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    Man Utd chaos just 24 hours before Porto clash as flight to Portugal is delayed by THREE HOURS due to severe weather

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S flight to Porto has been delayed by three hours due to severe weather.Erik ten Hag’s men have come under fire for their dismal performance on Sunday as they lost 3-0 to Tottenham at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s journey to Portugal has been disruptedCredit: GettyThe travel difficulties come just 24 hours before their Europa League clashCredit: GettyIt is a crunch game for Man Utd as they eye a first European win of the campaignCredit: GettyCaptain Bruno Fernandes was spotted boarding the flight on WednesdayCredit: GettyAnd things are not getting much better off the field as the Red Devils were hit with delays to their journey to Portugal.Man Utd are set to kick off their second Europa League game of the season against Porto at 8pm BST on Thursday evening.They were due to take off for Portugal around 3pm on Wednesday, but did not leave until 6.10pm due to foggy and rainy conditions.Ten Hag’s press conference was due to take place at 7pm but has now been pushed back to 8.30pm.READ MORE ON MAN UTDFans have also suffered delays to their journeys.It is the latest inconvenience for manager Ten Hag – who is understood to have been given two games to save his job.Man Utd’s trip to Porto will be followed up by an away game in the Premier League against Aston Villa on Sunday.They failed to win their opening Europa League match as FC Twente held them to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd the defeat to Spurs extended their winless streak to three matches – a run which started with a goalless draw against Crystal Palace.But captain Bruno Fernandes will be available for the trip to Villa despite being shown a red card against Tottenham.Patrice Evra is confident Erik ten Hag can turn it around at Man UtdMan Utd were successful in appealing the decision, meaning the Portuguese playmaker escapes a three-match ban.On the pressure he is under, Ten Hag said: “I’m not thinking about it, I’m not anxious.”We created a togetherness in the summer with the ownership and the leadership.”We made this agreement, and we were all behind it. We know the strategy [is to bring in] young players in a transition period.”They also know in May in all my last six seasons there were always trophies and that is what we are aiming for.” More

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    Tottenham’s Europa League clash with Qarabag DELAYED as fans face frantic rush to get to stadium amid travel chaos

    TOTTENHAM’S Europa League opener against Qarabag was severely delayed due to travel chaos.The Azerbaijani side were staying in Stratford but did not turn up to Spurs’ stadium until 7.45pm due to serious traffic.Spurs’ Europa League clash against Qarabag FK has been delayedCredit: PAThat was only 15 minutes before the planned kick-off – which was then pushed back to 8.35pm.Qarabag’s coach ended up having a police escort for the last mile of their 12-mile journey.While their late arrival could land them in hot water with Uefa, whose regulations state that both teams must be at the stadium at least 75 minutes before kick-off, as per article 54.01.But because this is their first offence this season, the club and their coach Gurban Gurbanov will likely only get a warning from European football’s governing body.READ MORE IN football Travel to Spurs was a nightmare due to a multitude of reasons.Part of the A10, the major road in the area, was closed, while for supporters coming from the south there were major delays on the M25.A person hit by train at Tottenham Hale train station meant many Greater Anglia trains were cancelled between there and Broxbourne.And there were severely limited trains coming in from the Hertfordshire direction.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGurbanov’s reigning Azerbaijani champions were not the only ones to get caught out by the issues.TNT Sports pundits Peter Crouch and Glenn Hoddle abandoned their car and legged it down the street to make it in time for the start of their coverage.Ex-Spurs striker Crouch, 43, said: “Hopefully (the Qarabag team) ran down the High Road like me and Glenn! We gave up wit the car.”Tottenham legend Hoddle, 66, added: “Peter and I limped.”Qarabag are not the first to be caught out by the congested roads in N17.Spurs’ last European fixture – the last-16 Champions League tie against AC Milan in March 2022 – kicked off ten minutes later than planned due to both sides being held up in traffic.It made Spurs’ fans wait an extra 35 minutes for their first European game in 18 months, who named a strong line-up.Captain Son Heung-min, Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson all started up top, the latter two having netted in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Brentford.There were still six changes though, which saw 18-year-old pair Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall make their first European starts of their respective careers.Boss Ange Postecoglou, managing his first Spurs game in Europe, said: “It is going to be a great experience for our young players. It is different to domestic competition and they will learn a lot.”Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall have shown great energy. They want to make a career for themselves and my responsibility is to give them opportunity.READ MORE SUN STORIES”For a club like us, all these competitions are important. We have not had success for a very long time.“For a club our size, not winning becomes a millstone around your neck and you have to win something to release that.”SunSport’s Jordan Davies reacts to Europa League draw as Man Utd face Mourinho More

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    Man Utd hit with travel NIGHTMARE as fans face being left stranded in London after Saturday’s late kick-off at Palace

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans face travel hell for this weekend’s Premier League clash at Crystal Palace.The Old Trafford faithful relying on the train could be stranded in London after Saturday’s 5:30pm kick-off at Selhurst Park.Manchester United fans face travel hell this weekendCredit: GettyThere is only one direct service United fans could realistically catch back to ManchesterUnited fans hoping to take the train to the game face a race against time to get home.That is because there is only one direct service they could realistically catch back to Manchester Piccadilly after the match.The game will finish at 7:30pm and the 2,000 travelling supporters will have just 48 minutes to make the first train from Central London.But the pile out itself will take a while before fans would need to journey 10 miles from Croydon to Euston.read more on man utdThat means the 21:01pm train is the only realistic service that thousands of United fans can take back to the North West via public transport.The next service is at 21:11pm from St Pancras and costs £110.70 – but this does not arrive in Manchester until 10:29am the following morning.Erik ten Hag already called out the Premier League and the TV companies for their “unfair” scheduling multiple times.The Dutchman complained after United beat Southampton last Saturday lunchtime.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSInspired by Jurgen Klopp’s rage at 12:30pm kick-offs, Ten Hag told TNT: “First of all, for the fans it is very unfair to deal with this, with 8pm away games on a Saturday night.”The Red Devils wrote to the Prem last season to outline their frustration after they were given more Saturday 8pm kick-offs than any other team.These included trips to Newcastle and Brentford on Easter Sunday, plus night games at Palace and Chelsea.Ex-Man Utd star Phil Jones opens up on mental health trauma caused by vile trollsIn March, the last train back to Manchester from the capital departed two minutes after kick-off at the Community Stadium.And many United fans were stranded in last season’s mirrored fixture at 8pm on bank holiday Monday, when Palace smashed the Red Devils 4-0 thanks to several howlers from make-shift centre-back Casemiro.It’s been four years since United won away at Palace in the Prem.The Red Devils won 2-0 during the Covid disruption in July 2020 with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial on the scoresheet.Man Utd ratings vs Southampton as Onana saves a penalty and Rashford finally scoresMARCUS RASHFORD scored his first Premier League goal in 189 days as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 victory at Southampton.The Red Devils got back to winning ways after suffering defeats in their last two Prem games, with Matthijs de Ligt notching his first Man Utd goal.But United had Andre Onana to thank as the keeper kept out Cameron Archer’s penalty at 0-0.Here’s how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rated United’s stars…Andre Onana – 7Saved the penalty by Cameron Archer, albeit a poor one from the Southampton forward.But that stop and the stopped rebound proved to be absolutely crucial.Noussair Mazraouri – 7Needed treatment after falling awkwardly in the first half but that did not stop him from delivering a solid performance.Also got forward to good effect before being one of three United defenders to be subbed off.Matthijs De Ligt – 8Shaky start defensively but was unmarked to score from Bruno Fernandes cross to calm United’s nerves with the opener.He was delighted to get his first United goal and dedicated his celebration to his wife’s birthday today.Lisandro Martinez – 7Not been in great form so anything was an improvement – although Saints’ attack was toothless.Diogo Dalot – 5Suffered an absolute shocker of a first half courtesy of Southampton’s tricky wingers.Conceded the penalty after bringing down Tyler Dibling but was also constantly exposed throughout the half.Kobbie Mainoo – 6United continue to lean far too heavily on such a young player. And this defensive role does not really suit him.Christian Eriksen – 7A surprise starter although United’s two goals came from his corners.The system, though, still does not play to his strengths as he is too deep.Bruno Fernandes – 7Cracking corner cross ball from Eriksen who plonked the ball on the head of De Ligt.Amad Diallo – 7Looked lively throughout – really encouraging. Teed up Rashford for the second goal.Joshua Zirkzee – 6Forced a couple of saves by Aaron Ramsdale but does not look like a 25 goal-a-season striker.Marcus Rashford – 7Hopefully the second goal will give him a real confidence boost. Also forced a couple of saves from Aaron Ramsdale.SUBSGarnacho (for Rashford 73 mins) 7Was brutally fouled by Stephens who saw red shortly after coming on. Notched United’s third goal of the game in the final minute.He struck high into Ramsdale’s high corner after a brilliant ball from Casemiro.Manuel Ugarte (for Eriksen 73 mins) 6Harry Maguire (for Mazraouri 74 mins) 6Jonny Evans (for Martinez 77 mins) 6 More

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    Euro 2024 travel chaos with England fans facing massive delays and nightmare train journeys

    ENGLAND and Scotland fans planning on getting round Euro 2024 by train face a series of nightmare journeys.The once-famously efficient German transport network has become little more than a running joke in the country.Fans are facing transport hell in GermanyCredit: GettyThere are expected to be severe delaysCredit: GettyIt means fans have been warned to factor in at least an hour and maybe double that time for delays caused by a lack of trains, staffing issues and other reasons.UEFA have trumped the green credentials of the tournament, urging teams to use coach travel and supporters to get on the train between the 10 venue cities.Yet significant delays are now recorded on more than a THIRD of journeys across the Government-run Deutsche Bahn network.And that was BEFORE thousands of supporters from across Europe flood the trains seeking to criss-cross the country following their teams.READ MORE ON EURO 2024When a simple three hour journey can take almost twice as long on a bad day, the chaos is likely to cause hot tempers and bad blood.Germany-based UEFA representatives had been privately warning colleagues in Nyon about the looming problems for months leading up to the tournament.And the German media are also laughing publicly about the dreadful serviceTV journalist Chaled Nagar wrote on X: “The idea that Germany is so efficient and great at organizing is now officially considered a myth.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Almost everyone coming here is surprised that their train service at home is far so much better.”In a group with colleagues from abroad, there has been anger and sarcasm towards the train from day one. Banning England fans from drinking strong lager at Euros is ‘discriminatory’….‘we’re being picked on’, minister says”Many arrived today and yesterday. Now they have found out that there is a refund for delays and are demanding the same principle for the VAR. “Here’s to four wonderful weeks!”England begin their campaign against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.Their next game is in Frankfurt as they take on Denmark four days later.Martin Lipton’s nightmare journeyIt should have been an easy day, a simple journey from Frankfurt to Munich and back to hear UEFA referees’ chief Roberto Rosetti explain how VAR and his team of officials were going to work in Euro 2024.
    But it turned into a 17-and-a-half hour nightmare as all the scare stories about the German railway network came frustratingly true.
    Cancellations, delays, work on the line and a shortage of staff meant I spent as long waiting and going nowhere as being on the move on the 480-mile round trip.
    “Vorsprung durch Technik”, as they USED to say in Germany? Don’t make me laugh… As for the sandwiches and salad at Munich Hauptbahnhof – don’t bother.
    Here’s how my day went….
    08:30 – Leave Frankfurt hotel and walk to main station for 0905 train. Already informed that connecting train in Stuttgart has been cancelled09:20 – Train departs – just 15 minutes late. By the time it arrives in Stuttgart I would have missed the original 1051 train.11:25 – Delayed 1115 leaves Stuttgart, arriving at Munich-Pasing 25 minutes late.15:00 – Finally arrive at Allianz Arena, almost two hours later than scheduled after more issues with local S-Bahn and U-Bahn commuter services.18:20 – Leave Allianz Arena in time for 1923 train to Frankfurt. Initially booked and faster direct service already cancelled.19:53 – Board train, already half an hour late. Discover it is no longer stopping at Frankfurt main station. The everybody told to get off as Deutsche Bahn have run out of train crew.21:03 – Replacement option of 2029 service finally leaves Munich, due to arrive in Frankfurt at 1204.01:25 -Train finally pulls in at Frankfurt, 85 minutes late. Catch last 37 bus to hotel, sparing me a 20 minute walk.

    And the Three Lions close out their Group C campaign in a clash with Slovenia on June 25.If Gareth Southgate’s men reach the last 16 by winning their group, they will be back in Gelsenkirchen on June 30.Finishing second would set up a trip to Dortmund on June 29, while England could also end up in Frankfurt on July 1 if they are one of the four best third-place teams.And it is not just the travel situation set to leave a bad taste in fans’ mouths.Policing Minister Chris Philp says thje decision to give Three Lions followers “watered-down” pints at England’s opening game against Serbia is “discriminatory.”He told The Sun’s Never Mind The Ballots election countdown show: “If England fans have somehow been picked out or singled out and served watered-down beer based on their nationality, that sounds to me completely unfair.“And probably discriminatory – we should not be getting picked on in that way.”READ MORE SUN STORIESRisk ratings have been set to “very high” for Sunday’s clash with Serbia amid fears 500 hardcore yobs will travel to spark clashes with England fans. More

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    Arsenal and Tottenham fans face travel chaos ahead of huge clash with fears heavy rain and strong winds will hit trains

    ARSENAL and Tottenham fans could be hit by travel chaos for the North London derby.The rivals face off at Spurs’ stadium at 2pm this afternoon.Arsenal fans could have trouble getting to the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: GettyHowever, supporters making their way to the ground from south of London could have their journeys disrupted by the heavy rain and strong winds that have battered the area overnight and this morning.Network Rail warned passengers planning to get Southern, Gatwick Express, Thameslink or Great Northern trains may see disruption.That could also cause headaches for Brighton fans heading along the South Coast to Bournemouth, also for a 2pm kick-off.A Network Rail statement said: “Heavy rainfall is affecting the Southern, Gatwick Express and Thameslink networks, especially south of London and towards the South Coast. READ MORE ON ARSENAL”Some strong winds are also expected.“This weather may disrupt journeys until the middle of the day today, 28 April. Please check journey planners before you travel.”However, trains appear to be running on time as things stand.And there is no Met Office weather warning in place, though.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThankfully, the forecast does not look too bad for the actual match at Tottenham, either – with grey skies expected and the possibility of some rain. Spurs head into the North London derby certainly hoping to pour a dampener on Arsenal’s title hopes.How Arteta’s tactical masterstroke turned Havertz into Arsenal’s most important playerThe Gunners know they will need to be virtually faultless in their run-in to the end of the season – and are reliant on Manchester City dropping points.The hosts, meanwhile, have their own ambitions of pipping Aston Villa to a top-four spot. And a first win over Arsenal since May 2022 would certainly help.Mikel Arteta’s men head into the game full of confidence after slapping Chelsea for five in midweek.It promises to be a thrilling clash with all the coverage available from SunSport’s live blog. And our very own columnist and former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has had his say on where he thinks the game could be won or lost.Forget Odegaard and Rice… this Arsenal star could be Player of the Year, says Andy DillonBy Andy Dillon
    MARTIN ODEGAARD and Declan Rice will rightly be in the shake down for the Footballer of the Year award.
    But their Arsenal team-mate Gabriel also deserves recognition should the Gunners go on to win the Premier League title.
    The Brazilian has been a monster at the back alongside William Saliba.
    They are the heart of the meanest defence — conceding just 24 goals in the league this season.
    He has also scored four, the joint-highest for a defender in the top flight along with Spurs’ Cristian Romero.
    If boss Mikel Arteta ends Arsenal’s 20-year wait for the title then Gabriel will have been as important a cog in the machine as anyone at the Emirates.
    Considering he was struggling for game time and appeared a lost soul last summer, it’s some turnaround.
    Click here to ready Andy’s column in full.
    Or to read more from Andy Dillon, click here

    Redknapp said: “The smallest details can make the biggest difference and for Spurs that means how they cope without the injured Destiny Udogie, who might not get the headlines but has been outstanding.”His pace would have been vital against Bukayo Saka, who can destroy you, and Ange Postecoglou’s got a big job on now Udogie’s missing, for sure.”If they don’t double up on Saka he could run riot.”While that’s crucial, so is keeping a cool head, because Spurs will be bang up for this and the tackles are going to be flying in.”There will be a few cards flashed around, believe me.”I really can’t see Spurs getting beaten, so assuming they manage to keep Saka in check, I’d have to put my money on a score draw.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I can see goals, I can see bookings — plenty of them — but I just can’t see a winner.”Which obviously means no one’s going home happy. Apart from City.”Destiny Udogie’s absence will be a big miss up against Bukayo SakaCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal hit by travel chaos just hours before Brighton clash with dozens of trains cancelled after landslide

    ARSENAL fans have been hit by a major travel disruption just hours before their trip to Brighton.A landslide in the Hassocks/Burgess Hill area has caused some train lines to close between Haywards Heath and Brighton.The cancellation of trains is set to impact fans heading to the South CoastCredit: PAArsenal fans are trying to get down to Brighton to watch their side at the AmexCredit: AlamyThis is set to have a severe impact on Gunners supporters heading to the South Coast for the 5.30pm kick-off at the Amex.Delays are expected to continue until the end of the day.A tweet from Brighton on X read: “There is disruption on the train lines today between Haywards Heath and Brighton due to a landslide which means some lines are closed.”Trains may be cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised and disruption is expected until the end of the day.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We advise fans travelling to today’s game to leave early and follow @SouthernRailUK for updates.”National Rail also confirmed the disruption, adding: “Where possible, some trains will divert to run via Horsham and the West Coast.”Gatwick Express services will run between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport – they will not run through to Brighton until further notice.”It comes after Tottenham’s clash with Nottingham Forest was moved from Monday to Sunday on just 10 DAYS notice due to rail strikes.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSArsenal’s likely line up for their clash with Brighton on Saturday eveningIt was initially due to take place in North London at 8pm on Monday evening.However, scheduled strikes by both overground and underground workers forced the match to be moved to 6pm on Sunday evening.And Arsenal fans were left raging at the latest travel chaos.One said: “Another day of excellent banter by our national rail service 🙄🙃.”While another added: “Absolute s**t show. Trains cancelled all over the place.”Arsenal head into the game knowing a win will take them top of the Premier League table ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Manchester United on Sunday. More

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    Football fans face travel chaos for huge weekend of Premier League clashes as latest set of train strikes confirmed

    TRAIN STRIKES are set to plunge Premier League fans into chaos next month.It has been confirmed that the latest set of strikes will take place between Friday, April 5 and Monday, April 8.Train strikes are set to wreak havoc among football supporters on the first weekend of AprilCredit: GettyDrivers for Chiltern, GWR, LNER, Northern, and TransPennine will strike on the Saturday – when seven Premier League games are taking place.Of those matches, the disruption is expected to have the biggest impact on Newcastle’s trip to Fulham – a 3pm kick-off.Walkouts over the weekend are also set to affect fans making the trip to Sheffield United vs Chelsea at Bramall Lane.But the supporters who will suffer most are those going to Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest in North London on Monday evening.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat is because the list of those striking includes c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, South Western Railway main line and depot drivers, and the SWR Island Line.And that is not the only disruption as London Underground drivers who are members of the Aslef union will also strike on the same day.It comes after 98 per cent of its drivers voted in favour of action – with a second strike set for Saturday May 4 when another set of Premier League fixtures take place.The overground strike is taking place due to a long-running dispute over pay.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Tube strike is a result of employees disputing their terms and conditions.The latest travel fears come after Chelsea fans faced cancellations prior to their trip to Manchester City last month.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersAnd in January, supporters suffered with Tube strikes on the day of Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Liverpool. More

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    Arsenal fans hit by travel chaos for Liverpool FA Cup clash with Londoners facing days of ‘little to no’ Tube service

    ARSENAL fans are facing travel chaos for their FA Cup clash against Liverpool on Sunday – with tube strikes set to take place.Transport for London stated there will be “little to no service” on the underground, leaving supporters with a travel headache for the 16:30 kick-off.
    Fans will have a tough time getting home from the Emirates for Sunday’s gameCredit: Reuters
    TfL today urged passengers to “only travel if their journey is essential” from this Sunday evening until next Friday.
    Transport bosses declared that lines serving the Emirates Stadium in North London for the Arsenal v Liverpool FA Cup third round match, will end around 6.30pm.
    They added that lines will “try to remain open longer” but that fans should make their way straight to the trains following the match.
    It comes amid a dispute over pay and conditions.
    RESD MORE ARSENAL NEWS
    Arsenal – who last won the FA Cup in 2020- host Jurgen Klopp’s men following successive defeats in the Premier League.
    Mikel Arteta’s side suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to West Ham at the Emirates, after a controversial goal from Tomas Soucek and a second-half header from Konstantinos Mavropanos.
    Misery then continued for the Gunners, as they were beaten 2-1 by an out-of-form Fulham side at Craven Cottage on New Years Eve.
    Meanwhile, Liverpool – who lifted the FA Cup in 2022 – sit top of the Premier League and held Arsenal to a 2-2 draw at Anfield last month.
    Most read in Football
    Tube strikes are projected to begin on January 7Credit: PA
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    But Arsenal will look to get back to winning ways and advance in the competition they’ve won a record 14 times.
    Chaos will begin when engineering and maintenance workers take strike action this Friday and Saturday.
    The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) hit out at ‘below inflation’ pay rises for staff and claimed TfL had created a bonus pot of £13million for senior managers. More