'That's going to make the Christmas bloopers reel' - Norwood misses sitter for Oldham

Watch as Oldham Athletic striker James Norwood misses an open goal against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup second round.

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'I'd much rather we were exciting to watch' - Postecoglou

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou says he his side will keep playing "exciting" football rather than focus on grinding out results after the 2-2 Europa League draw with Roma.

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Paul Merson names his ‘sneak feeling’ for Man Utd vs Everton Premier League game

Paul Merson feels that Everton have a ‘special X-factor’ this season (Picture: Getty)

Paul Merson has revealed his prediction for Manchester United’s Premier League game against Everton and has a ‘sneak feeling’ about the match.

United head into the clash as big favourites, looking to pick up three points in Ruben Amorim’s first top-flight home fixture since he became manager.

The Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw by promoted side Ipswich Town at Portman Road last time out in the Premier League.

United are 12th in the table after their opening 12 games of the season with 16 points.

Sean Dyche’s Everton, meanwhile, who drew 0-0 with Brentford in their most recent Premier League match, sit 15th on 11 points.

Ahead of Sunday’s battle between United and Everton, Merson told Sportskeeda: ‘Nothing changed for Manchester United last week in my opinion.

‘Ipswich were by far the better team. I think even Ruben Amorim was shocked by what happened.

Ruben Amorim was ‘shocked’ after the draw with Ipswich (Picture: Getty)

‘If they don’t start winning games, Amorim will have to start answering a lot more questions whether he likes it or not. That is just how big this club is and how the Premier League is in a nutshell.

‘I’m not entirely convinced about Manchester United’s new system under Amorim. After a point in that game, you would’ve thought Ipswich were the bigger club and not United, that’s how it went.

‘You could say everyone was away on international duty and he did not have enough time.

‘But if that performance was against one of the big boys in the league, Manchester United would have been destroyed by four or five goals.

‘Everton are a team who have a special X-factor in them. They always have that one fixture every season when they just spring to life and surprise us.

‘I’m going for a United win, but I can’t help but admit that I have a sneak feeling about Everton. Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Everton.’

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'I just like to work', says Sky Blues boss Lampard

New Coventry City boss Frank Lampard admits he is happy to be back in football as "I just like to work".

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Manchester United offered chance to sign £42m former Arsenal target in January

Douglas Luiz joined Juventus in a £42.3 million deal from Aston Villa in June(Getty)

Juventus have offered Manchester United the chance to sign former Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz in the January transfer window, according to reports in Italy.

The Brazilian, who Arsenal attempted to sign in the summer of 2022, joined Juventus in a £42.3 million deal from Villa in June.

However, Luiz has started just two games for the Italian club this season and a hamstring issue has seen him miss Juve’s last eight matches.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juve’s sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, travelled to England this week for the club’s Champions League tie against Villa on Wednesday evening but also used the trip to gauge Premier League interest in Luiz and 23-year-old midfielder Nicolo Fagioli.

The report claims that Giuntoli has approached both United and Manchester City to discuss potential deals involving Luiz and Fagioli in the upcoming transfer window.

Fagioli has also struggled to secure playing time this season, starting just six of Juve’s 18 games in all competitions so far.

Juventus are also open to selling Nicolo Fagioli in January (Shutterstock)

It’s understood that United will give Ruben Amorim a modest transfer budget to work with having spent in excess of £600m on signings during Erik ten Hag’s reign.

Earlier this week, reports claimed that United have made the signing of a new left-back one of their priorities ahead of the January window.

Elsewhere, Manchester City are also stepping up their transfer plans ahead of January with MailOnline reporting that Pep Guardiola’s side are keen to recruit a new central midfielder to compensate for Rodri’s absence.

Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi are both on City’s midfield shortlist.

Zubimendi had the chance to join Liverpool in the summer but ended up rejecting a move to Arne Slot’s side in favour of staying at Real Sociedad for another season.

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Paul Merson names Arsenal ‘difference maker’ who is equal to Man City star Rodri

Man City star Rodri recently clinched the 2024 Ballon d’Or (Picture: Getty)

Paul Merson has claimed ‘difference maker’ Martin Odegaard holds the same level of importance at Arsenal as Rodri does at Manchester City.

Rodri recently clinched the 2024 Ballon d’Or – which is awarded annually to the best player in world football – for his heroics with both City and Spain.

The Spanish midfielder was ruled out for the season in September after picking up a serious knee injury and many pundits have stated that City are not the same team when Rodri is unavailable.

Arsenal legend Merson feels it is a similar situation at Arsenal when they have been forced to play without their midfield captain Odegaard.

The Norwegian missed seven Premier League games in a row for Arsenal this term with an ankle issue – but played the last two matches – providing assists in the draw with Chelsea and win over Nottingham Forest.

Quizzed on Sky Sports if Arsenal were back to their best after a wobble, Merson said: ‘Yeah, the last two games.

‘They were outstanding against Nottingham Forest when they needed to be. They just dropped it down into second gear, but they were outstanding.

Paul Merson has lauded Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard (Picture: Getty)

Martin Odegaard has impressed since his injury return (Picture: Getty)

‘A brilliant performance against Sporting Lisbon. Martin Odegaard makes the difference.

‘We talk about Man City and Rodri. It’s the same with Odegaard. Odegaard makes things happen.

‘He knits it together for them. He brings the best out of Bukayo Saka as well – even more out of him – given he is already an amazing player.

‘Declan Rice, with Thomas Partey sitting in front of the back four, he can bomb on.

‘They’ve got four very, very good defenders. A good goalkeeper. They’re a good team – but they have got to stay fit. As long as they stay fit, Arsenal will be on a roll.’

The Gunners are next in action on Saturday with a trip to the London Stadium to face West Ham.

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‘He does not want to listen’ – Ruben Amorim urged to drop Man Utd star

Ruben Amorim has been urged to make a change (Picture: Getty)

Ruben Amorim has been urged to drop Alejandro Garnacho from his Manchester United lineup as the winger still has many areas he ‘needs to work on’.

After a 1-1 draw in his opening game against Ipswich Town, Amorim is now preparing his new side for his first match at Old Trafford against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.

With several players still working themselves back to full fitness, the Portuguese coach will need time to get to grips with his new squad.

Garnacho endured a quiet game at Portman Road, with the Argentinian starting on the left forward position in Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.

But while the new Red Devils boss may be tempted to persevere with the 20-year-old in that role, former United defender Paul Parker believes that others should be ahead of him in the pecking order.

‘We’ve already seen that Garnacho is better off the bench,’ Parker told bonuscodebets.co.uk. ‘He gets caught up and tries to do the most difficult thing when he starts games.

‘He should be a simple player like Steve Coppell. He hasn’t got tricks to beat players but should try to grind players down with perseverance and work ethic. He seems to want to do tricks.

Paul Parker has called for Alejandro Garnacho to be dropped (Picture: Getty)

‘He also needs to work on his decision-making, which is very, very poor when he gets on the ball. His passing can be poor, and he doesn’t know when to take players on. Those are the areas he needs to work on.

‘Garnacho in the ten doesn’t work because his decision-making is poor and he’s not explosive. He doesn’t get his head up enough.’

Parker still has high hopes for Garnacho but believes the forward could do with more guidance to fulfil his potential.

‘Football has become selfish and Garnacho needs a mentor but I don’t think he wants to listen,’ he added.

‘He’ll quickly become a big part player. Coming from the academy gives you a better start but then you’ve gotta prove the investment from the club was worth it.

‘People say Garnacho is young but I played with Ryan Giggs at that age and he was far and ahead. All the young players I played with were far ahead of him. Good decision makers and they listened to those around them.

‘He’s playing for himself and he’s got to stop trying to impersonate other players and be his own player.’

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NI can thrive off 'classic underdog tag' - Rafferty

Defender Laura Rafferty admits Northern Ireland will have the "classic underdog tag" in their Euro 2025 play-off with Norway.

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Viktor Gyokeres has ‘heart set’ on one club amid Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea transfer links

Viktor Gyokeres is being linked with some of the biggest clubs in the world (Pictures: Getty)

Viktor Gyokeres has ‘his heart set’ on a move to Manchester United despite also emerging as a target for Arsenal and Chelsea.

The Sweden international is being linked with some of the biggest clubs in the world following a staggering run of form for Sporting Lisbon.

Gyokeres scored 43 goals in 50 games across his first season at the Portuguese club and looks set to surpass that tally this term, with 24 goals in just 19 appearances.

The 26-year-old, who was playing for Championship side Coventry City less than 18 months ago, has netted three hat-tricks so far this season, including one in the Champions League against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Gyokeres for several months and that speculation has only intensified since the striker’s manager left Sporting Lisbon to take over at Old Trafford.

United have looked desperately short of goalscoring options this season and Marcus Rashford played up front in Ruben Amorim’s first game in charge ahead of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

Arsenal have also had their problems in front of goal this term and were linked with several strikers – including Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak – over the summer.

Ruben Amorim after his first Manchester United game (Picture: Getty)

Isak also emerged as a target for Chelsea, who attempted to bring Victor Osimhen to Stamford Bridge but saw a deal collapse on transfer deadline day.

With a release clause of just £65m, Gyokeres looks set to be the subject of substantial interest ahead of the January transfer window and ‘has his heart set’ on a move to United, according to The Sun.

Gyokeres is keen to join the Premier League and reportedly believes a reunion with Amorim at Manchester would be the best move for his career, even if it means snubbing Arsenal and Chelsea – two clubs currently much higher in the table.

Sporting Lisbon sensation Gyokeres (Picture: Getty)

Gyokeres’ heroics helped Sporting Lisbon win the Primeira Liga last season and the club have already opened up a six-point gap at the top of the table, while they are currently second in the new Champions League group phase.

Ex-Premier League defender William Gallas is a huge admirer of Gyokeres but believes his former club Arsenal have ‘no chance’ of securing his signature.

‘Arsenal have no chance of signing Viktor Gyokeres, he will choose Manchester United,’ Gallas told Genting Casino.

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‘He will follow Ruben Amorim to United, I think Gyokeres will suit Man United’s team, too.’

Meanwhile, ex-Premier League boss Tim Sherwood has claimed Gyokeres is a ‘must’ for Manchester United, who he says lack ‘firepower’ up top.

‘Viktor Gyokeres, for me, is a must,’ he told Ladbrokes. ‘I mean, he’s a player who knows English football, albeit in the Championship, but he’s been a revelation in Portugal, we’ve seen him ripping it up in the Champions League.

‘And, above everything else, they need a striker, don’t they? When have you ever seen Man United with just one striker? In years gone by they’re had four in one squad!

‘They’ve always had firepower in that area, but at the moment, when I look at it, Joshua Zirkzee is not a striker. He’s not a striker. So that leaves them with one: Rasmus Hojlund.

‘Gyokeres has got a big buyout clause, I think, so they’re not going to be able to get him without getting some names out of the door, but he would massively improve that team, I’ve no doubt about that.’

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Wales' Euro play-off bigger than my FA Cup finals - Ladd

Hayley Ladd says Wales' Euro 2025 play-off final against Republic of Ireland will be the biggest games of her career, including two FA Cup finals for Manchester United.

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NI want to prove Euro qualification 'wasn't a fluke'

Jackie Burns says Northern Ireland want to prove they can compete with the best teams ahead of Friday's Euro 2025 play-off with Norway.

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Ruben Amorim names one Man Utd player who has already ‘improved so much’

AmorimStephen Pond/Getty Images)

Ruben Amorim singled out Amad Diallo for special praise, revealing he seen huge improvement in the Manchester United star in just a matters of days under his watch.

The Portuguese head coach arrived in Manchester last week with many members of his squad still on international duty, only getting a couple of days with the full group before his first game in charge against Ipswich on Sunday.

Immediately implementing his preferred 3-4-3 formation, Amorim enjoyed a perfect start with United taking the lead inside two minutes. Amad, taking up a right wing-back role in the new system, burst down the flank to see up Marcus Rashford who converted from close range.

But the size of the task at hand for Amorim became apparent as the game wore on with Ipswich fighting back to earn a point, with Andre Onana forced into a number of saves to keep the hosts at bay.

Having only had a few days to train with his players, Amorim has warned there is plenty of work to get through in the coming  weeks.

But the 39-year-old did reserve special praise for Amad, pleased with his defensive progress after just a few training sessions.

‘I think he was very good,’ Amorim said. ‘Since these three days, he improved so much defensively.

Amad provided the assist for Rashford’s opener (Picture: Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

‘The opponent that he had all the team was the left-back, so it’s like a winger that follows the left-back. It’s so much easier I think, because he doesn’t have to think, can I jump on the centre-back or no?

‘You just follow one guy, and go forward with the same guy, it’s man-to-man in that area. He was so focused on everything. I think he did a great job.’

Amorim also heaped praise on his goalkeeper with Onana producing a save of the season contender to deny Liam Delap late in the first-half.

‘I think it’s so clear for everybody,’ Amorim said. ‘He saved us two times at least.

‘And then one important thing is that he used to do so [many] long balls. He tried to connect with the players and that was very good for me.

‘I think he understood the idea. He did a great job.’

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Life begins at 40? Africa's legendary veteran footballers

Sierra Leone’s Kei Kamara recently made a return to international football at the age of 40, but who are the other African stars who have played on into their fifth decade?

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'Clement got it wrong... pressure is intensifying'

Sportscene pundits Neil McCann and Scott Allan discuss Rangers' failings in the 1-1 Scottish Premiership draw with Dundee United.

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Brighton were more clinical - Iraola

Andoni Iraola says Brighton were more clinical than his side after Bournemouth lost 2-1 against ten men at the Vitality Stadium.

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Who runs the Premier League? And how do rule changes happen?

Who runs the Premier League? And how do rule changes happen?

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The Football News Show

Can Amorim revive Manchester United's season and why is Guardiola staying at City?

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Martino steps down as Inter Miami head coach

Head coach Gerardo Martino has stepped down from his role with MLS club Inter Miami "due to personal reasons", the club confirms.

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La Liga star speaks out after summer transfer move to Arsenal collapsed

Arsenal failed with a move to sign Espanyol’s Joan Garcia in the summer (Picture: Getty)

Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia says he ‘isolated’ himself away from incessant rumours of a possible move to Arsenal in the summer transfer window.

Arsenal identified Garcia as a potential replacement for Aaron Ramsdale, who left the north London giants to join Southampton after losing his place to David Raya in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI.

Reports emanating from Spain indicated that Arsenal had even agreed personal terms with Garcia’s camp over a proposed £25million move to the Emirates.

However, talks between the two clubs collapsed at the final hurdle, with the Gunners failing to satisfy Espanyol’s hefty financial demands for the 23-year-old ‘keeper.

Resigned to their fate, Arsenal eventually abandoned their pursuit of Garcia and instead wrapped up a season-long loan agreement for Bournemouth shot-stopper Neto.

Garcia has gone on to start all but one of Espanyol’s games in La Liga this season and the Spaniard insists he has no lingering disappointment about Arsenal’s failed proposal.

‘I tried to isolate myself from everything that was being said,’ Garcia told Spanish publication Marca.

The Spaniard ‘isolated’ himself away from the rumours (Picture: Getty)

‘I had been given the opportunity to do something I had been fighting for for a long time, which was to be Espanyol’s starting goalkeeper. 

‘I couldn’t waste this opportunity.’

Garcia, who won a gold medal with Spain at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, is tied into a contract at Espanyol until 2028.

Arsenal went on to complete a loan deal for Neto (Picture: Getty)

But after Arsenal’s unsuccessful move for Garcia, Espanyol’s sporting director, Fran Garagarza, refused to rule out a move for the goalkeeper at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

‘It is something that I think should not be talked about so much,’ Garcia replied.

‘I try not to let it affect me and try to be isolated, although it is complicated.

‘I think I am handling it quite well, I cannot control it. It is not affecting me. 
Whatever will be, will be.’

Garcia has started all but one of Espanyol’s league matches this season (Picture: Getty)

Garcia is confident Espanyol will come through their sticky patch, with the club languishing down in 18th place in the Spanish top flight ahead of their trip to Girona this weekend.

‘The important thing is the team’s performance,’ he added.

‘Personally, I think I’m doing well, but I’m demanding and I think I can do much better.

‘We are very clear that we will get through this.

He continued: ‘We are in the best condition, we have made good use of the break and we are looking forward to playing again.

‘Nobody likes to look at the table and see themselves so far down.

‘Now is a key moment of the season and we must make a statement and distance ourselves from the bottom.’

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Sutton's predictions v The Farm singer Peter Hooton

BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton takes on The Farm singer and Liverpool fan Peter Hooton with his predictions for this weekend's Premier League fixtures.

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Christian Eriksen transfer to Celtic ‘makes sense’, says former Man Utd defender

Christian Eriksen has been linked with Scottish side Celtic (Picture: Getty)

It ‘makes sense’ for Christian Eriksen to complete a shock transfer to Scottish champions Celtic, according to former Manchester United defender Paul Parker.

Eriksen is expected to leave Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of June 2025 and Celtic has emerged as a a surprising option for his next club.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is thought to be a long-term admirer of Eriksen, and it seems a switch is not beyond the realms of possibility.

Ex-United defender Parker is convinced Denmark international Eriksen can play at a higher level but admits he’d love to see him in a Celtic shirt.

Quizzed about the 32-year-old midfielder being linked to the Scottish side, Parker told SpilXperten: ‘Eriksen to Celtic makes sense.

‘Brendan Rodgers knows him from the Premier League, and he knows [Celtic goalkeeper Kasper] Schmeichel from the national team through many years.

‘Language won’t be an issue either, so it seems like an obvious move.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is a big fan of Christian Eriksen (Picture: Getty)

‘I still believe Eriksen has the level for more than the Scottish league, but that’s no criticism of Celtic.

‘It’s a big club, and Eriksen can cap off a fantastic career with a great experience at Celtic, where the entire city revolves around football.

‘All eyes will be on him, as he’ll be the biggest star in the league. He’s one of the best players of the modern era in the Premier League, so he must also be ready for the considerable pressure that comes with that.

‘But he’s a very calm guy, so I actually think he’ll handle that just fine. I hope so, too, because he’s such a thoroughly likable and professional person. He deserves a dignified end to his career.

‘What a career he’s had. Many players dream of a résumé even remotely close to his, and that’s what I hope he’ll be remembered for: his impact on the pitch.

‘He deserves that after playing for the biggest club in England, the biggest club in the Netherlands, one of the biggest clubs in Italy, and an incredibly charming club like Brentford. Oh, and yes, he also played for Tottenham.’

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Emotional Robins thanks fans for honorary degree

Sacked Coventry City manager Mark Robins thanks Sky Blues fans, staff and players for helping him earn an honorary degree.

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Aston Villa join Man City in opposing new APT rules

Aston Villa owner Nassef Sawiris says the club will join Manchester City in voting against amendments the Premier League has proposed to rules governing commercial deals.

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Agent confirms Liverpool transfer interest in Manchester United flop

Liverpool eyed a move for Antony while Mohamed Salah’s future was up in the air in 2022 (Picture: Getty)

Antony’s agent has confirmed that the winger was identified by Liverpool as a possible replacement for Mohamed Salah before he joined Manchester United.

A report from The Times this week claimed Liverpool explored a bid to sign Antony while Salah dithered over a contract extension at Anfield back in 2022.

Salah, now the fifth-highest goalscorer in Liverpool’s history, went on to extend his stay on Merseyside and Antony, then with Ajax, would complete an £82million switch to Old Trafford later that summer.

It appears Liverpool dodged a bullet in the two years that have passed, with Antony falling some way short of expectations at United, and it’s understood the Red Devils are keen to offload the Brazil international in the January transfer window.

Salah, meanwhile, has further cemented his status as an all-time Liverpool great but uncertainty is growing over the Egyptian’s future once again, with his current deal due to expire at the end of the season.

‘Yes, this story has some basis in truth,’ Antony’s representative Junior Pedroso told winwin when asked about The Times’ report about his client.

Pressed on whether Antony ultimately preferred United over Liverpool, Pedroso replied: ‘No, Salah renewed his contract with Liverpool at the time and that made Anthony’s move to Liverpool impossible.’

Antony was lined up by Liverpool as a possible replacement for Salah (Picture: Getty)

Antony made just one start for United before Erik ten Hag’s dismissal last month, with the forward’s other four appearances coming as a substitute this season.

According to former United defender Gary Neville, the 24-year-old Brazilian has to be regarded as one of the biggest transfer flops in the club’s history.

‘I think he [Ten Hag] oversaw two of the worst transfers Manchester United will ever have made in the signings of Casemiro and Antony,’ Neville said.

‘They were signed for £140-150m in a panic after the Brentford and Brighton losses. I hope I’m wrong, I hope Casemiro can do a great job for the club for four or five years and I hope Antony comes good.

‘But those signings are why United have had to go back into the transfer market and sign [Manuel] Ugarte and other players.

‘That was the ultimate in poor management from those above Erik ten Hag. That should have been one big fat no when those two players became available for those prices and those salaries.’

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Football Daily

Why did Gareth Ainsworth join Shrewsbury? Is Frank Lampard a good fit for Coventry?

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Gary Neville questions Manchester United duo over NBA trip during international break

Marcus Rashford was courtside as the New York Knicks beat the Brooklyn Nets (Picture: Getty)

Gary Neville has questioned Marcus Rashford and Casemiro for visiting the United States to watch an NBA match rather than ‘lying low’ and ‘relaxing’ during the international break.

After being left out by their respective nations, Manchester United stars Rashford and Casemiro decided to spend their down time across the pond and were attendance as the New York Knicks defeated the Brooklyn Nets at the weekend.

Rashford was snapped courtside, just three seats away from Hollywood A-Lister Ben Stiller, while Casemiro watched on from the stands along with his wife Anna Mariana at a packed-out Madison Square Garden.

Given United’s wretched start to the season, which ultimately cost Erik ten Hag his job, the pictures of Rashford and Casemiro kicking back and enjoying their time off, seemingly without a care in the world, did not go down too well with all fans.

United resume their Premier League campaign under new head coach Ruben Amorim down in 13th place in the table – and many supporters felt the duo would have been wise to stay out of the spotlight while they had the opportunity.

On the criticism Rashford has received for the trip, ex-United and England right-back Neville told The Overlap US: ‘I think that comes with the territory when you’re this sort of player and this sort of stature.

‘I’ve got very little sympathy for players who are the stars, who are the huge money, huge commercial contracts. They want that attention, they need it, because that’s what fuels them, that’s what makes them the great players they are and gives them that adrenaline rush.

Rashford was not been selected by England during the break (Picture: Getty)

‘They’re going to get more attention so I’ve got no problem with that, with the attention he gets.

‘I’ve got no problem with him going away during the international break at all, I’ve got no problem with him, to be fair, in any of the clothes that he wears, he wears whatever he wants.

‘The only thing that I would say is, and I’m saying this very calmly because I don’t want a, “Neville hammers Rashford” to be honest with you because I’m not hammering him.

‘It’s been a very difficult period for the club and it’s been a very difficult period for Marcus Rashford and I always used to think… there was a player I used to play with that used to say that when times were tough that basically you go down to that extra level of detail of making sure everything’s perfect, you take the butter off your toast, you’d literally make sure that you were absolutely looking at every little one per cent of detail that you could.’

United midfielder Casemiro watched the match with his partner (Picture: Instagram)

Neville believes the smarter members of United’s squad, those not picked for international duty, will have spent the break away from the relentless gaze of the media.

‘I used to think that I had to stand in that tunnel when I was going through a difficult time, but even going through a good time, but going through a difficult time I would think, “Right, I’ve got to work my way out of this, I’ve got to really be absolutely perfect”, every drink, every sleep, every training session, every stretch has got to be absolutely perfect,’ he added.

‘Would I think that the most relaxing way to spend your time, whether your Casemiro, who is 30-odd years of age, or Rashford, who is in his 20s, is traveling 10-11 hours?

Neville feels the last thing Rashford needs is more media attention and scrutiny (Picture: Getty)

‘To be fair, I have done that quite a few times in the last few months and you get a bit of jet lag when you go to the US side and when you come back… so is it right that for a three-four, jet-lag based trip, when you’ve got the idea of training and trying to make sure you’re fit… I don’t personally think it’s the right choice of distance, the right choice of destination.

‘If the New York Knicks were playing three hours away, four hours away, with a one-hour time difference then I would say, “Go for your life, lads, and go and watch”.

‘But I think, personally, if I was looking at being absolutely perfect in myself – and I’m just talking about what Gary Neville would do here and I maybe at times took professionalism to an obsessive level – I wouldn’t be on a 10-hour flight to a different time zone that was basically going to potentially cause me more of a problem physically, from a tiredness perspective, particularly at this point whereby a manager has just been sacked, we’re going through a tough time and all eyes are on us.

‘I’d lie low, I’d go somewhere and rest. Those Manchester United players that haven’t been on international duty, there are some of them that have gone away that you don’t know where they’ve gone to and they’re the clever ones in my mind.’

Rashford was pictured in training at Carrington on Monday (Picture: Getty)

Jamie Carragher took a different view to Neville and insisted he had ‘no problem’ with players spending their time off in any way they see fit.

Asked if he feels comfortable with players going on holiday during the break, Carragher replied: ‘Yeah, because it’s a long two weeks and the managers always give them three or four days off.

‘Normally, when I was coming towards the end of my career, you would play the last game, normally on a Sunday, you would probably get Monday and Tuesday off and then you’d be in for three days – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday – and then you’d probably be allowed to go away and back in on the Tuesday so you would have three or four days off.

‘The way it works now, I think the normal supporter can’t quite get their head around that: If someone’s got three days off they go to New York.

‘But listen, the lifestyle these lads have got, the mode of travel, they’re probably on private jets or whatever they’re doing. It’s not the normal thing of a family going on holiday and all the rigamarole. They’re very wealthy guys, they could be anywhere in the world quite quickly.

‘Listen, I have no problem with it. You need that little bit of down time, not just physically but mentally getting away from it. That was the big part that I really enjoyed towards the end of my career, the international breaks.

‘As you’re getting older, it breaks the season up for you so, no, I’ve got no problem with that.’

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Pep Guardiola agrees new contract with Manchester City

Manchester City have agreed a new deal with Pep Guardiola (Picture: Getty)

Pep Guardiola has agreed a one-year contract extension with Manchester City.

The 53-year-old Spaniard – widely considered to be the finest coach in world football – had entered into the final 12 months of his existing deal and uncertainty had been growing over his long-term future at the Etihad.

City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain departed last month and there was speculation that Guardiola could follow suit at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, with Ruben Amorim reportedly sounded out prior to his appointment at Manchester United.

However, The Athletic report that Guardiola has now reached an agreement to prolong his stay until 2026, with the option of an additional year.

Guardiola took over the reins from Manuel Pellegrini back in 2016 and has steered City to 18 pieces of silverware across eight years of extraordinary success in the north west.

The reigning English champions endured a difficult few weeks prior to the international break, losing four games on the spin in all competitions, but club bosses have been unwavering in their support of Guardiola.

Second-placed City sit five points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League after 11 games. Guardiola’s men will look to bridge that gap when they return to top-flight action at home to Tottenham this weekend.

Guardiola’s deal had been due to expire at the end of the season (Picture: Getty)

‘It is a tough challenge, but I am here,’ the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss told the media after City’s recent Champions League defeat to Sporting.

‘It will be a tough season — we knew that from the start.

‘But this is what it is. I like it, I love it, I want to face it and lift my players and try it.’

More to follow.

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Ruben Amorim dealt first major setback after taking charge of Manchester United

Ruben Amorim will lead Manchester United for the first time against Ipswich (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United’s hierarchy have told Ruben Amorim to get the best out of the squad he has inherited as he will not be able to rely on a transfer warchest in January.

Amorim was officially announced as United’s new head coach at the start of the month and the 39-year-old took charge of his opening training session at Carrington on Monday.

Fans will get the opportunity to see Amorim in a Premier League dugout for the first time when the Red Devils take on Ipswich Town at Portman Road this weekend.

Amorim takes over a playing squad badly lacking in confidence after what proved a wretched end to Erik ten Hag’s time in the hot seat, with the Old Trafford giants languishing down in 13th place in the English top flight.

But plenty of positives emerged from Ruud van Nistelrooy’s four-match stint as interim head coach and the club will hope Amorim’s arrival marks the start of a new chapter after a sustained period of turmoil and disappointment.

Among the many criticisms levelled at Ten Hag was the sheer number of high-profile signings that failed to live up to expectations across his reign, including the likes of Antony, Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee.

In total, United spent in excess of £600million during the Dutchman’s two-and-a-half-year tenure and club bosses are now determined to tighten the purse strings due to ‘financial concerns’, according to ESPN.

The Portuguese oversaw his first training session on Monday (Picture: Getty)

It is claimed Amorim has been challenged to work with the squad he has inherited from Ten Hag rather than depending on expensive first-team additions over the coming transfer windows.

The report adds that there is ‘little desire to rip up the current group of senior players’ despite their failings under Amorim’s predecessor.

Amorim is, though, expected to have a major say in comings and comings alongside sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox in INEOS’ new-look football structure.

Amorim built a reputation as one of the finest young coaches in Europe at Sporting (Picture: Getty)

In his first interview with United’s official website, Amorim underlined his intention to restore the club’s ‘identity’ after years of toil in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

‘We know that we need time, but we have to win time. To win time is to win games. But the most important thing for me is identity,’ the former Sporting and Braga head coach said.

‘From day one we will start with our identity. Of course we are going to prepare for the games, but we will focus a lot on our game model. How to play, how to press, these small details.

‘You cannot go 100 per cent on every detail because it will be confusing for the players. So if I have to say one thing, my main goal, my first goal, is identity.’

Amorim added: ‘I’m a small part of the club. I know that the manager or head coach is so important in the club because you have in your hands the engine of the club.

‘I understand that, but I want to be part of something. I don’t want to be just in charge. So I want everybody together. It will be more fun and so much easier to reach the goals.

‘A long time ago, we don’t win the Premier League. But if you ask (me), Manchester United is the biggest club in England. So this is part of the history, it is not now. So we have to to address that, to show that and to try to win again.

‘That is a great responsibility. And the first thing is that I’m really honoured to be here. It was my only choice because I think I really feel the how big this club is. And then I will do everything for the team.’

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Botswana, Mozambique & Tanzania complete Afcon 2025 field

Botswana, Mozambique and Tanzania become the final three qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

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Man Utd star returns to training in huge injury boost for Ruben Amorim

Ruben Amorim held his first Man Utd training session on Monday (Photo: Getty)

Ruben Amorim held his first training session at Manchester United on Monday, just in time for a key player to return from injury.

Though he arrived at Carrington last week, visa issues had delayed Amorim’s start to life as United’s new head coach with the former Sporting boss finally allowed to get down to business.

His first job is to prepare the Red Devils for their trip to Ipswich Town in Sunday’s Premier League clash.

However, the Portuguese has a number of stars sidelined through injury, not least Victor Lindelof who hobbled off injured on Saturday while playing for Sweden.

It’s not all bad news from the treatment room however, with the Manchester Evening News reporting that Kobbie Mainoo took part in Amorim’s maiden training session.

Ruled out since suffering a thigh injury at the start of October, then-interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy said just before the international break that the England midfielder was making ‘progress’ with his rehabilitation.

It remains to be seen if the 19-year-old, who became an integral player for United and the Three Lions last season, is fit enough to feature at Portman Road on the weekend.

Kobbie Mainoo has not played for over a month (Photo: Getty)

Amorim has also been boosted by the return of club captain Bruno Fernandes, who was allowed to leave Portugal’s squad a few days early.

It is also reported that the new head coach called up 16-year-old academy star Godwill Kukonki to take part in his inaugural first-team training session.

Godwill Kukonki (right) has been tipped for a big future at Old Trafford (Photo: Getty)

The centre-back is already a regular starter for United’s U18s and despite his tender years, the 6ft 5in tall teenager already towers over his senior teammates.

Tipped for a bright future, Kukonki may well make his senior debut sooner rather than later if Amorim lines the Red Devils up in a back-three formation as expected.

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USA forward trio to miss England friendly at Wembley

United States will be without forwards Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson for their forthcoming friendly with England.

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Bellamy 'still can't believe' he is Wales manager

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Mexico coach Aguirre hit with beer can after Honduras defeat

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Shankland 'won't dwell' on goal drought - Naismith

Steven Naismith believes Lawrence Shankland is "not going to dwell" on his scoring dry spell and expects the striker to recover his best form.

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Darwin Nunez celebrates in face of former Liverpool rival during Uruguay win

Darwin Nunez celebrated wildly in front of Yerry Mina after Uruguay’s injury-time winner against Colombia (Getty)

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez celebrated directly in the face of former Everton defender Yerry Mina during Uruguay’s win against Colombia on Friday evening.

In a thrilling game in Montevideo, Andres Gomez thought he had snatched a point for Colombia with a goal in the sixth minute of extra time to make it 2-2.

However, Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte popped up in the 11th minute of injury time with a dramatic late winner to secure a 3-2 victory for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Nunez had clashed with Mina, who came on as a late substitute in injury time, before Uruguay’s winning goal.

However, after Ugarte struck to make it 3-2 to Uruguay, Nunez immediately turned and celebrated wildly in front of Mina before joining his teammates.

‘I’m happy to see the fans in the stands celebrating, it’s a goal that I’ll remember forever,’ Ugarte said after his goal.

‘I’m not one to score a lot of goals. The match was nice, I think we deserved to win and sometimes it’s nice to win a match like that.

‘I thought about my parents, about my niece who was born a month ago. It was beautiful to see the crowd celebrating like that.’

The win has put Uruguay second in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table, three points behind leaders Argentina and level with Colombia who drop to third.

Mina, meanwhile, is facing a potential suspension for pushing a cameraman on the pitch in the aftermath of Colombia’s defeat.

In September, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez was handed a two game ban after he slapped a camera during Argentina’s defeat to Colombia.

If banned, Mina would be absent for Colombia’s World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Paraguay.

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Arsenal and Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi responds to January transfer links

Martin Zubimendi continues to be linked with the Premier League (Picture: Getty)

Martin Zubimendi has sought to brush off transfer speculation linking him with Arsenal and Liverpool ahead of the January transfer window.

Zubimendi was the subject of plenty of speculation in the summer and looked set to join Liverpool when they agreed to meet the Real Sociedad midfielder’s £51m release clause.

However, the Spain international rejected the advances from the Premier League and instead signed a new contract at Real Sociedad, the club he has been with since 2011.

Despite that new contract, speculation remains that a move could be on the cards in the New Year, with Arsenal now seen as a potential destination.

However, the 25-year-old has insisted that he is paying no attention to the outside noise ahead of the transfer window reopening.

‘There will always be rumours and now that January is approaching, there will be too, but I don’t waste energy on outside noise,’ he told Estadio Deportivo.

‘I’m happy with the way I’m handling it and I’m going to handle it.’

Zubimendi featured for Spain at Euro 2024 (Picture: Getty)

Speaking earlier in the year after his Liverpool transfer fell through, Zubimendi said he was content with the decision that he made to snub Arne Slot’s side.

‘I made my decision from within, I thought it was the best thing to do, the results don’t affect me,’ he told Noticias De Gipuzkoa.

‘I see the potential in this team, you just have to watch us train and I’m excited about having a good season.’

Liverpool’s failed attempted to sign the Spaniard, however, has not thwarted their efforts this season, with Ryan Gravenberch excelling in the deepest midfield role.

And it is Mikel Arteta’s side, now, who look in need of an additional midfielder given their well-documented injury troubles which have left them nine points below Liverpool in the league.

The Gunners signed Mikel Merino from La Real last summer and, according to The Independent, believe those negotiations, as well as Arteta’s personal history with the club, could pave the way for another high-profile signing in midfield.

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PGMOL taking new Coote allegations 'very seriously'

Referees' body PGMOL says it is taking new allegations around Premier League official David Coote "very seriously".

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Premier League warned it must drug test referees after David Coote scandal

Coote has been suspended pending a full investigation (Picture: AP)

The PGMOL [Professional Game Match Official Ltd] has been urged to introduce drug testing for referees after footage emerged appearing to show David Coote snorting a white powder.

On Wednesday, an eight-second video clip was released of a man alleged to be Premier League referee Coote snorting a white powder from inside a hotel room. The Sun claim the footage was recorded the day after the 42-year-old was on duty during the Euro 2024 match between France and Portugal, where he served as a VAR support official.

It followed a separate video that was leaked on Monday where Coote appeared to call former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp a ‘German c**t’.

Coote has been suspended by the PGMOL pending a full investigation with Uefa taking similar steps after the emergence of that second video.

That footage was alleged to have been filmed in a Uefa-funded hotel room.

Former referees chief Keith Hackett claims English football authorities have already blocked proposals to bring in drug testing in recent years, insisting checks that are routinely carried out on players must now be widened to include match officials.

‘What is really concerning me is that the integrity of every referee in the organisation is now in question,’ Hackett told The Telegraph.

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Hackett explained he initially proposed drug tests for referees two decades ago, making his proposal to the PGMOL board which includes the chief executives of the Football Association, Premier League and English Football League.

‘I thought, if the players have to go through this process, why not referees?’ he said. ‘That wasn’t accepted by the board. I think, at that particular time, it was just rejected as, “It doesn’t happen to referees”.

‘We have started to discuss this and this is something for the future which will be discussed to possibly include an anti-doping programme for referees.

‘We do not have an indication that this is a problem but this is something we have to look at. The referees are a neglected population.’

The PGMOL are aware of the latest video involving Coote with a statement released on Wednesday night. ‘We aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously.

‘David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation. David’s welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period.

‘We are not in a position to comment further at this stage.’

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