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    Roy Keane gives withering verdict on award presentation before Man Utd clash as he lashes out at De Gea AGAIN

    ROY KEANE issued a withering verdict on Manchester United’s pre-match trophy presentation ahead of their FA Cup clash with West Ham.The legendary Red Devils captain, who put Declan Rice on blast ahead of kick-off, was back in top form again but at half-time after the two sides played out a goalless opening 45 minutes.
    Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes paraded the Carabao Cup at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
    David de Gea was also presented a trophy after keeping his 181st clean sheetCredit: Getty
    United legend Roy Keane fumed at the trophy presentationCredit: Rex
    Keane, 51, lashed out at Man Utd’s pre-match trophy presentation, which saw Sunday’s Carabao Cup paraded, as well as David de Gea and Casemiro being presented with trophies.
    Long-time servant De Gea was honoured after claiming his 181st clean sheet for the club in Sunday’s cup final against Newcastle.
    He overtook legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel to write his name in the United history books.
    Despite this, Keane fumed on ITV’s half-time coverage: “No intensity, very sloppy. Going through the motions.
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    “Before the game, a lot of presentations, everyone is getting awards for anything these days.
    “But they’ve just not turned up, obviously the manager has taken a gamble making so many changes and he’s got great options off the bench. 
    “You still expect united to do the business off the second half but nowhere near good enough and a I’m little bit angry.”
    It’s not the first time Keane has slammed De Gea either.
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    Keane is a critic of De Gea for his occasional blunders.
    United weren’t any better at the start of the second half either.
    They found themselves 1-0 down inside ten minutes of the restart.
    Said Benrahma opened the scoring with a fine finish. More

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    ‘I did play in midfield’ – Roy Keane fumes at Ian Wright after Arsenal legend’s astonished reaction to Declan Rice rant

    ROY KEANE fumed at fellow pundit Ian Wright after ranting about West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.The punditry pair were at Old Trafford to run the rule over Manchester United’s FA Cup tie against the Hammers.
    Roy Keane and Ian Wright were on punditry duties alongside Joe ColeCredit: Getty
    Declan Rice has made 30 appearances in all competitions for the HammersCredit: Getty
    West Ham have done well in the cups this season, despite underwhelming in the Premier League.
    Discussing David Moyes’ side’s struggles, Keane ripped into England midfielder Declan Rice.
    The Irishman, appearing on ITV, said: “I don’t think Rice has been great this season.
    “I really don’t. He’s not really kicked on.
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    “For all the talk about him and the good PR coming out of West Ham, about how much money he is worth, I think he needs to do a lot more.
    “Doesn’t get enough goals, doesn’t get enough assists…”
    Wright was left astonished by Keane’s rant, responding: “Wow.”
    Frosty Keane glared upon Wrighty’s reaction, eventually responding: “Do you disagree with me? That’s good.
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    “I hope you disagree with me. Because I think I know what I’m talking about.
    “I played a bit in midfield.”
    West Ham skipper Rice has just over a year remaining on his contract, although the Hammers possess the option to extend it by a further 12 months.
    He has been linked with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal – although West Ham will charge more than £100million for his signature.
    Rice has made 30 appearances for the Hammers this term, scoring two goals and laying on three assists. More

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    West Ham star Gianluca Scamacca DUMPED by agency as they release damning statement about breakdown in ‘trust’

    WEST HAM star Gianluca Scamacca has been dropped by his agents the World Soccer Agency.The company represents some major stars including Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski, Juventus icon Leonardo Bonucci and his team-mate Juan Cuadrado.
    Gianluca Scamacca has been dumped by his agentCredit: Getty
    A statement read: “World Soccer Agency formally ends its working relationship with Gianluca Scamacca.
    “Although the player express a desire to continue working together there was no longer the trust necessary for a healthy professional relationship.

    “We thank the player for his time spent with WSA, and wish him all the best for the future.”
    SunSport understands that Scamacca had a close relationship with World Soccer Agency so the break down in relations was not expected.
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    It is believed the striker could join CAA Stellar, who represent the likes of Jack Grealish, Jordan Pickford and Ben Chilwell.
    Scamacca has not publicly commented on the split.
    West Ham fans reacted with shock at the news, and questioned what it meant for his future at the London Stadium.
    One said: “What does this mean? Is he out from West Ham or what?”
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    Another joked: “I’d sack my agent for moving to West Ham too.”
    And one asked: “What is the reason for the lack of trust? What’s happened?”
    Scamacca joined West Ham on a five-year deal last summer with the option of a further 12 months.
    The Hammers paid a hefty £30m up front for the Italian striker, with £5m-plus in add-ons.
    He also has a 10 per cent sell-on clause should the London side decide to offload him.
    The forward has struggled in his first six-months at the club.
    The ex-Roma trainee has scored just three Premier League goals in 16 appearances. More

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    Man Utd vs West Ham: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for FA Cup fifth round clash

    MANCHESTER UNITED take on West Ham United in FA Cup fifth round tie at Old Trafford. Erik Ten Hag’s side will be looking to build on their recent Carabao Cup Final triumph over Newcastle on Sunday.
    Man Utd lift the Carabao Cup trophy
    The Red Devil’s claimed the Carabao Cup trophy on Sunday thanks to a Casemiro header and a Sven Botman own goal.
    The Red’s sailed past 10-man Reading in the FA Cup forth round.
    Goals from midfield duo Fred and Casemiro helped United to a 3-1 win over the Royals.
    West Ham booked their spot in the fifth round after a 2-0 away win at League 1 side Derby County.

    Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio sealed the victory for David Moyes’ side.
    When is Man Utd vs West Ham?

    Man Utd vs West Ham will take place on Wednesday, 1st March
    The match will kick off at 7:45pm
    Old Trafford will play host

    What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

    Man Utd’s FA Cup clash with West Ham will be shown live on ITV 1, with coverage starting from 7pm.
    You can stream the match through the ITVX app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
    Commentary will be from Sam Matterface and Lee Dixson, with analysis from Roy Keane, Ian Wright and Joe Cole.

    Can I watch for FREE?
    Yes, you can watch the game for free by signing up to the ITVX website or mobile app, providing you have a valid TV license.
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    Team news
    Long-term absentees Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek will remain unavailable for David Moyes’ Old Trafford reunion.
    Erik Ten Hag will be hoping his side came through Sunday’s Carabao Cup final unscathed.
    The Hammers will be without Kurt Zouma and Maxwel Cornet as Moyes remains cautious over their return to the squad.
    Brazilian playmaker Lucas Paquetá returned to the starting line-up on the weekend after suffering a shoulder injury, so his minutes may be limited.
    Odds

    Man Utd – 8/13
    Draw – 3/1
    West Ham – 4/1

    *Odds courtesy of Betfair and correct at time of publication. More

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    Premier League Unrecognisables XI: From the aspiring monk who became an agent to the Swedish Master Chef winner

    THE Premier League has had its share of players who have been distinct for their performances on the pitch and their looks off it.But there are some ex-stars from the biggest clubs who fans would struggle to recognise at all today.
    Many Premier League stars look unrecognisable from their playing daysCredit: Getty
    There are those who have traded long, flowing hair for hipster beards, and one who has even ditched his crop for dreadlocks.
    This is our Premier League Unrecognisables XI.
    Goalkeeper: West Brom (2004-07), Man Utd (2007-12)
    This ex-Man Utd goalkeeper looked fit as a fiddle at the Qatar World Cup, but barely recognisable from his playing daysCredit: Getty
    This Polish goalkeeper stood out for his bleached blonde hair during his playing days.
    But at the Qatar World Cup he was rocking a new, and far tidies, brunette look.
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    He joined West Brom from Hertha Berlin in 2004 and enjoyed three solid years in the West Midlands.
    He then signed for Man Utd in 2007 after a successful loan spell.
    Though appearances proved sporadic for him, he did achieve three Premier League titles and a Champions League win in 2008, as well as famously saving a penalty against Arsenal on Debut.
    The goalkeeper left Man Utd in 2011 and would continue a successful career in the Championship with Watford, Brighton, Wolves and Birmingham before retiring in 2019.
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    Since retiring, he says he still supports Man Utd and has a season ticket at Old Trafford.
    Have you guessed who it is yet? The answer is Tomasz Kuszczak.
    Tomasz Kuszczak had bleached blonde hair during his time at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
    Left-back: Arsenal (2006-11), QPR (2011-16)
    Arsenal fans will do well to work out who this dreadlocked former defender isCredit: Instagram / @armandtraoreofficial
    This left-back spent four years at Arsenal with the likes of Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas but only made 13 Premier League appearances.
    In a remarkable change of look, he is now rocking dreadlocks.
    The Frenchman played more times for Portsmouth during a loan spell in 2008 than he ever did for the Gunners.
    He was also able to enjoy a loan to Italian giants Juventus in 2010.
    It was after leaving Arsenal that he would begin to secure himself first team football, as he played 87 Premier League games for Queens Park Rangers, scoring two goals.
    Championship spells with Nottingham Forest and Cardiff followed before his retirement in 2020.
    You must have had the memory of an elephant if you got this one. The answer is Armand Traore.
    Armand Traore looked very different playing for Arsenal in 2010Credit: Getty
    Right-back: Arsenal (2000-04), Fulham (2004-09)
    This ex-Arsenal defender has worked as an assistant at RB Leipzig and Galatasaray since retiringCredit: Getty
    This German made just one appearance for Arsenal, in a League Cup defeat to Sunderland in 2002.
    But that wouldn’t stop him enjoying a long, fruitful career in the Premier League as he moved to Fulham.
    He would make 125 Premier League appearances at Craven Cottage before moving on in 2009.
    Spells at St Pauli and 1860 Munich would follow before he hung up his boots in 2015.
    However, he would stay in football to become assistant at RB Leipzig and then Galatasaray.
    The answer is Moritz Volz.
    Moritz Volz in his playing days at FulhamCredit: PA:Press Association
    Centre-back: Newcastle (1994-99)
    This Belgian looks nothing like the man who scored one of the greatest Premier League goals against Man UtdCredit: https://twitter.com/AndyKerrtv/status/1602713816613240840?s=20&t=4TTrBEKvWIumGWN7y6KW5Q
    An easy one for any true Geordie.
    A goalscoring Belgian centre-back who joined from Anderlecht in 1994.
    He netted eight times in 96 Premier League appearances for the Toon, with the most famous being an incredible left-footed lob in a 5-0 win over Man Utd.
    He is now working as a pundit for Belgian TV and owns his own fruit and veg company.
    The answer, of course, is Philippe Albert.
    Philippe Albert will always be known on Tyneside for his lob against Fergie’s Red DevilsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Centre-back: Man Utd (1994-2003)
    A steward once stopped this Man Utd legend going on the Old Trafford pitch as he had no idea who he wasCredit: Instagram / @davidmay04
    This boyhood Man City fan would become a stalwart under Fergie as he won two league titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League.
    Following a move from Blackburn in 1994, he made 85 Premier League appearances.
    He would leave in 2003 after nine years and move to Burnley.
    In 2006, he retired after two years with non-league Bacup Borough.
    The defender admits that his post-Man Utd days were tough, even telling a United podcast that he went on a 12-day binge and shared a £200 bottle of champagne with a tramp after leaving Old Trafford.
    And despite all his achievements at United, he was briefly blocked from entering the Old Trafford pitch for a half time show as a steward didn’t know who he was.
    We assume Man Utd fans will do better. The answer is David May.
    David May is a former Champions League winner with UnitedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Left-wing: Man Utd (1998-2001), Everton (2001-02), Charlton (2002-03)
    From Champions League winner to Swedish Master Chef. It’s hard to see which is the greater triumphCredit: Sweden’s Master Chef via Instagram / @jesperblomqvistofficial
    Champions League winner, cult hero and… Master Chef.
    This former winger won the Swedish edition of the show earlier this year.
    And with his own pizzeria in Stockholm, he may one day end up better known for his flair in the kitchen than on the wing.
    Back in 1998, he joined from Parma as a backup to Ryan Giggs and scored his only goal for Man Utd in a 4-1 win at Everton.
    Far from just earning a Champions League medal though, this winger actually started in the final and missed a golden chance in the clash with Bayern Munich before being replaced by Teddy Sheringham.
    The rest, as they say, is history.
    The answer is Jesper Blomqvist.
    Jesper Blomqvist posing with Sir Alex Ferguson after signing for Man UtdCredit: PA
    Right-wing: Man Utd (2003-08), Burnley (2008-11), Bolton (2011-14)
    This former Man Utd ace (right) rocks a bearded look today and is well known for dating a Hollyoaks starCredit: Instagram / @chriseagles.33
    An impressive academy prospect who was a member of the Man Utd squad that won the Premier League and Champions League in 2008.
    He made six league appearances for the Red Devils and went on to enjoy a very fruitful top flight career with Burnley and Bolton.
    These days, the former flyer is maybe better known for his relationship with actress Jennifer Metcalfe.
    And he proved to be a very lucky man when the Hollyoaks star took him back after he was banned from driving after being found shoeless having drunk three times over the limit.
    The name you are looking for is Chris Eagles.
    Chris Eagles at Man Utd during his playing daysCredit: PA:Press Association
    Central midfield: Man Utd (1998-2001), Middlesbrough (2001-04), West Brom (2004-10), Fulham (2010-11)
    This ex-Old Trafford star was known for his curly hair during his playing daysCredit: Instagram/@jonogreening29
    This Man Utd star was noticeable for his distinct curly hair when he came through the academy.
    But he would stand out even more today after being seen with a long hipster beard.
    After leaving Man Utd in 2001 with a Champions League winners medal he would go on to enjoy a long and distinct career at the highest level.
    Though never quite making the England squad, he was part of United coach Steve McClaren’s Middlesbrough squad as they won the League Cup in 2004.
    And from there he would go on to enjoy six years as a key man for West Brom.
    Spells at Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Barnsley, York City and Tadcaster Albion would follow before he hung up his boots in 2017.
    But he has since got into management with Scarborough Athletic, who he guided to promotion to the National League North last season.
    The man behind the beard is Jonathan Greening.
    Jonathan Greening now manages Scarborough AthleticCredit: Getty
    Central midfield: Blackburn (1998-2003, 2007-15), Birmingham (2003-07)
    This midfielder (right) used to be known as “the New Gazza”. He is pictured here working in construction with former team-mate Garry Flitcroft.Credit: Paul Cousans – The Sun
    This former England international spent the best part of two decades at the highest level.
    Coming through the Blackburn academy in 1998, he enjoyed five years at the club with his form so impressive that he played for England against Portugal in 2002.
    Once dubbed “the New Gazza”, he would make a move to Birmingham in 2003 where he struggled with injuries.
    In 2007, he would return to Blackburn, where he would thrive for a further eight years, before moving to Oldham and retiring in 2016.
    He has had a variety of different professions since hanging up his boots.
    Coaching appears to have been his first passion as he managed Oldham Athletic and Barrow, while also taking roles at Blackpool and back at Blackburn.
    However, at one point he also became part of former Rovers star Garry Flitcroft’s eco-construction company, Flitcraft.
    He might not be quite as well known as Gazza, but Blackburn fans are sure to get this one right. It’s David Dunn.
    David Dunn made one appearance for EnglandCredit: PA:Press Association
    Striker: Sheffield Wednesday (1996-99), Aston Villa (1999-2000), Bradford (2000-02)
    Once Paolo Di Canio’s partner in crime, this sharp-looking assistant manager used to have a more rebellious lookCredit: Alamy
    In 1996, this Inter Milan striker, famous for his flowing long hair, made the bizarre move to Sheffield Wednesday.
    In his three years with the Owls, he would be upstaged at times by fellow Italian Paolo di Canio, but he was no less effective as he won the Fans’ Player of the Year award after finishing top scorer in 1999.
    A move to Aston Villa would follow after a contract struggle at Hillsborough.
    A season later he moved to Bradford City where he would become a club legend on and off the pitch.
    Despite Carbone’s memorable goals, the Bantams were relegated in 2001 and fell into financial trouble.
    Then in 2002 he endeared himself to the Valley Parade faithful when he forfeited £3.2m after being told the club would fold if they continued to pay him £40,000 a week.
    He said in 2013: “I hadn’t earned anything like the amounts on offer in the Premier League today and I had a young family.
    “But when I thought about it, there was only one choice I could make. I couldn’t be the person who put Bradford City out of business.”
    Now, however, he looks every bit management material as he rocks a stylish beard and short grey hair in his role as Azerbaijan assistant.
    The man you are looking for is Benito Carbone.
    Benito Carbone saved Bradford City from going out of business by forfeiting £3.2m in wagesCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    Striker: Chelsea (2004-05)
    He might look more like a fisherman now, but he was once one of Europe’s hottest attacking talentsCredit: Social media
    Before he rocked the fisherman look, this Serbian striker arrived to huge fanfare at Stamford Bridge after firing 35 goals to win PSV the title and guiding Guus Hiddink’s side to the Champions League semi-final.
    Such was the faith Jose Mourinho had in him that he was handed the Chelsea number nine shirt.
    However, he would go on a grim run of just four goals in 24 appearances.
    Moves to the likes of Atletico Madrid, Fenerbahce, PSG and Zenit St Petersburg would follow his departure from West London in 2005.
    But only his spell at Fenerbahce, where he scored a goal every other game, could truly be described as a success.
    Covered in religious tattoos, the devout Orthodox Christian once said he harboured dreams of becoming a monk.
    However, fate would give him a different, and less sanctified, role for him.
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    He would become one of the Balkans’ most influential football agents, representing, among others, perennial Man Utd and Arsenal transfer target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
    Mateja Kezman is the man the Lazio midfielder will be looking to to get him a top move.
    Mateja Kezman considered becoming a monk, but is now an influential football agentCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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    Ex-West Ham star and son of Newcastle legend forced to retire aged 31 after shocking medical diagnosis

    A FORMER West Ham player has been forced into early retirement after suffering from arthritis.Olly Lee, son of Newcastle legend Rob, has announced he has hung up his boots aged just 31.
    Olly Lee has decided to retire after suffering with arthritisCredit: Getty
    The former midfielder has been suffering from Psoriatic Arthritis and Raynaud’s condition and the strain on his body has prevented him from continuing playing.
    Lee came through the youth ranks at West Ham but he failed to make a senior appearance for the Hammers.
    A permanent move to Barnet followed before spells at Birmingham and Luton, where he made 124 appearances.
    Lee then went to Scotland where he played for Hearts but soon returned to the EFL on loan at Gillingham.
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    He signed permanently for the Gills in 2021 and made 10 appearances this season but feels he is no longer physically capable of playing at a professional level.
    In a message to the Gillingham website, Lee wrote: “I can’t believe I am actually writing this, but having been diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis and Raynaud’s condition over a year ago, I am now having to face the fact I can no longer continue my professional football career.
    “I can no longer perform to the levels I know I am capable of, my body no longer allows it.
    “This has been an extremely painful journey both mentally and physically.
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    “I have tried many medications over the last year, and many comebacks, but to no avail.
    “I am thankful for the moments I have been fortunate enough to experience, and can now finally look back on my career with pride at what I did manage to achieve.
    “I am thankful for all the support from the fans at the clubs I was lucky enough to represent, particularly Luton and Hearts, two clubs that are now extremely close to my heart and I will always follow.
    “There are still tough days ahead but I am very lucky to have found my passion in coaching, and helping people which I am excited to dive into now.
    “Although playing at the level is no longer part of my journey, it is now the fuel that drives me to help the next generation of players on their journey.” More

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    Premier League shirts set to look very different next season after proposed Government ban

    PREMIER LEAGUE shirts are set to look very different from next season as the government considers action on gambling sponsorship. Fans have become used to seeing betting firm logos splashed across the front of club jerseys.
    Eight Premier League clubs have betting logos on the front of their shirtCredit: Getty
    The top-flight could look very different next season if new rules are bought inCredit: Getty
    But this could be coming to an end as politicians mull changes over gambling laws.
    New draft legislation is set to be published over the coming weeks.
    And while the government is not expected to ban gambling sponsors, the BBC reports that the Premier League could take action into their own hands.
    It is believed the division is set to agree to voluntarily remove better sponsors from the front of shirts.
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    However top-flights clubs are said to have not yet voted on the measure.
    Betting companies are still expected to be allowed to advertise on other parts of the kit and in their stadium.
    The changes could have a knock-on effect for a number of clubs with eight top-flight teams sporting betting logos on the front of their shirts this season.
    Bournemouth, Brentford, Everton, Fulham, Leeds, Newcastle, Southampton and West Ham will all have a different front-of-shirt sponsor if the new ruling is passed.
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    The EFL, which is sponsored by Sky Bet, is not expected to implement anything similar with the league previously claiming that any outright gambling ban would cost its 72 members £40m-a-year.

    The government have looked closer at the relationship between betting and football after campaigners argued that tighter regulation was needed to protect vulnerable groups.
    But the Betting and Gambling Council, which represents the industry, has previously said the “overwhelming majority” of people in the UK who bet do so safely and responsibly. More

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    What Declan Rice told Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in brutal three-word blast overheard after row during Spurs vs West Ham

    PIERRE-EMILE HOJBJERG has revealed what Declan Rice said to him in a brutal three-word blast yesterday.The combative midfielders came face-to-face in north London during Tottenham’s 2-0 win over rivals West Ham.
    Declan Rice had some choice words for Pierre-Emile HojbjergCredit: AFP
    The result boosted Spurs’ top four hopes while leaving the Hammers fighting for their top-flight status.
    And tempers flared when Hojbjerg and Rice squared off after Ivan Perisic hacked down Vladimir Coufal.
    Referee Michael Oliver was forced to intervene as some choice words were exchanged.
    But Hojbjerg has now made it known what exactly Rice said to him in the heat of the moment.
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    According to journalist Carrie Brown, Rice told the Danish midfielder: “Nobody likes you.”
    However, it was Hojbjerg who was smiling at the final whistle.

    Tottenham dominated the stats in front of a roaring home crowd.
    And they finally took the lead in the 56th minute when Emerson Royal fired home against West Ham.
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    Son Heung-Min’s 72nd minute strike made sure of the result.
    And the pressure is now on David Moyes, whose game plan was criticised by Rice after the final whistle.
    The Irons captain said: “When you play with five at the back and the three, like we set up today, maybe our strikers felt a bit isolated when we got the ball up to them.
    “They didn’t really have enough around them, not enough support.” More