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      Aston Villa 2 Cardiff 0: Asensio double as Emery’s side labour to win to become first team in FA Cup quarter-final pot

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      MARCO ASENSIO has won 17 major honours with Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain.But the Spaniard only has one Spanish and one French Cup to show for his efforts.Marco Asensio was the man of the hour as Aston Villa beat Cardiff 2-0Credit: PAVilla have now booked a place in the quarter-finalsCredit: GettyHowever he set himself up for a crack at a unique hat-trick at Wembley in May by firing the double which sent Aston Villa into their first FA Cup quarter-final since 2015.With a little help from another FA Cup newcomer… semi-automated offside technology!The new high-tec system was a hit as it swiftly decided Marcus Rashford was marginally ONSIDE in the build up to Asensio’s breakthrough goal after 68 minutes.Youri Tielemans’ clever chip sprang the former Manchester United man who was playing on the shoulder of a Cardiff defender.Read More in FootballAnd when Rashford squared the ball, Asensio swept the ball past Ethan Horvath to finally break the Bluebirds resistance.Normally we might have spent five minutes waiting for blue and red lines to be drawn and scrutinised.Here the job was done in seconds – and so were Cardiff – when Asensio added a second 12 minutes later to finally bury the Welsh club.There was a sense of “Friends Reunited,” prior to kick-off with plenty of connections between both clubs.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSVilla played a classy tribute to their former striker and ex-Bluebird Peter Whittingham on their giant video screens before the teams emerged.And there was a banner raised to remember the popular forward who tragically died aged just 35 in March 2020 after suffering a fatal head injury in a fall.Ruben Amorim brings up Marcus Rashford as he vows to talk to Garnacho after Man Utd star stormed down tunnelTwo former Villans, Anwar El Ghazi and Callum Robinson led Cardiff out, with El Ghazi’s two sons among the mascots.There was also a reunion with Villa for Cardiff midfielder Aaron Ramsey – a decade after he was part of the Arsenal team who thumped Villa 4-0 in the 2015 FA Cup final.Unai Emery wasn’t messing about as he fielded close to his the strongest side, starting with fit-again Emi Martinez in goal.But despite boasting a front four of Bailey, Asensio, Rashford and Watkins, Villa found it hard to break through Omer Riza’s thin blue line.Rashford whipped a free kick over the Cardiff wall but it sailed into the waiting gloves of stand-in goalie Ethan Horvath.The American goalie then fielded a curling effort from John McGinn before Rashford had a clean air swipe at the ball after Youri Tielemans picked him out from a corner-kick routine.Ollie Watkins timed his run to perfection to get on the end of Asensio’s slide rule pass but his poked effort was touched fractionally wide by Horvath.Ramsey hurled himself in front of Tielemans to block the Belgian in front of goal before the Bluebirds broke upfield to create a bit of FA Cup history.As El Ghazi burst into the box Ian Maatsen barged him to the ground with a good old-fashioned shoulder-charge.No fewer than THREE VAR assistants, Robert Jones, Darren England and “Additional Video Assistant Referee,” Paul Howard (no, me neither) were poised to review it.Until the semi-automated offside system kicked in and judged the Dutchman as offside.Fortunately the players are not automated… yet… because if they were Villa would have been four or five up by half-time.Instead, Marcus Rashford and Ollie Watkins went in at the break, red-faced, following a couple of embarrassing misses.Bailey had just been denied an opener when his ferocious volley was brilliantly turned over by Horvath when he turned provider.The Jamaican international got round Cardiff’s back five and took Horvath out with a fiercely hit cut-back.Rashford was unmarked three yards from goal but failed to get his footwork right and somehow fired over the gaping net.He will argue the ball arrived slightly behind him but it was a chance a player of his quality would expect to gobble up 99 times out of 100.Not to be outdone, Watkins also missed a snip.He ran onto a Rashford header, only to poke his shot off Horvath’s chest from point-blank range with the goal at his mercy.In fact Cardiff were unlucky not to win a penalty when Lamare Bogarde clipped Perry Ng’s boot to send him tumbling in the box.But the one-way traffic continued after the break with Horvath producing a couple of wonder saves to defy McGinn and Rashford.READ MORE SUN STORIESCardiff had brought Yousef Salech on for the injured Robinson and the sub managed Cardiff’s only shot on target after 66 minutes, forcing Emi Martinez into a fine save low to his left.Ninety seconds later Asensio struck to cement his love-affair with Villa fans on a night when he doubled his tally to four goals since arriving on loan in January. More

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      Chelsea legend John Terry to start new podcast – and lines up controversial first guest

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      EX-football star John Terry is to launch a podcast — and is eyeing Jose Mourinho as his first guest.The Chelsea ace, 44, plans to invite his former manager to help kick off his new football-based discussion show.Former Chelsea star John Terry is planning to start a podcast and invite Jose Mourinho on as a guestCredit: PA:Press AssociationA source said: “John is excited and has told friends there can only be one person as the first guest — and that is Jose Mourinho.”It could see him go head to head in the charts with his former England pal Rio Ferdinand, who also has a weekly podcast.The defenders fell out after Terry was accused of racially abusing Rio’s brother Anton in 2011. Terry, who was acquitted in court, also slept with teammate Wayne Bridge’s girlfriend.READ MORE ON JOHN TERRYOur source said: “John has seen a lot of players do their own podcasts and thinks he will have a lot of appeal. “He’s a controversial character for some of his decisions on and off the pitch but isn’t afraid of tackling tough subjects. “It’s likely his show will have a strong Chelsea focus but he’ll go into other areas.”Terry won a string of domestic and European titles at Chelsea, plus 78 England caps. Most read in FootballHe was contacted for comment. Jose Mourinho launches new side hustle alongside Fenerbahce job as John Terry vows to be first customer John Terry believes his podcast could hold a lot of appeal as he is not afraid to tackle tough subjectsCredit: AFP or licensors More

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      Arsenal face competition from Liverpool as they chase free Joshua Kimmich transfer after Bayern contract talks collapsed

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      ARSENAL and Liverpool are set for a tug-of-war transfer battle over Joshua Kimmich.Bayern Munich star Kimmich is out of contract in the summer and the Bundesliga giants have pulled the plug on new deal talks.Arsenal and Liverpool are set to battle it out for Joshua Kimmich ahead of the summer transfer windowCredit: APTrent Alexander-Arnold is set to move to Real Madrid in the summer and Kimmich could fill inCredit: GettyBut Kimmich is now free to speak to foreign clubs, with several Prem sides and Barcelona keen to snap up the German World Cup winner.The Gunners want midfield reinforcements with Jorginho, 33, and Thomas Partey, 31, out of contract this summer.Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi has already been lined up for a £51million switch to North London.But Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is an admirer of Kimmich, who can also play as an inverted full-back.Read More on ArsenalFringe players — like Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko — could be sold to raise funds.While Liverpool also want to strengthen their midfield having failed to do so last summer.Kimmich could also replace England full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold who has been linked with a free move to Real Madrid.Barca’s ex-Bayern boss Hansi Flick coached Kimmich, but the Spanish side still have financial troubles.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKimmich has been a key player for Bayern for several yearsBayern Munich currently lead the Bundesliga table and are eight points clear of Bayer Leverkusen.They face Stuttgart on Friday evening, although Kimmich will not feature due to a hamstring problem.Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to ‘step up’ as focus switches to Champions League Ahead of the match, Vincent Kompany said: “We only have our sights set on Stuttgart.”But he probably won’t be travelling with us. The game is probably too early for him.” More

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      Coaches in tears, staff stacked & millions down drain…inside local hero Jim Ratcliffe’s ‘terrible’ first year at Man Utd

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      JULY is usually an exciting time at Manchester United’s famous academy.Hundreds of kids as young as seven return to the club’s Carrington training ground as they dream of following in the footsteps of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo by becoming the next protege to grace Old Trafford.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal cuts at Man United have earned him the nickname ‘The Jim Reaper’Credit: PAManchester United academy has also been hit as the billionaire axed coachesCredit: GettyThe club confirmed this week up to 200 people will lose their jobsCredit: GettyBut this season it was different. Instead of coaches greeting the potential future stars with fist-bumps and hi-fives, some of them were in tears.The reason? New minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos minions had set their cost-saving sights on the academy.So as kids and parents buzzed around downstairs, respected coaches were being told they were at risk of redundancy upstairs.Shock filled the building as confused children saw coaches they loved walking down the stairs with tears in their eyes.Some children also broke down, while others tried to comfort their coaches as bewildered parents looked on. A dad who witnessed the scenes told The Sun: “How the club acted was outrageous. “It was like waiting all summer and then sacking all the teachers on the first day of term — in front of the kids.“Some of the coaches were crying, some of the kids were then crying — and parents were wondering, ‘What on earth is going on?’”Academy Director Nick Cox later emailed parents to explain the job cuts were part of a club-wide review aimed at saving cash and becoming a “more lean and agile organisation”.Ruben Amorim blames results on the pitch for Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal Man Utd cuts That mantra has been a familiar message from United officials as billionaire Sir Jim slashes his way through every department of the football club, earning him the nickname “The Jim Reaper”.’He’s had a terrible year’Just this week, the club confirmed up to 200 more people will lose their jobs — on top of 250 loyal staff made redundant last year.Even United legend and ex-manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2million ambassador role was cut.He argues club staff become too comfortable while leaders have become too sentimental — leading to a decade of poor performance.The problem for Sir Jim — who is worth an estimated £23billion — is that on the pitch results have been disastrous.After spending £14million dispensing of manager Erik ten Hag and football director Dan Ashworth, he spent millions more installing Ruben Amorim in the Old Trafford dugout.The 72-year-old can regularly be seen gritting his teeth along with the rest of United fans as his team flounder on the pitch, winning just five of 16 Premier League games.Sir Jim has applied a similar approach to United as he has with his petrochemicals empire — where predictable costs and cost savings have reaped huge success.But so far in the football world, he has failed to discover the right formula for the sweet science of footie.And the man once billed as the saviour of the club from the hated Glazer family, who have loaded £1billion of debt and interest payments on the club following their 2005 takeover, is now regarded by some fans as just another businessman desecrating the club and all it stands for.On the pitch results have been disastrous this yearCredit: AlamySir Jim reacts during United’s clash with LiverpoolCredit: GettyRatcliffe spent millions installing Ruben Amorim in the Old Trafford dugoutCredit: GettyIn Failsworth, the working-class district eight miles from Old Trafford where Ratcliffe started life, he was previously hailed as a local hero thanks to his business acumen.But after sacking hundreds of United staff, putting up some match tickets to £66 a game, cancelling the Christmas party, and ending free lunches for training ground staff in favour of soup and free fruit, he has lost some of his sheen.The Sun this week visited Dunkerley Avenue, where Ratcliffe lived until he was ten, and were offered views Roy Keane would be proud of about the Ineos boss’s stewardship of the club.Lifelong Man United fan John Fearnley said: “I can’t understand why he is doing this.“He knows what it is like to come from a working-class family but now that is exactly the people who he is targeting. “He’s already put match ticket prices up and no doubt season ticket prices will follow next season.“I think he would have put them up mid-season if he could have. Cutting hundreds of jobs is a mistake and will hurt those affected a lot.”The 70-year-old retired contracts manager added: “My Man City mates are having a right laugh about United getting rid of the canteen and handing out free fruit.“They keep sending me Marcus Rashford memes about how we need him back now the free meals have been stopped.”Sue and John Fearnley are not impressed with Ratcliffe’s approachCredit: Matthew PoverDunkerley Avenue in Failsworth, Manchester, where Ratcliffe lived until he was tenCredit: Matthew PoverRatcliffe’s childhood homeCredit: Matthew PoverHis wife Sue, 69, added: “I am United through and through but what he is doing is wrong.“It’s crazy that he is making all these people redundant. “They will be the lower-paid staff and money will already be tight. “I thought things would improve when he bought into the club. “It’s the players’ wages that need cutting. “They should rip the existing contracts up and if the team does well, give them bonuses.”Mike Robinson, 56, said: “What he is doing is a disgrace. “He is destroying the fabric of the club by sacking the very people who are the club.“When he became the richest man in the UK and you’d tell people where you were from, some would say, ‘That’s where Jim Ratcliffe is from!’.”“It was nice to have someone from Failsworth do so well for himself.“But not now he is sacking ordinary working-class people.”Rob Inkerman, 35, said: “He’s a local lad, a United fan and a billionaire. “I thought he would have known what the club stood for and how it is the ordinary people who make the club what it is.“But instead of improving the club, he’s making it worse. He’s had a terrible year. “When he arrived, I think a lot of people saw him as a hero, someone who could save the club. But not any more. “His reputation with the fans has gone and how must the staff be feeling?“But is sacking staff and stopping the freebies really going to make much difference? “I bet it would make more of a difference to those who used to receive the free lunches.“He’s worth a fortune and should be spending it on the club he supports.”‘Bespectacled bores’And while Ratcliffe remains steadfast in his belief his hardline approach will lead United back to the top of world football, others who have always been suspicious of his reasons for buying into the club remain unconvinced.John-Paul O’Neill, author of Red Rebels: The Glazers And The FC Revolution, said: “After all the hype and hope of Ineos’s takeover of Manchester United’s football operations, the club’s current travails can’t really come as that much of a surprise as little about Jim Ratcliffe’s buy-in makes any sense, least of all financially.“Unlike the Glazers, the most common refrain from United fans who’ve pinned their hopes on the Oldham oligarch is ‘at least Ratcliffe’s put some money into the club’. “But they seem to be confusing the cost of doing the deal — injecting cash that keeps the Glazers afloat — with being some sort of willing benefactor.“Everything Ratcliffe has done at Old Trafford smacks of a two-bob operator.12 months of turmoilDecember 2023: Club confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover vowing to invest £245million.January 2024: Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford meet manager Erik ten Hag on a tour of training ground. Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO.February 2024: Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover completed.March 2024: Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino”. Announces plans for “Wembley of the North” to replace Old Trafford. Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 – down from $20.52 after takeover.April 2024: Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled.May 2024: Ratcliffe emails employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanliness of facilities. Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roof. United finish eighth in Premier League ­­– their lowest ever. Ratcliffe gives employees a week to decide if they want redundancy. Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and given only one ticket each. Pre-final party and hotel for senior staff axed.June 2024: United announce £50million upgrade to Carrington. Ratcliffe introduces strict policy forcing staff to come into office.July 2024: United agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle. Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract until 2026. Staff on US pre-season tour cut to 125. Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including kitman Alex Wylie.August 2024: United splash £199million on players in summer transfer window. Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped.October 2024: Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2million-a-year ambassador salary is axed. Staff Christmas party cancelled. “Back to work” policy costs a fortune, converting hospitality suites into offices. Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing £15million.November 2024: Ruben Amorim appointed manager after the club stumps up £10million to trigger his release clause. Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by Amorim. Ratcliffe reportedly set to halve £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association.December 2024: Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” United “still in last century”. Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66. Ashworth sacked as sporting director at a cost of £4.1million. Staff Christmas bonus of £100 ditched for £40 M&S voucher. Ceiling starts leaking during Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth. With reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford, droppings are found in food kiosks and suites as food hygiene rating drops to two stars. SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cut £40,000 donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity.February 2025: Up to 200 more redundancies.“The farce of the millions wasted on Erik ten Hag and Dan Ashworth is well reported, but who authorised £200million to be spent on transfers last summer, under a manager who was a dead man walking and didn’t even make it to November, let alone Christmas?“Journalists were being briefed by United officials this month that the latest round of redundancies is necessary to prevent the club going bust.“If anyone is to actually believe this, just over a year after Ineos’s army of highly paid lawyers and accountants conducted due diligence on United’s accounts, it begs the question as to why Ratcliffe would have committed nearly £1.5billion to buying a quarter of it, rather than wait until the position became clear and the price crashed?“Why would any serious business operator pay such a fortune to become a minority shareholder in a failing business saddled with a billion pounds of debt? “It almost seems as if Ratcliffe has been brought in to be the Glazers’ lightning rod — a patsy to deflect attention — as he fronts all the decisions they wouldn’t, or couldn’t get away with making.“Ratcliffe can sack all the staff he wants, but the fact remains that in 2025 the biggest non-football-related drain resources remains the cost of the Glazers’ 2005 takeover — and those payments could double when the loans come up for refinancing in 2027.“Strangely, that’s one marginal gain Ineos’s bespectacled bores don’t seem willing to address.“But when their own ‘expertise’ has already seen around £230million spent since May on ‘improvements’ that have taken United to 14th place in the Premier League, it’s no wonder Ratcliffe and his gang are seeking out scapegoats anywhere else they can find them to save those precious pennies.”Former Manchester United’s manager Erik ten HagCredit: AFP More

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      How Man Utd could clinch a win in Fulham and the Man City star who LOVES the FA Cup – Weekend Wager’s best bets

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      SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager uses in-depth stats and razor-sharp analysis to bring you the best value bets from the upcoming bumper weekend of sport.Joining our very own Will Pugh on this week’s show is football journalist Kweku Afari and Betfair betting expert Sam Rosbottom.Man Utd’s clash with Fulham is one to watch this weekendCredit: AFPThe panel analyse this weekend’s biggest FA Cup matches, including Manchester United’s clash with Fulham and Plymouth Argyle’s trip to the Etihad Stadium where they face Manchester City.Check out all our best bets for the weekend below, in association with Betfair.Manchester City vs Plymouth ArgyleKweku Afari: Manchester City to win & Kevin De Bruyne to score – 11/8″No player has been involved in more Cup goals than De Bruyne. In 26 games he’s got nine goals and 17 assists.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKevin De Bruyne has nine goals and 17 assists in 26 Cup appearancesCredit: Getty”He’s a man who can rise up, and I wouldn’t say it’s a big occasion, but against lower league opposition I think we’ll see Kevin De Bruyne come to the fore against a team, in Plymouth, who are just happy to be there.”Will Pugh: Man City to score 4+ goals – 5/2″There’s not loads of value in games like this really because the odds are so overwhelmingly in the Premier League team’s favour.”But I just fancy it, they have struggled a bit recently.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Man City have won their last 18 FA Cup games against lower-league sides by an aggregate score of 69-9 so they absolutely love it in this competition.”They don’t faff around when it comes to playing the lower-league teams and their last defeat against someone from a lower division was 1-0 against Wigan Athletic in the 2017/18 season in the same round as this.”Alejandro Garnacho’s punishment for Man Utd tunnel strop revealed as Ruben Amorim sheds light on controversySam Rosbottom: Jack Grealish to score or assist & have one or more shots on target – 11/10″Grealish – four goal involvements in two FA Cup starts this season. He’s also had three shots in those two games, one of them being on target.”So a big opportunity for Grealish this weekend against Plymouth.”Jack Grealish could make his mark against PlymouthCredit: PAMan Utd vs FulhamKweku: Man Utd to win & both teams to score – 100/30″Man Utd, surprisingly, have got an incredible record against Fulham despite being dismal, generally, over the last five/six years.”United have lost just one of their last 21 games against Fulham in all competitions, winning 17 of those with three draws in there.”So they are very dominant against the west London side.”And both teams have scored in all four FA Cup ties they have been involved in this season, so there will be goals on both sides but I expect Man Utd to sneak through.”Will: Bruno Fernandes to score – 5/2″He has been a rare shining light in an otherwise grim, dark season for Man Utd.”Fernandes has got 11 goal contributions in his last 11 FA Cup games – seven goals and four assists.”As well, he only failed to register a goal contribution in two of those last 11 FA Cup matches.”He loves this competition. He’s trying to single-handedly drag United to some sort of success this season so I really fancy that he’ll be on the scoresheet at least.”Bruno Fernandes has got 11 goal contributions in his last 11 FA Cup gamesCredit: ReutersSam: Sander Berge to commit 2+ fouls – 6/4″He’s committed 14 in his last 10 games with at least two committed in five of those – including three against Man Utd back in January.”NewburySam: Iroko – 7/2, Billytherealbigred – 9/2, Kandoo Kid – 11/2, Vincenzo – 7/1″Going on to Saturday, looking at the big handicap chase of Saturday at 3:45. Interesting one, there are a couple of horses in here who are going for the Grand National. Iroko, the favourite, currently 7/2.”Billytherealbigred at 9/2 next up, second favourite. And then one that I fancy in this one – Kandoo Kid for Betfair ambassador Paul Nicholls, 11/2 at the minute, course and distance winner. Grand National hopeful as well.”Second in the race last year on heavy ground. So hopefully the rain isn’t as bad going into the weekend and it can go one better this time.”Iroko is the favourite at 7/2Credit: PAChampions TrophySam: South Africa – 8/11, England – evens, Joe Root 50+ runs – 6/4″South Africa haven’t qualified yet. They have to win this game and they are fancied to do so. They’re odds on at 8/11. England, to upset the party for South Africa, even money.”With the reins being off, so to say, you’d hope, one day cricket, that they’re going to go out there and absolutely go for it. I’ve been really impressed with Joe Root, even though England are out, he has been carrying England at times, hasn’t he?”He scored 50 plus runs in three of his last four ODIs. For him to score 50 runs in this one, 6/4, which I think is a great price considering he’s been England’s key man.”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.orgREAD MORE SUN STORIESFind 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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      What is semi-automated offside and how will the technology be used in FA Cup 5th round?

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      THE FA Cup fifth round will create history in English football, as semi-automated offsides will be used for the first time.Seven of the eight FA Cup fifth round fixtures will use the new technology, aiming to speed up the VAR offside decision-making process.VAR will introduce the new system, after already introducing in-stadium announcements in the Carabao CupCredit: GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty ImagesManchester United are the current holders of the FA CupCredit: Marc Aspland The TimesPreston vs Burnley will not use the technology, as the new system will only be used in Premier League grounds.The system has already seen success in competitions such as the World Cup, Champions League, Serie A and La Liga.What is semi-automated offside?The semi-automated offside technology uses tracking cameras to help referees know when a player is offside.The technology will help eliminate long wait times in games with VAR, as it will flag when players are offside rather than spending long periods of time drawing lines on still images.Read more FA CupCameras around the ground will track players during the game, and if at any point during a key moment, such as a penalty or red card, a player is offside, the VAR will be sent an alert.It is a similar concept to the semi-automated offsides seen in the World Cup 2022 and the Champions League.However, Tony Scholes, Premier League chief football officer, has said the Premier League have been developing a different system.FA Cup fifth round drawPreston vs Burnley is the only game not using the new technology, as the rest of the ties take place in Premier League grounds.Most read in FA CupThe full draw is available here:Aston Villa vs Cardiff – Fri, Feb 28 – 8pm GMT – ITV1Crystal Palace vs Milwall – Sat, Mar 1 – 12:15pm GMT – BBC OnePreston vs Burnley – Sat, Mar 1 – 12:15pm GMT – BBC iPlayerBournemouth vs WolvesManchester City vs Plymouth – Sat, Mar 1 – 5:45pm GMT – ITV4Newcastle v Brighton – Sun, Mar 2 – 1:45pm GMT – ITV1Man United vs Fulham, Sun, Mar 2 – 4:30pm GMT – BBC OneNottingham Forest vs Ipswich – Mon, Mar 3 – 7:30pm GMT – ITV4 More

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      Volodymyr Zelensky gifts Donald Trump Oleksandr Usyk’s world title belt moments before explosive Oval Office fight

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      UKRAINIAN president Volodymyr Zelensky had a special gift for Donald Trump on his visit to the White House.The 47-year-old brought Oleksandr Usyk’s world heavyweight belt into the Oval Office for Friday’s crunch talks.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky brought Oleksandr Usyk’s WBC belt to the Oval OfficeCredit: AlamyThe belt was seen next to Zelensky during the key talksUsyk has twice beaten Tyson Fury and became unified heavyweight champ in 2021Credit: Instagram / usykaaZelensky met Trump at the door to the White House and shook the President’s hand before the seismic meeting.And, once inside, his entourage was seen carrying the WBC undisputed belt Usyk earned against Tyson Fury last year.Boxing fans were baffled to see the belt propped up on a table as the two leaders talked in front of the gathered press. One fan gasped on X: “I hope that’s a replica.”READ MORE ON BOXINGAnother said: “Just why?”While a third added: “I can’t think of anyone who deserves it less.”And a fourth commented after the talks went drastically south: “I hope he took it back after this meeting?”Following the tense talks, Trump kicked Zelensky out of the White House and branded him “disrespectful”.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNegotiations fell apart after a dramatic three-way shouting match erupted between Zelensky, Trump and Vice President JD Vance.Ukrainian hero Usyk has a proud unbeaten record of 23-0, with 14 of those wins coming by knockout. ‘Aura is crazy’ – Oleksandr Usyk asks where Anthony Joshua is seconds after arriving for stacked Beterbiev vs Bivol cardHe joined soldiers on the front line at the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago. Usyk, 38, has been a unified world champion in two weight classes – first as a cruiserweight, before stepping up to heavyweight in 2020.Usyk has beaten Joshua, Daniel Dubois, Derek Chisora and Tyson Fury twice to cement himself as the pound-for-pound king. The world champion beat Fury for a second time in December last year to retain his belts in Riyadh.Usyk already has one eye on leaving boxing behind.Asked about retirement, he told Sky Sports: “I think two years, one-and-a-half [left in boxing].”I feel great myself. I feel I have two fights to prepare, not more. Just two.”Usyk had indicated he would fight the winner of Dubois vs Joseph Parker, which was cancelled earlier this month after Triple D pulled out through illness. Should Dubois win that fight, he believes he has what it takes to knock Usyk off his perch.IBF holder Dubois said: “Run it back. My next fight I’m working towards [is Usyk], I’m ready for it now.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m just getting better, improving. They say when you win a world title you improve. “So I feel like that’s what’s happening with me.” More

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      Karren Brady: Slot subtly tweaked Klopp’s famous ‘heavy metal’ tactical approach to turn Liverpool into worthy champions

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      AT THE start of the season, title conversation centred around Manchester City’s seemingly inevitable dominance, Arsenal’s growth and a resurgent Chelsea.Yet here we are, with Liverpool at the summit of the Premier League, proving once again football is not played on paper — but on the pitch.Arne Slot has turned Liverpool into soon-to-be-champions in his first seasonCredit: EPASlot’s tactics have helped Mo Salah have his best campaign everCredit: AFPLiverpool have defied expectations, outgunned their rivals and shown themselves to be the rightful champions-in-waiting.It is often said that winning is about mentality as much as ability, and this Liverpool side is built on the kind of resilience that turns good teams into great ones.Their famous “mentality monsters” have re-emerged this season, grinding out results when it mattered most.Late winners, comeback victories and an insatiable will to win have become the hallmarks of this side.Read more football newsWhile City stumbled with uncharacteristic sloppiness, and Arsenal lacked the ruthlessness of true champions, Liverpool have been relentless.With Jurgen Klopp no longer at the helm, many expected Liverpool to struggle. Instead, they have adapted brilliantly.Under new manager Arne Slot, the team have maintained the high standards set under Klopp while implementing fresh tactical ideas.Slot, who arrived last summer from Feyenoord, has brought a dynamic, possession-based style of play that emphasises high pressing and fluid attacking movement.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHis philosophy aligns well with Liverpool’s aggressive ethos, making the transition smooth and effective.This speaks volumes about the club’s long-term planning and the resilience of the squad.Liverpool boss Arne Slot makes promise after he’s charged for his role in heated Merseyside Derby chaosEven so, Slot and his assistants have created a fully tutored team, one that seems to skilfully cover every blade of grass.Many paths lead to leading scorer Mo Salah, who at 32 is playing sharper football than at any time in an exceptional career.He has abandoned his wild hairstyle, smiles like a happy lad and tidied up his appearance in readiness, I hope, to receive the Ballon d’Or he so cherishes. Watch him, this jinking little fellow cutting in from the right and ­swinging his left-foot shot into the far corner of the net.  It has become one of the great sights in football. Much has been made of Liverpool’s evolution this season. Unlike Arsenal’s over-reliance on key players or City’s struggles without Rodri at times, Liverpool have navigated their absences with minimal disruption.The team subtly tweaked its tactical approach, shifting from the famed ‘heavy-metal football’ favoured by Klopp to a more controlled and balanced system.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s hybrid role has added a new dimension, while the emergence of young talents like Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones has injected fresh energy into the squad.Slot has also reinforced defensive stability while ensuring the attack remains as potent as ever. Liverpool have found ways to win matches in different styles.They can blitz teams with intensity or manage games with composure.Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have struggled do deal with injury problemsCredit: GettyLiverpool have defied fears they might struggle after Klopp’s exitCredit: GettyAnd that adaptability has turned Liverpool into the most well-rounded side in the Premier League.While injuries have tested Liverpool’s squad depth, their recruitment and squad management have ensured they have the right players at the right time.Unlike Arsenal’s over-reliance on key players or City’s struggles without Rodri at times, Liverpool have navigated their absences with minimal disruption.The return of key players for the final stretch of the season will only strengthen Liverpool’s charge towards the title.While City’s dominance has been built on an empire of limitless spending, Liverpool have had to be smarter. They have built a team, a culture, and an identity that stands apart in modern football.This title, should they complete the job, will be a testament to the squad’s character and the club’s refusal to back down against financially superior rivals.While City’s dominance has been built on an empire of limitless spending, Liverpool have had to be smarter. They have built a team, a culture, and an identity that stands apart in modern football.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs the business end of the season arrives, one thing is clear: Liverpool have the hunger, mentality and quality to reclaim their crown.The writing is on the wall… and it is written in red. More