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      Man City boss Pep Guardiola APOLOGISES to Jack Grealish with England man playing just 604 Premier League minutes

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      MANCHESTER CITY manager Pep Guardiola is “so sorry” Jack Grealish isn’t playing enough this season.Grealish, 29, became the most expensive British signing in Premier League history four years ago when he joined City from Aston Villa following a staggering £100million deal.Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola apologised to Jack Grealish for his lack of minutesCredit: GettyGrealish has been struggling for a place in Man City’s starting line-upCredit: RexThe versatile forward hit the ground running under Guardiola, 54, and he was a key part of the treble-winning side during the 2022-23 campaign.However, the England international has significantly slowed down the last two seasons, something that led to a heartbreaking omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad last summer.Grealish has only managed a mere two goals and four assists in 22 appearances across all competitions this term – that adds up to just 604 Premier League minutes.The ex-Villa star hasn’t been part of Guardiola’s starting line-up since January 11 when the Citizens demolished Salford City 8-0 in the FA Cup.Read More on FootballGrealish will be hoping to start in the competition’s fourth round on Saturday at Leyton Orient where the Catalan tactician can rotate.Guardiola addressed the issue with an apparent public apology to his player.However, the City boss insists this is not personal and instead this comes down to better displays by the likes of Jeremy Doku and especially Savinho.Guardiola said: “I’m so sorry he doesn’t get the minutes that maybe he deserves.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But [in] the end, the contributions from Jeremy or Savinho have been massive this season, this is the only reason why.”It’s not personal, or [that] I don’t like Jack, or I don’t have confidence in him.Brilliant moment Jack Grealish joins Aston Villa fans in Bruges pub on FaceTime after being dropped from Man City squad”Of course when you play one player more minutes than another, you have more confidence [than him] right now. “But I know his attributes, it’s just for the fact that for the impact of Savinho.It’s [Savinho’s] first season; his impact in goals, and assists, the last game at Arsenal made an incredible step-up defensively and challenging duels. And this is the reason why.”SunSport revealed that Grealish’s lack of minutes at the Etihad led to interest from Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan during the January transfer window amid doubts about his Man City future. More

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      Aston Villa boss Unai Emery opens up on how Marcus Rashford has trained after shock loan transfer from Man Utd

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      ASTON VILLA manager Unai Emery has lifted the lid on how Marcus Rashford has been training after his dramatic exit from Manchester United.Rashford, 27, left United under a cloud after two decades with the club as he fell out of favour soon after the arrival of new manager Ruben Amorim.Marcus Rashford was criticised by Ruben Amorim for the way he trained at Manchester UnitedCredit: Aston VillaAston Villa boss Unai Emery is very happy with the way Rashford trainsCredit: GettySince December 12, Amorim left the star forward out of his squad for every game apart from one, in which he was an unused substitute.The Portuguese tactician then suggested he was so unhappy with the way the England international trained he’d rather pick 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital instead.That led to Rashford joining Villa on loan during the January transfer window.And Amorim admitted he could not get the United star to buy into his plan.Read More on Man UtdHowever, Emery insists he is very happy with the way Rashford trains under him.The Spanish tactician, who pushed hard for that signing, described his new player’s efforts as “fantastic”.Emery said: “Today he trained fantastic, tomorrow again, Sunday match. “We will enjoy each step and then the future is only building with the present.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRashford is looking to regain his former goalscoring prominence during his temporary stint at Villa, which could become permanent in June.The United academy graduate could make his debut against Tottenham in the FA Cup on Sunday at Villa Park.Marcus Rashford says joining Aston Villa from Man Utd was an easy decisionAnd Emery, who convinced Rashford to join him after a long phone call, is relishing the challenge of helping his new player regain top form.The Villa boss added: “I’m very happy with the window we did, I’m very happy with him,””The conversation I had with him was a very normal conversation with a player and coach, speaking about football.”I only want the best football from him. As a person as well into the dressing room like one more player helping us.”I think his potential is huge potential to exploit. I don’t want to know the reason he is leaving from Manchester but I am very happy keeping him here.”I am very happy to try to exploit and help him recover his performances, individually and collectively. My challenge with him is huge. His challenge with us is exciting.” More

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      Tottenham’s Europa League squad announced with £200,000-a-week star and £12.5m signing left OUT

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      TOTTENHAM have announced their renewed Europa League squad… and there are a few surprises.Spurs punched their ticket straight into the Last 16 after finishing fourth in the league phase.Tottenham have left two major names out of their renewed Europa League squadCredit: ReutersTimo Werner was omitted from Tottenham’s Europa League squadCredit: GettyTottenham January signing Antonin Kinsky was also axedCredit: GettyThe North Londoners were allowed to make three changes to the squad ahead of the knockouts.Manager Ange Postecoglou added two January signings in Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel.Danso, 26, moved to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on loan from Lens with an obligation to buy for around £21million.Tel, 19, also joined on loan from Bayern Munich with an option to buy for about £52m, which would then lead to a six-year contract.Read More on FootballThe forward initially rejected Tottenham but changed his mind after a long phone call with Postecoglou, who won him over after he explained how he plans to use him on the pitch.Danso and Tel were joined in the Europa League squad by Djed Spence, who has shone bright this season amid Spurs’ injury hell, as the third change.Postecoglou had to make two major omissions to make space for the aforementioned trio.That led to Timo Werner and another January signing in Antonin Kinsky being axed.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKinsky, 21, joined Tottenham from Slavia Prague after a £12.5m deal as an emergency transfer following Guglielmo Vicario’s injury and a series of gaffes from back-up goalkeeper Fraser Forster last month.However, Vicario is expected to return from an ankle injury and Postecoglou decided to have Brandon Austin as the Italian shot-stopper’s back-up after also axing Forster.’Horrendous’ – Jamie Carragher reveals moment Postecoglou’s Tottenham reign changed and they’ve been ‘awful’ ever sinceWerner has fallen down the pecking order following a series of below-par performances.The winger, who earns about £200,000 per week amid his loan stint from RB Leipzig, recently received some brutal criticism from Postecoglou, who claimed: “He wasn’t playing anywhere near the level he should”.The Germany international is also dealing with a hamstring injury, which could have contributed to his omission.Radu Dragusin has also been axed following a knee injury that could sideline him for the rest of the season.Tottenham Europa League squad 2024/25Here’s Tottenham’s renewed Europa League squad for the knockouts stage:Goalkeepers: Vicario, Austin, Whiteman, GunterDefenders: Danso, Udogie, Romero, Porro, Spence, Davies, Van de Ven, Dorrington, Cassanova, King, HardyMidfielders: Bissouma, Maddison, Gray, Bergvall, Kulusevski, Johnson, Odobert, Sarr, Bentancur, Moore, Hall, Kyerematen, OlusesiForwards: Son, Richarlison, Tel, Solanke, Lankshear, Scarlett, Ajayi, Williams-Barnett More

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      Eddie Howe issues hands-off warning as fears arise Kieran Trippier could still leave Newcastle this month

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      EDDIE HOWE has revealed his delight at keeping Kieran Trippier – and issued a hands-off warning to Galatasaray.The veteran full-back, 34, has suffered a difficult campaign both on and off-field amid constant speculation over his future.Eddie Howe has issued a hands-off warning over Kieran TrippierCredit: GettyThe right-back is a target for GalatasarayCredit: GettyTurkish giants Galatasaray are the latest club to test the waters about signing the ex-England star.And they could still try and make a move before their transfer window closes on February 11.PSR-conscious Toon chiefs could have been tempted to cash in on Trippier given he only has 18 months remaining on his St James’ Park contract.Howe, however, could not be happier that he still has Trippier in his squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the ace produced a fine performance, on just his seventh start this season, in the 2-0 win over Arsenal on Wednesday to secure a place in the Carabao Cup Final.Howe said: “Yeah, no part of us wanted to lose Kieran. He’s had a difficult season and not so much on the pitch.“He’s had a couple of fitness issues that just halted his progress. “He then came back into the team and had a really good couple of performances around Christmas time and showed his qualities again having not played a lot of football.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“To then play and perform in high-level games is a real skill and is not easy to do. “He has been able to do that consistently for us. He then came in against Arsenal and I thought he was magnificent.Newcastle’s Alexander Isak talks to Alan Shearer about Champions League desires “Tino Livramento has had a really good season and obviously Emil Krafth can play at right back, so there is real competition for places. “We love the players we have. But Kieran is unique, there is no one who can do what he can do.“Set-play delivery, passing ability and his overall leadership is unique.“He is someone we definitely see hopefully staying and having a big impact in the second half of the season.” More

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      Barcelona dressing room ‘left unimpressed at Marcus Rashford pursuit with three key stars opposing transfer’

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      BARCELONA’S pursuit of Marcus Rashford has reportedly sparked revolt in the Nou Camp dressing room.The Spanish giants spent the January transfer window weighing up a swoop for the Manchester United outcast.Marcus Rashford’s negotiations with Barcelona caused unrestCredit: RexThree Barcelona stars made a stand and spoke out about the possible transferCredit: AlamyA sensational loan deal was potentially on the cards – with the player himself said to be keen.However, Rashford’s £325,000-a-week wages proved a stumbling block – especially as United wanted Barca to cover 70 per cent.The forward ended up joining Aston Villa until the end of the season – with the option of a £40million permanent summer move. But now Catalunya Radio via Sport in Spain claim even the talks over signing Rashford led to unrest among the existing players.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAnd three key stars allegedly spoke out against the transfer.It is stated Barcelona needed to let both Ansu Fati and Andreas Christensen leave in January to free up the necessary wages to make a Rashford deal financially viable.However, both men are said to have flat-out refused to exit. And pals Pedri, Gavi and Ronald Araujo all reportedly stood up to the club to make their feelings known. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe trio are three of Hansi Flick’s most important players in a team going strong in LaLiga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.And all three signed new contracts in the last few days of the transfer window.Marcus Rashford says joining Aston Villa from Man Utd was an easy decisionSo it seems the trio used their bargaining power to voice their concerns as they agreed their long-term futures to Barcelona, who are currently playing home matches at the Olympic Stadium while the Nou Camp is renovated. The report suggests Pedri, Gavi and Araujo did not believe signing Rashford was a suitable option given the players already in the team, the club’s ethos with its homegrown talent and the cost of the deal – which would see them force out two members of the squad.And it appears Deco and the Barca hierarchy listened to their players as they backed out of the deal.The likes of Borussia Dortmund, Monaco and AC Milan were also linked with Rashford over the course of the January transfer window.But Rashford said it was an “easy” decision to join Villa, where he will play Champions League football again. And he is keen to make an early impression on his new boss Unai Emery.Rashford insisted on training on his first day off and has already started looking at accommodation in the West Midlands as he refuses to commute from Manchester. READ MORE SUN STORIESVilla insiders say the man who left Old Trafford under a cloud has got the bit firmly between his teeth and is ready to kickstart his career under Emery.Rashford – who has taken Jhon Duran’s old No9 shirt – could make his debut for Villa in the FA Cup at home to Tottenham on Sunday. Rashford joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea discover how much Matheus Cunha transfer will cost as release clause revealed

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      MATHEUS CUNHA is one of the Premier League’s most coveted stars – and it will take a huge offer to prize him away from Wolves. Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are all tracking the exciting 25-year-old Brazilian striker. Matheus Cunha has signed a new long-term contract with WolvesCredit: AlamyThe deal includes a hefty eight-figure release clauseCredit: RexCunha penned a new four-year deal at Molineux last weekend as speculation swirled over his future. The forward was linked with a move away from the West Midlands throughout the January transfer window.But he committed his long-term future to Wolves on Saturday.Cunha’s new release clause stands at a hefty £62million, according to The Mail. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe report claims the clause will become active at the end of the season. And it can be activated by ANY club – with no restrictions on who can come in for the exciting playmaker. Cunha was targeted by United and Arsenal in January, but neither put in a solid bid.While Nottingham Forest were reportedly ready to smash their transfer record to bring him to the City Ground.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCunha is now tasked with helping Wolves stay in the Premier League.The arrival of new boss Vitor Pereira initially sparked a revival among the strugglers.Which Manchester United stars should stay and go?But four defeats in the last five mean Wolves have been unable to pull away from the chasing pack.They currently sit 16th, just two points above Leicester in the final relegation spot and seven behind a resurgent Everton in 15th.Manchester United are likely to require a centre-forward this summer as they eye a complete rebuild under Ruben Amorim.The Red Devils are set to put almost their entire squad up for sale as they reset following a dismal last few years. United will have to sell their biggest stars to make room for incomings, with striker Marcus Rashford set for a permanent move away after joining Aston Villa on loan. Arsenal are also in need of additional firepower and currently lack a natural centre-forward in the squad.Cunha made the switch to Wolves from Atletico Madrid, initially on loan in January 2023 before a £44million permanent deal.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe began his career with Swiss side Sion before spells in Germany with Red Bull Leipzig and Hertha Berlin.So far this season, he’s scored 11 goals in 23 games, adding 4 assists. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Ruben Amorim admits he couldn’t get Marcus Rashford to buy into his Man Utd plan and it was HIS decision to loan him

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      RUBEN AMORIM has claimed he could not get Marcus Rashford to buy into his Manchester United plan.The England forward joined Aston Villa on loan for the rest of the season on Sunday after almost two decades with his boyhood club.Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim couldn’t get Marcus Rashford to buy into his planCredit: GettyRashford fell out of favour at Man Utd after Amorim’s arrivalCredit: ReutersRashford joined Aston Villa on loan during the January transfer windowCredit: GettyMan Utd boss Amorim insists it was his decision to loan out RashfordCredit: PAUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Amorim has offered no guarantees of a way back for the 27-year-old in the summer.He said: “I couldn’t get Marcus to see the way you’re supposed to play football and to train — the way I see it.“Sometimes you have one player who is really good with one coach — and the same player with another coach is different.“The important thing is that I’m here saying it was my decision. The same with Tyrell Malacia and Antony. It was my decision, to do these loans.Read More on Man Utd“I just wish the best to Rashford and Unai Emery — and that they can ­connect because he’s a very good player.”Rashford still remains on United’s books.And if Villa do not take up a £40million option to buy him, the pair could yet be forced together again.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAsked if the door was still open, Amorim added: “Like we said before, we are fighting for our jobs until the summer. So I am just focused on these games.Most read in Football“Thankfully Marcus is in Birmingham now with Unai, so you can take these questions to another coach. We are just focused on our players.”Ruben Amorim insists Man Utd are ‘trying everything’ to improve his squad after Crystal Palace defeat The United boss admits he has taken a risk by moving on two forwards in the winter window — while not bringing in any replacements.He said: “I look at the team and I understood my decision of changing everything in the middle of the season without new signings. It is a danger for a coach.“But since day one, with good results or bad results, I have a clear idea of what I want to do and I take these risks.“I’m not naive. This is a sport of results and we’re in a difficult situation.”Yet Amorim, who goes head to head with Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday, believes he has the backing of owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family.Amorim has lost seven of his 13 Prem games in charge — and United sit in 13th place, the same position as when the Portuguese boss arrived.The former Sporting chief said: “I understand with a lot of losses, especially at home, the environment is really hard. But I feel the support of the board.Van Nistelrooy returns to Old Trafford“I’m not the slightest bit worried about that. It’s just the pain of losing — that is the hardest thing to cope with.”Amorim showed Van ­Nistelrooy the door in November even though the Dutchman’s four games in interim charge brought three wins and a draw.Old Trafford legend Van Nistelrooy had been assistant to the sacked Erik ten Hag and Amorim is not bothered by comparisons with his record.The United boss said: “It’s not awkward — I think it’s normal. He knew the team, he worked with the team.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I made some decisions that are really hard, to sometimes create problems, friction in the team.“They were better than me in training this team, so I’m trying to help them see the game the way I see, to improve performance and results.” More

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      Inside Marcus Rashford’s first week at Aston Villa including house hunting and insisting he train on players’ day off

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      MARCUS RASHFORD insisted on TRAINING on his first day-off at Aston Villa as he looks to hit the ground running at his new club.The former England striker was criticised as lazy, by his former boss Ruben Amorim who accused him of not putting enough effort into training or matches during his time at Manchester United.Marcus Rashford joined Aston Villa on loan from Manchester UnitedCredit: Instagram / avfcofficialRashford insisted on training during Villa team-matesn day offCredit: Aston VillaUnai Emery convinced Rashford to join Villa after a long phone callCredit: GettyUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.But SunSport can reveal Rashford has been a model pro since agreeing to join Villa on loan last Sunday.He immediately made a favourable impression on new boss Unai Emery by refusing to take two days off at the start of his first week, along with his new teammates.Instead, Rashford volunteered to come in for a punishing session on Monday when he spent time in the gym and then on the training pitch: “shaking off the cobwebs”, working with individual coaches.The 27-year-old has settled in swiftly to life at his new club and made a positive start with his new teammates, who have taken to him immediately.Read More on FootballCrucially, Rashford will NOT commute from his Manchester home and has already started the hunt for accommodation in the West Midlands, so he spends as little time in a hotel as possible.Villa insiders say the man who left Old Trafford under a cloud, has got the bit firmly between his teeth, and is ready to kickstart his career under Emery.”It must have felt very different for Marcus when he arrived at Bodymoor Heath for the first time on Sunday,” we were told.”After all, he has only known United’s Carrington Training Ground or Old Trafford since he joined United’s Academy aged seven.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But he was keen to get to know staff and did all of his medical testing, then he went to the canteen with the club nutritionist, before having his pics taken in all three Villa kits and doing interviews with club TV.”He smiled a lot and made a positive first impression on everyone who met him. He was down to earth, seemed eager to please and was genuinely excited at the new challenge ahead.” Why Marcus Rashford could be perfect fit for Aston Villa after Man Utd transferRashford was bowled over when Emery set out his vision for him during a lengthy phone conversation at the end of last week, which convinced him Villa was the perfect move at this critical stage in his career.It was expected Rashford would hold out for a move to Euro giants Paris Saint-Germain or Barcelona, so Villa were surprised at how quickly the deal progressed once Emery spoke to the striker personally.We were told: “Marcus had other options at home and abroad. But the lure of playing in the Champions League and challenging for a European place gave us an advantage.”Unai spoke at length to him on the phone and he was incredibly detailed about what his vision was for Marcus.”He spelled out exactly what he wanted him to do and what he would never expect him to do and painted a clear picture of how he intended to get his career on an upward trajectory again.”It was a compelling conversation, there was absolutely no room for confusion, he told Marcus straight exactly what his plans were for him. It’s fair to say that phone-call sealed the deal.” More