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      Man Utd in advanced talks for pre-season tournament – but line-up not finalised because club must stay in Premier League

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are in advanced talks to play in a pre-season tournament in the US. But the Red Devils have only been pencilled into the line-up as their top-flight status for next season is not yet secured.Man Utd need to secure their Premier League status before their spot is confirmedCredit: RexMan Utd have been invited to feature in the Premier League Summer Series.They are set to come up against West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton in the pre-season event in July.Atlanta, New Jersey and Chicago are all expected to host matches after the conclusion of the revamped Club World Cup.Man Utd will also reportedly play a separate game from the tournament while in the US.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey also plan to head to Malaysia in a money-spinning tour that could see the club earn £7.96m, according to report.Both Bournemouth and West Ham visited the US last summer before this season got underway.The Cherries have heavy American involvement from owner Bill Foley and midfielder Tyler Adams.Meanwhile, the Hammers played in last year’s Stateside Cup against Crystal Palace and Wolves.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Premier League Summer Series was cancelled last year due to complications organising the event.Several sides had already made plans for pre-season when they were invited and broadcaster NBC had their TV schedule full due to the Olympics and Copa America.Man Utd player ratings vs Tottenham: Hojlund arguably worst No9 in club’s history as Dorgu has nightmare debutThe first edition of the tournament in 2023 saw each team play three fixtures.Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton, Chelsea, Fulham and Newcastle were all involved, with the Blues lifting the cup after two wins and a draw. More

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      Is there extra-time in Champions League knockout phase ties?

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      THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE knockout phase play-offs are about to claim eight victims – but what happens if scores are level after 90 minutes?Europe’s elite club competition is in the business end of it’s first knockout phase in the new format. Jude Bellingham scored the winning goal of Real Madrid’s first leg game against Man CityCredit: GettyErling Haaland will be hoping to add to his first leg brace to send Man City throughCredit: GettyManchester City have work to do as they travel to the Bernabeu, trailing Real Madrid 3-2 after Jude Bellingham’s late winner in the first leg.Eight teams will miss out on the round of 16 after this round, and SunSport has everything you need to know about extra-time.Is there extra-time in the Champions League knockout phase ties?If the games are level on aggregate after 90 minutes, then yes, there will be extra time and potentially penalties.Where there now is extra-time, there used to be the “away goals” rule, whereas whichever team had scored the most goals away would win if the game was level.Read more FootballHowever, the rule was scrapped ahead of the 2021/22 season, with clubs now having to play extra time if the scores are level.Extra time will be used in every round of the knockout stages in the Champions League if two sides are level after 90 minutes.Should the sides still not be separated in the additional 30 minutes, a penalty shootout will decide which team progresses.Who is playing in the Champions League knockout stage?There are eight games of action over two nights, with half of the pack being eliminated from the Champions League, as part of their new format.Most read in Champions LeagueTuesday, February 17:Milan (0) vs Feyenoord (1) – 5:45pm GMTAtalanta (1) vs Club Brugge (2) – 8pm GMTBayern Munich (2) vs Celtic (1) – 8pm GMTBenfica (1) vs Monaco (0) – 8pm GMTWednesday, February 18:Dortmund (3) vs Sporting (0) – 5:45pm GMTParis (3) vs Brest (0) – 8pm GMTReal Madrid (3) vs Manchester City (2) – 8pm GMTPSV (1) vs Juventus (2) – 8pm GMT More

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      Poison scandal rocks Beterbiev vs Bivol card as world title fight is called off just days before Saudi event

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      THE ARTUR BETERBIEV vs Dmitry Bivol show has been hit by a world title pull-out.Floyd Schofield was supposed to challenge super-talent and lightweight world champ Shakur Stevenson on Saturday night in Riyadh.Floyd Schofield has vanished from Saudi Arabia leading to his fight on Saturday being called offCredit: GettyShakur Stevenson will not be able to take on Schofield on SaturdayCredit: GettyBut – after a bizarre rumour spread on Twitter that Schofield was poisoned – he failed to show for the arrivals tonight.The 22-year-old had initially showed up to Saudi Arabia and did all the Monday media, but then vanished on Tuesday and no-showed for the grand arrivalsThe pair were set to throw hands in a battle for the WBC World Lightweight Championship.But will no longer be able to take to the ring as a result of the bizarre circumstances.READ MORE IN BOXINGLeaked messages reportedly from Schofield’s dad, Floy Schofield Sr, accused unnamed people of poisoning his son.A text sent to Schofield Sr was leaked online, reading: “This isn’t something to take lightly Sr. I’m not trying to play no games.”I got love for y’all and looking out, but they spiked your son”.Reports claim that a screenshot of the message was then shared online by Schofield Sr.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSQuick thinking Queensberry staff are working to find a last-minute replacement for American three-weight ace Stevenson.But the card remains one of the most stacked and exciting in modern boxing times.Fans left queasy after Tyson Fury’s team-mate Joseph Parker shares video of himself eating a RAW FISHArtur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol headline the fight night that will also see Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker throw hands for the IBF World Heavyweight Championship.Matchroom, who represent Stevenson, have been approached for comment.Schofield had spoken to the media earlier in the week, previewing the fight, and showed no signs of wanting to back out at the time,Speaking to TalkSPORT, he said: “It’s a very huge opportunity. I’m ready to take the opportunity by storm.”I’m just going to go out there and do my best”.Despite the news, Eddie Hearn believed the fight will still go ahead.He said: “He’s [Schofield] is getting ready for the check-weight tomorrow. That’s why I believe he’s not here tonight. READ MORE SUN STORIES”That’s a question for Golden Boy [Schofield’s promotor], not for Eddie Hearn. Shakur Stevenson will be hear tonight.” Probed on if the fight is in any jeopardy, he added: “No. Not that I believe, no. I mean, we spoke to Golden Boy earlier and not that we believe – no.”Eddie Hearn believes the fight is still going aheadCredit: Getty More

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      Listen to Michael Oliver’s conversation with VAR over Lewis-Skelly red card as Howard Webb says referee got it wrong

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      HOWARD WEBB admits Michael Oliver and VAR were WRONG to send off Myles Lewis-Skelly during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Wolves last month.But the PGMOL chief said the criticism and abuse aimed at under-fire ref Oliver as a result was “wholly unacceptable”.Michael Oliver sent off Myles Lewis-Skelly in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over WolvesCredit: PALewis-Skelly was shown red for a foul on Matt Doherty but the card ended up being overturnedCredit: PAVAR Darren England didn’t advise Oliver to look at the incidentCredit: PAThe conversation that took place between Oliver and England and the assistant VAR has been revealedCredit: Sky SportsOliver told England and his assistant that he’d send off Lewis-Skelly before issuing the redCredit: Sky SportsGunners defender Lewis-Skelly was shown a first half straight red for a cynical trip on Wolves’ Matt Doherty just outside the Arsenal box – sparking widespread outrage from fans and pundits.Oliver claimed it was “serious foul play”, while Sky pundit Micah Richards labelled it “the worst decision I’ve ever seen in Premier League football history”.Three days later, the FA overturned the three-match ban for Lewis-Skelly – but Arsenal were still handed a £65k fine for the on-field reaction to the decision by the players.And Webb said: “From the outset, we would prefer a yellow card in this situation.READ MORE ON ARSENAL“[Oliver] saw the player moving in towards an opponent without any ability or intention of playing the ball. He felt it was serious foul play.“But we know that for serious foul play, we need excessive force or brutality and what we see here is that high contact [just] glancing and coming off the leg quite quickly.“So for that reason, everybody pretty much in the game has formed the same conclusion that this is falling short of serious foul play, because of that glancing contact.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMichael Oliver’s Conversation with VAR After Myles Lewis-Skelly red cardOliver said of the incident: “I’m going to go red card, mate. Red card on the ankle. Red card, serious foul play.”England replied: “Just checking the red card for serious foul play. OK, it’s for serious foul play, not DOGSO (Denying an Obvious Goalscoring Opportunity).“OK, for me the contact’s on the top of the foot.”The assistant VAR chimed in by saying: “I think he catches him on the side of the ankle first. It glances off the side of the ankle down onto the foot. So the first impact is more that Achilles area.”England then said: “So first impact is on the Achilles, on the shin.”The assistant VAR chimed in: “With no chance of playing the ball.”England then stated: “So, it’s high up above the ankle then it comes back down. OK, just get me the number please.”Identifying Lewis-Skelly as the culprit, the assistant said: “It’s number 49, Lewis-Skelly.”England then told Oliver: “Michael, confirming the on-field decision of red card for serious foul play for Myles Lewis-Skelly. Away, 49. Check complete.”“Because the studs don’t really go right into the leg, they glance in before coming down onto the foot.Most read in Football“There are some considerations that might support a red card, but there are a whole host of others that say it is not quite there, so on balance we would rather this had been a yellow card.”Arsenal wonderkid Lewis-Skelly’s mum reveals he’s ‘still on washing-up duty’… and how she nearly missed Man City goalIn the released referee audio from the match, Oliver says straight away to VAR official Darren England after Lewis-Skelly’s challenge: “I’m going to go red card, mate. Red card on the ankle. Red card, serious foul play.”After a back and forth with his VAR assistant, England concludes that the “first impact is on the Achilles, on the shin” and replied: “Confirming the on-field decision of red card for serious foul play”.Webb continued: “We feel the VAR should have been involved, but they didn’t want to re-referee the situation, they were mindful of the referee’s call standing unless it is clearly and obviously wrong.“They felt it wasn’t at that level on the day and decided to leave it as a red card on the field. “I’ve heard this described as a really horrendous officiating decision. It’s not!“I understand why the referee saw this on the day as a serious foul-play action. “It’s an understandable on-field decision.”Darren England didn’t encourage Michael Oliveir to review the incident on the monitorCredit: SKY SPORTSEx-Prem ref Howard Webb believes Michael Oliver made the wrong callCredit: SKY SPORTSArsenal were fined £65,000 for their players’ reaction to Lewis-Skelly’s sending-offCredit: PAIn the days after in the incident, Oliver received social media abuse and threats towards himself and his family and had police protection at his home after the PGMOL reported it.It is one of NINETY cases of abuse towards refs police have assessed since the start of last season.Webb said: “It’s wholly unacceptable. We know criticism comes out way. “It’s part and parcel of the job, but there’s a line, isn’t there?“Nobody should be subject to threats, their families shouldn’t be subject to threats, whether that be officials or players. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We have seen all participants being exposed to those sorts of things.”Arsenal will be back in action Saturday afternoon, welcoming West Ham to the Emirates. More

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      Wayne Rooney offered high-profile TV role as Man Utd legend considers whether to return to management

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      WAYNE ROONEY is wanted as a star pundit for Amazon Prime – while deciding whether to return to football.The former England captain, sacked by Plymouth last month, made his Amazon debut in Manchester City’s Champions League play-off first leg with Real Madrid.Wayne Rooney could have a big future as a punditCredit: GettyThe Prem icon has been coaching in Dubai this weekCredit: Instagram / footballescapesRooney, 39, has proved to be a popular pundit with his honest views, and has already worked for Sky Sports and BBC Sport.Amazon, although set to lose Premier League rights at the end of this season, will continue to show Champions League football until 2027.The ex-Manchester United striker will be able to do as much work as he wants for the station.Meanwhile, Rooney is deciding his next steps in the game having also managed Derby, DC United and Birmingham before his stint at Plymouth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told former Red Devils’ team-mate Gary Neville on his YouTube show The Overlap: “I would like to go back in [to management]. But it would have to be the right club.”I’m not in a massive rush to go back in. There’s different things that I’m looking at to try and get involved with… unless something was absolutely the right thing to do.”Every club I’ve been at, I’ve put myself in a really challenging situation.”I’ve had some great experiences, good ones, bad ones (and) you’ve always got that to fall back on.”Most read in FootballRooney poked fun at himself on his Amazon debutCredit: X @primevideosportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThis week, however, Rooney is in Dubai – after accepting a coaching role during the February half-term break. He’s working with Football Escapes, tutoring young children at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.Inside Coleen and Wayne Rooney’s incredible £1k a night Disneyland trip with the kids – and a special birthday surpriseFellow ex-Prem stars Michael Owen and Mark Noble are among other coaches employed by the company. Rooney was a big hit when making his Amazon bow last week at the Etihad – helped by his relaxed joking.Predicting a hostile reception at United’s neighbours City, his first words were: “Obviously a stadium I’ve scored a lot of goals in.”He also trolled HIMSELF during a heavy downpour where he was the only Amazon pundit on the pitch without an umbrella.Rooney, who has had two hair transplants, said: “I hope the rain doesn’t come down any more, my hair will be all over the place!” More

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      ‘Heavyweight champion coming soon’ – Fans all saying the same thing after subtle change to Anthony Joshua’s training

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      BOXING fans are convinced another world title could be in the offing for Anthony Joshua after seeing his latest training clips.The former two-time unified heavyweight champion is at a career crossroads following a devastating fifth-round KO defeat to former sparring partner Daniel Dubois last September.Anthony Joshua hasn’t fought since his crushing loss to Daniel DuboisCredit: GETTYAJ recently shared footage of himself shadowboxing to his InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM @ANTHONYJOSHUABoxing fans were quick to comment on his techniqueCredit: INSTAGRAM @ANTHONYJOSHUAJoshua, 35, has been recovering from niggling injuries since the Wembley war but is slowly but surely ramping up training.The London 2012 gold medallist recently shared videos of himself shadowboxing with his near 17 million Instgram followers.AJ looked to be in tip-top shape, as he always does.But viewers of the clip were more impressed by his keeping up of his hands as he threw combinations.READ MORE BOXING NEWSAfter the clip was shared on X, one commented: “He looks in great shape, he’s going to return with a win.”Another said: “He’s keeping his hands up, needs to make sure he does that in his next fight.”And another said: “Yeah now he needs to keep them up, especially so he doesn’t visit hook city.”One remarked: “He needs to keep working on his defence to protect his chin.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother optimistic AJ fan chimed in: “3x heavyweight champion coming soon.”Joshua was on course for a historic Battle of Britain with Tyson Fury after his Brit rival’s back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024.Deontay Wilder and huge world title bout among SIX options for Anthony Joshua’s next fight if Tyson Fury stays retired But Fury threw a spanner into the works of the mammoth melee by announcing his fifth retirement from the sport.And Team AJ have pivoted from the fight, with promoter Eddie Hearn telling Betfred: “The number one choice for AJ is to fight for the world heavyweight title.”That’s 99 per cent of what he wants to do and if that’s Daniel Dubois, no problem.”If that’s Joseph Parker, no problem. If AJ turns around and says that’s what he’s doing, then it’s done.”It’s not me saying he can’t fight Daniel Dubois. Some people say he shouldn’t have fought Oleksandr Usyk. What are you talking about?”It’s your job, he’s the mandatory, what do you want to do?”Give your belt up and have all that criticism that you ducked Usyk and you vacated your belt to do it?” More

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      ‘We didn’t even know he could do that’ – Man Utd fans can’t believe their eyes after seeing Antony’s goal celebration

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      ANTONY stunned Manchester United fans with his celebration after scoring for Real Betis at the weekend.The 24-year-old joined Betis on loan until the end of the 2024-25 season last month after a poor spell with United.Antony’s celebration after scoring left fans mind-blownCredit: GettyIn 14 appearances for the Red Devils this term, Antony scored just one goal and quickly fell out of favour with new manager Ruben Amorim.But since moving to Spain, the Brazilian has enjoyed a complete resurgence.In four outings for Real Betis, Antony has managed the same number of goal contributions.His latest strike came against Real Sociedad on Sunday.Read More in FootballThe winger scored a left-footed volley just under 20 yards out from goal, firing the ball into the bottom-left corner.But it was his celebration that caught the attention of some fans.Running towards the corner flag, Antony cartwheeled into a backflip.Man Utd fans took to social media to react, with one person writing: “We didn’t even know that Antony could do backflip!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother joked: “It’s amazing what happens once you leave United.”A third said: “Do you know how surprised I am rn 🤣.”Antony leaves Man Utd with more yellow cards than goals as £86m Ten Hag flop goes down as one of worst transfers everWhile another simply wrote: “Antony can do backflips?”Meanwhile, Man Utd currently sit 15th in the Premier League table with just 27 points from 25 games. More

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      How Man Utd could line up in the CHAMPIONSHIP with top stars sold as Rio Ferdinand fears they won’t win another game

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      MANCHESTER UNITED may have to oversee a huge clearout and start afresh if they are relegated this season.The Red Devils have suffered their worst campaign since 1973-74 – the last time they were relegated.There could be big changes at Old Trafford if Man Utd are relegatedCredit: GettyAcademy stars like Jack Fletcher could be given a chance to impressCredit: GettyYoung players signed for big bucks like Rasmus Hojlund could stick aroundCredit: ReutersNew signing Ayden Heaven could get a chance to shineCredit: GettyAnd Rio Ferdinand thinks the drop is a real possibility as he can only see his former side getting a result in one of the 13 Prem fixtures they have left – against bottom three side Leicester.Ferdinand said: “Do you realise we’re that close? Someone said we need 11 points just to stay up.“I’ve got the fixture list: Everton away, Ipswich at home, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest away.“Before hosting Man City, and going to Newcastle away, and then Wolves, Bournemouth, Brentford, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Leicester.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“The only place I see us getting anything — and I’m not even saying a win — is Leicester. I’m not seeing wins. That’s the problem.”Relegation would likely mean a huge change at the club with high earners shipped out and young players brought in.Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton will likely leave no matter the season outcome as they are all out of contract in the summer.United could look to cash in on Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford, just as they did in January, as well as the underperforming Andre Onana, which could mean a chance for Altay Bayindir.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOther big earners Casemiro, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraouri and Joshua Zirkzee would likely want to leave too, as would Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes.That would mean an entire rebuild with only a few faces remaining – stalwart Harry Maguire, Rasmus Hojlund and academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo.‘Both teams have the same problem’ says Arsene Wenger as Arsenal legend tears into old rivals Tottenham and Man Utd The Red Devils would be keen to hang onto Leny Yoro having shelled out a big fee as an investment in the youngster last summer.Amad is also a key asset and only signed a new five-year contract last month, tripling his wages in the process.Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven are new additions and long-term investments having arrived last month – part of Ineos’ transfer strategy to bring in young players with room for potential.Amorim had to name a substitutes bench consisting of all but one academy player against Tottenham on the weekend – the likes of Jack Fletcher, Jack Lee Moorhouse, and forgotten summer signing Sekou Kone could be given a chance in the Championship. More