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    Kyle Walker named in AC Milan starting XI for huge derby vs Inter as ex-City star joined by wife Annie Kilner in Italy

    KYLE WALKER got the nod to make his AC Milan debut by starting in the huge derby against Inter.And he will be cheered on by his wife Annie Kilner and their kids after they flew out to Italy to watch the crunch clash. Kyle Walker makes his AC Milan debut against arch-rivals InterCredit: GettyThe English right-back, 34, completed his loan switch to the Serie A giants from Manchester City last week.Annie, 31, Roman, 12, Riaan, nine, Reign, seven, and baby Rezon then headed to the fashion capital on a private jet on Friday afternoon after a turbulent week. He was not in the squad to face Parma last weekend or eligible for the Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.However, Rossoneri boss Sergio Conceicao threw him in from the start in one of the biggest matches in world football.The City captain – deemed surplus to requirements by Pep Guardiola – was brought straight into the starting XI for the Sunday showdown.Walker will be hoping to keep his new side’s faint hopes of qualifying for the Champions League alive – and denting Inter’s title ambitions.Milan go into the ‘home’ San Siro clash down in eighth – one place above Roma but 16 points behind their city enemies and ground-share rivals.Inter, meanwhile, know victory would see them leapfrog Napoli to the top of the Serie A table. Most read in FootballThe game kicks off in Milan just 30 minutes after Walker’s parent club City get underway in the mammoth clash at Arsenal.Walker’s future appears to be away from the Etihad, despite his contract running until 2026. He had an “uncomfortable” conversation with Guardiola where he told the manager he wanted to leave and AC Milan do have the option to make the loan deal permanent at the end of the season. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Brentford 0 Tottenham 2: Nervy Spurs eventually kill off game for vital win to ease looming relegation fears

    THIS was not Ange Ball, but, frankly, who cares?Certainly not Tottenham fans, who were genuinely starting to worry about being sucked into a relegation battle and were singing “We are staying up” come the end.Tottenham take a bizarre lead at the GtechCredit: ReutersSpurs celebrate their unusual opener in front of their fansCredit: AlamyAnd probably not Ange Postecoglou either, whose need for this reviving win was becoming desperate.The Aussie’s position has been coming under more and more scrutiny after a bleak winter culminating in one win in 11 league games.He has been able to point to a crippling injury crisis as a mitigating factor and progress in the cups as a reason to believe.But make no mistake, the 59-year-old needed this victory and will have taken any means necessary to get it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe unsightly opener that paved the way to the precious three points summed up the game as a whole.Captain Son Heung-min swung in a corner on 29 minutes which rookie goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson got nowhere near and Vitaly Janelt turned into his own net.In fairness, Spurs’ killer second was a vintage Postecoglou free-flowing move, ended by a clever finish from Pape Matar Sarr.But it did not mask the fact that, overall, this was a scrappier, far more pragmatic display than the ex-Celtic chief is known for.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYThat was likely influenced by the fact Postecoglou’s absentee list was again in double figures, and surprisingly included Micky van de Ven.The Dutchman had been expected to get more than the 45 minutes he played in his comeback match against Elfsborg on Thursday.Inside making of Spurs whiz Bergvall who outshone Kulusevski and Gyokeres as kid Postecoglou said it was purely down to “managing his minutes” and that hopefully he would be ready for action “by the end of the week”.Whether that meant the 23-year-old would be fit for Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at Liverpool – Spurs’ biggest game of the season – was anyone’s guess.With Spurs sweating on the severity of Radu Dragusin’s knee injury – sustained against Elfsborg and keeping him out of this game – at least they had moved quickly to bring a new central defender.Kevin Danso’s loan switch from RC Lens, which will be turned permanent for £20million in the summer, was confirmed a few hours before the game.The ex-Southampton loanee, 26, was not in attendance at the Gtech but did post on social media a picture of himself watching the game on the telly.With neither Van de Ven, Dragusin nor Danso available, Postecoglou was forced to partner Archie Gray and Ben Davies in the middle of his defence.Neither are natural centre-backs, though both have played largely in that position during the Aussie’s tenure.Gray had looked set to join Brentford in the summer before Spurs pinched him at the 11th hour, making him the fourth most expensive 18-year-old of all time at £40m.That hijacking habit of Spurs came in useful again over the last couple of days to snare Danso, who had been due for a medical at Wolves until the North Londoners stepped in.Brentford fans clearly had not forgotten Gray’s late change-of-heart as he was regularly booed when on the ball.It did not disturb his focus though as the teenager made a number of solid blocks that snuffed out dangerous attacks at source.The game was bitty and drifting – until an opening goal arrived, out of nowhere.With Mark Flekken out through a thigh strain, Icelander Valdimarsson was handed his first Premier League start in nets for Brentford.But Spurs clearly sensed a vulnerability in the 23-year-old at high balls and when Son swung in a corner just before the half hour, Valdimarsson got nowhere near it with Yves Bissouma blocking his path.It was left for the unfortunate Janelt to turn into his own net from close range.The goal put Spurs in with a chance of a first league victory on the road – or in any league game – since the 5-0 spanking of Southampton since mid-December.Hence the subsequent self-deprecating chants of “How s*** must you be, we’re winning away” from the travelling supporters.Brentford had been imperious at home this season but looked fairly toothless here.Yet Spurs knew how dangerous Bryan Mbeumo was, given he had netted four times in his last four games.And it was only thanks to Richarlison bravely taking a goal-bound Mbeumo blast to his face, knocking him off his feet, that the score remained 1-0 going into the break.Brentford tried to step it up after the break but Tottenham, playing deeper than usual, were relatively comfortable.And with a few minutes to go, they suddenly showed just what they CAN do when everything clicks and confidence is flowing under Postecoglou.Some neat build-up play saw Rodrigo Bentancur ship the ball wide to Son, who played the ball through for Sarr to tuck under the goalkeeper.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere has been so much talk of Dr Tottenham in recent weeks – the mocking moniker for Spurs when they somehow find a way to lose to teams woefully out of form.But going into their enormous week in the cups, a result like this was just what the doctor ordered for Postecoglou. 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    Lisandro Martinez stretchered off in tears after sickening injury leads to huge delay in Man Utd vs Crystal Palace clash

    LISANDRO MARTINEZ was left in tears after suffering a horror injury against Crystal Palace.The stretcher was immediately called and the incident led to a six-minute delay.Lisandro Martinez was distraught as he got carried offThe defender appeared to be in a lot of painCredit: RexMartinez appeared to injure his ankle as he challenged for the ball with Palace winger Ismaila Sarr.As he stretched for the ball with his left foot his right caught the turf and appeared to get stuck slightly.For the latest follow our live blogThe Argentine was left in a heap on the ground and physios quickly rushed onto the pitch.Martinez received lengthy treatment before being carried off on a stretcher.It is not the first horror injury Martinez has incurred at Old Trafford.He spent months on the treatment table in his first season at the club after breaking his metatarsal.Soon after returning from that setback the defender picked up another freak injury after his knee bent awkwardly during a tussle with West Ham’s Vladimir Coufal.Most read in FootballMatthijs de Ligt was brought on as Martinez’s replacement but United were undone on their left flank as Daniel Munoz burst through before squaring to Jean-Philippe Mateta to score.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat was the striker’s second goal of the match as Palace sealed a 2-0 win.The Red Devils have now failed to win in their four previous meetings with the south London club.Europa League draw sees Man Utd, Tottenham and Rangers straight through to the last 16 More

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    Lisandro Martinez injury updates – Man Utd vs Crystal Palace halted after defender suffers sickening knee injury in loss

    LISANDRO MARTINEZ left the pitch on a stretcher in tears in Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat by Crystal Palace.The match was stopped and hit by a lengthy delay as Martinez received treatment from medics on a knee injury.It is not the first horror injury Martinez has happened at Old Trafford.The Argentine star spent months on the treatment table in his first season at the club after breaking his metatarsal.Jean-Philippe Mateta scored a stunning double for Palace with the second coming after the match resumed following the stoppage.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…More on MartinezIt is unfortunately not the first horror injury Lisandro Martinez has incurred at Old Trafford.He spent months on the treatment table in his first season at the club after breaking his metatarsal.Soon after returning from that setback the defender picked up another freak injury after his knee bent awkwardly during a tussle with West Ham’s Vladimir Coufal.Copy linkCopiedMartinez injury latestLisandro Martinez was left in tears after suffering a horror injury in the 83rd minute.The stretcher was immediately called and the incident led to a six minute delay.Martinez appeared to injure his ankle as he challenged for the ball with Palace winger Ismaila Sarr.As he stretched for the ball with his left foot his right caught the turf and appeared to get stuck slightly.The Argentine was left in a heap on the ground and physios quickly rushed onto the pitch.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedFull time – Man Utd 0-2 Crystal PalaceIt’s back to losing ways for dysfunctional Manchester United.After lucking out at Fulham last Sunday, the Red Devils are having to contend with another home defeat – this time at the hands of a competent Crystal Palace and the feet of Jean-Philippe Mateta.The striker made is six goals in his last five games with a second half double that demonstrated just how deadly he can be inside the box.For United though, it’s now five defeats from their last six at Old Trafford. Where does Ruben Amorim go from here with a squad he has already labelled as the worst ever in the club’s history?Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-2 Crystal Palace90+7. Oliver Glasner embraces Ismaïla Sarr as he comes off the field to be replaced by Justin Devenny.It’s a deserved hug for the former Watford man, who has been excellent this afternoon.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-2 Crystal Palace90+5. Hojlund has a shot that’s comfortably charged down.Too little. Too late. Two-nil.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-2 Crystal Palace90+3. Empty seats are appearing all across the stadium apart from in the away end where the noise is only getting louder.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-2 Crystal Palace90. There will be NINE minutes of additional time to play at Old Trafford – but the game already looks up for Manchester United.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-2 Crystal Palace89. Jean-Philipe Mateta has two! Crystal Palace have two! And the Eagles are heading for all three points!It’s wonderful work Ismaïla Sarr, who brings the ball inside and threads a pass through into the path of Daniel Munoz.The right wing-back storms forward beyond the United defence and then has the awareness to pick out Mateta in the middle, who had town away from the trailing Harry Maguire.A comprehensive finish late and the away fans are in raptures. Copy linkCopiedMateta at the double!Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Crystal Palace87. This time Henderson claims the corner with both hands and Palace can regroup. The goalkeeper has had a very good game.Meanwhile, Christian Eriksen is on for his 300th Premier League appearance. Manuel Ugarte has gone off.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Crystal Palace85. Henderson does well to punch clear a corner swung straight under his crossbar.It’s a reprieve that doesn’t last long though, and soon the ball is back with De Ligt crossing dangerously. Hughes flicks behind for another corner.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Crystal Palace83. That was a long pause so while seven minutes remain on the clock, there will be plenty of stoppage time added on.Both sets of players went through some impromptu warm-ups as Martinez was being treated. Now they need to step up again.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Crystal Palace81. Martinez is carried from the pitch, and it’s upsetting to see the player look in such distress.He receives a standing ovation as he departs, and it’s now up to Matthijs de Ligt to come on and take over in troubling circumstances.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Crystal Palace78. The stretcher is now on and there are a lot of concerned looks around the stands at Old Trafford.It looked to be the knee that twisted as Martinez reached out to put his leg to the ground. It’s a real worry for the defender and all at Manchester United.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Crystal Palace76. Ouch! This is a really sore one for Lisandro Martinez.Battling with Ismaïla Sarr for a bouncing ball, the defender stretches and plants his leg in the most awkward manner.He immediately signals to the sidelines, and now looks in real discomfort. The physio is on and this doesn’t look good.Copy linkCopiedFrom Martin Blackburn at Old TraffordJust like in the first half, United started brightly after the re-start but could not keep up the momentum. And while Palace wasted their chances at the end of the opening period, they were not going to let the hosts off again. Mateta – who fluffed a big chance just before the break – was on hand to force home the rebound after Lacroix’s header bounced off the bar.Yet another home defeat is looming for United.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Crystal Palace74. Bruno Fernandes takes control in the box and looks to shoot, only to be closed down by five Palace defenders.The United captain recycles play by teeing up Amad, who curls hopelessly over from the edge of the box.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Crystal Palace72. A cynical trip from Hughes sends Hojlund sprawling in the centre of the pitch.It’s a clear yellow card although the midfielder points out it wouldn’t have happened if Eze had been awarded a free-kick seconds earlier.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Crystal Palace70. Manchester United need a goal. Rasmus Hojlund needs a goal. Joshua Zirkzee needs a goal.Both strikers are now on, taking over from Kobbie Mainoo and Noussair Mazraoui. Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Crystal Palace68. Rather than rallying since falling behind, United are suddenly looking shakey.Palace smell blood, and Hughes has the chance to slip in Mateta for a second but overcooks his pass.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Crystal Palace66. Bruno Fernandes was booked for dissent in the aftermath of that Crystal Palace goal.I’ve no idea what he may have been complaining about, but he’s not alone among those inside Old Trafford.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Crystal Palace64. Crystal Palace lead through Jean-Philippe Mateta!It’s an instant impact from substitute Ebere Eze, who swings a delightful free-kick over for Maxence Lacroix to meet.The defender’s thumping header crashes against the crossbar and with Andre Onana grounded, Mateta reacts quicker than Harry Maguire to follow up and bury into the empty net.The travelling fans celebrate, and now sense another victory over Manchester United.Copy linkCopiedBreakthrough!Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-0 Crystal Palace61. Daichi Kamada replaced Ebere Eze in the Crystal Palace team for this one, but now it’s the Japanese midfielder that makes way. Eze is on – and the Palace fans signal their approval.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-0 Crystal Palace60. Oliver Glasner is preparing Ebere Eze.Because, you know, Manchester United didn’t have enough to worry about.Copy linkCopied More

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    Embarrassment for Man Utd star after he said emotional goodbyes to team-mates only to see transfer exit COLLAPSE

    TYRELL MALACIA said goodbye to his Manchester United team-mates – only for his transfer to collapse.The defender was set to join Benfica on loan until the end of the season.Tyrell Malacia said his goodbyes before his proposed move to Benfica collapsedCredit: GettyBut the proposed deal has fallen through after the two clubs failed to reach an agreement over his loan fee or the terms of a buy option, according to the Daily Mail.Malacia, 25, expected to be leaving Old Trafford so said his goodbyes to his team-mates.He could still leave the club on a temporary basis however with Celtic and Real Betis understood to be amongst the clubs interested in the Dutchman.Ruben Amorim is happy to let Malacia leave after signing another left-back, Patrick Dorgu.READ MORE ON MAN UTDMalacia has featured just eight times since Amorim was hired, with only three of those matches coming in the Prem.He missed the entirety of the 2023-24 campaign through injury and only returned to action in November.Malacia could follow Marcus Rashford out of the door with the forward closing in on a loan move to Aston Villa.Rashford underwent a medical after agreeing terms which will see him continue to earn £325,000-a-week as United will cover 25 per cent of his wages.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSVilla also have the option to buy the England forward at the end of the season for around £40million.A United source told SunSport it had been made clear to Rashford he would not play for United again while Ruben Amorim was the boss.Inside Marcus Rashford’s demise from one of football’s biggest stars to £60m benchwarmer More

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    Arsenal vs Man City LIVE SCORE: David Raya returns for Gunners with John Stones back in City XI for huge clash – updates

    ARSENAL host champions Manchester City TODAY in a mammoth Premier League clash at the Emirates.The Gunners will be looking to get back to within six points of leaders Liverpool, although Arne Slot’s side have one game in hand.Pep Guardiola’s City are starting to hit form that resembles their usual self in the league, unbeaten in their last six in the division. Kick-off time: 4.30pm GMTTV channel/ live stream: Sky Sports Main EventArsenal starting line-up: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Martinelli, Trossard, HavertzMan City starting line-up: Ortega, Nunes, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Bernardo, Savinho, Marmoush, Foden, HaalandCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow ALL of the latest updates below…Artate previewMikel Arteta has called on the fans to be the 12th man to help get his side a vital victory.He said: “It would be a big boost for us. Winning big matches is always something special. “Every time we play a big match against one of our big rivals it brings something extra – the confidence, the emotion, the fact that they are there and continue to win – for that we want to achieve.”With 11 men and 60,000 on every ball, right behind us pushing. Bring the energy, that’s what we want.”We really want to win. Every game we have to on paper, it is that will.”Copy linkCopiedEarly scoresIt’s been a day for the away sides so far – might that continue?Brentford 0-2 TottenhamMan Utd 0-2 Crystal PalaceCopy linkCopiedHow we standThe top of the Premier League standings heading into this one.The Gunners cannot afford to drop any more points if they want to still be considered by some as title contenders.City could move to within three points of Arsenal if they claim the three points.Copy linkCopiedNO EdersonManchester City goalkeeper Ederson had regain back his spot from Ortega but misses the squad entirely today., The goalkeeper had started five of the last six matches for the Blues since returning from injury but is missing due to another injury. Manager Pep Guardiola has described it as a small injury but enough to sideline the Brazilian completely. Copy linkCopiedArsenal vs Manchester City line-upsArsenal XI:  Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Martinelli, Havertz, TrossardManchester City XI: Ortega; Nunes, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol; Kovacic; Bernardo (C), Savinho, Marmoush, Foden; HaalandCopy linkCopiedHead 2 Head When it comes to how the two sides face up against each other, in the last 29 league games: Arsenal have won five, City have 16 to their name and have shared eight between each other. In the Gunners have won once since 2015 – a 1-0 win in October 2023 whilst City haven’t won at the Emirates since February that year – doing so six times in a row. Copy linkCopied1-0 Arsenal already…The match may have not started yet but its already Arsenal who have he lead for today’s events…Both clubs’ women team trashed out a seven goal thriller on lunchtime which the Gunners came out on top in. The win comes after the backdrop of Chloe Kelly joining Arsenal from Manchester City on the WSL deadline on Friday. There’s tension everywhere you look between these two! Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedThe BIG one is upon us Hello all and welcome to the Premier League’s blockbuster fixture! Arsenal and Manchester City are quickly establishing themselves as the go-to clash for entertainment, quality and controversy – their reverse encounter was full of the latter. Whether its Erling Haaland quibbles with Gabriel or Mikel Arteta with any referee known to mankind, its a game that is expected to deliver. Credit: EPACopy linkCopied More

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    Why are Man Utd and Crystal Palace players wearing black armbands?

    MANCHESTER UNITED are taking on Crystal Palace in a huge Premier League clash TODAY.And both sets of players are wearing black armbands ahead of the 67th anniversary of the 1958 Munich Air Disaster.Both sets of players are wearing black armbands during today’s matchCredit: GettyWhy are Man Utd and Crystal Palace players wearing black armbands?Both clubs are paying their respects to the 23 people who tragically lost their lives in the 1958 Munich Air Disaster.The darkest moment in Man Utd’s history claimed the lives of eight United players and three officials.Before United’s match with Crystal Palace, fans gathered outside the stadium to remember those who had died.Both managers, Ruben Amorim and Oliver Glasner laid wreaths on the side of the pitch before the match.READ MORE IN MAN UTD The women’s team also paid their respects during their WSL fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend. More

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    Man Utd fans can’t believe who Ruben Amorim has playing up front after boss unleashed bold new tactic for Crystal Palace

    RUBEN AMORIM stunned everyone with his choice of striker against Crystal Palace.The Manchester United manager named both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund on the bench at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim opted for a surprise name to lead the line against Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyAnd instead he opted to start Kobbie Mainoo as the No9 leading the line.Mainoo, 19, usually plays in the heart of midfield. But Amorim shook things up with his surprise new position to face the Eagles.Mainoo was spotted warming up with the forwards before kick-off in the Premier League clash.And lo and behold, when the match got underway, he was the man furthest forward for the Red Devils – albeit in a slightly false No9 position. Mainoo was the centre forward in the Amorim 3-4-3 system with Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho pushing up on either side in the supporting roles. Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte held the fort as the midfield pair with Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui operating as wing-backs.Amorim went with a back three of Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez in front of Andre Onana. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut all of the talk on social media was about Mainoo, who faced a back three of Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix and Marc Guehi.The teenager grabbed his first European goal in the Europa League win at FCSB on Thursday night.Man Utd ratings: Kobbie Mainoo shines in new role vs FCSB while poor Tyrell Malacia gets hooked at half timeThat was also his first goal of the season and took his pro tally to six in 58 first-team appearances for United.His first Premier League goal came in February 2024 with his dramatic winner in a 4-3 win at Wolves but his most memorable strike was against Manchester City in the FA Cup final. But despite his relative lack of goals compared to Hojlund and Zirkzee – who have 57 and 47 respectively for club and country – the rogue tactic left fans divided. One said: “Mainoo has done more in five minutes as a 9 than we got out of Hojlund and Zirkzee.”Another wrote: “Mainoo at striker is not something I was expecting today.”A third added: “Mainoo at striker, what is this guy Amorim smoking?”A fourth commented: “Amorim got Mainoo as striker, I think he’s lost it.”A fifth replied: “Garnacho-Mainoo-Dialo is looking nice and smooth.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA sixth typed: “Mainoo is our starting striker today, and we are supposed to be happy with the state of our club.”Marcus Rashford, who has 138 Manchester United goals, was not in the matchday squad once again as he closes in on a loan to Aston Villa. Kobbie Mainoo was tasked with leading the line against Palace’s back threeCredit: PAJoshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund both started on the benchCredit: EPA More