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      ‘It was clear why’ – Mikel Arteta lifts lid on why ‘brave’ Arsenal star Ben White refused to play for England

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      MIKEL ARTETA saluted “brave” Ben White after he told Thomas Tuchel he wants an England return.The Arsenal defender has not played for his country since leaving the 2022 Qatar World Cup early amid an alleged fallout with assistant Steve Holland.Mikel Arteta says there is no way Ben White let England downCredit: GettyEmirates ace White allegedly fell out with England coach Steve HollandCredit: GettyBut White, 27, told new England boss Tuchel he would “love” to end his exile — although was not fit enough to be in yesterday’s squad.This is despite Three Lions legend Stuart Pearce warning: “If players let you down once, they will always let you down.”But Gunners chief Arteta hit back: “What Ben did was very brave and not a lot of people would have done it.“I was very involved in [White refusing to be called up].READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I know how Ben felt and it was very clear for me the reason why he made that decision.“It wasn’t about [letting his country down]. It was about facing the situation and saying, ‘I can’t handle it now and I am not the best person to represent the country the way I feel right now’.“So it was completely the opposite. What a lot of people would do is hide in that environment.“Whatever the outcome, what I want is for Ben to be happy.Most read in FootballNew Three Lions, boss Thomas Tuchel has opened the door for WhiteCredit: ReutersWhite won four England caps under Gareth Southgate from 2021-2022Credit: GettyBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“Knowing Ben, he won’t be influenced by somebody else.“And if they found that chemistry between Thomas and him, that’s great. If he wants to come and Thomas wants him, great.Ben White set for England return as Thomas Tuchel confirms Arsenal star ‘would love to be back’ in squad “He has the level and the potential to achieve great things with the national team.”Tuchel held talks with right-back White before leaving him out of his first England squad to face Albania on Friday and Latvia three days later. White made a first start since November in Arsenal’s 2-2 Champions League draw with PSV Eindhoven after a knee op.Tuchel said: “He loves to be back in the squad. It’s a bit too early, given the injury he had.“We’ve been monitoring his training. We are on it and are speaking to Ben. I’m delighted he’s back.“It’s a question about getting more minutes and rhythm. He has every chance to be back. He’s glad to be back.”Arsenal superkid Ethan Nwaneri earned a first England Under-21s call.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe forward, 17, will be involved for friendlies with France and Portugal.Academy kid Nwaneri has enjoyed a stunning breakout season under Arteta — with eight goals in all competitions — and was even touted for a senior call-up.Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, 17, has leapt up into the England U-21s squadCredit: Getty More

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      Chris Eubank Jr abruptly walks out of Piers Morgan interview after awkward exchange with TV host

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR stormed out of a sit-down interview with Piers Morgan after being pressed on his stance over Conor Benn’s failed drug tests.Benn’s positive drug tests – which scuppered his first scheduled grudge match with Eubank Jr in October 2022 – was just one of several talking points during the pair’s joint appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored.Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn did a joint sit-down interview on Piers Morgan UncensoredCredit: PIERS MORGAN UNCENSOREDEubank Jr chastised Benn over the pair of failed drug tests that scuppered their proposed meeting in 2022Credit: PIERS MORGAN UNCENSOREDSun columnist Morgan attempted to get Eubank Jr to understand that Benn may very well be innocentCredit: PIERS MORGAN UNCENSOREDEubank Jr flat-out refused and stormed out of the joint interviewCredit: PIERS MORGAN UNCENSOREDBenn, 28, tested positive for clomiphene but was cleared of intentionally taking the banned substance – which can elevate testosterone levels in men – by the National Anti-Doping Panel.The welterweight claimed clomiphene was in his system due to his ingestion of eggs, which, if consumed in vast quantities, can leave trace amounts of the substance.Eubank Jr doesn’t buy Benn’s explanation for his anti-doping violations, so much so that he slapped him with an egg, or Morgan’s suggestion that his rival could be potentially be innocent.He said: “If someone was to have pinned him down and jabbed a syringe into the side of his ass and squeezed it in, if that had happened and I saw it.READ MORE IN BOXING”Guess what? He’s still a cheat. He shouldn’t have let it happen.”It’s his responsibility to protect himself at all times, he didn’t do that. He’s a cheat. End of story.”Morgan tried to get Eubank Jr to see his point of view, saying: “I’ll give you one last chance.”Hove hitman Eubank Jr angrily replied: “Don’t ask me again, Piers. Don’t ask me again.”Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe then cut short the joint interview by standing up and storming out of the studio.Eubank Jr and Benn traded several verbal jabs during the tense sitdown, during which security had to separate the pair.’You f—ed up’ – Explosive moment Conor Benn tries to attack Chris Eubank Jr on Piers Morgan’s UncensoredBenn blew a gasket after Eubank Jr said there’d be “consequences” for his old man Nigel, who grabbed ‘Next Gen by the throat after his egga antics.”You f****d up talking about my dad!” Conor raged. “What the f**k are you looking at?”Come on, we can have it outside, no problem. Yeah we can.”Think I’m mucking around? Threatening my dad. You think I’m playing games? Don’t ever talk to my dad like that.” More

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      Newcastle legend gives Eddie Howe blueprint on how to beat Liverpool and finally end 70-year trophy drought

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      CHRIS WADDLE has told Newcastle boss Eddie Howe to stick to “bold” Geordie traditions to break the club’s trophyless habit of a lifetime.The Tyneside legend insists all-out attack is the only way to end a painful silverware drought and beat Premier League leaders Liverpool in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.Harvey Barnes, Leo Shahar and Co are gearing up for LiverpoolCredit: GettyEddie Howe has been told to focus on attack against Arne Slot’s menCredit: GettyChris Waddle reckons Toon fans have expectations of exciting footballCredit: RexEx-Toon and England winger star Waddle is urging Howe to order Alexander Isak and Co to get at Arne Slot’s side right from the off at Wembley.If fortune does favour the brave, it will secure Newcastle a first domestic trophy since the FA Cup 70 years ago and a first piece of silverware since the 1969 Fairs Cup triumph.“I’d love to see Newcastle end their hoodoo and I hope they do it with the fearless, exciting attacking style the club is famous for,” Waddle told SunSport.“For me, they need to be bold because Newcastle are always at their best on front foot and when they’ve tried alternative ways which are less exciting it’s not suited them.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“That’s been the case right down the years and when managers have tried to apply the brakes and exercise more caution, more often than not it’s backfired.“So, Newcastle will have to burst out of the blocks and press Liverpool from the off to try to catch them cold, get ahead early and work their socks off to stay there.“And that will get the fans plenty to shout about because that front-foot, high tempo approach is what they want to watch.“The last thing they like to see a Newcastle team park the bus at Wembley because they know the script.Most read in FootballAlexander Isak is rated as the man who could make the differenceCredit: PABEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“They don’t want to see boring football – they’ve traditionally preferred to see a 4-3 and hope and pray for the best. That’s the Newcastle way, whether we like it or not.”Waddle, 64, believes red-hot striker Isak could be the hero who brings back the glory days to Tyneside.Dan Burn’s gone from pushing trolleys at Asda to potential England glory – he fully deserves his call-upHe said: “It will require a massive performance from Newcastle to win but I think Isak could make the difference.“I’ve always liked centre-forwards who can create and make the most of their own goal-scoring opportunities and so I love watching Isak.“He’s shown so many times that he’s capable of picking the ball up 40 yards from goal, going it alone and scoring.“That’s because he’s not only blessed with pace and dribbling ability but he’s got a really positive mindset as well which is why he suits Newcastle so much.“He will always cause opposing defenders problems and that’s why he’s vitally important to Newcastle.“The side is set up to bring the best out of him when it comes to build-up play with wingers with purpose and three adventurous midfielders who are creative and love to get in the box.”But if things do go according to plan and their team’s high-octane start pays off, Waddle reckons the Geordies could end up watching the game unfold through their fingers.He added: “Liverpool will have a bit of a hangover from the PSG game but they’ll know what they need to do.“And they showed how good they are at managing games when they beat Manchester City last month.Kieran Trippier and team-mates hope to stun the Prem leadersCredit: GettyNewcastle must try to launch relentless attacking, says WaddleCredit: Getty“They didn’t go chasing them and played a good tactical game which showed how savvy Arne Slot is.“Everyone expects Liverpool to be on the front foot, attacking everyone and pushing teams back especially at Anfield, but they’ve got other styles of play.“And they’ve got Mo Salah, who seems to be getting better with age because his sense of where to be at the right time and what strings to pull is stronger than ever.“Tino Livramento will have to have one of the best games of his life to make sure he doesn’t do the damage for Liverpool.“It will be a real game of cat-and-mouse because Salah has the licence to roam.“So the Newcastle defence will need to have eyes in their back of their heads and be alert to him as he’ll be a constant menace.”Waddle spent five years at St James’ Park, helping Newcastle win promotion to the old First Division in 1984 alongside future Toon boss Kevin Keegan who is synonymous with near-misses on Tyneside.His side was beaten to the Premier League title by Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United side.And since then they’ve reached the FA Cup final twice and the Carabao Cup Final two years ago and headed back up to the North East empty-handed on each occasion.“Sadly, there’s been decades of under-achievement at Newcastle,” Waddle added.“For the sake of the fans if nothing else I hope things change as they’ve had to have the patience of a saint.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They’ve been treated to exciting players, exhilarating seasons and but they’ve never got over the line despite investing in top individuals.“But that’s why if they beat Liverpool every single member of the team will instantly become Tyneside legends.” More

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      Jamie Carragher’s son, 22, gets first international call up but will not play for England like Liverpool legend dad

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER’S son James has been called up by the Malta national football team.James, 22, has been a regular in League One for Wigan this season.Jamie Carragher’s son James has receivedCredit: Instagram @jcarragher31James Carragher has been a regular for Wigan this seasonCredit: GettyThe defender’s former Liverpool legend dad, 47, earned 38 England caps during his playing career.But after being awarded Maltese citizenship last month, James will represent a different country.The Latics star qualifies for Malta via his paternal grandfather.His dad has also been awarded Maltese citizenship.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCarragher has been named in boss Emilio De Leo’s squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Finland and Poland.Last month Malta Football Association president Bjorn Vassallo confirmed that conversations had taken place with Carragher.Vassallo said: “We’ve been in talks with James and his father Jamie for the last few months now; he is open to it, but we’re still working on it.”Malta drew 0-0 with Andorra in Ta’ Qali last time out.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCarragher earned 38 England caps during his careerCredit: PA:Empics SportCarragher has played 22 times in League One for Wigan this season.The Liverpool-born defender has split duties between right-back and centre-half.’I could have been tidier’ Jamie Carragher addresses controversial Afcon comments and explains his ‘mistake’Carragher spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Oldham Athletic.He then played 20 times for Inverness Caledonian Thistle during the second half of last season.As well as Malta national team chiefs, Carragher will also be looking to impress his new club manager.The Latics confirmed the appointment of former Plymouth Argyle and Preston North End boss Ryan Lowe earlier this week. More

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      Ex-Newcastle chief behind one of biggest flop transfers faces jail after High Court Judge issues warrant for his arrest

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      FORMER Newcastle vice-president Tony Jimenez faces jail over a debt to Mike Ashley after a High Court Judge issued a warrant for his arrest.Jimenez, 62, worked alongside Ashley at St James Park before a spectacular 2008 fall-out over a proposed investment in a golf course in France.Tony Jimenez’s claims over Ashley were called ‘complete fantasy’Credit: AlamyThe former Charlton co-owner was ordered to pay Ashley £3m in 2019 but has yet to pay a penalty – with interest charges and legal bills now taking the money owed to just short of £6m.Jimenez’s claim that Ashley had agreed to pay him £10m was dismissed as “complete fantasy” by the Court with the document put forward on his behalf ruled as a “forgery”.Despite being committed to a 60-day sentence in Wandsworth Prison in 2021, Jimenez – understood to be living in Spain – has refused to surrender to the order.He also claimed – and had medical support for his arguments – that he is suffering from the major neurological complaint Guillan-Barre syndrome, which causes major muscle weakness and jerky movements.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut His Honour Judge Jonathan Klein issued the “bench warrant” for Jimenez’s arrest at a High Court hearing on Friday.Judge Klein said he could “attach no weight” to the claims made about Jimenez’s medical condition.He added he was “not convinced” the defendant would “ever submit” to the court “voluntarily”.Jimenez was credited with bringing in one of Newcastle’s most infamous flops – Spanish striker Xisco.Most read in FootballJimenez’ recruit Xisco only made nine Toon appearances in five yearsCredit: Action Images – ReutersHe was also behind the recruitment of other stars like Jonas Gutierrez, Fabricio Coloccini and Ignacio González.But those dealings were overshadowed by the failure of Xisco following his £6m arrival from Deportivo la Coruna in 2008.Dan Burn’s gone from pushing trolleys at Asda to potential England glory – he fully deserves his call-upThe Under-21 international only played nine games in five years for the Magpies before returning to his home country with Cordoba.Argentina midfielder Gutierrez was Jimenez’s most successful buy, becoming a St James’ Park favourite from 2008-2015. More

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      My pal said ‘sorry about your dad’s dementia’… that was news to me, reveals Dean Windass’ son Josh

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      JOSH WINDASS revealed he only found out about his dad’s dementia from a Sheffield Wednesday team-mate while they were in a coffee shop.The attacking midfielder, 31, was oblivious that Hull and Bradford legend Dean Windass had been diagnosed with the condition until Owls defender Max Lowe unwittingly broke the news.Josh Windass reckons his dad being ‘a bit of a nutter’ make him popularCredit: GettyDean Windass, a cult hero with fans, has been diagnosed with dementiaCredit: GettyAnd Windass told SunSport: “I found out in a coffee shop. Max said, ‘Sorry to hear about your dad’s dementia’ and I thought, ‘Oh! That’s news to me!’”His dad’s diagnosis at the age of 55 was publicly revealed by former Manchester United and Blackburn star David May during a TV interview, with Windass’ blessing.It sparked an outpouring of love and support for one of the biggest English football characters of the 1990s and 2000s, who has more recently been a Sky Sports pundit.Windass Jr said: “He’s well loved within the football community. He’s a bit of a nutter and people like that about people.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I don’t think he’s struggling too badly. I speak sometimes to my brother, who is keeping tabs on him. He’s sound.“When news like this comes out people always think the worst. But it’s not a severe grade at the minute and he’s not having too many problems.“The first thing I asked was if he still knew my name and he did, so I didn’t ask him too many questions.”Windass Jr is chasing a second promotion with Sheffield WednesdayCredit: GettyHis dad did a national TV interview this week where he raised concerns about the perils of heading a football, which has been proven to increase the risk of developing the disease, and fears for his own son’s safety.Most read in ChampionshipWindass Jr scored the winning goal at Wembley with his head to clinch Wednesday’s promotion from League One in the play-off final against Barnsley in May 2023.Former Premier League star Dean Windass suffering from dementia as ex-Man Utd ace reveals diagnosis live on BBC And the Owls ace himself is passionate about raising awareness on how to prevent suffering from such conditions in later life.Research shows adopting a healthy, balanced diet can reduce the risk of dementia.Windass has a strict diet plan and last season enlisted the help of Tyson Fury’s nutritionist, Sheffield-based Greg Marriott, to help his recovery from an injury.And he said: “You don’t want anyone getting dementia or any other illness.“You want everyone on the planet to be healthy in an ideal world so it’s important to raise awareness to help people prevent it.“Even things like eating healthily. It’s not just for making you look good at the beach, it’s great for your lifestyle and health.“It’s something me and my missus speak a lot about — curriculums in schools, people don’t get taught enough about diet or illness and stuff like that. There needs to be more focus.“A lot of the stuff that gets people excited are the things you probably shouldn’t do such as drinking alcohol and eating bad food.“There’s a time and a place for that but it’s important to raise your kids especially to drink water, eat fruit and vegetables.“When you’re 50, I’ve seen people who go on all these diets and things — but by that point it’s a bit late.“I’m on the side of the fence that you can have a good time but our bodies are more important. People don’t take care of themselves as much as they should.”Windass even believes that a good diet could help stem the increase of mental illness cases that have been highlighted in recent years. He said: “If you’re eating and drinking things that are going to damage your brain then you’re not going to be the happiest person in the world.“If you can do little things that can help make you feel a bit better, you’re going to be happier and healthier.”Windass certainly would have been feeling more jubilant after scoring his first goal since New Year’s Day by snatching the all-important equaliser at Norwich on Tuesday as Wednesday roared back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.It was a crucial three points, hauling Danny Rohl’s men back into the play-off picture — and moving them to within just five points of the top six.Windass is set to feature in Sunday’s Steel City derby when bitter rivals Sheffield United make the three-and-half-mile trek across town to Hillsborough.That Wembley goal was nice — but a League One promotion isn’t something I talk about too much as it’s not such a big achievement.”Josh WindassHe has always thought the Owls needed to still be in the mix by the final whistle of the derby clash to stand a chance.Windass has scored 11 goals this season with nine games left — and he said: “I felt at the start I needed to score 15 from midfield for the team to have a successful season.”One of those strikes was a 60-yard worldie against Derby — which will surely win the goal of the season gong at the EFL awards.It was so good that pundits Paul Merson and Clinton Morrison rated it better than the famous one David Beckham scored from the halfway line for Manchester United against Wimbledon in 1996.It sparked a January bid from Brazilian club Santos — which was rejected.But Windass said: “I scored a better one last year against Blackburn!”He has been at Hillsborough for five years and is firmly established as a cult hero for his play-off winner — but he would dearly love to see the Yorkshire club win promotion to the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESWindass said: “I guess that Wembley goal was nice — but a League One promotion isn’t something I talk about too much because it’s not such a big achievement.”A play-off final winner this year certainly would be. More

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      ‘They see things in black and white’ – Ruben Amorim hits out at Roy Keane and Man Utd legends over criticism

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      RUBEN AMORIM says Bruno Fernandes is a shining light for Manchester United — and the club’s former stars in the media need to give him a break.Ex-skipper Roy Keane is among the critics of the current captain, saying he is ‘not a fighter’ despite his obvious talent.Ruben Amorim has endured a topsy-turvy spell at Manchester UnitedCredit: REXClub legend Roy Keane has been critical of the team and skipper Bruno Fernandes over the last few monthsCredit: GETTYUnited gaffer Ruben Amorim has leapt to the defence of his countrymanCredit: GETTYBut Fernandes, 30, has been the driving force behind a mini-revival for the Red Devils and scored a hat-trick against Real Sociedad this week.Boss Amorim jumped to the defence of his fellow Portuguese, saying: “When you play for this team you have to be prepared for the critics.“I understand former players had a lot of success here and standards for them were so high.“They see things in black and white. Life is sometimes not black and white — there are other colours and you have to understand that context.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“He is always there, trying his best. I am really proud to coach a player like him.”Fernandes has been involved in 11 of United’s last 13 goals.Amorim added: “He is so important for this team and you can see from the numbers.”Meanwhile, Fernandes revealed he turned down the chance to leave United last summer.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSClubs in Saudi Arabia and Bayern Munich were linked with moves.Fernandes said: “I sat with the club because I had an offer to leave.How Ruben Amorim’s genius tweak unleashed Mazraoui to give Man Utd new attacking threat“They said what they wanted from me. I just asked if they still see me as part of the future or not. I spoke at the time with Erik ten Hag also.“He was very clear with me, the club was very clear, that they thought I’d be a big part of this rebuild that they want to do in a different way.“But now we are in a different moment with a new manager that thinks in a different way, that has a different way of playing.“I’m still very happy at the club. I’m always being happy at the club. To represent the club is a big honour for me.”Fernandes said it was ‘not nice’ to hear part-owner Jim Ratcliffe’s moans this week that some players were ‘overpaid and not good enough’.He said: “I don’t think any player likes to hear you’re not good enough, overpaid or whatever.“Everyone has their own contract. The club agrees to do the contracts at the time you come here or at the time you do a new contract.”Bruno Fernandes insists he’s still happy to be a Manchester United playerCredit: ALAMY More

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      Iconic London landmark lit up by Newcastle stars in incredible projection show ahead of Carabao Cup final

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      NEWCASTLE have already taken over London ahead of the Carabao Cup final.Tens of thousands of Geordies will descend on the capital on Saturday for a boozy weekend as they look to end their 70-year trophy drought against Liverpool.Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes is projected on the Millbank Tower in LondonCredit: SelaDan Burn is projected on the Millbank Tower just hours before his England call upCredit: SelaJoelinton lights up the Millbank Tower in LondonCredit: SelaNewcastle’s Carabao Cup weekend started on Thursday with the incredible projection showCredit: SelaSela put on the spectacle to get fans into the spirit ahead of the weekendCredit: SelaOn Thursday night, an incredible projection display put on by Toon’s front-of-shirt sponsors Sela painted the town black and white – and kickstarted the weekend.The breathtaking show saw one of London’s major landmarks lit up with the club’s stars.Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Co were beamed onto the 390ft Millbank Tower, which sits on the banks of the River Thames near Big Ben.Highlights from this season’s Carabao Cup run, as well as animations of fans travelling from the Tyne Bridge to Wembley, set the tone for the weekend.READ MORE ON NEWCASTLEIn 2023, Sela put on a stunning drone spectacle to celebrate Newcastle’s Champions League return before the home clash against Paris Saint-Germain.The Saudi-based sponsors are donating a scarf to every Newcastle fan at the match, with both sides boasting just shy of 32,000 supporters.London pub The Dolphin – which regularly hosts Newcastle fans – has also been renamed in honour of Eddie Howe’s assistant Jason Tindall.Eddie Howe has called on his players to be “inspired” by the chance to win their first major trophy since their FA Cup triumph in 1955.Most read in FootballHe said: “I think it’s a real motivation for us to try and break that long time and that long wait that everyone’s feeling.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhy Gakpo v Isak will decide Liverpool v Newcastle Carabao Cup Final | Experts’ bets – Weekend Wager”It should be inspiring for us – not a negative. I understand it will be a negative or a perceived negative for a lot of people, but we’re trying to look at it the other way round.”It’s a chance to make history for us as a team – that’s very rare in football. You get very few opportunities to do that, a chance to be remembered positively.”I want the players to look at it that way, as I said earlier, to attack the game and to get a good representation of us.”Howe also knows what to expect from the travelling Toon Army just two years after fans took over London for the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United.He added: “I’m sure they will be [the 12th man] for us. I think they always are, they were at West Ham.”We know from the last time we got to the final, the scenes driving up to Wembley, the feeling of support and unity that we have.”The expression the fans give in every game is huge for us and yeah, we’re going to need them, we’re absolutely going to need that 50% to turn into 55% if possible.”We need every bit of help we can to push us over the line.” More