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    I won Sky Sports competition and ended up playing for Chelsea – I’ll never forget my first day sat in the canteen

    CARL MAGNAY lived a young footballer’s dream when he won a competition to sign for Chelsea.Out of thousands of applicants between the ages of 16 and 18, he claimed a six-month contract at Stamford Bridge after starring on Sky Sports’ Football Icon 2 show.Carl Magnay spent four years at Chelsea after winning a Sky Sports competitionCredit: GettyHe jumped from playing for Birtley Town U17s as a regular sixth form student, to rubbing shoulders with Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and John Terry on a daily basis.During the final stages of Football Icon 2, he was invited to train alongside Jose Mourinho’s first-team squad.And the centre-back, 35, admits it was an incredible experience to see Chelsea’s superstars at work.Speaking to Football London, he said: “It was surreal. You’ve got no option but to take it in your stride. Like I said, looking back now I didn’t know it at the time, I had a strong mentality and I was quite level headed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Chelsea’s first-team players were really respectful. They were just going about their daily jobs and their routines. I remember sitting in the canteen and I’m sharing an area where we’re all eating.”It took me about an hour to eat my food because I was just looking round the room staring at people.”Lampard going up to get food and get a plate of second and I’m looking at his physical stature thinking ‘look at the size of his quads’ and I was just in awe of everything that was going on around me.”It was really surreal but I knew I was there and had to prove myself and when you got on the pitch you had to push all that to one side and just focus on the session.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I think I did that really well to be fair.”Magnay ended up spending four years at Chelsea and played under a number of high-profile managers including Mourinho, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Carlo Ancelotti.How Liverpool outsmarted Chelsea with Slot’s genius ‘traffic jam’ trick and Curtis Jones masterclassHowever, he failed to secure a single first-team appearance and left in 2011 to join non-league side Gateshead.He went on to feature for Grimsby, Hartlepool, Spennymoor Town, before he returned to Gateshead in 2022.The defender, who earned one cap for Northern Ireland’s U21s, retired last year and is now Gateshead manager. More

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    Man Utd ‘set to appoint former EFL boss and academy product, 48, to surprise role’ in major backroom rethink

    MANCHESTER UNITED look geared up to bring old boy Michael Appleton into their new-look backroom staff.The 48-year-old has been linked with a return to his childhood club after he was sacked by League One side Charlton in January.Manchester United look ready to bring Michael Appleton into their backroom staffErik ten Hag has already added Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake to his staffNow Old Trafford’s sporting supremo Dan Ashworth is poised to appoint him to the transfer team with responsibility for loans.Former Tranmere physio and manager Les Parry holds the position but he is set to be replaced, according to The Mail.Appleton was spotted sitting alongside Ashworth and Old Trafford technical director Jason Wilcox at the start of October.The trio watched the Under-21s fight out a 1-1 draw with Hertha Berlin in the Premier League International Cup in Salford three weeks ago.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAppleton’s appearance has re-ignited talk that he could be appointed in the near future to oversee United’s young players who go out on loan to other clubs.The Mail initially reported that Appleton wouldn’t take the job last month, but it appears the lifelong United fan could make a stunning U-turn.Appleton was appointed as Charlton gaffer last September, eight months after being sacked by Blackpool. However, he didn’t last very long at The Valley as he was shown the exit door in January.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 48-year-old has also previously taken charge of Portsmouth, Preston, Blackburn, Oxford and Lincoln.Appleton worked with Ashworth at West Brom and is among his proteges.Sir Alex Ferguson phoned and tried to convince me to join Man Utd – but their transfer plan made me say noHe was given a chance to come through as a coach at the Hawthorns under his mentor and they have a very close relationship.It would be his first administrative job but he has a good knowledge of United’s rising stars and the right contacts to find them homes.Appleton joined the Red Devils as a teenager and earned his first professional contract in 1994 after impressing academy coaches.He was loaned to Wimbledon and Lincoln the following season to get first-team experience and eventually returned to Old Trafford in 1996 to make his senior debut.After playing just 90 minutes in total for Man Utd, Appleton moved to Preston North End in 1997.He then joined West Brom, where he spent the final two years of his career before retiring in 2003 after losing his two-year battle with the injury. Michael Appleton spent three years in the United set up More

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    ‘I nearly joined Man Utd after Sir Alex Ferguson charmed me but I don’t regret it… then I ended my career at Barnet’

    EDGAR DAVIDS revealed he almost joined Manchester United after meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson in 1996.Davids, 51, enjoyed tremendous success playing for the likes of Ajax, where he won the Champions League and the Eredivisie, as well as Juventus, where he won three Serie A titles.Edgar Davids revealed he almost joined Manchester United in 1996Credit: Times Newspapers LtdDavids held talks with Man Utd’s legendary boss Sir Alex FergusonCredit: GettyDavids turned Man Utd down to play for AC Milan as that was where the ‘big boys’ playedCredit: Allsport – GettyHowever, the former midfielder’s career could have looked a lot different if he accepted Ferguson’s offer to join him at United just three years before the legendary Treble triumph.The Dutchman revealed he had a “charming” conversation with Sir Alex but opted for AC Milan as that was there the “big boys” played back in the day.And the Netherlands great insists he has no regrets despite United’s tremendous success under Fergie until 2013.Davids told BetMGM: “When I left Ajax in 1996 there was a good chance of me going to Manchester United.Read More on Football“I had a conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson and it was one of the most unbelievable experiences I had in my whole career. He was funny, charming, intelligent — basically everything you wanted.“The big boys were in Serie A and that’s where I wanted to go at that time of my career. That was the main reason why I chose to go to AC Milan.“I don’t regret not going to Manchester United. I’ve seen Sir Alex since and we had a good laugh about it all and there are still the same good feelings between us.”Davids did ultimately make the move to England nine years later as he played for Tottenham until 2007 before a short stint with Crystal Palace in 2010.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe ex-Barcelona star then turned into an EFL cult hero two years later as he took over as player-manager at Barnet in League Two, where he amassed 38 appearances until his retirement in 2014.Davids is now pursuing a career in management and currently works as Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman’s assistant.Steven Bergwijn gives a finishing masterclass with Edgar Davids in Netherlands training The ex-Inter Milan star revealed he cut his teeth learning under current United boss Erik ten Hag during his time in charge of Utrecht.The Juventus legend insists Ten Hag is a remarkable manager and hinted that the Red Devils’ troubles are caused by a lack of firepower up front.Davids added: “I know him [Ten Hag] very well. I did an internship at FC Utrecht and he was there. “He was very innovative with lots of different things and I was very impressed. He’s very focused and passionate about football.“We all know it hasn’t gone great at Manchester United. They are a club trying to rebuild and that’s never easy — but I do look at their options up front and think there’s not a prolific goalscorer there which makes such a difference.“For me, that’s what they are really missing. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are good, young strikers and have talent but they don’t have that experience yet.“It’s so hard to say if he’s going to stay but the one thing you do know is, just like Real Madrid, results are what you are judged on and they clearly haven’t been nearly good enough while he’s been in charge.”Ten Hag’s Man Utd signingsThe Dutchman has brought in 21 players since moving to Old Trafford in 20222022-23:Antony, (Ajax) £86mCasemiro, (Real Madrid) £70mLisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46mTyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13mChristian Eriksen, (Brentford) freeMartin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loanWout Weghorst, (Burnley) loanJack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loanMarcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan2023-24:Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72mMason Mount, (Chelsea) £60mAndre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47mSofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loanAltay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3mJonny Evans, (Leicester) freeSergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan2024-25:Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52mManuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50mMatthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45mJoshua Zirkee, (Bologna) £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8mDavids ended a successful career at Barnet in League TwoCredit: Getty Images – GettyDavids is now pursuing a career as manager and currently works as assistant boss for the Netherlands’ national teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    ‘Is that you?’ ask Arsenal fans as they spot what Leandro Trossard did with eerie similarity to cult hero

    LEANDRO TROSSARD replicated an Arsenal cult hero during their win over Shakhtar Donetsk.Gunners fans spotted an eerie similarity between the pair at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.Arsenal fans spotted an eerie similarity between Leandro Trossard and a cult heroCredit: GettyMikel Arteta’s side continued their unbeaten start in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over their Ukrainian opponents.Dmytro Riznyk’s own goal was the difference but it could have been more comfortable after Trossard missed a penalty for the hosts.However, another part of his performance also got supporters talking on social media.The Belgian winger, who is right-footed, was spotted taking corners with his weaker left foot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTrossard whipped an inswinging ball into the box with his left just five minutes into the match.Fans quickly compared his antics to former midfielder Santi Cazorla, who also wore the number 19 shirt for the Gunners.The Spaniard was known for being two-footed and taking set pieces with both feet during his time in North London.Reacting on social media, one fan wrote: “Always said Trossard reminds me of Santi Cazorla and now he’s taking corners with his weak foot? He took the comparison to another level.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother added: “Trossard pulling a Santi Cazorla and using his weaker foot on a corner.”A third supporter also commented: “Trossard taking an inswinging corner with his left foot. Haven’t seen that since Santi Cazorla.”Mystery as Kai Havertz denied chance to make Arsenal history but Mikel Arteta has no idea why it happenedArsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…DAVID RAYA – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.BEN WHITE – 6Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.Marked improvement in the second half.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.DECLAN RICE – 6Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.GABRIEL JESUS – 8Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. KAI HAVERTZ – 7Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/AMeanwhile, one more said: “Leandro Trossard with left-footed corners. Santi Cazorla, is that you?”Cazorla spent six years with the Gunners, making 180 appearances for the club.During that time, he scored 29 goals, provided 44 assists and won four trophies, including two FA Cups.The two-time Euros winner is still playing in Spain for boyhood club Oviedo aged 39.Santi Cazorla also took corners with both feet and wore the number 19 for the GunnersCredit: GettyTrossard missed a penalty in Tuesday’s 1-0 over Shakhtar Donetsk at the Emirates StadiumCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd title winner makes major career change at 40 as he swaps football for BANKING

    Former Manchester United keeper Anders Lindegaard has swapped saves for savings… by getting a job with a bank.The Denmark international spent five years at Old Trafford, making 29 senior appearances.Former Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard has turned to a career in bankingCredit: Bongarts – GettyHe left for West Brom in 2015, and went on to play for Preston and Burnley before retiring in 2022.Lindegaard, 40, has now landed a post with global investment bank UBS.He will advise top-level footballers and other sportspeople for the Swiss-owned company.The five-cap international said: “New beginnings, new job, new career.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”My role is to help the bank better understand successful athletes, and provide them with meaningful and valuable service from the leading asset manager.”I will always be an athlete by nature. Helping other athletes navigate through their sports adventures seems both natural and meaningful to me.”In that way I see myself and my role as being employed by UBS, but I work for the athletes.”For me personally this is the start of a different career. I always wanted to stay in football, but I didn’t want to work on the pitch.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnders Lindegaard’s careerA brief look at Lindegaard’s playing career…2003 – 2009: Odense BK2008: Kolding FC (loan)2009: Aalesund (loan)2009 – 2015: Manchester United2015 – 2016: West Brom2016 – 2017: Preston North End2017 – 2019: Burnley2019 – 2022: Helsingborgs IF”I’ve been doing this all my life, and now I think it’s time to try something new.”It’s not easy to retire from professional sports. It is undoubtedly a high-risk moment in every athlete’s life.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers”I am proud to have made what for me is a successful transition. And I’m relieved that I have developed Anders Lindegaard 2.0.”Lindegaard hung up his boots after a spell with Swedish top-flight club Helsingborgs.A £3.5million United buy from Norwegians Aalesund in 2009, he helped the Red Devils win their last Premier League title in 2013.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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    Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar: Get £40 in free bets and bonuses to spend with BetMGM

    TOTTENHAM’S 100% Europa League record is on the line on Thursday when AZ Alkmaar head to north London on Thursday.Bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the European encounter.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsTottenham vs AZ Alkmaar: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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    Lost F1 race closes in on return to calendar after 26 years as sponsor says ‘all the stars are aligning’

    FORMULA ONE could be set to make a return to an old stomping ground after almost THREE DECADES absent.It comes after F1 chief Stefano Domenicali hinted that the introduction of 21-year-old Franco Colapinto could trigger the return of a race in his homeland, Argentina.Franco Colapinto’s rise in F1 has seen a spike in interest from ArgentinaCredit: GettyStefano Domenicali hinted at the possibility at a recent eventCredit: RexMichael Schumacher won the last Argentina Grand Prix in 1998Credit: AP:Associated PressSchumacher, right, celebrated a double podium with Ferraro’s Eddie Irvine, leftCredit: AP:Associated PressColapinto replaced Logan Sargeant at Williams during September’s Italian Grand Prix.And since then he has defied the odds by scoring points in two of the next three races – Azerbaijan (P8), Singapore (P11), United States (P10).This dramatic entrance to the sport has led to calls for him to be handed one of the two remaining seats for the 2025 F1 season.And it has also led to a sharp rise in interest in F1 from his nation, while the motorsport also penned a commercial deal with Argentine digital service provider Globant. READ MORE IN F1Not only has interest grown since Colapinto’s introduction to the sport, but there is now a desire to bring F1 back to the country.Speaking at an event celebrating the Globant deal, Domenicali said: “I was there the last time that everyone was in Buenos Aires to race, it is a sign of not being a great age, but that’s life.”I really hope that all this, all you are doing for your country and also what Franco is doing.”It is great for your country and hopefully it will give your country, once again.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Hopefully sooner rather than later the possibility for South America to host not only Mexico – in Central America – Sao Paulo in Brazil… why not?”We are a worldwide championship but as always in life, in whatever marriage, you need to be two – so we are ready to see if someone is ready but let’s wait and look forward in case.”Drive to Survive and F1 legend runs B&B with rooms named after iconic tracksThe last F1 race in the country was held in Buenos Aires at the Autódromo Oscar y Juan Gálvez in 1998.Globant CEO Martin Migoya added: “All the stars are kind of getting aligned, right? Because we closed the partnership with Formula 1 and then Franco got upgraded into Formula 1 and for us that is extremely important.”Those things happening with a lot of effort, with a lot of humbleness, with a lot of work and that at some point yields beautiful results.”I think our partnership here, together with our support of Williams and Franco, is extremely important for our country, for our region and I think it will be beautiful to see how the things move forward.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁Michael Schumacher won the race in the country ahead of Mika Hakkinen and Ferrari team-mate Eddie Irvine in second and third respectively.Local F1 icon and hero Juan Manuel Fangio, a four-time world champion, won a record four races in the country.Brazil’s Emerson Fittipaldi and Great Britain’s Damon Hill are the only other drivers with more than one win in the nation with two each.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconA race had been scheduled for 1999, but the race was cancelled with organisers struggling for funds.Talks had taken place regarding its return in 2012, but an expected deal fell apart after ex-F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone said: “We are open to racing in Argentina when I can deal with serious people.”Madrid will be a new F1 track in the 2025 season.Other proposals for a new host country have seen South Africa – who last hosted a race in 1993 – heavily suggested.READ MORE SUN STORIESA 2024 slot was originally in mind, but this was abandoned.The Las Vegas Grand Prix is the most recent introduction to the race calendar, having made its debut last season. More

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    Arsenal announce replacement for Jack Wilshere after former star, 32, quit as U18s boss to take job with Norwich

    ARSENAL have named Adam Birchall as the new Under-18s head coach after Jack Wilshere’s departure to Norwich.Wilshere, 32, has left the Gunners to take his new role as first-team coach with the Canaries in the Championship.Jack Wilshere has left Arsenal as Under-18s boss to join Norwich as first-team coachCredit: GettyArsenal have announced Adam Birchall as Wilshere’s replacementCredit: GettyAnd the Gunners have announced that Birchall, 39, will be replacing the former England international in the youth side.The former forward is a product of the Hale End academy himself but never played for the North Londoners’ senior squad.The ex-Wales youth international went on to play in the EFL throughout his 13-year career until his retirement in 2016 at Bromley.Birchal returned to Arsenal’s youth system as a coach shortly after hanging up his boots.Read More on ArsenalAnd he will have a tough act to follow as Wilshere helped nurture talents, such as Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.Birchall is now tasked with handling some promising young talent, such as Max Dowman who has been dubbed the “next Kaka”.And he now faces a major task ahead as it was reported that Wilshere’s departure from Arsenal after two years in charge of the Under-18s could spell the end for Dowman, 14.Reports suggest the attacking midfielder’s family are “extremely disappointed” with the change in the dugout.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe England Under-16 international has 18 months left on his schoolboy terms and has yet to commit to a scholarship.Wilshere has been an important figure for Dowman both on and off the pitch.Ex-Arsenal star Jack Wilshere shows his skills at AGF training The new Norwich coach showed an understanding for the pressures the playmaker faces given he experienced a similar situation coming through as a highly-rated player in Arsenal’s academy.Arsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…DAVID RAYA – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.BEN WHITE – 6Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.Marked improvement in the second half.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.DECLAN RICE – 6Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.GABRIEL JESUS – 8Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. KAI HAVERTZ – 7Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/A More