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      Alex Scott and Jess Glynne beam during sun-kissed Costa Rica holiday as couple playfully bicker over ‘Dora the Explorer’

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      FANS adore a romantic shot of Alex Scott and Jess Glynne.But they never thought the couple would argue over who was a Dora!Alex Scott and Jess Glynne enjoyed ‘nature and adventure’Credit: https://www.instagram.com/alexscott2/Could this pic be any more romantic?Credit: https://www.instagram.com/alexscott2/Scott said they created ‘amazing memoriesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alexscott2/She popped to Costa Rica while the Prem took a breakCredit: instagramEx-England ace Scott wore a blissful smileCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alexscott2/Scott, 40, and 35-year-old Glynne playfully joked on Instagram as they posed in bikinis during an exotic getaway to Costa Rica.The ex-Lioness became queen of the jungle as they mixed leafy treks with golden beaches and exciting exchanges with wildlife.And when Scott shared an array of shots on social media, she got caught up in a fun row over the world’s most famous animated adventurer, Dora the Explorer.In one artful photo, they sat kissing on a fallen tree trunk on the sand in front of a calm sea.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd in another snap, they showed their toned bodies in bikinis as they walked under a waterfall with their arms around each other and smiling blissfully.Football Focus presenter Scott posted: “Nature, love, laughter, adventure and a whole lot of amazing memories to see in and begin the new year!!”Two little Dora the explorers who loved the Costa Rican life.”Singer Glynne responded: “I’m Dora and you’re the explorer.”Most read in FootballHere’s one reason Alex was labelled ‘Daredevil Scotty’Credit: https://www.instagram.com/alexscott2/But even daredevils deserve downtimeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alexscott2/CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe couple clearly enjoyed a joyous tripCredit: instagramBut Scott immediately stepped in with a diplomatic solution.The BBC star told her partner of two years: “I think after this trip you can now be both. x.”Alex Scott gives glimpse into loved-up Mexico holiday with Jess Glynne as fans say ‘you’re literally glowing’Ex-Arsenal defender Scott’s 2.1million Instagram followers were awestruck by how “perfect” it all looked 5,415 miles away from London.Fans were also impressed by her inclusion of animal snaps, such as a toucan and a clip of a sloth foraging sedately in the trees.In contrast to that leisurely loper, admirers weren’t slow to dish out their verdicts on how “fantastic” it all was.One wrote: “Beautiful! The best place on earth to start a new year! Have a good one.”Another said: “Happiness looks great on both of you.”A third added: “Looks amazing and some a bit scary.”And a fourth told them: “You both look in a great place . Keep enjoying life.”A fifth fan even decided to upgrade the ex-footballer from Dora to “Daredevil Scotty”.And while the scenery took equal billing to the celebrity couple, some admirers still focused more on the two long-distance travellers.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Wow xxxxxxxxxxxxxx” and “Stunners” were among those assessments.What a shock it might be for Scott and Glynne when they get back to chilly Britain.Scott’s Instagram followers reckon the couple have never looked happierCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alexscott2/This sloth stole the limelight in one clipCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alexscott2/The 140-cap ex-Lioness was grinning not just because her glass was so bigCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alexscott2/The couple showed that toucan play at having funCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alexscott2/ More

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      Is VAR used in the FA Cup 3rd round? Video Assistant Referee ruling for the cup

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      THE FA Cup third round is here as the Premier League’s giants join in from this stage.But how does the video assistant referee system work with the lower league clubs, and when is it being used from?VAR in use in the FA Cup last seasonCredit: The TimesLast season, Manchester United won the FA Cup by defeating local rivals Manchester City 2-1 at Wembley.However, manager Erik ten Hag was sacked later in the year in October after earning a reprieve by winning the cup.On the way to reaching the final, United received an almighty VAR call in their favour in their semi-final victory over Coventry City.This time round, United are opening up with a blockbuster all-Premier League clash at Arsenal.But will the video assistant referee (VAR) be used in the match?Coventry had VAR heartbreak against Man Utd last seasonCredit: GettyIs VAR used in the FA Cup 3rd round?No. VAR will not be used in the FA Cup until the fifth round stage.Previously VAR was used in the FA Cup in the third and fourth rounds, but only at Premier League stadiums due to “due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.”The FA said in a statement: “Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards. Most read in FA Cup”It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds. “VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation. “This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.”What FA Cup third round games are on TV?Thursday, January 97pm – Sheffield United vs Cardiff City (BBC Wales)7.45pm – Everton vs Peterborough United (BBC iPlayer)7.45pm – Fulham vs WatfordFriday, January 107.45pm – Wycombe Wanderers vs Portsmouth8pm – Aston Villa vs West Ham United (ITV1, ITVX and STV)Saturday, January 1112pmBristol City vs Wolverhampton WanderersBirmingham City vs Lincoln CityMiddlesbrough vs Blackburn Rovers12.15pmLiverpool vs Accrington Stanley (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmExeter City vs Oxford UnitedPreston North End vs Charlton AthleticAFC Bournemouth vs West Bromwich AlbionReading vs BurnleySunderland vs Stoke CityNottingham Forest vs Luton TownBrentford vs Plymouth ArgyleNorwich City vs Brighton & Hove AlbionChelsea vs Morecambe (BBC Extended Highlights)Leicester City vs Queens Park Rangers (BBC Extended Highlights)5.45pmMan City vs Salford City (BBC One and iPlayer)Leeds United vs Harrogate Town (BBC iPlayer)6pmLeyton Orient vs Derby CountyCoventry City vs Sheffield WednesdayMansfield Town vs Wigan AthleticSunday, January 1212pmHull City vs Doncaster Rovers12.30pmTamworth vs Tottenham Hotspur (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmArsenal vs Man Utd (BBC One and iPlayer)Newcastle United vs Bromley (BBC iPlayer)Ipswich Town vs Bristol RoversCrystal Palace vs Stockport County4.30pmSouthampton vs Swansea City (BBC Wales)READ MORE SUN STORIESMonday, January 137.30pm – Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge (ITV4 and ITVX) More

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      FA Cup LIVE SCORES: Nkunku MISSES pen before Tosin opener as Chelsea lead Morecambe ahead of Man City vs Salford later

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      CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU missed an early penalty before Tosin Adarabioyo scored via a massive deflection to put Chelsea in the lead against Morecambe.Earlier, Liverpool cruised to a 4-0 win against Accrington Stanley as a bumper weekend of FA Cup action got underway.Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jayden Danns and Federico Chiesa were on target as the Reds were comfortable winners against League Two opposition.Later, Manchester City host neighbours Salford City, who are owned by the Class of 92 – three FA Cup matches have also been postponed because of the weather.Kick off times: 2pm/3pm/5.45pm/6pmFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Goal – Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)Copy linkCopiedFT: Leicester 6-2 QPRIt was a real goal-fest at the King Power Stadium.Leicester dominated the second-half after Vardy’s penalty and continued to put QPR on the back foot.The Foxes get a big win which should give them some confidence as they turn attentions back to the league campaign.Copy linkCopiedHT: Chelsea 1-0 MorecambeThe hosts have dominated the game but struggled to break the deadlock.When Nkunku’s penalty was saved, heads seemed to drop.However, a wild deflection from a Tosin strike saw the ball end up in the back of the net to open the scoring in West London.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Hill at the King PowerIt was comfortable in the end for Leicester as they put their Premier League struggles to one side to go goal crazy.Jamie Vardy celebrated his 38th birthday with a strike from the penalty spot to ease the Foxes’ nerves after a first half that produced five goals.QPR impressed before the break and gave Leicester a few scares.But Ruud van Nistelrooy’s cut loose after the break with James Justin scoring twice.Leicester saved the best until last as defender Wout Faes unleashed a spectacular 30 yard drive for the Foxes’ sixth of the day in the King Power Stadium fog.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Pete Thompson at the City GroundA downward header from Ryan Yates five minutes before the break has put Forest on course for a place in round four – and a seventh consecutive win.Yates also rattled the crossbar for a second-string Reds side – with Nuno making 11 changes ahead of a huge Premier League clash against Liverpool on Tuesday.Isaiah Jones had a great chance to score a debut goal for managerless Luton, with Carlos Miguel denying him from close range.Copy linkCopiedLeicester 6-2 QPR90+3. It is a real drubbing at the King Power Stadium.The Foxes have really turned the knife in this second-half.Faes adds an injury-time sixth goal to put the icing on the cake.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Wout Faes (Leicester)Copy linkCopiedHT: Bournemouth 3-1 West BromA dominant turnaround from Iraola’s side.They trailed by a goal before Kluivert and a brace from Ouattara turns the game on its head.Bournemouth look dangerous whenever they get into the visitors’ half at the moment.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Andy Dillon at Stamford BridgeCHELSEA are winning but Morecambe are carrying the fight.And keeper Harry Burgoyne embodies their spirit with a penalty save and great reactions to keep out another ferocious shot.Sad for the romantics that he has been breached by a hugely deflected shit from Tosin which has put the Premier League aide ahead.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Nickless at Vitality StadiumDango Ouattara scored twice before the break to give Bournemouth a 3-1 advantage. Kluivert slipped a neat 34th minute pass through to Ouattara to fired through goalkeeper Wildsmith’s legs. And ten minutes later captain Brooks finished off a swift counter attack by setting up Ouattara for his secondCopy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Ian McCullough in West LondonNew Plymouth boss Miron Muslic will be impressed with what he has seen from his new side who have more than held their own against Brentford in the first 45 minutes.Muslic, who is sitting in the stands at the GTech Stadium. will officially take control of the team on Monday following his appointment yesterday.Despite sitting bottom of the Championship and with the leakiest defence in the second tier, the Pilgrims have looked comfortable against the Bees and a threat going forward with Morgan Whittaker and Callum Wright impressing for the visitors.Plymouth keeper Conor Hazard has made two routine saves to deny Fabio Carvalho but the Bees, without top scorers Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, who are on the bench, look rather toothless in attack.Thomas Frank will not want this match going to a replay with Manchester CIty the visitors here in midweek, but he may need to turn to his top scorers in the second half.Copy linkCopiedHT: Norwich City 0-2 Brighton Two goals from Rutter send Hurzeler’s side in at the break in a position of strength.They have looked like scoring every time they come forward.It looks like they have too much attacking threat to not win this game from the position they find themselves in.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Georginio Rutter (Brighton)Copy linkCopiedExeter City 2-1 Oxford United40. Mitchell gets his second goal of the game as he strikes a shot from the centre of the box into the bottom corner of the goal.This is end-to-end stuff and you could still not call a winner.The ground is bouncing now the hosts lead.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Demetri Mitchell (Exeter City)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Nickless at Vitality StadiumGiant defender Caleb Taylor gave the Baggies a shock but deserved lead against their Premier League hosts. Grady Diangana headed John Swift’s 14th minute free-kick onto the bar and Taylor nodded home. This livened up the Cherries and Max Aaron and Kustin Kluivert shot just wide. But top scorer Kluivert equalised on 27 minutes when he smashed David Brooks’ cross high onto the Baggies net.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 3-1 West Brom44. This may well be game over for the visitors.Even when they try to get forward themselves, Bournemouth pick them off on the break with their pace.As they steam forward, is it played to Ouattara who passes into the back of the net to give The Cherries a two-nil lead.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Dango Ouattara (Bournemouth)Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Morecambe39. It is a lucky goal to give the hosts the lead.Tosin looks to get a shot off but it takes a massive deflection and wrong-foots the Morecambe keeper.Not that Chelsea will be concerned, they felt they should have got to take that penalty again.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGoal – Tosin (Chelsea)Copy linkCopiedNott’m Forest 1-0 Luton Town40. Finally Forest break the deadlock at the City Ground.They have been dominating this game but a header from Yates into the bottom corner to open the scoring.Up until that point Luton had done well to hold the hosts at bay.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Ryan Yates (Nott’m Forest)Copy linkCopiedNorwich City 0-1 Brighton37. Brighton take the lead as Minteh lays it back for Veltman to cross into the box.Rutter is there to take advantage with a neat finish.Great start for The Seagulls in this tricky fixture.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Georginio Rutter (Brighton)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Hill at the King PowerAnd there it is, Jamie Vardy marks his 38th birthday with a goal as Leicester take control of the tie.The Foxes skipper scores from the penalty spot to make it 4-2 after handball from Harrison Ashby;Vardy’s goal gives Leicester some breathing space and who’s to say he won’t sign another deal next summer?He might have won a second penalty after going down under a Kenneth Paal challenge, but ref David Webb waved play on.Leicester are tightening their grip after an impressive first half, and James Justin has fired a second goal of the day into the far corner.We still have thick fog here, but Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side can see a clear path to the fourth round.Copy linkCopied More

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      Ipswich ‘chasing former Man Utd and Chelsea star Nemanja Matic’ in shock transfer to boost Premier League survival hopes

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      NEMANJA MATIC is reportedly a shock January transfer target for Ipswich Town.The former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder is currently plying his trade with French club Lyon. Nemanja Matic has been linked with a surprise return to the Premier LeagueCredit: RexThe Serbian won two Premier League titles with ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – GettyMatic won two Premier League titles over two stints at Stamford Bridge, with his most successful between 2014 and 2017. The Serbian enforcer later moved north to Old Trafford and has since played for Roma and Rennes.Ipswich are desperate to avoid an immediate return to the Championship and are targeting experienced heads for the run-in.According to Sky Sports Germany, the Tractor Boys are “exploring a deal” for the defensive midfielder. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLItalian trio Como, Napoli, and Fiorentina are also said to be interested in the veteran’s services. Matic joined Lyon last January after a horror spell with fellow Ligue 1 side Rennes. The 36-year-old was reportedly considering retiring from football altogether after off-field issues dominated his time in Brittany. He struggled to adapt after leaving Italy and had issues with his children’s schooling.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMatic also denied going on strike at the club and insisted he was dealing with a personal matter.The two-time Prem winner is contracted at Lyon until June 2026.Chelsea Player Ratings: Ipswich DefeatHe has played 13 times this season without getting on the scoresheet. Ipswich currently sit 17th in the Premier League, occupying the third and final relegation spot.They have won just three of their 20 top-flight games this season.But have already made early moves in the January market. Btalanta defender Ben Godfrey has arrived on loan, while the club have agreed a £20million deal to sign Aston Villa winger Jaden Philogene. More

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      ‘He plans to leave immediately’ – Man Utd and Chelsea transfer target Kvaratskhelia ‘has asked to go’, confirms Conte

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea target Khvicha Kvaratskhelia “has asked to leave” Napoli, according to boss Antonio Conte.The Georgian winger, 23, is one of the most sought-after forwards in football after a fine spell in southern Italy.Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has asked to leave Napoli this monthCredit: RexAntonio Conte confirmed the forward wants to go amid links with Man Utd and ChelseaCredit: GettyKvaratskhelia has 30 goals in 107 games following an £8million switch from Dinamo Batumi in 2022.The playmaker fired Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years during his debut season.But Khvaratskhelia is now eyeing a move abroad for a new challenge.Man United and Chelsea are both thought to be interested.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Liverpool are also looking at him as a potential replacement for contract misfit Mo Salah.Fabrizio Romano claims French champs Paris Saint-Germain have agreed a five-year deal after offering to QUADRUPLE his wages to nearly £140,00 a week.And a January exit now looks inevitable after Napoli boss Conte confirmed Khvaratskhelia has now formally requested an exit.Former Chelsea and Spurs gaffer Conte said: “Kvaratskhelia has asked to leave the club.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I spoke to him and he confirmed his plan to leave the club immediately.”Khavaratskhelia’s last appearance for Napoli came in the 1-0 win over Venezia in late December.The one player Chelsea must sign this seasonHe failed to even make the squad for last weekend’s 3-0 victory at Fiorentina.And he is set to miss out again when Napoli host Verona tomorrow evening.The Italians are eager to reclaim their Serie A crown after losing it to Inter Milan last term.Napoli are currently top of the table on 44 points, two ahead of Atalanta and four ahead of Inter — who still have two games in hand. More

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      Meet Abdukodir Khusanov, the £33m ‘Tank’ Uzbek defender who sprints like an Olympian and is joining Man City from Lens

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      MANCHESTER CITY are closing in on signing Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens.The Premier League champions have reportedly agreed a £33.6million deal to land the youngster this month.Abdukodir Khusanov is the ‘Tank’ set to join Manchester CityCredit: GettyThe young centre-back has developed into one of the best defenders in Ligue 1Credit: GettyHis 37km/h top speed rivals the pace Usain Bolt set in the 100mCredit: AFPBut who is the rising star set to make his switch to the Etihad – and what kind of a player are City signing?First of all, Pep Guardiola is getting a proper defender.Khusanov, 20, is no creative player who has been shoehorned into playing at the back.He is a defender’s defender – and seemingly relishes preventing strikers scoring, coming out in the 94th percentile for his defensive stats in Ligue 1 this term. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd he is a physical specimen of a man: 6ft 1in tall, powerful, strong, athletic and quick. Very quick.Khusanov clocked a staggering top speed of 37km/h – 22.9mph – earlier this season.To put that into context, Usain Bolt averaged 37.58km/h to set the 100m world record of 9.58 seconds, albeit reaching 43.99km/h during the 2009 race.In the 2023-24 Premier League season, the 37km/h barrier was broken just twice – both by Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven who managed 37.38km/h and 37.23km/h. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSo it’s safe to say that Khusanov would add a whole new dynamic to City’s back line with his lightning pace.He capitalises on his physical attributes to be strong in the air and even stronger in the challenge.Meet Man City’s Nico O’Reilly: Rodri’s heir?His aggressive pressing style and love of a battle with a striker means he is perfectly comfortable stepping out to squeeze opponents or intercept as well as in one-v-one situations, drawing comparisons to Ruben Dias.He is not dirty, only picking up two yellow cards this season, but does love a last-ditch slide tackle and did see red for a studs-up challenge on PSG’s Achraf Hakimi in November. His Lens manager Will Still summed it up succinctly: “Kodir is a tank.” Interestingly, though, Khusanov is not your typical Guardiola centre-back because he is not the best with the ball at his feet. He averages fewer touches, passes and forward carries than his centre-back partners Kevin Danso and Facundo Medina – albeit playing in the middle of a back three – and certainly has room to grow in his range of passing.This will be particularly important when lining up in a Guardiola team that dominates possession. It has been a staggering and rapid rise for Khusanov as he finds himself on the brink of his transfer to England. The Uzbekistan international and Olympian – who would become the first Uzbek to play in the Premier League – left his homeland aged 18 to join Belarusian club Energetik-BGU in 2022.Less than 18 months later, he signed for Lens in July 2023 for £84,000 – and is now set to move on for 400 TIMES that figure, having only established himself as a first-team regular starter this season.But City fans’ excitement will be curbed by two important factors. Khusanov is not very experienced.The youngster – who ironically has only celebrated five birthdays as he was born on February 29, 2004 – went into 2025 with still only 24 Ligue 1 appearances to his name.He has two in the Champions League from last season’s group stages, including a 6-0 thrashing by Arsenal.The other slight area for concern is verbally.READ MORE SUN STORIESKhusanov has been described as a very quiet person and add in the further complications of the language barrier upon arriving in England and that could mean he takes time to settle.But if struggling Guardiola is so keen to spend big cash and waste no time in bringing him in, he must be confident he can get the best out of Abdukodir Khusanov as City’s next defensive stalwart. Khusanov would become the first Uzbek to play in the Premier LeagueCredit: Instagram @abdukodir_khusanov_He is not afraid to stand up for himself and show aggressionCredit: AFPThe 18-cap international left his homeland aged 18 to move to BelarusCredit: Instagram @abdukodir_khusanov_The youngster signed for Lens from Energetik-BGU in 2023Credit: Instagram @abdukodir_khusanov_Pep Guardiola will know there is room for improvement with the ball at his feetCredit: GettyKhusanov was on the end of a 6-0 stuffing by Arsenal in the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyHe could rival Micky van de Ven as the Prem’s fastest footballerCredit: Getty More

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      Liverpool 4 Accrington Stanley 0: Alexander-Arnold puts Man Utd nightmare behind him with rocket in simple FA Cup win

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      TRENT Alexander-Arnold milked Anfield’s applause after scoring the brilliant second goal that all but decided this tie.Accrington Stanley showed exactly who they were for almost half an hour before Diogo Jota put Liverpool ahead from a lightning break.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s rocket doubled Liverpool’s lead on the brink of half-timeCredit: AlamyThe Liverpool right-back’s strike flew past Everton keeper Billy Crellin, who is on loan at Accrington StanleyCredit: PAAlexander-Arnold made up for his Man Utd defensive nightmareCredit: ReutersDiogo Jota put the Reds 1-0 up inside 30 minutesCredit: ReutersAcademy star Jayden Danns, 18, sealed things off with a sharp finish just five minutes after coming onCredit: APFederico Chiesa scored his first Liverpool goal in the 90th minuteCredit: GettyBut the League Two side paid the price for dropping their levels for a few minutes when Alexander-Arnold curled in a superb shot just before half time.Only six days before, the England star had been the target of abuse from some home fans after a poor performance in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United followed more speculation about him moving to Real Madrid.But TAA received a decent ovation as he left the pitch just before the hour.What he saw from the bench was not very comfortable, as his side allowed Stanley back into the game.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSJosh Burns hit the bar and defender Don Love missed a great chance to pull one back.But Liverpool substitute Jayden Danns ended any debate with the third goal, then Federico Chiesa’s first strike for the club put the bookend on Accrington’s fairytale.It was also an historic day for the Reds’ Rio Ngumoha, who became the youngest player ever to start a game for the club, at the age of 16 years and 135 days.The left winger looked impressive from the start, but Accrington held their own for some time, although Liverpool should have taken the lead in the 12th minute.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDominik Szoboszlai dummied Kostas Tsimikas’ cross and Alexander-Arnold should probably have put his shot beyond the reach of Billy Crellin, the Accrington goalkeeper on loan from Everton.But after Crellin kept it out with his right leg and the ball ricocheted to Nunez, the Uruguayan fired horribly over the crossbar.’He’s going to Tranmere after this’ – Roy Keane rips into Trent Alexander-Arnold after ‘school boy’ defending vs Man UtdThe visitors were having some joy at the other end, too, with Josh Whalley in particular getting in down the left, but the final ball was lacking.And it was from their own free kick that the League Two side conceded.Ben Woods’ initial delivery was poor and when Szoboszlai controlled a lofted ball to no-one by Nelson Khumbeni, trouble soon followed.The Hungarian found Alexander-Arnold released Nunez with a cute pass and the Liverpool No 9 crossed perfectly to where Jota was ready with a routine finish.More good work from the Portugal forward led to a half-chance for Harvey Elliott. Crellin saved easily and then watched a Tyler Morton shot comfortably clear his goal.Rio Ngumoha became the youngest player ever to start a game for LiverpoolBut there was nothing Crellin could do when Alexander-Arnold found space just outside the box and whipped a wonderful finish across and into the net off the post.Stanley made a double change at half time, with former Liverpool trainee Liam Coyle coming on to try to restore some life to his team’s hopes.Inside a minute of the restart, Nunez saw a shot stopped by Crellin and then teed up Chiesa, on for Szoboszlai, for an effort that was deflected wide.Liverpool lost a bit of momentum and were grateful to see Ben Woods’ low shot blocked by his own player.The Reds were certainly not out of the Woods yet.Accrington’s Josh met a corner at the back post only for Jota to get in the way of the header.But no-one got near his shot moments later when he cut inside and smashed an effort off the crossbar.Slot made more changes just before the hour and Alexander-Arnold returned the crowd’s applause as he was replaced by Conor Bradley.He will have been less happy with what happened next as his side lost balance and control.Goalkeeper Billy Crellin is on loan with the League Two side from EvertonCredit: ReutersStanley, who are 19th in League Two, should have made things interesting with 25 minutes to go.A well-worked move saw Whalley cross into the six-yard box and centre back Don Love had timed his run perfectly. But he could only send his free header off target with the whole of Caoimhin Kelleher’s goal gaping.At the other end, Crellin kept out another Chiesa shot from a narrow angle.But soon it was game over.Jayden Danns won the ball in his own half and kept running after playing in Chiesa.The Italian’s shot was saved well by Crellin but Danns was there to smash the ball in and end any debate.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere was still time for Chiesa to hit one post and then, not long afterwards, to break his Liverpool duck with a shot that went in off the other.It was a pleasing way to end the afternoon for Alexander-Arnold and his club after a tough week. More

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      Wayne Rooney lands new role following Plymouth axe with Man Utd legend to run coaching camp in Dubai

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      WAYNE ROONEY is heading to sunnier surroundings as he looks to get over his latest managerial axe. The former England ace was let go by Championship club Plymouth on New Year’s Eve. Wayne Rooney is set for a new career venture in Dubai after leaving PlymouthCredit: PAThe former Man Utd striker left the Pilgrims with the club rooted to the bottom of the ChampionshipCredit: RexRooney took over at Home Park last summer but won just five of his 25 matches in charge. The 39-year-old could now be set for a TV punditry career after his fourth managerial failure.But before following some of his former Man Utd teammates into punditry, Rooney is teaming up with holiday company Football Escapes. The ex-England ace has been named as an ambassador for the business, which runs half-term coaching sessions in Dubai. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFor his new role, Rooney will jet to the UAE next month for a special “Train with Wayne” workshop.In a statement, Football Escapes wrote on Instagram: “We’re thrilled to announce that Wayne Rooney is our newest ambassador!”Wayne will make his debut at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, this February Half Term (17th–21st February 2025). “This is your chance to give your kids the opportunity to train with one of football’s greatest icons.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPer the company’s website, the trip features “exciting football sessions within the luxurious yet family-friendly atmosphere of one of Dubai’s most iconic resorts.”The price for a family of four is listed between £7500 and £8650.Inside Wayne Rooney’s woeful spell at Plymouth as Manchester United legend AXEDEarlier this month, SunOnline exclusively revealed Rooney is being targeted for a new role in punditry.Roo is likely to be offered a mega-bucks deal to work as a football pundit, having impressed during screen stints on ITV and Sky.A TV insider said: “Wayne is regarded as one of the best pundits in the business.”He’s very, very knowledgeable about the game.Wayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again.”And even though he’s actually quite a shy person, he really feels at home in a TV studio.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe insider added: “It’s been a rubbish end to 2024 for Wayne, but he’s not going to be out of work for long.”He’ll be offered punditry work straight away and there’s interest from Sky in a potential long-term deal to tie him down as a pundit.” More