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    Leading Everton to FA Cup glory would put David Moyes ‘right up there’ with Howard Kendall as a Goodison great

    AN FA CUP Wembley triumph would put David Moyes “right up there” with Everton’s greatest managers, says Tony Cottee.The Scot returned to Goodison Park last month, 12 years after leaving to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.David Moyes would love to deliver FA Cup glory to the EvertoniansCredit: AlamyA Wembley triumph would make him one of the all-time greats like Howard Kendall (left)Credit: PA:Press AssociationHe is already making his mark and takes the Toffees into potentially Goodison’s last-ever cup encounter in fine form.Moyes, who lost the 2009 final to Chelsea during his first Everton stint, is looking for a fourth-straight win when they take on Bournemouth at Goodipn in the fourth round on Saturday.Speaking exclusively to BetSelect on behalf of The Sun, Cottee, who lost the 1989 FA Cup final to Liverpool with Everton, said: “One thing that you can say about David Moyes is that he gets it, he understands it.“As an Evertonian, he will know that the club hasn’t won anything for 30 years.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“If you can win something and be that first person for 30, 31 years, whatever it might be, you’re then right up there with Howard Kendall and Harry Catterick and all the top managers that have won things at the club.”Cottee, a huge West Ham icon who watched Moyes deliver the Europa Conference League trophy to the Hammers two years ago, continued: “Yeah, I think it will put him right up there.“He did a similar thing at West Ham. If you can win trophies, that’s what the fans want.“You just have to take the moments and enjoy them. As has been proven as an Evertonian, there would have been a lot of fans that were there in 1995 when they won the FA Cup.Most read in FA CupBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusives“Sometimes you can go 30 years without winning their trophy. But if Moyes can win the cup for the fans, it’ll be amazing.“I think he’s already considered an Everton legend with what he did first time around. The second time around, not as easy. Howard Kendall found that out as well.“But I think FA Cup glory would be fantastic for the fans.”Despite the prospect of relegation in their final season at Goodison being a very real prospect a month ago, Moyes has managed to steer them nine points clear of the drop zone.Cottee believes he has a strong enough squad to continue that fight for survival and enjoy an FA Cup run.Moyes suffered defeat in the 2009 FA Cup Final with the ToffeesCredit: EPAAnd he called on the Everton players to go out and give the fans and Goodison a fitting cup send-off.Cottee added: “There have been so many great FA Cup games over the years. There’s so much history in Goodison Park.“I think it’s really important that they go out as if it is going to be this is the last FA Cup game, and try and win it for the fans.“Once you get to the fifth round or the sixth round, you really start thinking that it could be your year.“They got to the final with Moyes in 2009 but that’s 16 years ago now. Everton’s cup performances haven’t been good.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Then you got the argument that if you’re playing the FA Cup, you’ll end up in relegation trouble because you got lots of games.“But I think Everton have got enough players to manage the squad and have a real go at it.”Tony Cottee was an FA Cup runner-up with the ToffeesCredit: Getty More

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    Winning FA Cup with Bournemouth would be up there with lifting World Cup, says Cherries hero Lewis Cook

    LEWIS COOK says lifting the FA Cup for Bournemouth would be up there with captaining England to World Cup glory.The star, 28, has excelled for the Cherries while wearing the armband in the absence of club captain Adam Smith.Lewis Cook is desperate to help Bournemouth achieve FA Cup gloryCredit: GettyThe star lifted the U20 World Cup with England as captain in 2017Credit: EPAAnd despite the controversial 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool, Andoni Iraola’s injury-hit squad are firmly in the hunt for a top seven Premier League finish.Now Cook, who has shone as makeshift right-back, and his team-mates want to take the South Coast side to a first Wembley cup triumph.Bournemouth have never gone past the last-eight and ahead of their trip to Everton, he told Sun Sport: “We want to win something new for the club and the players.“We will give 100 per cent no matter who we play against. We aim to progress.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“First and foremost we should expect to go on a run ourselves. I feel like we’ve got a great young team and we’re just trying to pick up experiences.“So I think any game, in any competition, you’ve got to make sure we fight, fight hard and believe in ourselves to progress.“And, you never know, try and win something.”It was in 2017 when Cook skippered the Young Lions to U20 World Cup glory, a moment he says will live with him forever.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOn whether lifting the FA Cup in May would be up there with the World Cup, he said:  “Well, yeah, that would be amazing.“Obviously with Adam [Smith] being the full time captain, I think it’d be nice to see him lift it. You know, coming back from injury and doing that would be great.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese model“Whoever’s doing it, it would be amazing. But we’ve got to win a few games first of all.“People know the history of the FA Cup. I think it’s massive for us as players.“I think when you look back in your career and you see what stuff you’ve won, it’s always nice. So yeah, you never know. We’ll keep working hard and try and progress.”Bournemouth must overcome a tricky task to advance into the fifth round draw with the trip to Everton.But after previously struggling on Merseyside, the Cherries came from 2-0 at Goodison to win 3-2 in a Prem game Cook scored in back in August.The midfielder knows this will be a totally different challenge against the resurgent Blues under David Moyes and the added ingredient of it potentially being the last FA Cup game at Goodison.Cook added: “We always find it hard there. I think they’re a team that causes quite a few problems.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They’re a well drilled team and they’ve always got fight and grit. So that’s something we’re going to have to match and try to beat.“So we know what to expect and we’ve got to go there and deliver.”Cook scored in Bournemouth’s comeback win at Everton in AugustCredit: GettyCan you name the famous fathers? More

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    England’s St George’s Park training HQ to get multi-million pound refurbishment with brand new features

    ENGLAND’S new era under Thomas Tuchel will come alongside a major revamp at the St George’s Park training centre.The FA have announced plans for the training facilities to undergo a “radical refurbishment” over the next three years.Thomas Tuchel will have a state-of-the-art training ground to use in the near futureCredit: GettyThe FA have announced plans for a ‘radical refurbishment’ of St George’s ParkCredit: thefa.comThe project, dubbed ‘SGP 2.0′, will completely reimagine the Staffordshire training ground which is home to the men’s, women’s and para teams.St George’s Park only opened in 2012, but is already being overhauled thanks to the need for high quality facilities across all teams.The project is set to get underway early this year with the aim of being completed in time for the Euros in 2028.The FA are hoping that the new look will give England the edge when they use St George’s Park as their basecamp for the 2028 tournament being held across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe changes will include three key areas of improvement according to a statement released by the FA.Firstly is “competitive advantage”, which will see all pitch surfaces upgraded, pitch-side hub buildings added with new screens and improvements to the performance and recovery facilities.Secondly is “player and coach expectations”, a project that aims to modernise the hotel bedrooms in the 228-room on-site Hilton hotel.As well as adding permanent downtime activities, upgraded spaces around the building and “new features to maximise SGP’s accessibility for elite talent”.Most read in FootballAll outdoor pitches are in line to be upgraded in the refurbCredit: thefa.comArtist’s impressions show what some of the communal areas could look likeCredit: thefa.comCoaching staff will have access to brand new training and meeting roomsCredit: thefa.comThe FA plan to have the refurbished facilities ready in time for the Euro 2028 in England, Wales, Scotland and IrelandCredit: PAThe Lionesses will still be able to use the facilities for their preparations for Euro 2025 this summerCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe final area for improvement is “football innovation”.That project will aim to add “inspirational” new meeting rooms and bespoke areas and technology for performance innovation by the coaching staff at the FA.England manager Thomas Tuchel reacts to Three Lions’ World Cup 2026 qualifying drawThe ambitious plans come alongside the incredible facilities already in place at St George’s Park.The home of England, which cost £105m to build in 2012, already has 13 outdoor pitches, a replica of the Wembley surface, a full size indoor 3G pitch, a huge gym, swimming pools and a futsal arena.That is alongside a state of the art 30m outdoor training and fitness hill positioned at a 20 degree angle for fitness and conditioning.Goalkeepers also have access to the Peter Shilton Goalkeeping area, a dedicated practice and training area for shot-stoppers.John McDermott, the FA men’s technical director, said: “With the honour of hosting a home Euros on the horizon alongside other exciting pathway activities, SGP 2.0 will level up our capacity to deliver an elite experience for players and to give ourselves every possible chance for success.”Development of the site over the next three years helps us to build towards performing at our best in every aspect.”For our players to train, perform and recover in a second-to-none environment and for us to build a legacy of coaching excellence supported by the very latest in technology and innovation.”The plans are not thought to be likely to hinder the preparation for any of England’s teams during the refurbishment.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe FA confirmed that St Georges’s Park will still host the squads for the build up to this summer’s Women’s Euros and qualification for the 2026 Fifa World Cup – when Tuchel’s contract is due to expire.St George’s Park was built for £105m in 2012Credit: GettyThe training ground has 13 outdoor pitchesCredit: GettyThe refurbishment is set to take three yearsCredit: PA:Press AssociationSGP already has full size Indoor 3G pitchCredit: PA:Press AssociationIt also has a futsal arenaCredit: GettyThe FA plan to improve the recovery and performance facilitiesCredit: The FA – Getty ImagesThere is an on-site Hitlon hotel at the training groundCredit: GettyThe rooms will be part of the refurbCredit: PA:Press AssociationOne pitch is a replica of the Wembley surfaceCredit: Getty More

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    When is the FA Cup fifth round draw? Live stream, TV channel and start time

    IT’S FA Cup fourth round weekend! Which also means the draw for the fifth round of the Cup will take place after the fixtures are done.Ruud van Nistelrooy returns to Manchester United on Friday nightCredit: RexOn Friday night, Manchester United kick off the action against Leicester City as Ruud van Nistelrooy returns to his old stomping ground.There will be 10 fixtures taking place on Saturday – including the likes of Leyton Orient vs Manchester City – and a further three on Sunday afternoon.Doncaster Rovers host Crystal Palace on Monday, February 10 and Nottingham Forest then travel to Exeter City on Tuesday, February 11.Before those two matches are over, the teams will already know exactly who they will be facing in the next round.When is the FA Cup fifth round draw?The draw is set to take place on Monday, February 10.It will be broadcast live on BBC One and live streamed on iPlayer.It will be conducted at 7.10pm GMT during The One Show.SunSport will also live blog the draw with all the build-up and reaction.When are FA Cup fifth round fixtures?Fixtures are set for the weekend of March 1 & 2.However, like with this weekend, fixtures are expected to be placed in various time slots from Friday to Monday.Both BBC and ITV have broadcasting rights to the competition.What teams are in the hat for the FA Cup fifth round?At the time of writing, no FA Cup fourth round fixtures have been played. The fixture list is below – this will be updated over the course of the weekend.Most read in FA CupFriday, February 7Manchester United vs Leicester City – 8pm – ITV1 / ITVXSaturday, February 8Leyton Orient vs Man City – 12.15pm – BBC1 / iPlayerLeeds United vs Millwall – 12.15pm – not televisedCoventry City vs Ipswich Town – 3pm – not televisedPreston North End vs Wycombe Wanderers – 3pm – not televisedStoke City vs Cardiff City – 3pm – not televisedSouthampton vs Burnley – 3pm – not televisedEverton vs Bournemouth – 3pm – not televisedWigan Athletic vs Fulham – 3pm – not televisedBirmingham City vs Newcastle United – 5.45pm – BBC1 / iPlayerBrighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea – 8pm – ITV4 / ITVXSunday, February 9Blackburn Rovers vs Wolverhampton Wanderers – 12.30pm – BBC Red Button / iPlayerPlymouth Argyle vs Liverpool – 3pm – ITV1 / ITVXAston Villa vs Tottenham Hotspur – 5.35pm – BBC1 / iPlayerMonday, February 10Doncaster Rovers vs Crystal Palace – 7.45pm – BBC Red Button / iPlayerREAD MORE SUN STORIESTuesday, February 11Exeter City vs Nottingham Forest – 8pm – ITV1 / ITVX More

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    Myles Lewis-Skelly ban OVERTURNED as FA release statement on Arsenal star’s red card

    MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY’s controversial red card was ‘wrongful’ and his automatic ban has been overturned, the FA have announced.The Arsenal teenager was sent off in the 43rd minute of his side’s weekend clash with Wolves for a challenge on Matt Doherty.Myles Lewis-Skelly’s ban has been overturnedCredit: AFPLewis-Skelly tripped the defender as Wolves began to break away on the counter attack following a Gunners corner.He was immediately dismissed by referee Michael Oliver – much to the anger of Mikel Arteta and his fuming players.Arsenal launched an appeal and the FA have now confirmed Lewis-Skelly’s suspension has been lifted. It read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Myles Lewis-Skelly and removed his three-match suspension.READ MORE IN football “The Arsenal player was sent off for serious foul play during their Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, January 25, 2025.” The Professional Game Match Officials Limited took the same approach they gave to Bruno Fernandes – who was “wrongfully” sent off against Tottenham in September.Arsenal legend Ian Wright berated the state of Premier League officiating after the controversial red card incident.He said: “It’s a joke. Anyone who has ever played the game, and I’m not even talking Premier League, 5-a-side, Sunday League, they know it’s never a red.Most read in FootballMark Halsey’s view By Mark HalseyMichael Oliver should not be given any Arsenal games by his refereeing bosses.The PGMOL will keep him away from Arsenal for a while, which is the right thing to do.When there is friction between a ref and a club that is the right thing to do, why create a problem for yourself.Taking him away from Arsenal is not derogatory towards Michael and his ability. It is common sense.You cannot question the integrity of a referee. The referee goes out and referees what is in front of him.There are millions of people watching him, he has an evaluation on his game too. You don’t prejudge anything.”Yellow card and nobody says a word. Time and time again this level of refereeing the decisions in the Premier League, the inconsistency, the excuses, the apologies. All of them are the centre of attention for me.”We can’t criticise too hard because otherwise where are the referees going to come from. Where are we going to get them?Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants FA to overturn controversial Myles Lewis-Skelly red card “But I’m sorry. This is the highest level of football and we do not have the highest level of referees.”When will the Premier League bring the best referees into the so called best league in the world. At the moment with this level of refereeing we’re nowhere near it.”Alan Shearer branded it “one of the worst decisions that I’ve seen in a long time.”Ref Oliver was subject to sick abuse including death threats following the contentious red card – leading to a police probe. Police have even been guarding the official’s family home since the incident.And the PGMOL released a statement on Sunday condemning the abuse directed at Oliver after the match.It read: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture.”No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.”The police are aware, and a number of investigations have commenced.”We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.”Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We will continue to support all investigations.”Lewis-Skelly, 18, is now available for Arsenal’s next match against Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday.Lewis-Skelly poses during Arsenal trainingCredit: Reuters More

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    From snorting coke to moaning he was ‘too big’ to ref Coventry, nine moments in David Coote’s downfall

    TWO days after his Klopp comments went viral, The Sun revealed on November 13 Coote snorted cocaine in a video taken on July 6 while he was officiating at the Euros.COOTE: “The drugs happened on an entirely ad-hoc basis. It fills me with a huge sense of shame to sit here and to say that I took that route.”The nine moments in Premier League referee David Coote’s downfallCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd1.The Sun revealed that Coote snorted cocaine in a video taken while he was officiating at the Euros2.Coote said in video chats table toppers Liverpool ‘will not win the Premier League’Credit: GettyCOOTE said in video chats table toppers Liverpool “will not win the Premier League”.COOTE: “I guess I’m a human being who made a mistake in a moment I now deeply regret.”3.He branded the Reds defender Andy Robertson a ‘Scottish p****’Credit: GettyTHE ref branded the Reds defender Andy Robertson a “Scottish p****.”COOTE: “I certainly don’t think that. Everybody who takes to the football field is full of emotion. When we’re involved in the game, things will be said that people don’t mean. Read More on Sport”I’m pretty sure there’s been plenty of players or managers that have said things about me they wouldn’t sit here and say they believe. The same is true of us as match officials.”4.Coote said Everton’s Goodison Park was the worst place to referee, due to the fans ‘shouting abuse so close to the pitch’Credit: GettyHE said Everton’s Goodison Park was the worst place to referee, due to the fans “shouting abuse so close to the pitch”.COOTE: “It’s certainly not the worst place to officiate. Each ground, depending on how the result goes, can be just as difficult as any other. “So there’s no particular ground that’s more difficult than the other because it’s all really circumstance dependent.”Most read in Football5.The ref said he hates officiating at Bournemouth games because it is ‘too far away’Credit: GettyCOOTE said he hates officiating at Bournemouth games because it is “too far away”.COOTE: “We’re asked to go north, south, east and west, and all over Europe. Scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder”There’s teams of officials that have been as far as Kazakhstan to do games. I was sent to Indonesia, so distance travel is never an issue.”6.He moaned he was ‘too big’ to have to ref at Coventry’s ground for their Championship clash against Oxford UtdCredit: GettyTHE ref moaned he was “too big” to have to ref at Coventry’s ground for their Championship clash against Oxford Utd on August 16.COOTE: “The Championship is a fantastic league and my experience of Coventry and all of the other games in the league have been really good ones — some of the most exciting football you’ll get to see.”7.The ref arranged a drugs party during Tottenham’s Carabao Cup win over Manchester CityCredit: ReutersCOOTE arranged a drugs party during Tottenham’s Carabao Cup win over Manchester City on October 30. During the interval he messaged his pal to say: “Hope you’re getting ready for me.”COOTE: “It never happened. These kinds of messages were among the behaviours I engaged with in order to escape.“It was almost like a different me and it’s something I really regret doing.“Clearly now I regret entering into those conversations.“I’ve paid the price for having them and that’s been a heavy one from a career and emotional perspective.”8.Coote giving a yellow card to Leeds’ Ezgjan Alioski before a 2019 match against West BromCredit: YouTubeAT the centre of an FA betting probe after he discussed giving a yellow card to Leeds’ Ezgjan Alioski before a 2019 match against West Brom. He messaged a pal: “I hope you backed as discussed.”COOTE: “I can categorically say that I’ve only ever done my best when I’ve gone onto the field of play.”9. Coote was sacked by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL)Credit: PASACKED by the PGMOL.COOTE: “I have nearly 30 years experience of refereeing and I understood the implications of the situation I found myself in and the position the PGMOL were in.”The Sun’s back page reported on Coote’s X-rated Klopp rantIT’S VERY BRAVE MOVEBy AMAL FASHANU, Niece of Justin who runs foundation in his name“IT is very brave for anyone to come out, but more so for someone in the public eye.“This will affect David Coote and is a big step but it should have less of an effect that in would on a player. It’s not the same level of fame.”Amal Fashanu, niece of JustinCredit: Darren FletcherNorwich striker Justin killed himself in 1998 after becoming the first top-flight player to come outCredit: Getty – ContributorAmal, whose former Norwich striker uncle killed himself in 1998 after becoming the first top-flight player to come out, added: “We’d love to chat to him at the foundation.“We’d be there to offer any support and counselling.“We also help people with mental health problems and would be there for him if that was an issue.“There’s still something very wrong at the top of football.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’re in 2025, when everyone is supposedly liberal and accepting, yet something is stopping these men accepting who they are.“Football is still failing in this regard.” More

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    Wrexham’s European dreams shattered by FA as Ryan Reynolds’ club BLOCKED from entering new competition

    WREXHAM’s hopes of competing in Europe have been dashed.It comes after the Football Association blocked attempts to allow clubs playing in the English leagues to participate in the Welsh League Cup.Wrexham’s European dream has been blocked by the FA after they were denied access to playing in the Welsh League CupCredit: GettyThe new-look Welsh League Cup has been granted a Conference League qualification spot by UEFA.And the Football Association of Wales (FAW) had wanted the EFL’s Welsh clubs – Wrexham, Cardiff, Swansea and Newport – to participate.However, the English FA board has rejected the proposal on the grounds it does not provide equal opportunity to other clubs in the English football pyramid.A statement from the FA said: “The FA board has considered a request made by four Welsh clubs to take part in a restructured version of the FAW League Cup which would provide an opportunity to qualify for UEFA competition.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”As part of the request, the Welsh clubs would forfeit their existing right to qualify for UEFA club competitions through the English system whilst they remained members of the EFL.”The Welsh clubs would then seek to qualify for UEFA competition via the English system should they be promoted to the Premier League.”As a result of the request, the FA undertook a thorough consultation with stakeholders and invited submissions from the Welsh clubs.”Following careful consideration, taking into account various factors including equal opportunity for clubs to participate in the same competitions, for the same rewards on an equal basis; concerns raised by stakeholders regarding competition integrity, fixture congestion and player welfare, and the impact on the standing of existing competitions, the FA board has rejected the request.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”It was noted that it is open to the Welsh clubs to choose whether or not to participate in the English or Welsh system based on their own assessment of the relative merits of participation in each system, but if they choose to participate in the English system they must do so on the same basis as the English clubs which participate in that system.”If accepted the move would have handed the likes of Wrexham an additional revenue stream not accessible by their English EFL rivals.Wrexham’s multi-million pound training ground funded by Ryan Reynolds The Red Dragons were the last Welsh EFL side to play in Europe via a Welsh competition, coming in 1995/96 through the Welsh Cup.Since then, only Swansea have competed on the continent after winning the English League Cup in 2013. More

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    Man Utd slapped with huge fine after FA Cup win at Arsenal and both clubs face punishment over penalty melee

    MANCHESTER United will be hit with a £75,000 fine after their FA Cup triumph at Arsenal.But Wembley beaks could also charge BOTH clubs for the melee that followed the Gunners’ contentious second half penalty.A huge scrap broke out during Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Man UtdCredit: ReutersLisandro Martinez, Bruno Fernandez, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire were outraged by the referee’s decision to give a second half penaltyCredit: GettyMan Utd have been hit with a fine for receiving at least six cards during the matchCredit: PAUnited survived almost an hour of normal and extra time with 10 men after Diogo Dalot was dismissed for a second yellow card.Lisandro Martinez, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire – for his outraged reaction to Kai Havertz’s role in the spot kick award – were also cautioned by ref Andy Madley, as well as one member of the United coaching staff.Fines are automatically issued if a club picks up six or more cards in a game, with the amount increasing each time.United were fined £25,000 for breaching the threshold in the 3-0 home defeat by Spurs, doubled to £50,000 for a repeat offence in the Old Trafford draw with Chelsea.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd the third occurrence will see the fine increase to £75,000, taking their tally to £150,000 so far this season.Meanwhile, FA beaks will await Madley’s report before deciding whether to issue charges of “failing to control players” to both clubs in the tear-up sparked by the penalty award.Maguire appeared to label Havertz a “cheat” after his tumble was viewed by Madley as a foul.There were a series of physical clashes on the edge of the box and with no VAR in operation Madley and his fellow officials received no help in determining what had gone on. Once calm had been restored, Altay Bayindir saved Martin Odegaard’s effort.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut it is likely that the FA will study the footage and issue charges against both clubs, likely to result in significant extra fines.The Man Utd social media account claimed “justice” was served at full-time.Ruben Amorim praises ‘hero’ Altay Bayindir after Man Utd FA Cup win Reacting to the initial penalty incident, Ruben Amorim said: “The players told me it was not a penalty, but let’s move on.”We are more resilient. More aggressive.”We showed a different spirit. We are improving that aspect.”The players were really tired but today was our day. I felt a connection with the fans.”Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as Maguire and Co dig deep to win after Dalot’s moment of madnessMANCHESTER UNITED produced a heroic effort to squeeze past Arsenal and into the FA Cup’s fourth round on penalties.The Red Devils were forced to dig deep at the Emirates following Diogo Dalot’s 61st minute red card.On a freezing cold afternoon in North London, SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rates and slates each United performer…ALTAY BAYINDIR – 8Poor punch up in the air which allowed the ball to fall nicely for Gabriel to finish.Redeemed himself with a brilliant penalty save to keep the score level, before superbly denying Declan Rice twice.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7Was assured on and off the ball if unspectacular. Got his body on the line as the Gunners pushed for a winner.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 8Solid in defence and kept the backline well organised. Produced the best tackle of the match on the goalline to deny Leandro Trossard a certain goal.HARRY MAGUIRE – 8Commanding in the air and made several key blocks but gave away the penalty which Arsenal missed to go in front.Got away with an earlier error as he failed to clear – the ball landed at Kai Havertz’s feet but he somehow skewed wide with his effort.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Had to be on high alert to deal with the movement of Arsenal forwards but it was a task he managed well.DIOGO DALOT – 3Booked for a mistimed lunge on Lewis-Skelly. He followed that up with another silly, late foul on Merino with the ball about to go out of play for his second yellow. Stupid red card.MANUEL UGARTE – 7A firefighter all across the pitch for his side, although spent most of the match in his own half given Arsenal’s dominance.Was booked for one foul too many just before the hour mark and was lucky to escape a red card as he went head-to-head with Havertz after the penalty incident.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Lively in the middle and kept a close eye on Jorginho. Looked sharp on the ball and showed some clever touches.Should have done better to head clear before Gabriel’s equaliser.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7Always an outlet on the counter which was much needed for the Red Devils.Made the most of a Gabriel error to burst in on goal and pass across to Fernandes to score.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Was booked for throwing a trademark tantrum after claiming he was fouled on the edge of the box when lining up a shot.Showed his class with a brilliant first-time finish which he bent around a defender into the far corner.RASMUS HOJLUND – 3Failed to provide the focal point that United badly needed, which meant almost every pass forward was dealt with by the Arsenal centre-halves. Was fortunate there was no VAR to take a look at his apparent elbow on William Saliba, which left the Arsenal star bloodied.SUBSTITUTESAmad (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Lively on the counter too but just lacking a bit of quality – though was outnumbered every time he got the ball.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 80mins) – 6Some very clever touches when he came on and provided a presence up front at a time United badly needed it.Toby Collyer (for Mainoo, 80mins) – 5Showed plenty of energy but was missing quality in some areas.Tyrell Malacia (for Ugarte, extra-time) – 6Stuck to his task well.Leno Yoro (for Maguire, 104) – 6Did his job well during the closing stages of the match. Converted his penalty in the shoot-out with aplomb. More