Postecoglou’s other two games saw him draw against Burnley and Real Betis.
However, he maintains he is not thinking about an exit and is hopeful of getting a result against Newcastle.
Ange Postecoglou jokingly makes dig at Marinakis as new boss opens up on Nottingham Forest trophy hopes
Postecoglou said on Friday: “I get it. It’s a valid assumption in modern football there’s always a manager under pressure, that’s part and parcel of what we do.
“I don’t think that way. I knew I was getting sacked at Tottenham three or four months before I did.
“It didn’t stop me winning something. It doesn’t enter my head. If I start worrying about what’s going to happen next week, I’m not performing the role I’ve been given.
“It’s not helpful to anyone. The things I control are the environment training, the way we play. I am strong in my belief we are not too far away.”
OSMAN FOYO has been handed a five-month suspension for 252 breaches of betting rules.
The AFC Wimbledon star admitted to the breaches and has also been handed a cash fine.
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Osman Foyo has been punished for breaching betting rulesCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Foyo, 21, made the bets on matches between October 2023 and March 2025
The FA confirmed his ban with a statement on social media.
It read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned AFC Wimbledon’s Osman Foyo for breaches of The FA’s betting rules.
“It was alleged that the player breached FA Rule E8 252 times by placing bets on football matches between 29 October 2023 and 28 March 2025, and Osman Foyo subsequently admitted the charge.
“The Regulatory Commission imposed a £1,000 fine and five-month suspension from all football and football-related activity following a hearing.
“One month will be served immediately, with the suspension running up to and including 2 November 2025, and four months are suspended until 2 April 2027 pending any further breaches of The FA’s betting rules.
“The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.”
More to follow…
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
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A FOOTBALL league assistant referee who preyed on teenage girls has been jailed for 13-and-a-half years.
Gareth Viccars, 47, was locked up behind bars for a string of child sexual abuse offences involving three 15-year-old schoolgirls.
Viccars previously pleaded guilty to 16 counts, including sexual communications with a child, meeting with a child following sexual grooming, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and engaging in sexual activity with a child.
The offences spanned three years between November 2021 and October 2024 and involved three girls aged 15, Snaresbrook Crown Court previously heard.
On Thursday, Viccars was jailed for 13 and a half years with a further three and a half years on extended licence at the same court.
Viccars was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.
Addressing the referee, Judge Caroline English said: “You did deliberately target these three young victims and you did so on account of their ages at the material time.
“I am therefore quite satisfied that in all three cases you preyed upon young women that were vulnerable.
Viccars was an assistant referee at the time of offending.
He has worked as an official for League One clashes in the EFL alongside his day job as an estate agent.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the organisation responsible for managing all Premier League and EFL matches across England, said he was suspended “as soon as the allegations came to light”.
Viccars was not considered for appointments after his initial suspension.
The PGMOL has since removed him from the organisation’s list, it is believed.
It is understood the former assistant referee did not officiate during the last season.
Predator Teachers Jailed After Sexually Abusing Vulnerable Students
The judge said that despite Viccars’s guilty pleas and expressions of remorse, there remained a lack of acknowledgment from the defendant that he had “a sexual interest in female children”.
This interest was clear from the contents of messages sent to his victims and a statement from Viccars’s ex-girlfriend, which said he used to ask her to dress up in school uniform.
Viccars, who appeared in the dock wearing a dark green sweatshirt, nodded as the judge read out her sentencing remarks.
The prosecutor Charlotte Newell KC told the court Viccars had met his victims online through the messaging app Snapchat, telling one girl that talking on WhatsApp was “too risky”.
She said Viccars had lied and told one of his victims he was a teacher when they first started communicating and was aware that she was 15 years old.
The court heard he had abused another of his victims over a period of several years – taking her to football matches and told others he was “mentoring” her.
A scrapbook chronicling the two’s “relationship” that was made by the teenager, and given to Viccars, was handed to police and formed part of the evidence against him, the prosecutor said.
In court, Viccars watched the victim read out an impact statement during which she said he had been her “world” and that she had trusted him “completely” for almost three years.
Addressing her abuser, she said he had won her over with “kind words” and “attention” and had isolated her “in plain sight”.
“Now I know what you really wanted was someone young enough to manipulate,” she added.
After the sentencing, the Met Police said they believed there may be other victims of Viccars as he had been “spamming hundreds of girls on Snapchat”.
DCI Ross Morrell, who led the Met’s investigation, said: “He began with a profile of ‘sorry I think I’ve added the wrong person’, and then he would go in to lie, manipulate them, and then go on to abuse them.
“If anyone thinks they’ve been a victim, then please contact 101, reference this appeal.
“You will be entitled to specialist care, specialist advice, and you will be believed.”
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Gareth Viccars was jailed on Thursday at Snaresbrook Crown Court for a string of child sex offencesCredit: PA
EDDIE NKETIAH sealed a comfortable win as Crystal Palace set a new club-record 19-game unbeaten run.
The former Arsenal striker came on for Jean-Philippe Mateta at the break to fire home from Yeremy Pino’s brilliant 58th-minute cross.
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Daniel Munoz struck first for Crystal Palace in PolandCredit: Getty
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Eddie Nketiah doubled the Eagles’ leadCredit: Reuters
Daniel Munoz had headed the Eagles into a 31st-minute lead against the Ukrainians in Poland.
That broke their existing 56-year record.
But they ended the game with 10 men when Borna Sosa was sent off for a second yellow with 14 minutes left.
Jean-Philippe Mateta was given a boost before kick-off by being named in the France national team for the first time for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers with Azerbaijan and Iceland.
Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps said: “He’s not exactly young, even if he went through almost all the youth national teams.
“Wherever he plays, he has the ability to score goals. He has an interesting profile.”
And Mateta almost got Palace off to a flying start.
Adam Whartons pushed a ball toward Daniel Muniz down the right and his low first-time cross found the striker lurking at the near post.
But Taras Mykhavko was quick to get a block in with Mateta set to pounce.
And the Dynamo defender just managed to get a ball forward to Mateta to clear the danger.
Bold Oliver Glasner reveals eleven-word football lesson he gave Pep Guardiola on pitch after FA Cup final
Palace moved in front with a peach of a goal.
Yeremy Pino appeared to have overhit a free-kick from the right yet Munoz somehow managed to get up to it and steer a brilliant header into the top right corner.
And Palace were denied a second when Borna Sosa slid in to attack a brilliant Wharton’s 20-yard diagonal pass.
But keeper Ruslan Neshcheret managed to get his body in the way to block the attempt.
Mateta broke through just before the break with only keeper Ruslan Neshcheret to beat but he blazed over.
Nketiah had the ball in the net after coming on at the break when he got on to a Wharton pass but was fractionally offside.
But moments after he did get his goal — converting with a lovely finish from Pino’s cross.
Palace were having fun. Wharton again released Nketiah but Neshcheret managed to deflect it behind.
Sosa, who had been booked three minutes earlier for hacking down Shola Ogundanam, received his marching orders for barging over Tymchyk.
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Oliver Glasner’s side kept a clean sheet to extend their unbeaten run to 19 gamesCredit: Getty
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Borna Sosa had two minutes of madness in the second half to get sent offCredit: Reuters
WE’VE identified five intriguing talking points ahead of Gameweek 7.
We encourage you to notice, observe and scrutinise these points of interest — full immersion in Dream Team is the best way to climb the leaderboard!
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First out the gateCredit: Getty
Cherry Picking
The first thing that demands your attention in Gameweek 7 is the deadline.
Bournemouth v Fulham is scheduled to kick-off at 8pm on Friday night, which means the deadline is 6:30pm — don’t wait until Saturday morning.
It’ll be all eyes on Antoine Semenyo (£4.8m) once the game gets underway as the Ghana international features in over a quarter of teams.
He ranks fourth among midfielders at the time of writing having amassed 52 points from seven outings.
The only downside to owning Semenyo is his limited schedule as the Cherries do not have European commitments and were eliminated from the Carabao Cup early doors.
However, that’s not relevant right now as Gameweek 7 simply consists of a full round of Premier League games.
Semenyo will always come to the fore when every club has the same number of fixtures to fulfil.
Stat Padding
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It’s a numbers gameCredit: Getty
The Saturday lunchtime fixture sees Tottenham visit Leeds, who haven’t lost at home in well over a year.
Thomas Frank will hope the early kick-off time will negate the Elland Road atmosphere, which seems to have drawn out below-par performances from Everton, Newcastle and Bournemouth this season.
Anton Stach (£2.9m) and Sean Longstaff (£2.7m) have produced unexpected mega hauls in recent weeks but Dream Team managers will be more focused on Mohammed Kudus (£4.9m), the fourth-most selected midfielder in the game.
The mercurial 25-year-old is leading the way for both successful dribbles (33) and accurate crosses (18) among all players, an indication of his influence and, more importantly, a consistent supply of bonus points.
Kudus has racked up 45 points but he’s not the best Spurs midfield right now, that honour belongs to Joao Palhinha (£3.7m) on 49 points.
Everyone expected the Portuguese loanee to rack up tackles – only Moises Caicedo (£4.7m) has made more challenges – but he’s been surprisingly effective in final third so far with three goals to his name.
Whether his attacking output is sustainable remains to be seen.
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Arsenal’s tricky run may be at an endCredit: Reuters
Arsenal assets should be at the forefront of your mind now their difficult run of fixtures is seemingly at an end.
The Gunners have already been to Old Trafford, Anfield and St James’ Park, not to mention a home game against Manchester City, but the schedule flips in their favour now with an appealing string of match-ups until the November international break.
Mikel Arteta’s side are due to face West Ham (h), Fulham (a), Atletico Madrid (h), Crystal Palace (h), Brighton (h), Burnley (a), Slavia Prague (a) and Sunderland (a) over the next five Gameweeks.
It’s notable that the hardest opponents of that bunch (Atletico and Palace) are both home games.
If you’ve resisted Arsenal players until now because of their tricky fixtures, consider this a turning point.
Backers of David Raya (£4.8m) and the first-choice defenders will be particularly hopeful of substantial points this autumn.
Cue Jarrod Bowen (£5.2m), boosted by Nuno Espirito Santo’s new manager bounce, playing the role of party pooper on Saturday.
The Hammers’ talisman ranks third among forwards at present, a mighty effort without European fixtures.
Mo Problems
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Write him off at your perilCredit: Getty
At the time writing, Mohamed Salah (£7.3m) is the third-most transferred-out player ahead of Gameweek 7.
It’s extremely rare that the Egyptian superstar suffers a significant dip in popularity when fully fit and available.
He mustered just four points in Gameweek 6, worlds away from the massive haul achieved by a certain Norwegian poacher, but he remains the second-best performer among players in his position.
Given Salah’s history, might everything be set up for a statement performance at Stamford Bridge this weekend?
The Blues haven’t won in the league since August and with absentees in defence, they may find it hard to resist Arne Slot’s troops.
Alisson (£4.1m) is unlikely to recover before the weekend and so Giorgi Mamardashvili (£3.5m) is expected to start between the sticks for Liverpool.
Salah has registered nine goal involvements in 15 league meetings with Chelsea.
Wouldn’t it be typical of him to take revenge on the swarm of gaffers who have ditched him this week?
Best for Last
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CenturionCredit: Getty
We’ve skirted around the issue but it’s time to address the elephant in the room that is Erling Haaland’s (£7.7m) otherworldly form.
After just six Gameweeks, the relentless striker has 105 points to his name and a lead of 41 over his closest rival.
A brace against Monaco in the week took his goal tally for the season to 11 — nobody else has scored more than five.
Haaland will take to the stage last in Gameweek 7 as Man City’s trip to Brentford is the late kick-off on Sunday.
And who would bet against another double-digit return?
The Bees are 13th in the table but their underlying numbers are a concern.
Only Burnley have conceded more shots than Brentford while Keith Andrews’ mob rank dead last for shots taken.
Igor Thiago (£3.3m) and company have the capacity to make life difficult for their opponents but Pep Guardiola will expect one-way traffic in his favour at the Gtech.
The captaincy conversation is a non-starter, it’s Haaland and anyone that sees it differently is playing with fire.
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RASMUS HOJLUND pointed to the Champions League badge on his Napoli shirt before winning man of the match in Europe’s elite competition.
While the current Manchester United squad watched from their Cheshire sofas, Hojlund and two other Man Utd cast-offs collected individual awards on Wednesday night.
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Rasmus Hojlund was named player of the match as Napoli earned a 2-1 win over SportingCredit: Getty
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Rasmus Hojlund points to Champions League badge on his Napoli shirt after opening the scoringCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
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Hojlund was assisted by former Man City foe Kevin De BruyneCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
United failed to qualify for Europe after losing last season’s Europa League final to Tottenham – but several of their former players proved the doubters wrong this week.
The Red Devils have endured another dismal start, with the club 14th in the Prem after six matches, following three defeats, two wins and a draw.
Hojlund, who was dropped from Ruben Amorim‘s squad after the arrival of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig at the start of the season, continued his impressive start to loan life in Naples.
The Denmarkstriker‘s two goals secured a 2-1 win over Amorim’s former side Sporting Lisbon at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
Hojlund, who joined United for £72m, opened the scoring in the 36th minute after racing onto a through ball from Kevin De Bruyne before calmly slotting home.
After Sporting equalised in the second half from the penalty spot, De Bruyne’s cross again assisted Hojlund’s header to restore Napoli‘s lead.
Ex-City rival De Bruyne praised Hojlund by offering a comparison to his former team-mate Erling Haaland, who is arguably considered the best striker in the world.
De Bruyne, 34, said: “We deserved the win today. I was trying to get into that space for the first goal and was waiting for the right moment to pass it to Rasmus.
“Luckily he did the rest. I think Rasmus is growing a lot and is very similar to Haaland. I think they are very similar because they both like to attack the depth.
“Maybe Hojlund comes to play the ball towards us more, but he needs to attack the space a lot because he can score and give us a big hand.”
‘A bad moment in life’ – Alejandro Garnacho breaks silence on Man Utd exile under Ruben Amorim
Hojlund has now scored three in his first five matches for Antonio Conte’s side since signing an initial loan, which carries an obligation to buy for £38million.
The 22-year-old, who would often become emotional after scoring for United, said: “It was the night you dream of, playing in the Champions League.
“I celebrated touching the Napoli badge because I’m happy to play here and the Champions League badge because I love to score in Europe.”
Hojlund wasn’t the only United reject to shine on Wednesday night.
Elanga has continued his rise since leaving Old Trafford for Nottingham Forest for £15m in 2023, with the winger earning a £55m move to Newcastle.
The Carrington graduate played a key role in the Toon’s first two goals in their 4-0 thrashing of Union Saint-Gilloise.
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Anthony Elanga took home the player award for NewcastleCredit: Instagram / @elanga
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Former United loanee Marcel Sabitzer won man of the match for Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty
His cross to Sandro Tonali led to Newcastle‘s first goal with the Italian’s shot flicked in by former United target Nick Woltemade, before he earned a penalty after being brought down by Fedde Leysen.
Marcus Rashford also continued his superb form for loan club Barcelona to take his goal contributions to six in six games.
The England star’s quick thinking low cross assisted Ferran Torres’s opener against holders Paris Saint-Germain in the 19th minute.
Despite PSG fighting back to win 2-1, with Senny Mayulu and Goncalo Ramos scoring for the French side, Rashford was a constant threat before coming off for Robert Lewandowski with 20 minutes to go.
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Marcus Rashford also continued his superb form for loan club BarcelonaCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Sabitzer, who had a short injury-ravaged loan spell at United in 2023, picked up the gong as Borussia Dortmund earned a 4-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.
Alejandro Garnacho, who started on Tuesday night, had played a big hand in Chelsea’s only goal of the game in their 1-0 win over Benfica at Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile, SunSport exclusively revealed that United could consider organising midweek friendlies for their players to get more match-playing time.
The pressure is growing on Amorim ahead of their clash against an in-form Sunderland outfit at Old Trafford on Saturday.
But United are unbeaten in their previous 23 Prem meetings with newly- promoted teams – if that run were to end this weekend, it might prove fatal for Amorim.
MANCHESTER UNITED are weighing up a cash-spinning mid-season friendly in Saudi Arabia.
A trip to the Middle East could reunite the Red Devils with Cristiano Ronaldo, who left Old Trafford on bitter terms to join Al-Nassr in 2022.
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Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr from Man Utd three years agoCredit: Reuters
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe is looking at ways United can raise extra cashCredit: Alamy
United are holding early-stage talks with stakeholders while looking into possible dates and opponents.
But a face-off with CR7 would be the most lucrative prospect at a time when they’re crying out for funds.
United could stage midweek friendlies this season after failing to qualify for any European competition.
Losing May’s Europa League final to Tottenham meant a £100million reward fell by the wayside.
And with roughly £750m worth of debt weighing on Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s shoulders, United are being forced to get creative.
Their schedule thinned out even more with defeat to Grimsby Town in round two of the Carabao Cup.
SunSport exclusively revealed last month that AC Milan, RB Leipzig, Lazio and Sevilla – four big clubs who missed out on Europe – have also been scouted out as potential friendly opponents.
United’s new plan comes after they scrapped the idea of a fly-on-the-wall documentary, which could have earned them millions.
ARSENAL under-19s midfielder Louie Copley was handed a straight red card in his team’s Uefa Youth League match against Olympiacos today.
The team skipper was sent off for a crunching tackle on Argyrios Liatsikouras just 15 minutes into the game at Boreham Wood’s Meadow Park.
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Arsenal youth midfielder Louie Copley got sent off against Olympiacos in the Uefa Youth LeagueCredit: Getty
Copley, 18, who signed a professional deal with the club in July, could have few complaints with Italian referee Matteo Marcenaro and it certainly changed the game.
Fellow midfielder Harrison Dudziak took the captain’s armband but Arsenal struggled and conceded twice in the first half to trail 2-0.
Ethan Cortes and Christos Filis were on target for the Greeks.
Olympiacos seemed a lot more pumped-up for the game but Arsenal did improve in the second half despite only having 10 men.
And with seven minutes left, Arsenal sub Josh Ogunnaike pulled one back.
The 17-year-old almost got an equaliser with just seconds left to play, but his effort was saved.
The attempted fightback proved to be unsuccessful for the hosts as they went on to lose 2-1 at Meadow Park.
ATLETICO MADRID boss Diego Simeone has escaped with a one-match ban for his Anfield Champions League red card.
Argentine Simeone was dismissed in the aftermath of Virgil van Dijk‘s stoppage time winner for Liverpool, when he became embroiled in a row with home fans.
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Diego Simeone has been handed a one-match ban for his clash with a fan at Atletico Madrid’s Champions League clash at LiverpoolCredit: Getty
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The Argentine is banned for the match with BenficaCredit: Getty
A huge skirmish boiled over when a member of the Atletico staff was accused of spitting and squirting water at Liverpool fans.
But after studying the referee’s and match delegate’s report and video images, Simeone was handed a single game ban for “unsporting conduct”.
It means the former midfielder has been banished from the dressing room and touchline for tonight’s home game with Eintracht Frankfurt.
No action has been taken against the member of the coaching staff, with Uefa seemingly keen to put the matter to bed, although Liverpool were fined £3,500 for fans throwing objects onto the pitch during the game.
OLIVER GLASNER, Fabian Hurzeler and Andoni Iraola are among the coaches under consideration to replace Ruben Amorim if he is sacked by Manchester United.
Amorim suffered his 17th Premier League defeat out of 33 games in charge of United against Brentford on Saturday, who have lost three of their six league matches this term.
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Manchester United have struggled under manager Ruben AmorimCredit: Javier Garcia/Shutterstock
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Although Amorim retains United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s backing, potential replacements are being consideredCredit: Lucy North/PA Wire
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Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is being eyed by Man UtdCredit: BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images
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Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler is also being targeted by Man UtdCredit: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Although Amorim retains the club’s backing, United are keeping an eye on potential replacements amid their alarming form.
Club sources insist they do not have a successor to Amorim lined up but accept the speculation around the manager’s role.
Erik ten Hag was dismissed after four defeats from the first nine league fixtures last term, though the United hierarchy is more invested in Amorim, the first managerial appointment under co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
United initially placed an emphasis on Premier League-proven signings in the summer with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo and could apply that to their next managerial search.
That has had an impact on former England manager Gareth Southgate’s chances – he has not managed in the Premier League since Middlesbrough were relegated in 2009.
Southgate has suggested he may not return to management while his friend and ally, United director Sir Dave Brailsford, is no longer visible at the club after his disastrous attempt to improve performance at Old Trafford.
Glasner guided Crystal Palace to their first piece of silverware in the FA Cup last season and the Eagles are the only unbeaten side in the top flight, having ended Liverpool’s winning run with a 2-1 triumph on Saturday.
Iraola took charge of Bournemouth two years ago and led them to ninth last season.
However, there is not believed to have been any interest from the Red Devils as yet.
Amorim insists he’s right man
Amorim signed a two-and-a-half year contract with United when he was appointed as Ten Hag’s replacement last November but the club finished 15th last season, their worst top-flight finish since the team was relegated in 1974.
United have invested £256.82million in six signings on Amorim’s watch but the team have plunged to 14th following Saturday’s loss.
Sunderland travel to Old Trafford next week before the October internationals and United resume their schedule against Liverpool at Anfield on October 19.
United are winless in their last ten at Anfield and have not won there since January 2016.
Asked if he can turn it around at United, Amorim replied: “I’m always confident as I know what to do.
“When you lose, you go back to the same place and you fight again for one win that can help you to create the momentum.”
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Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola completes Man Utd’s shortlistCredit: Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
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Gareth Southgate’s star is waning in United’s eyes and there are concerns over his compatibility with the club’s summer transfer approachCredit: Stu Forster/Getty Images
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Xavi is said to be interested but there are no indications that that interest has been reciprocatedCredit: AP
Should have done better with a header when presented with a great chance to equalise but a strong performance from the full-back.
CRISTHIAN MOSQUERA – 4
His mis-kick gifted Newcastle the corner that led to their opener and he didn’t recover.
Billy Vigar dead: Ex-Arsenal star dies aged just 21 after suffering ‘significant brain injury’ hitting head during match
Struggled once the game turned into a scrap and by half-time his manager had seen enough as he was replaced by William Saliba.
GABRIEL – 6
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Gabriel Magalhaes netted the winnerCredit: PA
Looked rattled up against Woltemade and his weak attempt to buy a foul allowed the German to nod home.
His head had gone after that and he was fortunate when no VAR check caught his swing at Woltemade before the break.
Looked a lot more confident and composed once Saliba joined him in the backline and he put a difficult afternoon behind him by holding off Dan Burn to head home the winner at the death.
RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6
Marshalled Jacob Murphy well in the first half but offered little going up the other way.
Was fuming when the referee put a stop to him using a towel for a long throw.
Got hooked midway through the second half as the Gunners had to go for it, but not before going into the book for a daft foul.
EBERECHI EZE – 6
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Eberechi Eze almost scored at St James’ ParkCredit: Getty
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Forced Pope into an early save and unleashed another great strike before the break.
Was a constant threat throughout but he was bought to get goals in these big games and he failed to do that.
MARTIN ZUBIMENDI – 6
Struggled with the pace of the game at times and also failed to provide enough protection defensively, fortunately, he had Rice alongside him to help.
He did produce a fantastic outside of the boot pass to put it on a plate for Timber but that was the highlight of his afternoon.
DECLAN RICE – 8
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Declan Rice impressed in the midfieldCredit: AP
Tried his best to make things happen and did brilliantly to track Jacob Murphy and deny him a second.
Covered a lot of ground and got his reward when Merino capitalised on his brilliant cross.
BUKAYO SAKA – 6
Enjoyed a good battle against Dan Burn but the Toon defender just about edged it.
Helped out full-back Timber really well but just wasn’t his day up the other end.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6
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Leandro Trossard was not at his bestCredit: AP
Another who tried his best to make something happen but he just couldn’t make it click.
Replaced late on without really causing too much of a threat.
VICTOR GYOKERES – 6
Headed straight at Nick Pope early on and then became the pantomime villain after being denied the penalty.
Rarely had a sniff after that as he struggled against the imposing Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman.
SUBS
WILLIAM SALIBA (for Mosquera, 46) – 7
Helped manage the physicality of Woltemade a lot better than the man he replaced.
The Gunners looked a lot more composed defensively while he was on the pitch.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI (for Saka, 70) – 6
Struggled to really get involved upon his arrival. Had one long-ranger late on but that was about it.
MIKEL MERINO (for Calafiori, 70) – 7
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Merino’s perfect header levelled the scoresCredit: AP
Injected fresh life into the middle to keep Arsenal’s hopes of a comeback going and produced a great header to equalise.
MARTIN ODEGAARD (for Zubimendi, 82) – 6
Could see Arsenal’s confidence grow as soon as he got on and he provided the magic for a winner. His brilliant corner was placed perfectly for Gabriel to head home.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (for Trossard, 88) – 5
His pace was a threat during the closing stages but failed to carve open a clear-cut opportunity.
ARSENAL make the trip up to the North East to take on Newcastle on Super Sunday.
Both sides are wearing black armbands at St James’ Park in memory of former Gunners academy striker Billy Vigar.
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Arsenal and Newcastle are wearing black armbands in tribute to former academy star Billy VigarCredit: Getty
Why are Arsenal and Newcastle players wearing black armbands?
Arsenal and Newcastle players are wearing black armbands this afternoon in tribute to the late Billy Vigar.
The 21-year-old died following a horrific brain injury suffered when he tragically hit his head during a match while playing for Chichester City at Wingate & Finchley last Saturday.
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Billy Vigar came through the Arsenal academyCredit: Getty
Vigar received lengthy treatment on the pitch after hitting his head before being airlifted to the hospital and placed in an induced coma.
He then underwent surgery but tragically died from his injuries on Thursday.
Vigar joined the Gunners academy at the age of 14 and went on to represent the North London outfit at under-18 level, in Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy.
Arsenal released the following statement regarding Vigar’s death: “Everyone at Arsenal is devastated by the shocking news that former academy graduate Billy Vigar has passed away.
“All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time.
“Rest in peace, Billy.”
Last Saturday’s awful incident at Wingate & Finchley’s Maurice Rebak Stadium has sparked calls for brick walls surrounding football pitches to be outlawed in the UK.
A petition has gathered more than 12,000 signatures, with the FA confirming on Friday that they are launching a review.
But it’s not really a surprise, as back in the Seventies Chelsea’s players, including Alan Hudson and Peter Osgood, were known as the kings of the King’s Road for their fashionable sense of style.
And the club’s 21st-century fans have maintained the tradition, according to research by betting site freebet.com, with 16 per cent getting suited and booted for a big night.
While fans of Newcastle, Burnley and Wolves were in the relegation zone with just one per cent being bothered to look smart.
The table shows there’s a clear North/South divide when it comes to off-the-pitch style.
The top seven spots are filled by teams from London and the south, with Man City and Leeds sharing eighth place with Brentford and West Ham with five per cent.
Spokesman Tim Agnew said: “Our research shows Chelsea fans are the best dressed fans in the Premier League.
“They already had a reputation for wearing Gucci and Prada and our research confirms Chelsea fans like to look sharp.”
Chelsea plunged into crisis at BOTH ends ahead of huge Liverpool clash
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Actor Phil Daniels supports the West London clubCredit: Getty – Contributor
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Celeb chef Gordon Ramsey is also a fanCredit: Getty
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Chelsea footballers John Hollins, Terry Venables, Ron Harris, George Graham and Eddie McCreadieCredit: Getty
Hayden, 30, was not in Eddie Howe’s plans but his circumstances were slightly different.
He told SunSport: “I have sympathy because footballers want to play — but everyone’s got different reasons as to why they find themselves in a so-called ‘bomb squad’.
“It happened to me because I couldn’t find a solution during that summer window which fitted in with what Newcastle also wanted.
“But I had constant contact with Eddie and was given nothing but support.”
Hayden made 187 appearances for Newcastle, won the Championship title in 2017 and had five seasons playing in the Premier League.
But a knee injury in December 2021 sidelined him for 5½ months and Howe later told him he was surplus to requirements.
“And the team had been transformed from one fighting relegation to having top-six form.
“Eddie was honest and said he had five players in front of me. You think to yourself, ‘I know where I stand’. I’d rather that than the manager not talking to me.
“You hear people talk about bomb squads where they isolate you, and that’s horrible — but Eddie and Newcastle didn’t do that.
“We had the conversation as to why he couldn’t name me in the 25-man squad.
“And it’s not as simple as, ‘Why not let him train with the first team?’. If you’re doing an 11 v 11 game and everyone’s fit, you’re not going to be able to train with the group because there are too many players.
So Eddie’s solution for me to train with the Under-23s was better. It meant I could train normally every day — and not by myself.”
Hayden actually embraced that period and even did some coaching.
He said: “The bottom line is you’re getting paid good money by the club as a professional footballer. So you give 100 per cent to them in whatever role you’re in.”
After spending the second half of last season on loan with Portsmouth, Hayden joined QPR permanently in the summer.
And now he is hoping to play for Jamaica at next summer’s World Cup.
He said: “One of the huge blessings to come out of that period was I was able to go to Jamaica for a few days to sort my passport out so I could play for them.
“Had I been playing first-team football every week I’d have not been able to.
“Now I have a chance of making the World Cup. It goes to show you can make everything work out in the end.”
MANCHESTER UNITED appear to be ditching the controversial canopy from their new Old Trafford stadium plans — after huge land-buying problems left the club stuck.
Manchester United’s original plans for a new stadium included an ‘umbrella’ roofCredit: Foster + Partners
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United unveiled ambitious plans for a new £2billion arena earlier this yearCredit: PA
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The ambitious plans featured a huge plaza that will be covered by a giant canopy but that has been removed now
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United promised the new stadium will be the heart of the masterplanCredit: Foster + Partners
The canopy, designed by Sir Norman Foster and championed by club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, was supposed to cover fans from the weather and create a stadium like no other.
But talks to buy the land needed to build the massive canopy have hit a brick wall.
The freight company Freightliner owns much of the land United wanted west of Old Trafford — space needed for the new stadium and thousands of homes.
Freightliner are demanding a whopping £400million, way above United’s £50million estimate, according to the report.
The company could move its freight terminal — but only if it gets a big payday.
Because of this, United are scrambling to rethink the whole project.
New drawings are being drawn up without the “vast umbrella,” which Foster once called a stunning feature.
But others loved how the three giant prongs holding the canopy looked like the devil’s trident on the club badge.
He said: “When anybody in the world sees that stadium, they’ll know it’s Manchester United.”
Man Utd blow as Ruben Amorim confirms Amad Diallo will miss Brentford clash due to personal reasons
But with the canopy off the table, the new designs will look more traditional — less flashy, but more practical.
United want to keep the project moving fast and avoid costly delays from the land fight.
The club has asked the government for help with funding for infrastructure around the new stadium.
But six months on, no cash has been confirmed.
Local mayor Andy Burnham said talks with Freightliner were “far from being concluded,” but the city can use compulsory purchase powers if needed.
Freightliner’s UK rail and road operations are about to be bought by French shipping giant CMA CGM — and what that means for United’s land talks is unclear.
United have yet to hire a final stadium architect, with a tender underway.
Foster + Partners, who designed the original canopy, are busy with the new San Siro stadium in Milan but remain favourites.
The stadium was originally budgeted to cost around £2billion — but United’s finances remain tight.
United told fans the stadium designs so far are just “concepts” — with more detailed plans and fan input still to come.
They promised the new stadium will be the “heart of the masterplan” to regenerate the area around Old Trafford.
The saga continues — but for now, the giant canopy that captured imaginations looks set to be just a memory.
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United want the 100,000 capacity ground to become “The Wembley of the North”Credit: Foster + Partners
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Lord Norman Foster believes Manchester United’s stadium build is “the project of a lifetime”
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN was booed back at Brentford in United colours for having the temerity to join England’s biggest club three years ago.
And Bryan Mbeumo can expect similar treatment after the rancour around his transfer.
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Bryan Mbeumo is set to face the boo boys when he faces Brentford with Man UnitedCredit: Getty
United felt Brentford attempted to railroad Mbeumo into joining Tottenham or Newcastle United, convinced that he would be on a lower wage that would then drive up his transfer fee. Mbeumo joined United for £65, rising to £71m.
When Brentford finally relented and sold the AWOL Yoane Wissa to Newcastle on deadline day, it was for £50m plus £5m in add-ons.
Wissa is an actual striker and scored as many goals as Mbeumo last season, which undermined Brentford’s belief that they could have recouped more from Spurs or Newcastle for Mbeumo.
Xavi Simons and Nick Woltemade, Tottenham and Newcastle’s most expensive summer signings, were not as costly as Mbeumo.
The press room at the Community Stadium is so tight you tend to literally rub shoulders with colleagues. Staff from United and Brentford may keep their distance.
MAIN ATTRACTION
KOBBIE MAINOO is out of the United side and one of his closest teammates, Alejandro Garnacho, was out in the cold before he left last month.
But Mainoo has a new best pal in Leny Yoro.
Mainoo and Yoro have grown close since the latter joined United from Lille last summer.
Mainoo started learning Spanish while he was out two years ago as Garnacho and Amad are both fluent in the language.
Garnacho remains tight with Amad – the pair are represented by the same agent – as they demonstrated with last week’s infamous Instagram Story that Amad received online abuse for.
Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe spotted at one of his other clubs despite admitting ‘level of football not high enough’
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Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro have become bestiesCredit: Getty
Mainoo is something of an outlier in that he has gravitated towards foreign teammates.
Although Yoro spoke impeccable English at the time of his £59million transfer.
PORT OF CALL
PORTUGUESE pair Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot both attended the Lewis Capaldi concert at Co-Op Live after last week’s victory over Chelsea.
Members of the Fernandes family had flown over from Portugal for the occasion.
Or to provide childcare for his two children.
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Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot watched Lewis Capaldi’s concert togetherCredit: Getty
CARR INSURANCE
THE NEW home matchday schedule for United players to report at Carrington before boarding a bus for Old Trafford caused confusion for some of the younger squad members last month.
A handful of youngsters assumed the team coach would ferry them back to the training complex after the game, where they had naively left their vehicles.
Senior players are usually dropped off at Carrington by a spouse or confidant and so their vehicle is in place at the stadium post-match.
Some stranded junior members of the squad had to get Ubers to the training base after a game to be reunited with their vehicles.
Erik ten Hag scrapped United’s pre-match stays at The Lowry Hotel in 2022 and the squad would arrive four hours before kick-off for home games.
Ruben Amorim has opted to delay United’s travel time and they now tend to get to their ground an hour-and-a-half before kick-off.
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Some players had to take Ubers back from Old Trafford to their cars at CarringtonCredit: Getty
HARDY ABLE
UNITED are in the process of signing teenage goalkeeper Charlie Hardy from Derby County.
Hardy, 16, has played five times for England Under 16s and is going through formalities to complete a move to United.
He was named on the bench against United U18s when he was only 14 last year and made his debut for Derby U18s at the age of 15.
As a category one scholar, Hardy can move to another English club at any time over the course of the season.
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Man Utd are closing in on a deal for Charlie HardyCredit: Getty
PELL RINGER
MANUEL PELLEGRINI thinks Antony just needed an arm put around him and a club that makes him feel important.
United reject Antony, 25, has been reborn at Real Betis after a miserable two years at Old Trafford.
The Brazil winger sparkled after joining Betis on loan in January and made the move permanent after long talks brought a deadline-day switch for up to £21.6m.
United included a 50 per cent sell-on clause in the deal for Antony, who followed a classy assist with a late goal to secure a 2-2 draw in Wednesday’s Europa League opener against Nottingham Forest.
Before the game, Betis boss Pellegrini, 72, said: “I try to make them feel the best so that they can also give me their best.”
Antony is much better suited to La Liga, where he is more comfortable with the ball at his feet and not so physically pressed.
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Antony has been backed to be a hit again at Real BetisCredit: AP
While in the Europa League, Nottingham Forest subbed out injured Ola Aina for Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Uefa stunned clubs with a surprise announcement this month, revealing it had agreed an “amendment” to registry regulations.
New Liverpool hero signs shirts as he returns to football after 102 days out
The governing body announced clubs will be allowed the “temporary” replacement of one outfield player “with a long-term injury or illness.”
Uefa added: “The reasoning for the adaptation is to ensure that squad lists are not unfairly reduced and players are safeguarded from additional workload pressure.”
It remains to be seen whether Slot decides to recall Chiesa though.
Young centre-back Rhys Williams was also left out of Liverpool’s Champions League squad.
And he could get the nod if Slot feels his squad is light on defenders.
CHELSEA forward Marc Guiu has been named as eligible for the EFL Cup thanks to a little-known rule change.
The teenager spent a short-lived spell with Sunderland on loan earlier this season but was recalled before the transfer deadline.
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Enzo Maresca did not include Marc Guiu in his EFL Cup squadCredit: Reuters
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The Spaniard is eligible to play thanks to a little-known rule changeCredit: Getty
He scored for the Black Cats in their EFL Cup exit to Huddersfield while with the club, an appearance that was believed to have made him ineligible for future EFL cup games this season.
However, a rule change for the 2025/26 season changed the laws to allow a player to turn out for two different clubs in the same campaign.
But Chelsea themselves were reportedly not aware that the Spaniard was able to play in their cup match with Lincoln City on Tuesday, and he has been left out of the squad.
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