wolfsburg
Malmo vs Zenit
Lille vs RB Salzburg
Young Boys vs Atalanta

RICE RICE BABY
Declan Rice is now attracting interest from top clubs across Europe as well as England.
The 22-year-old holding midfielder has taken his game to another level this season after the Euro 2020 heartbreak with England.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool have all registered an interest in Rice.
But now it appears he’s attracting suitors from abroad.
And if West Ham wanted to tie Rice down, it would risk putting themselves into financial trouble.
Eurosport’s Dean Jones said on The Done Deal Show: “There’s not anything particular in terms of talks, but basically, if West Ham are going to keep Declan Rice, they’ve got to almost put the club in financial trouble, because it’s such a big deal to now sign Declan Rice.
“Every big club in the Premier League wants him. There are even clubs, I’m told, abroad that are starting to look at him as the real deal.
“I think personally, he will stay in the Premier League anyway, so I don’t think that’ll come into the question.”
AP-PAUL-LED
Paul Scholes has sensationally claimed the ENTIRE Manchester United backroom staff should have been sacked alongside Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, writes DAVE FRASER.
The Norwegian, 48, was axed on Sunday morning just hours after the 4-1 mauling at Watford.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash at Villarreal on BT Sport, a fuming Scholes said: “Will they be any better tonight?
“It’s the same people running the team. It’s the same people who have been given massive responsibility every single week to put that team on the pitch.
“Arguably it’s more Kieran McKenna and Michael Carrick who have been preparing the team.
“Ole gave them the responsibility to do that. So how that changes, I don’t know…
“I would be embarrassed being on the staff now after what happened to Ole.
“They all should have gone, sacked or gone off their own back.
“They were part of Ole’s team. Ole trusted them each week to prepare a team for games.
“They have let the club down – and the players down – just as much as Ole has.
“I just think, if I was in their position now, I’d be feeling guilty still working at this football club after Ole put so much trust in them.”
EXCLUSIVE: CAM AND GET HIM
Liverpool, Leicester and Newcastle are keeping tabs on Olympiacos wonderkid Aguibou Camara, writes KOSTAS LIANOS.
Camara, 20, has been a revelation in Piraeus since joining the Greek champions from Lille last summer and has put together a series of impressive performances in the Europa League and Superleague.
The versatile midfielder, who can also play on the wing, has already amassed five goals and two assists in 17 appearances across all competitions – and helped Pedro Martins’ side beat AEK Athens on Sunday’s local derby with a screamer.
SunSport understand that Liverpool, Leicester and Newcastle have all made contact with the Guinea international’s agent.
And people close to the playmaker expect him to move to the Premier League by next summer.
HT SCORES
There’s two early kick-offs in the Champions League tonight.

Dynamo Kyiv 0-2 Bayern Munich
Villarreal 0-0 Man Utd

And there’s a number of other UCL fixtures kicking off at 8PM UK time.

Chelsea vs Juventus
Barcelona vs Benfica
Sevilla vs Wolfsburg
Malmo vs Zenit
Lille vs RB Salzburg
Young Boys vs Atalanta

REF TAKES KLOPP’S SIDE
Former referee Keith Hackett believes Sadio Mane’s challenge on Takehiro Tomiyasu was not a red card.
The challenge dragged both managers into a war of words on the touchline.
Hackett told the FootballInsider: “The Tomiyasu challenge was what sparked the incident in the technical areas.
“Again I thought Michael Oliver got it right. I didn’t see that as a serious foul play challenge. I thought it was reckless.
“Yes, it’s a fine line but for me it was reckless. I think the match officials get it right.
“It’s good to praise a match official when they get it right.”
ON THE HEAD
Kalvin Phillips needed treatment for a head injury after an accident in a London nightclub, it has been claimed, writes JACK FIGG.
The Leeds squad stayed in the capital after their 2-1 defeat at Tottenham on Sunday and visited the popular Cirque Le Soir.
But according to The Telegraph, Phillips caught his head and required treatment for what was described as a ‘graze that caused a cut’. 
He was assessed by Leeds’ club doctor and passed fit to train as scheduled on Tuesday.
It makes him available for their trip to Brighton on Saturday, as they sit 17th, just two points above the relegation zone.
Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa gave the green light for his players to enjoy a night out.
After all, they all missed out on a Christmas party last season due to coronavirus restrictions.

KICK-OFF NEARS
Play will be underway in Spain shortly, and if you can’t catch the game live, SunSport has you covered.
A loss for United could put them in danger of finishing third, if results go against them elsewhere.
You can follow our dedicated live match blog by clicking the link below.
⚽ Read our dedicated live match blog for Manchester United vs Villarreal to keep up to date with all the latest goals and drama
BREAKING: GAME ON
Manchester United are reportedly in talks with former Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde to take charge as interim manager, writes ANTHONY CHAPMAN.
The Guardian claims the tactician is already been asked about potential transfers in January.
And United’s board reckon he would be a great coach for Cristiano Ronaldo after working well with Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp.
It’s claimed Valverde has held talks with United sporting director John Murtough just days after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking.
Michael Carrick will lead the Red Devils in tonight’s Champions League clash against Villarreal.
But Valverde is now being lined up to take charge of United until a permanent hire is made next summer.
The Spaniard managed Barca between 2017 and 2020, winning two LaLiga titles and one Copa del Rey.
BEEK STREAK
Donny van de Beek will finally get to start for Manchester United in their Champions League clash against Villarreal this evening.
De Beek hardly got a look in under ex-United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who was sacked on the weekend.
But Michael Carrick is willing to put his faith in the Dutchman in his first game as interim boss.
1 De Gea; 29 Wan-Bissaka, 2 Lindelof, 5 Maguire, 27 Alex Telles; 39 McTominay, 17 Fred; 25 Sancho, 34 Van de Beek, 9 Martial; 7 Ronaldo.

RODGER THAT
Former Liverpool ace Glen Johnson reckons Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers would be a good fit for Manchester United.
Rodger’s has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford as a replacement for ex-United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
However, Johnson isn’t sure if United’s big names such as Cristiano Ronaldo will want to take orders from the ex-Liverpool head coach.
Johnson told Betting Odds: “Brendan would be a good fit but I don’t know how Brendan feels. He’s obviously not from Liverpool and whether Manchester United are struggling or not, they’re still a massive club so it would be hard for a ‘neutral’ manager to turn down”
“I think Brendan plays good football and he would certainly get the players playing. But whether the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo buy into that and everything he’s going to do, I’m not so sure”
“I think they need a manager who’s worked with big names and big clubs in the past”
SILVA LINING
Manchester City star Bernado Silva has credited boss Pep Guardiola for making him a better player every year.
Silva’s gone from strength to strength since joining City in 2017, and he revealed that Pep is a major factor in his progress.
Silva told the club: “Here at Manchester City, I feel like a better player every year, mainly because of how I understand the game, of how I understand what is needed for each phase of the game.”
“Sometimes the team needs to speed up the game and having a coach like Pep, who likes to control the rhythm of the game by dominating possession, drives us all to win every year.”
COR BLIMEY
Bayern Munich have reportedly docked the wages of five isolating players who refused to get coronavirus vaccines.
Bild claims Serge Gnabry, Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Michael Cuisance have been informed their pay will be withheld for every match and training session missed while self-isolating.
The Bayern quintet have all apparently turned down the offer of a jab.
And they are now in quarantine after being exposed to Covid over the weekend.
Germany is in the grips of a fourth wave with infection levels soaring, and has one of Western Europe’s lowest vaccination rates.
Bayern chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge now hopes the decision to dock wages will force the club’s sceptical players to get jabbed.
He said: “Everyone has tried to sort out the non-vaccination issue and find a solution.
“That didn’t work out. Maybe it will work now.”
BACK ONLINE
Jack Grealish has resurfaced despite sitting out Manchester City’s clash with Everton after picking up a knock on international duty.
The England star had been keeping a low profile while his name hit the headlines when his love triangle drama emerged in The Sun.
He remained tight-lipped on his social media accounts as reports connected him to a series of glamorous women.
But the 26-year-old broke cover on Sunday when he posted a clip on Instagram from the Etihad stands… with three blue love hearts.
Grealish watched on as City trounced Everton 3-0 to go second in the Premier League.
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