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      Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 press conference live stream FREE: how to watch

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      TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk will be on the stage soon for their final press conference before their heavyweight showdown this Saturday.The two men will be exchanging words in just a few hours and here at SunSport, we will give you all the details as they roll out.The first press conference was held on October 23.Credit: GettyLast time the two men faced the press, Usyk was seen sporting quite a comical outfit where he wore a black suit and red tie to resemble famous video game character Agent 47. We also saw the Ukrainian hold up a signed poster of the first fight, with the image being one of Usyk’s biggest punches that landed on the Gypsy King.Oleksander Usyk won by split-decision after rocking Fury in the ninth round.Credit: AFPTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK 2 TIPS AND ODDSHow to watch Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 press conference for FREEWill we see similar antics from Oleksandr Usyk? – or will it be Tyson Fury who makes the statement.Read more on Fury vs Usyk 2The press conference will start at 4pm UK time and can be watched on the DAZN website if you have DAZN subscription.Alternatively, you can watch it for FREE on the DAZN, TNT Sports and Sky Sports respective YouTube Channels.When is Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk 2?Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 will take place on Saturday, December 21.The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia hosts the big fight.The ring walks are expected from around 11pm BST. More

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      in Soccer

      Meet new Wolves boss Vitor Pereira, the fiery journeyman who fans blocked from getting job with Premier League rivals

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      VITOR PEREIRA is the latest in a long line of Jorge Mendes’ clients to be handed the top job at Wolves.The notoriously hotheaded Portuguese boss was announced Gary O’Neil’s replacement at Molineux on Thursday afternoon, on an 18-month contract.Vitor Pereira has been announced as the new boss of WolvesCredit: GettyThe journeyman coach almost took charge of Everton in 2022Credit: AFPThe Portuguese takes over from Gary O’Neil who was sacked earlier this monthCredit: PAAnd anyone expecting Pereira to tow the party line at Wanderers should check out how he responded to an attempted press conference muzzling in Saudi Arabia.Pereira, when boss of Al Ahli in the 2013-14 campaign, began a rant castigating a player as “a bad professional” when the press officer conducting the media briefing cut him off.The manager was told not to focus on individuals, prompting a furious tirade from an incensed Pereira who raged: “My friend, I talk about what I want. This is the first time in my life that someone tells me what I can say!”If Wolves’ pressers are anything like as animated under the 56-year-old, then they could well be compelling viewing for the rest of the season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLO’Neil – and in so doing, gone back to Mendes.The Portuguese super agent, who famously managed the careers of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho, was the man behind the appointments of Walter Zenga, Nuno Espirito Santo, Bruno Lage and Julen Lopetegui.Fosun had gone in a different direction with O’Neil but have seemingly reverted to type with the club in serious danger of relegation.On the face of it, Pereira is the most journeyman of journeyman managers, with Wolves his ELEVENTH post since succeeding Andre Villas-Boas as Porto boss in 2011.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis globe-trotting has seen him coach clubs in Portugal, Greece, Turkey, China, Brazil, Germany, Saudi and now England.But his statistics and silverware count are relatively impressive, with a win ratio of 53 per cent, a goals-per-game ratio of 1.8 and a trophy count of eight.’Serious problems at PGMOL’ Ex-Prem ref blasts VAR after baffling decisions at Liverpool and WolvesHowever, half of those came at Porto where he was promoted from his role of assistant to AVB.His side, which had stars like James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho, struggled in Europe but won back-to-back league titles.Porto’s dominance ended after he left, with Benfica crowned champions for the following four seasons, which explains why Pereira is still so highly regarded in his homeland.The former lower-league midfielder has had mixed fortunes since then.He won the double with Olympiacos in 2015 and Shanghai’s first-ever Chinese Super League title three years later.But he suffered relegation to the third tier of German football with 1860 Munich and pulled up few trees at Fenerbahce, Corinthians, Flamengo and Al Shabab in the last four years.Everton fans’ graffiti on Goodison Park made clear their feeling about PeireraCredit: Twitter @EvertonNewsFeedToffees supporters railed against the club’s ownership before Frank Lampard’s appointment two years agoCredit: PAPereira’s dream has been a Premier League role for some time and in 2022, he came close to realising it with Everton as Rafa Benitez’s successor before Frank Lampard got it.But fans protested the possible appointment, with graffiti sprayed on Goodison Park demanding “Pereira out Lampard in”, leading to the England centurion being appointed.Wolves have taken the plunge two years on after paying the £800,000 release clause in his contract at Al-Shabab, where he bossed ex-Wanderers midfielder Daniel Podence.Pereira, who will sign a one-and-a-half-year contract, faces a huge challenge with 19th-placed Wanderers five points from safety and as leaky as a sieve at the back.Wolves’ VAR complaintsWolves have listed nine negative repercussions from the introduction of VAR in their complaint.Impact on goal celebrations and the spontaneous passion that makes football specialFrustration and confusion inside stadiums due to lengthy VAR checks and poor communicationA more hostile atmosphere with protests, booing of the Premier League anthem and chants against VAROverreach of VAR’s original purpose to correct clear and obvious mistakes, now overanalysing subjective decisions and compromising the game’s fluidity and integrityDiminished accountability of on-field officials, due to the safety net of VAR, leading to an erosion of authority on the pitchContinued errors despite VAR, with supporters unable to accept human error after multiple views and replays, damaging confidence in officiating standardsDisruption of the Premier League’s fast pace with lengthy VAR checks and more added time, causing matches to run excessively longConstant discourse about VAR decisions often overshadowing the match itself, and tarnishing the reputation of the leagueErosion of trust and reputation, with VAR fuelling completely nonsensical allegations of corruptionTheir 40 goals shipped is four more than next-worst Southampton and was the problem O’Neil could not fix.Pereira has proved himself to be a shrewd tactician defensively, with an average goals conceded per game of 1.1 since 2011, and will target signing a new centre-back next month.The disciplinarian has another headache with star man Matheus Cunha in jeopardy of a lengthy ban for his bust-up with an opposition staff-member after Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Ipswich that did for his predecessor.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt all points to an uphill battle to save Wolves from the drop.But Pereira will certainly have something to say about that. More

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      Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk referee revealed… and he was at centre of hugely controversial boxing decision

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      THE REFEREE for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk was at the centre of a hugely controversial boxing decision last year.Robert Ramirez Jr will take charge of Saturday’s epic heavyweight showdown in Saudi Arabia.Robert Ramirez Jr will be in charge of Tyson Fury’s rematch vs Oleksandr UsykThe two men fight this weekend but Ramirez Jr has been involved in past controversyCredit: PAThe Puerto Rican has run the rule over 412 matches throughout his career, which started back in 2003.He has been involved in fights including the likes of Andre Ward and Tommy Fury.While he also took charge of Logan Paul’s win over Dillon Danis in 2023.Fury vs Usyk now represents the biggest bout of Ramirez Jr’s career.READ MORE IN BOXINGBut he was involved in controversy in November last year when Katie Taylor won her rematch against Chantelle Cameron in Dublin.The Irish ace had suffered the first defeat of her pro career to Cameron six months earlier.But Taylor regained her light welterweight titles with a majority decision in the rematch.The result proved to be controversial after she went down in the first round.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Ramirez Jr ruled it to be a slip, with Taylor fighting back to secure victory.Afterwards, Cameron blasted the ref for his decision and claimed the result was unfair.Oleksandr Usyk looks cool and calm and he spars and dances to Ukrainian music ahead of Fury boutRamirez Jr took charge of Katie Taylor’s controversial win over Chantelle CameronCredit: GettyHe was also the ref as Logan Paul beat Dillon DanisCredit: AlamyShe said: “It wasn’t just me and Katie in that ring. If it was, I’d take the loss and say the better woman won on the night.“I had everything against me. The ref on the night… it was such a high-status fight, why would you put in a referee that no one had heard of?“That’s not my job, it’s my job to fight. I don’t look into who’s reffing, who’s judging.“I’m just frustrated – if I could turn back the hands of time, I would make sure that was all looked into. I’ve learnt my lesson.”Cameron’s trainer Jamie Moore also took aim at Ramirez Jr, adding: “She just feels like this whole scenario was set up for her to lose.“It was a close fight, it could have gone either way. We were denied a knockdown in the first round, which should have been.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I begged the ref before, last time she (Taylor) got away with holding a lot. My fighter’s best work is up close.“And he allowed her to go on worse this time than it was last time.” More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal wonderkid Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, names unlikely player he is modelling his game on

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      ARSENAL’S teenage sensation Myles Lewis-Skelly has opened up on his bid to emulate a departing Gunners star.The starlet, 18, is striving to win trophies on all fronts this season after helping his side complete a 3-2 win against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup.Myles Lewis-Skelly has burst into the first-team picture this seasonCredit: GettyThe 18-year-old is on the trophy hunt – and modelling himself on a departing teammateCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly is establishing himself as a regular in Mikel Arteta’s first team squad at left back, despite starring in The Hale End academy as a central midfielder.And on the day it came out that Kieran Tierney is free to leave the Gunners, he opened up on what he’s learned from the Scottish full-back.He said: “I tried to mirror [myself on] Kieran Tierney.”Be strong in my duels, help the team out defensively and just be secure.READ MORE ON ARSENAL“He’s a great defender. His recovery runs are top so I tell him all the time that I take bits from his game.”His crosses into the box are exceptional because he’s a natural left back.”I’ve learnt a lot from him.”Lewis-Skelly made his first Champions League start against Monaco last week.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd he was rewarded with his full Premier League debut against Everton – helping the Gunners to clean sheets in both games.He progresses the ball brilliantly from left-back and shows maturity developed during his time growing up as a midfielder. ‘Tell me Arteta didn’t say that,’ says Piers Morgan after Arsenal manager’s ’embarrassing’ trophy claim He continued: “[I’m strong] on the ball, ball retention and keeping the play simple.”I’ve taken the basics from midfield to left back so it’s helped me.No doubt it’s been a lot for a young man to take on his shoulders, having so much faith put in him by Arteta.But he believes that by the end of the season, Arsenal will still be competing for trophies.Kieran Tierney is set to leave the Emirates on a free transferCredit: GettyArsenal player ratings vs EvertonARSENAL wasted their chance to capitalise on Liverpool dropping points as they were left frustrated by a resilient Everton.Here’s how the players ratedDAVID RAYA – 6/10No save to make. Could have lounged in the dressing room for the majority of the 90 minutes.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 7Started where he left off in mid-week in the Champions League, picking up great pockets of space in midfield and linking defence to attack with pace and precision.GABRIEL – 6Incredible recovery tackle to deny Doucoure with Saliba down injured. Well marked at corners with Everton doubling up on the Brazilian.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Lucky not to see Everton take the lead when he was down and out of position, but other than that was fairly untroubled.JURRIEN TIMBER – 5Tried his best to insert some pace and urgency down the right-hand side but lacking in attacking areas.DECLAN RICE – 5A rare anonymous showing from the England international. Did not do enough to impose himself but for a few decent tackles. No shock to see him hooked after 62 minutes.MIKEL MERINO – 6Showed glimpses, but still needs to get up to speed with pace Arsenal want to play at through the middle.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6Blazed over and dragged wide from two good early chances – missing his shooting boots in the first half just like against Monaco – and looked generally off it.It was still a surprise to see him subbed off just after the hour mark for Nwaneri.BUKAYO SAKA – 7Had a field day up against Mykolenko as Everton struggled to contain his brilliant movement and strength on the ball, yet Pickford made save after save.Got in the way of a free Havertz header towards the end.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Lively, especially because he had the beating of Young with some darting runs that kept the 39-year-old busy and was denied by Pickford from a tight angle.But yet again, was taken off for Trossard.KAI HAVERTZ – 6Lacked a serious goal threat but created Arsenal’s best chance with a delicious flick around the corner for Saka.SUBS:ETHAN NWANERI (ODEGAARD, 62) – 6A few nice touches and turns, looking for that trademark left-footed curling finish.JORGINHO (RICE, 62) – 6Got on the ball as Arsenal’s primary dictator from deep.THOMAS PARTEY (LEWIS-SKELLY, 68) – 5Offered very little.GABRIEL JESUS (MERINO, 68) – 5One dangerous cross easily claimed by Pickford was about it.LEANDRO TROSSARD (MARTINELLI, 74) – 6A bright spark. A few good crosses as Young tired on the left.The promising youngster added: “We aim to be winning trophies this season.”That’s our goal, we want to strive to win and you have to be in competition to win, so we’re happy about that.”For Tierney, he will leave the club on a free after a stint with the Gunners beset by injury. READ MORE SUN STORIESTierney made his first appearance in six months against Palace on Wednesday, but was again forced from the field with a knock late on.Arsenal have decided against triggering the Scot’s one-year extension, with his contract set to expire in the summer. More

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      Five HUGE changes Tyson Fury has made for Usyk rematch including ditching dad from corner and not speaking to his wife

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      TYSON FURY is pulling out all the stops in an effort to beat Oleksandr Uysk.The Gypsy King was handed his first-ever defeat by the Ukrainian maestro in their fight in May.Tyson Fury has made five major changes ahead of his Oleksandr Usyk rematchCredit: GettyUsyk’s thrilling split-decision points victory saw him crowned as the first undisputed heavyweight for 24 years. Only three of the belts are on the line this time after Usyk was forced to vacate the IBF strap, which was later won by Daniel Dubois.But Fury is determined to exact revenge in Riyadh on Saturday night.And the Morecambe mauler, 36, has made FIVE big changes to his camp to make sure he’s the one having his hefty arm listed this time.READ MORE ON BOXINGNot speaking to Paris during campFury revealed he has not spoken to wife, Paris, in three monthsCredit: AlamyFury revealed he has not spoken to his wife or kids for months as part of his fight preparation telling Queensberry Promotions: “It’s been a long camp, hasn’t seen my wife and kids in three months. “I haven’t spoken to [my wife] at all in three months. Not one word, sacrificed a lot. But it’ll all be worth it, 100 per cent.”Paris responded to the comments on social media by saying she fully supports him as it is “what he needs”.The couple got married back in 2008 and have now had seven children together; Venezuela, Prince John James, Prince Tyson II, Valencia Amber, Prince Adonis Amaziah, Athena and Prince Rico.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDitching dad John from cornerTyson’s dad, John, will be absent from his corner after previously being a main stayMadcap John Fury had previously been a mainstay in his son’s training camps ahead of fights.He was heavily criticised for his actions following the first fight in May, and has been removed from the camp this time around.’Ice cold’ Tyson Fury promises ‘pain’ for Oleksandr Usyk – but Ukrainian is winning ‘mind games’Instead, the Gypsy King will be taking on council exclusively from head trainer SugarHill Steward, Andy Lee and the cutman.Asked about John’s absence from camp, Steward said: “Tyson Fury is just ready right now, along with myself.”Growing a huge beardFury was clean-shaven last time outCredit: AFPBut he said he has not done any grooming from the eyebrows down since starting campCredit: GettyFury was a clean-shaven giant when he took on Usyk the first time.However, the glimpses we have seen into the camp this time around have seen him with a great big bushy beard, with Fury admitting he has not touched anywhere from the eyeballs down when it comes to grooming.But that may have to change before fight night, as the board in charge of the rules for the rematch state fighters must have their jawline visible for safety reasons.And unless he trims his facial hair to suit the rules, Fury could be prevented from fighting altogether. So watch this, or rather that, space.Putting on even more weightFury weighed in at 18st 10lbs during his first fight with UsykCredit: GettyHowever, he has revealed he is aiming to climb up to 21stCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kevinlerena/Fury has piled on the pounds for his rematch with Usyk.Last time out the 6ft 9” boxer weighed in at 18st 10lbs or 262 lbs.But Fury revealed to BoxNation that he was aiming to get up to 21st.Whether this is simply a bluff or not, nobody knows.But if he tips the scales at that incredible weight during Friday’s weigh-in, it would be heaviest he would ever be in a boxing ring.Refusing to do open workoutFury was involved in a bizarre open workout sessionCredit: GettyHe was in the ring for just four minutes before taking his gloves offCredit: PAFury was involved in a bizarre open workout session at Riyadh Plaza earlier this week, as he strangely took longer to travel to the venue by boat than spent in the ring.Steward laced up his gloves seemingly ready for the open workout session, before Fury bowed to the crowd and took them off again.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe then evaded all of DAZN reporter Claudia Trejos’ questions by reiterating that he is going to dish out ‘a lot of pain’ on Saturday night.On the so-called workout session, Steward said: “He’s always had like a silly demeanour and [been] playing around, but this is a different side of him.” More

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      in Soccer

      Gianluigi Donnarumma update as full extent of PSG star’s gruesome injuries revealed after horror challenge

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      MONACO star Wilfried Singo has insisted his sickening on-field collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma was an accident. The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper suffered gruesome facial injuries after a boot to the face from the Monaco defender on Wednesday. Gianluigi Donnarumma was left with a gaping wound in his cheek during Wednesday’s game with MonacoCredit: ReutersThe PSG goalkeeper was caught in the face by Monaco defender Wilfried SingoCredit: AFPThe Italian required a number of staples in his face following the brutal collisionCredit: AFPDonnarumma was forced off in the 22nd minute of PSG’s Ligue 1 contest at Stade Louis II.The 25-year-old dived at the feet of Singo during the top-of-the-table clash. Despite the brave stop, Donnarumma came off second best as Singo’s boot planted firmly into his cheek.The Italian required lengthy treatment with a huge gash pouring blood down his face.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAccording to French outlet RMC Sport, he later needed 10 staples to treat the deep cuts on his right cheek.PSG confirmed in a statement that Donnarumma had suffered “a facial trauma with multiple cuts.”Donnarumma remonstrated with referee Francois Letexier at half-time after Singo wasn’t booked for the challenge.The defender was already on a yellow card at the time, with the collision deemed accidental by the officials. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFollowing the game, Singo took to social media and penned messages in both French and Italian.He wrote: “My gesture was obviously not intentional, but I was able to see afterwards that he had a significant injury to his face.Gianluigi Donnarumma trolls England by singing It’s Coming Home in dressing room after Italy’s Euro 2020 win”I wish you a good recovery.”Donnarumma later updated concerned fans via his Instagram page.Sporting bandages and cuddling his pet dog, the Italian gave a thumbs up to the camera as he lounged on his sofa.Following Donnarumma’s injury, PSG battled back from 2-1 down to record an impressive 4-2 victory. A brace from Ousmane Dembele helped turn the game on its head after Monaco had come out firing after the break. The win extends their lead at the top of Ligue 1 over Marseille to ten points, with Monaco back in third. Donnarumma was fuming Slingo was not yellow-carded after the incidentCredit: AFPThe 25-year-old required lengthy treatment before being subbedCredit: AFPDonnarumma joined PSG in 2021 after starting his career at AC Milan.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe took the No. 1 jersey at the San Siro as a teenager, making over 200 appearances for the Rossoneri. This season, the Italian has played in 15 games for the Ligue 1 champions, keeping four clean sheets. The stopper posted an update on Instagram showing him with a bandage across his faceCredit: Instagram @donnarumma More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe changes ownership stake in Man Utd as he injects millions more but it won’t help Amorim

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has increased his ownership stake in Manchester United after injecting an extra £79million into the club.The Ineos chief previously owned 27.7 per cent of the Red Devils after paying the Glazers £1.2billion earlier this year.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has increased his stake in Man UtdCredit: PARatcliffe’s deal saw him promise to invest a further £237m.And a final payment of £79m has now been confirmed after being listed on the US Securities and Exchange Commission.It means Ratcliffe’s stake in United has increased to 28.94 per cent.Some of those shares have also been transferred from the chief to Ineos itself.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Ruben Amorim will not be seeing any of the extra cash.United’s new boss is hoping to reshape his squad in January with several signings.Amorim wants to sign a new left-back and could also look to strengthen in midfield.But the Mail claims Ratcliffe’s £79m will not be added to the transfer coffers.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSInstead, it will be used to boost infrastructure across the club in a variety of areas.The latest cash injection comes as Ratcliffe and Ineos look to cut costs on and off the pitch.Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd transfer bombshell about wanting ‘new challenge’ A whopping 250 members of staff have been let go – including sporting director Dan Ashworth.While players like Marcus Rashford are up for sale amid links with Arsenal.Ratcliffe has also come under fire for raising the price of match-day tickets with zero concessions for children or pensioners.Man Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its headAMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…Andre Onana – 6He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.Wasn’t tested that much however.Lisandro Martinez – 7Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.Harry Maguire – 8Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.Diogo Dalot – 5Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.Bruno Fernandes – 8Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equaliseManuel Ugarte – 7Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.Mason Mount 13′ – 6Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.Amad Diallo 90′ – 9The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.SubsKobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forwardJoshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.Antony 78′ – 6Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.Leny Yoro 78′ – 6Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6No time to have any influence on the game. More

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      Alex Greenwood has ‘successful’ surgery following knee injury on Champions League duty with Manchester City

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      ALEX GREENWOOD has undergone an operation on a knee injury she suffered during Manchester City’s Champions League defeat of St Polten.However the 96-capped England defender is set for lengthy spell out of action after having her medial collateral ligament (MCL) repaired.Man City say their medical team will work closely with Greenwood who sustained a knee injury this monthCredit: ReutersThe Man City skipper was stretchered off during the first half of her team’s defeat of Austrian side St Polten in the Women’s Champions League group stageCredit: ReutersMan City finished second in their Champions League group after falling to a 3-0 loss to Barcelona on December 18Credit: AFPGreenwood sustained her injury in the first half of her side’s 2-0 home win against their Austrian opponents in Europe on December 12.  The Man City captain appeared to be in discomfort after going to ground following a collision with St Polten forward Melanie Brunnthaler.She was later stretchered off in the 32nd minute. There were initial worries the defender, who has made nine WSL appearances so far this term, had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture.Read More Football Stories However this morning her club confirmed she damaged her MCL – which is the tissue connecting the thigh bone to the shin bone.While this usually involves a shorter period in recovery than an ACL injury it remains to be seen whether Greenwood will be fit ahead of England’s next set of international fixtures. In February Sarina Wiegman’s side are due to face Portugal and Spain in the Nations League as part of their build-up to next summer’s European Championship. And supporters will hope that Greenwood, who was part of the England squad that won the Women’s Euros two years ago, will be fit before the 2025 tournament in Switzerland. Most read in FootballMan City’s update follows their WSL team falling to a 3-0 loss to Barcelona on Wednesday. Goals from Claudia Pina, Aitana Bonmati and Barca captain Alexia Puttellas resulted in the Catalan giants finishing top of Group D with City in second spot. The Cityzens’ second place finish means they could potentially face Arsenal, Chelsea or Lyon in the competition’s quarter-finals next year. The team, who are currently second in the WSL and six points off leaders, Chelsea will find out who their opponents will be after the draw on February 7. City are contending with a swathe of injuries with forwards Khadija Shaw, Lauren Hemp and Vivianne Miedema currently sidelined. Vivianne Miedema hopes to be “fully recharged” and ready to make her Man City return in the new yearCredit: GettyAnd forward Chloe Kelly, who has faced a battle for minutes this term, was absent from the squad that faced Barcelona. City chief Gareth Taylor said this was due to “on-going symptoms” concerning concussion she sustained whilst on England duty in November. The Euros-winning Lioness star, whose current City contract runs until next summer, has started once in six top-flight appearances so far this season.  More