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      Bruno Fernandes pinpoints the moment he knew Man Utd would turn their season around and challenge for Prem glory

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      BRUNO FERNANDES can trace Manchester United’s transformation back to a downbeat dressing room at Leicester on Boxing Day.
      The playmaker says the frustrated reaction of his team-mates after conceding a late equaliser gave him a strong sense of satisfaction.

      Bruno Fernandes has revealed one moment that renewed his faith in a title tiltCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      A late Leicester goal sparked a furious reaction in Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Portuguese, 26, believes that summed up a changing mentality that means Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are ready to step up their bid for silverware — starting with Sunday’s FA Cup clash with Liverpool.
      Fernandes said: “After the Leicester game when we drew in the last minute, I was really happy to see the frustration on the team when I got to the dressing room.
      “It was the first time I saw a real frustration after drawing a game.
      “I think we have to build on this and more and more be prepared, when we lose one game, to keep going on the same level.”

      It is a measure of the club’s turnaround in Fernandes’ first year at United that they face Jurgen Klopp’s reigning champions as Premier League leaders.
      The midfielder, though, insists there is still room for improvement.
      We have to be a little bit more of a team and not expect all the time that someone makes something exceptional.

      We have to be a little bit more of a team and not expect all the time that someone makes something exceptional.
      Bruno Fernandes

      The former Sporting Lisbon star said: “When I arrived I could see that the team was growing up.

      “Game by game, we started to do better and better. Now, almost one year after I arrived, I think we still have problems.
      “You can see we concede a lot of goals in the beginning of games.
      “We have to be a little bit more of a team and not expect all the time that someone makes something exceptional.”
      Speaking to BBC Sport, he added: “We are here to win trophies. We have chances in all of them and have to fight for all of them.
      “The mentality has to be winning all them.”
      United had the better of last Sunday’s scoreless league draw at Anfield.
      But Fernandes warned United cannot underestimate Klopp’s stuttering side, and admits he has sympathy for misfiring forwards Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.
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      Fernandes is preparing to do battle with Liverpool in the FA CupCredit: AP:Associated Press
      He told United’s official website: “When players don’t score, everyone talks about that.
      “I feel that on me because I know the standard is high, because I arrived and I scored a lot of goals and make a lot of assists so everyone is wanting goals and assists from me.
      “It is the same — everyone expects goals from Salah, from Firmino and from Mane.
      “They are not scoring in the last few games and it starts feeling like, ‘Oh, they are not playing well’.
      “I think it is a moment. We don’t have to look at that moment because big teams and big players can show in every moment.”
      Amad Diallo could get his first chance to show why he is tipped as a future superstar against Liverpool.
      The Ivory Coast teen, who cost £37million from Serie A side Atalanta, has only been at Old Trafford for a fortnight, yet is already impressing coaches.
      Now Diallo, 18, may feature in the fourth-round tie.

      Solskjaer said: “He’s been training a lot and might be involved, I’ve not decided yet.”
      One man sure to play a part is Dutch midfielder Donny van de Beek, who is frustrated at only six starts since a £35m move from Ajax.
      Solskjaer added: “I wouldn’t say Donny is happy, of course he wants to play more.
      “When we have players doing well in his position, it’s not like we just want to give him games for the sake of it.
      “He is a quietly confident guy who is just waiting for his opportunity.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Liverpool vs Man Utd combined XI: Salah and Bruno Fernandes make joint side but Pogba misses out ahead of clash More

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      Arsenal set to miss out on Stoke sensation Nathan Collins, 19, as Burnley line up £10m transfer for defender

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      BURNLEY and Arsenal are battling it out for Stoke’s Nathan Collins — and Sean Dyche has a real chance.
      Potters’ defender Collins, 19, is the Clarets’ top choice to replace James Tarkowski in a £10million deal.

      Centre-back Nathan Collins, 19, could soon step up from the Championship with Stoke to the Premier League, with either Burnley or ArsenalCredit: Rex Features

      Boss Dyche’s transfer team are focusing on the Irishman as they know Tarks will go at some stage.
      Collins has moved ahead of Nottingham Forest’s Joe Worrall in that wish list with a string of impressive performances.
      He is the type of signing the new American owners want for their long-term plans — and they could even bid BEFORE Tarkowski is sold.
      But the Gunners also have their sights on young colossus Collins as a future star — and from the club where they found  legendary pair Lee Dixon and Steve Bould.

      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates
      The bidding could even start this week ahead of a deadline deal. Potters will look for more than £10m but an offer in that range could seal the transfer.
      Arsenal would have to find the cash while Burnley have funds available.
      Crystal Palace are also keen as they have several defenders out of contract this summer.

      The big defender is also rated  by Manchester United, where Collins’ old team-mate Darren Fletcher has pushed his cause. But they have yet to make a move.

      Burnley are already on the look-out for a replacement, should star defender James Tarkowski leaveCredit: Reuters

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      Preston have put Burnley centre-half Jimmy Dunne on their emergency loan signing list.
      North End are missing Patrick Bauer for the season and top target Sonny Bradley is a more likely summer deal if he does not extend his time with Luton.
      Dunne is out of contract in the summer but has been offered a deal to stay at Turf Moor.

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      Frank Lampard blames tired legs for Chelsea’s loss of form as stats show alarming dip in in-game running

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      FRANK LAMPARD says Chelsea’s alarming loss of form is down to a lack of energy.
      The Blues boss is worried about a significant drop in the amount of running from his players in matches.

      Frank Lampard has opened up over Chelsea’s surprise drop in formCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Chelsea’s plight was highlighted by Leicester star James Maddison after the Foxes’ 2-0 midweek triumph at the King Power Stadium.
      Midfielder Maddison emphasised that hard running was at the heart of his side’s success.
      And ahead of hosting Luton in the FA Cup on Sunday, Lamps said: “It was a really key thing when I heard Maddison speaking about Brendan Rodgers — a coach I have a lot of admiration for.
      “It was the message that, ‘If you don’t run, you don’t play’.

      “If I want to start my identity that’s how I start it.
      “From the minute I came into this club last year and started pre-season, with trips to Dublin and Japan, it was: ‘Can we run and be really good and effective off the ball and on the ball? Can we have energy in the team?’
      “That’s the first thing I want to see and it’s something we’ve definitely dropped off on, no doubt about that.”
      In three of their first six Premier League games this season, Chelsea’s players covered 70-plus miles, but they have not hit that mark in ANY of their last 13 league games.

      But if there is one Blues star whose performances and work-rate have not dropped off, it is Mason Mount.
      The England midfielder has started all but two of Chelsea’s domestic games.
      But there is little to no chance of him being rested for their fourth-round tie against Nathan Jones’ Championship side — despite two Premier League games in the following seven days.
      It is a lot of responsibility for a player who turned 22 this month. But Lampard said: “At the moment Mason is playing well, so he’s a player that stays in the team for that.
      “People talk to me about changing the team and why. But when players are playing well, I have no problem in keeping them playing.
      “Of course, at some stage you will look for moments to rest because of the amount of games that we play.
      “On the flip side, Mason is as fit as they come.
      “He trains, he rests, he does everything professionally right. So if anyone can handle it, it’s Mason.
      “There’s always a fine balance in this job as to when you can find rest for players that are crucial to the team.
      “At the moment he’s playing with confidence and work ethic — the stuff that Mason churns out pretty much all the time for Chelsea.

      Chelsea need a confidence boost after the loss at LeicesterCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Mason Mount has escaped the recent run with healthy praise from the fans and his managerCredit: EPA
      “Now he is getting real recognition for it and I think he’s growing.
      “Tough times are sometimes good for young players as they see things around them and see how other players react, see the right way to react.
      “Mason does see the right way. We’ll see it in terms of rest, we’ll see how that goes, but at the minute he’s crucial to the team.”
      Mount was at the heart of Lampard’s impressive first season as Chelsea boss when he and other products of the club’s academy repaid their manager’s faith in youth.
      Everything looked rosy just a few weeks ago when the Blues were on a 17-game unbeaten run.
      But after five defeats from their last eight Premier League games, serious questions are being asked of Lampard’s future.

      Lamps said: “I think it’s interesting because when you’re playing well and winning, your identity is really clear and it’s something you want to shout from the rooftops.
      “When you’re not playing well people question your identity, especially when you’re a relatively new manager.
      “So it’s important I am the one who says: ‘Hey, lads, the things we were doing well, the identity we had that was winning games for us, it has not changed — but we have lost some of the basics’.”
      Lampard’s tactical acumen and ability to blend nearly £230million of summer signings into a coherent team have also been questioned.
      He believes the problem and its solution are more straightforward.
      Lampard explained: “In terms of the formations I don’t want to get hung up, as we’re not going to win these next few games depending on our formation.

      “We’re going to win them depending on how much we want to run, how much desire we have and how quickly we move the ball.
      “When I walked off the pitch against Leeds, who are a really good side — that was the team I want to see.
      “When I watched us at Sevilla, with ten changes, that was the team I want to see.
      “That was only six weeks ago so it’s just remembering the basics and then the identity follows.”
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

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      Phil Neville has left a young, talented Lionesses squad… now England have to go and win a trophy

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      THERE has been a mixed reaction to Phil Neville’s England reign after he quit early for Inter Miami.
      But there ARE positives to take from his time in charge, having taken the Lionesses to the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup.

      Phil Neville had clear ups and downs during his three years in charge of the England women’s teamCredit: PA:Press Association

      David Beckham has now recruited Phil Neville to boss Inter MiamiCredit: Instagram

      I have criticised the women’s performances since and England have dropped from second to sixth in the world rankings during his time in charge.
      But you only have to look at the outpouring of tributes from the players to know he had an incredibly close bond with them.
      Neville gave debuts to Georgia Stanway, 22, Leah Williamson, 23, and Keira Walsh, 23, who are now among the senior superstars.
      These youngsters have got to tap into their full potential now and go on to win a major tournament.

      When you look at the development of women’s football in this country, momentum has always come off the back of the Lionesses doing well.
      The next generation want  winners, so anything other than getting our hands on a Euros or a World Cup is now deemed a failure, which shows how far the team has come.
      We need the younger players to now make their mark.
      Sports scientist Dawn Scott will be our secret weapon, having helped the USA win two World Cups.

      Collectively, it would be great to see an improvement in our fitness  and physicality.

      Ex-England and Man Utd defender took the Lionesses to the 2019 World Cup semis but they dropped from second to sixth in the rankings under himCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Players will dominate if they look to the likes of Lucy Bronze, who sets the standard for work rate.
      If the Tokyo Olympics go ahead this year, women’s football has to take advantage.
      But with Neville gone, Team GB need a new leader — it’s a big hole to fill and they must move fast.
      It worries me that we don’t know who will be leading that team yet.
      I would love to see Manchester United manager Casey Stoney lead the side.
      She has built United from scratch and turned them into a title-chasing side in just four years. She  has also played at the Olympics.
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      I know  she’s very happy at the Red Devils but she could take over Team GB on a short-term contract.
      Even my name was put into the hat! I’d never say never, but at the moment I have things I want to focus on in my media career.
      We’ve got to come to a decision soon, for the sake of the players and the growth of women’s football.

      Wayne Rooney is greatest Man Utd centre forward I’ve seen at club, insists ex-team-mate Gary Neville More

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      Crystal Palace want for out-of-favour Leicester winger Demarai Gray with Christian Benteke nearing free transfer exit

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      CRYSTAL PALACE are in the race for Leicester’s out-of-favour winger Demarai Gray.
      The Eagles will swoop for Gray as a replacement for Andros Townsend if he leaves this month — or at the end of his deal in the summer.

      Demarai Gray, 24, is wanted by Crystal Palace as part of the Eagles’ shake-upCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Christian Benteke, 30, looks set to leave Selhurst Park ahead of his contract expiring at the end of the seasonCredit: Reuters

      Gray seems sure to seek a fresh start after Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers sidelined him.
      He has only played one Premier League game in a season that has seen Leicester storm into third, two points off the top.
      Roy Hodgson’s Eagles are looking to sign a handful of players, as many of his squad are set to leave this summer.
      Gray, 24, would have a better chance of playing with them as they reshape their group.

      Leicester’s wide man has other interest at home and abroad but Palace are emerging as serious contenders.
      Christian Benteke, 30, may be the next to leave Selhurst Park after the arrival of Jean-Philippe Mateta from Mainz.
      The 6ft 3in Belgian striker Benteke is hoping to be released and given a pay off to explore possibilities AFTER the window shuts as a free agent.
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      He is in his fifth season as a Palace player and is out of contract at the end of the season.
      Benteke has managed just three goals in 13 league appearances this term – including a brace in last month’s 5-1 thrashing of West Brom.
      The Baggies have been linked with an interest in the former Liverpool and Aston Villa man.

      Leicester winger Demarai Gray scores with ‘unsavable’ shot for England U21 vs Latvia U21 More

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      Diego Maradona’s exes battle over Argentina star’s fortune – as one is accused of using his credit card after his death

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      DIEGO Maradona’s exes got into a public spat over his fortune yesterday — with one even accused of using his credit card after his death.
      Rocio Oliva, 30, went on a posthumous splurge according to the lawyer of another of his exes, Veronica Ojeda.

      Rocio Oliva, above, went on a posthumous splurge according to the lawyer of another of his exes, Veronica OjedaCredit: CEN / Rocio Oliva

      Veronica, 43, mother of one of Diego’s children, above, lashed out at Rocio in a TV outburstCredit: CEN / Veronica Ojeda

      A source close to Mario Baudry said: “Spending was found on a credit card Rocio had in the days after Maradona died. We’re talking about very high expenditure by Rocio. The suspicion is she took advantage of the situation and spent on the card until it was cancelled.”
      Veronica, 43, mother of one of Diego’s children, also lashed out at Rocio in a TV outburst. She said when she and Maradona split in 2013: “I returned three million dollars to Diego. In contrast to Oliva, who kept everything, I returned everything.”
      Argentine football legend Maradona died last November aged 60, and Rocio was banned from his funeral. He had previously asked Interpol to arrest her for allegedly taking his watches and jewellery.

      Diego Maradona holds up the World Cup trophy after Argentina defeated West Germany in 1986Credit: AP:Associated Press

      Yesterday, she claimed he gave her several cards which she was allowed to keep. But she said: “It’s a lie I used them after Diego died.”

      She scoffed at Veronica’s claim of returning money. She said: “It’s not like she had three million dollars and handed the cash over to Diego. She simply signed a document saying she’d be leaving the account.”
      Diego’s family, including up to a dozen of his rumoured children, are set to battle for a chunk of his estimated £60million fortune.

      Maradona with Rocio in 2018Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Ryan Giggs moves a step closer to crunch court date over assault charge

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      RYAN Giggs has moved one step closer to a crunch court case over an alleged assault on his girlfriend.
      Greater Manchester Police has passed his case file to the Crown Prosecution Service.

      The CPS will make a decision over Ryan Giggs chargeCredit: BackGrid

      The CPS will now decide whether to charge the former Manchester United and Wales football superstar.
      If officials do so, the Wales team manager, 47, will be hauled before a court over the supposed bust-up with his glamorous PR girl ex lover Kate ­Greville, 36.
      Giggs had a blazing row with her before police officers arrived at his £1.7million home in Worsley, Gtr Manchester, on November 1.
      He was arrested on suspicion of assault and was freed pending inquiries.

      Kate moved out of the home she shared with Ryan GiggsCredit: Jim Clarke – The Sun
      Kate moved out of his mansion afterwards and sources said they argued over his supposed cheating.
      Giggs denies assault and has been bailed until February 1.
      Greater Manchester Police said yesterday: “A file has been submitted to the CPS and a decision is expected in due course.”

      Ryan is alleged to have assaulted ex-girlfriend KateCredit:

      Kates relationship with Ryan Giggs went public in 2018Credit:

      We revealed pictures of Kate two weeks after the supposed bust-up which showed her with a bruised lip while walking her dog.

      Giggs and Kate went public with their relationship in 2018 on holiday in Italy — eight months after his divorce from ex-wife Stacey.
      He later hired her as head of PR for GG Hospitality, the firm he owns with his former ­Manchester United team-mate Gary Neville.

      Wales manager Ryan Giggs could have to attend courtCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Ryan Giggs’s ex spotted with bruised lip in first outing since his assault arrest
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      Luton star Harry Cornick planning perfect weekend by dumping more misery on his Chelsea hero Frank Lampard in FA Cup

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      HARRY CORNICK is planning the “perfect” weekend – dumping more misery on his idol Frank Lampard.
      The Luton Town forward is a self-confessed “glory hunter” and supported the Blues when Jose Mourinho was winning back-to-back Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006.

      Luton star Harry Cornick is hoping to inflict misery on his childhood idolCredit: Getty

      The 25-year-old would go down in club folklore if he scores in an FA Cup upset at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.
      If that happens, then it would intensify the pressure this season on Chelsea boss Lampard, the man Cornick hero-worshipped while growing up on the south coast.
      Cornick said: “My older brother was a Chelsea fan and I followed him.
      “Especially as my mates at school were Liverpool and Arsenal fans.

      “I’m 100% a glory fan to be honest. I started supporting them mainly when it was the team of Terry, Lampard, Drogba, Robben and Duff.
      “I don’t need psyching up for this. It’s one of those games you dream of as a kid.
      “You’re playing against the team you support, some of the best players in the world.
      “You want to play against Kante, Werner, and Thiago Silva. You want to test yourself and see how good you can be.

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      “My favourite all-time player was Lampard. He is a legend there. He is doing okay as a manager and hopefully he can fire them to the top.
      “I will try my best on Sunday. Hopefully we can turn them over and knock them out of the Cup, which he wouldn’t like. That sounds perfect. That’s what we want to do.
      “First and foremost you play for the team you play for. I don’t want Chelsea to win this game, no chance. We have enough in our squad to give them a lot of trouble.
      “Hopefully I can score the winner – that would be lovely.”
      Luton, who are 13th place in the Championship, face Chelsea for the first time since the 1994 FA Cup semi-finals when Gavin Peacock scored twice for the West Londoners at Wembley.
      It is eight years since the club were last in the FA Cup Fifth Round, having famously beaten Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Third Round as a non-league outfit.

      Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is under mounting pressureCredit: PA:Press Association
      Confident Cornick said: “We will play our game, we will go there with a lot of confidence. We’re in a bit of form.
      “If we play our best football, defensively we’re sound and cut our mistakes to a minimum, then we have a great chance of getting a result.”
      Tom Lockyer is now free to play after the FA announced Luton won their appeal against his red card at Brentford on Wednesday.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

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