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Man City 3-1 Man United: Foden, Haaland goals make Rashford opener meaningless in derby

Ben Miller
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Man City 3-1 Man United: Foden, Haaland goals make Rashford opener meaningless in derby

Phil Foden scored an inspired second-half brace and Erling Haaland atoned for an astonishing miss to give Manchester City a comeback win and make Marcus Rashford’s spectacular early opener count for nothing in the derby at Etihad Stadium.

Second-placed City had been heavy favourites to beat opponents who started 15 points below them in the table, only for Rashford to produce a dream start for the visitors by thumping in from well outside of the penalty area to give his side a surprise eighth-minute lead.

After Haaland sent a volley over the crossbar from almost on the line shortly before the interval, Foden took aim with a glorious, rasping drive to level 11 minutes into the second half.

England playmaker Foden put City in front 10 minutes from time, completing a slick one-two with Julian Alvarez by drilling a low diagonal shot under goalkeeper Andre Onana’s fingers and into the far corner of the net.

Read our other football news stories here:
Neville can’t believe Haaland miss
Rashford scores stunner in derby
Rashford says United ‘will be back’

City manager Pep Guardiola looked disbelieving at Haaland’s miss but his relief showed in his celebration when Rodri dispossessed Sofyan Amrabat and set up Haaland to finish in more characteristically clinical fashion a minute into added time.

The result moves City a point behind leaders Liverpool, while United are six behind fifth-placed Tottenham and have played a game more.

City vs United result deepens visitors’ gloom

New United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s designs on transforming the club’s underachievements off the pitch led to greater scrutiny than usual of the gap between City and their neighbours in the build-up to this game.

While City have dominated English football under Pep Guardiola, the most successful team in the history of the English game have not mounted a credible title challenge since Sir Alex Ferguson led them to glory in his final season in 2012/13.

Rashford, who has been one of the players to underperform in 2023/24, provided the perfect tonic following their last-gasp first defeat of 2024 at home to Fulham eight days earlier, and Erik ten Hag might have sensed his team would improve on their record of four league defeats in five in the fixture when Haaland implausibly spurned the simplest of chances.

Foden – like Rashford, an academy product of his club and a Manchester native – dashed those hopes to continue his excellent campaign, and Haaland’s late winner would also have felt important after his relatively profligate run of recent form, failing to score in five out of seven previous appearances across the Uefa Champions League and Premier League.

Erling Haaland miss: Neville ‘can’t believe’ blunder before Phil Foden goal levels for City vs Man United

Ben Miller
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Erling Haaland miss: Neville ‘can’t believe’ blunder before Phil Foden goal levels for City vs Man United

Premier League top scorer Erling Haaland’s volley over the crossbar from almost on the line against Manchester United left former Red Devils captain Gary Neville in disbelief as the visitors took a 1-0 lead into the break at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

City spearhead Haaland, who struck five times in 56 minutes in a 6-2 FA Cup win at Luton Town on Tuesday, looked certain to score when Phil Foden nodded the ball down for him with the interval approaching – only for the home fans and manager Pep Guardiola to hold their heads in their hands after an astonishing miss by the player best-known for punishing teams inside the box.

“What have I just seen?” asked a perplexed Neville on Sky Sports. “Finally, Man City get perfection – apart from that.

“I cannot believe Erling Haaland has put that over the bar. Does he try to put it in to the top of the net? Does he try to be clever?

“He missed some chances against Chelsea [1-1 draw] a few weeks ago. Pep Guardiola can’t believe it.”

Read our other football news stories here:
Rashford scores stunner in derby
Rashford says United ‘will be back’
Allegri rues Pogba ban

Man City vs Man United: Foden goal levels scores

Haaland has been relatively quiet by his remarkable standards since returning from injury in January, failing to score in five of his seven appearances across top-flight and Uefa Champions League matches.

The Norway talisman scored 52 times in 53 games in all competitions in his debut season for City in 2022/23, top-scoring in the Champions League with 12 goals and never going more than two Premier League matches without finding the net.

Guardiola has played down speculation from Spanish media that Haaland, who has 17 league goals in 2023/24, could be considering his future at the club and warned the 23-year-old’s critics not to question his ability to score.

City record scorer Sergio Aguero is the only player with a better record than Haaland’s five goals against United, striking in the derby eight times.

There were no such problems in front of goal for Marcus Rashford when the United striker scored a sensational opener after eight minutes of the game.

Rashford hammered in a rocket from 25 yards to give his side, who are pursuing European qualification, a surprise lead against title-chasing City.

Phil Foden replied with a spectacular goal of his own from long range with 11 minutes of the second half elapsed.

Haaland and City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne started only their fourth game together this season, the Belgium midfielder having missed five months of the season following hamstring surgery.

Marcus Rashford goal: Man United striker scores stunner against Man City after ‘body language’ talk

Ben Miller
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Marcus Rashford goal: Man United striker scores stunner against Man City after ‘body language’ talk

Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford scored a sensational opening goal against arch-rivals Manchester City – minutes after former Cityzens defender Micah Richards said his body language “at times doesn’t look great”.

Rashford lashed in his sixth goal in a Manchester derby from 25 yards, silencing the home crowd in a week when he earned attention for a column addressing his media critics titled ‘Who I Really Am’.

The 26-year-old suggested that rather than presenting an accurate version of events, certain reports focused on “my body language, and questioning my morals, and speculating about my family, and my football future.”

Speaking before United made a dream start against City in the Premier League on Sunday, Richards praised Rashford’s article and said his influence on the game would depend on his ability to seize limited time in possession.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Rashford says United ‘will be back’
Verstappen’s father talks about Horner
Allegri rues Pogba ban

“It was a good interview – open and honest,” former England international Richards told Sky Sports, adding that United record scorer Wayne Rooney had provided insights into Rashford’s character.

“It’s difficult when people are questioning your body language which, at times, doesn’t look great.

“Wayne Rooney said he’s not that type – he’s shy, almost, at times. He’s got the pace and ability, it’s just whether he can show it when he’s on the ball.”

Rashford goal vs City continues eventful week

In a wide-ranging piece in The Players’ Tribune, Rashford – United’s top-scorer with 30 goals last season – spoke about the trying times and press scrutiny he has faced since netting twice on his debut in 2016.

“It can’t just be about me as a 26-year-old lad on a night out, or a lad getting a parking ticket,” said the United academy product.

“It’s got to be about how much my car costs, guessing my weekly salary, my jewelry or even my tattoos.

“It’s got to be about my body language, and questioning my morals, and speculating about my family, and my football future.

“There’s a tone to it that you don’t get with all footballers. Let’s just leave it at that.”

Max Verstappen: Bahrain Grand Prix winner’s father Jos says Christian Horner situation could damage Red Bull

Ben Miller
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Max Verstappen: Bahrain Grand Prix winner’s father Jos says Christian Horner situation could damage Red Bull

The father of Bahrain Grand Prix winner Max Verstappen has said Red Bull could “explode” if Christian Horner remains principal of the Formula One team.

Reigning champion Verstappen finished more than 22 seconds ahead of team-mate Sergio Perez in Saturday’s opening race of the season, which took place three days after Red Bull GmbH, the team’s parent company, dismissed a complaint against Horner.

A misconduct investigation into Horner began after a female Red Bull employee made an allegation of inappropriate behaviour.

An anonymous email containing messages purportedly linked to the case was leaked to the media on Thursday.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Pogba is ‘extraordinary’ player – Allegri
Man City vs Man United preview
Silva understands Ten Hag over Fernandes TikTok

“There is tension here while he remains in position,” Jos Verstappen, who is not an employee of Red Bull Racing, told the Daily Mail.

“The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim when he is the one causing the problems.”

Christian Horner ‘always confident’

Verstappen junior’s views on the matter are not known as he begins his title defence in a season when he is the clear favourite to prevail again.

The 26-year-old’s father was a team-mate of seven-time champion Michael Schumacher during the 1990s.

When it was put to him that he may have been involved in the email leak, Jos Verstappen told the newspaper: “That wouldn’t make sense. Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?”

Horner attended the Grand Prix with his wife Geri, a singer with chart-topping pop group The Spice Girls.

“I’m not going to comment on what motives whatever person may have for doing this,” commented Horner, who said he had full support from Red Bull’s team and parent company.

When he was asked if he would be involved in next week’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and the rest of Red Bull’s season, Horner said: “Absolutely. I’ve always been confident I’ll be here.”

A Red Bull spokesperson, quoted by BBC Sport, said: “There are no issues here. The team are united and we are focused on racing.”

Paul Pogba ban: Massimiliano Allegri says football losing ‘extraordinary’ player

Harry Carr
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Paul Pogba ban: Massimiliano Allegri says football losing ‘extraordinary’ player

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri believes Paul Pogba’s four-year ban for doping is a sad moment for football, saying the sport is losing an “extraordinary” player.

Pogba’s punishment was confirmed by Italy’s National Anti-Doping Tribunal on Thursday, after he tested positive for testosterone following Juve’s 3-0 win over Udinese on August 20, 2023.

The former Manchester United midfielder – who was suspended by his current club following that test result – has pledged to contest the verdict.

Read our other football news stories here:
Paul Pogba: France coach Deschamps stands behind banned midfielder
Manchester City v Manchester United: Guardiola wary of Red Devils
Manchester City vs Manchester United: Preview, how to watch and prediction

Pogba insists he has “never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations”, and has confirmed he intends to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The 30-year-old has endured a dismal second stint at Juve since leaving Old Trafford as a free agent in 2022, only making one start during an injury-plagued 2022-23 campaign.

If Pogba’s punishment is upheld, it will almost certainly spell the end of his career at the top level, and Allegri believes football would be worse for his absence.

 

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A POST SHARED BY PAUL LABILE POGBA (@PAULPOGBA)

Speaking at a press conference to preview Sunday’s Serie A clash with Napoli, Allegri said of Pogba’s ban: “It’s very sad both on a human level and for football. We are losing an extraordinary player.

“I was lucky enough to work with him, to coach him, and it’s very difficult to find players like him. He’s a fantastic guy.”

Allegri declined, however, to comment on the details of the case, adding: “I won’t go into the merits of the sentence, that is for the authorities.”

On Friday, France boss Didier Deschamps defended Pogba, telling L’Equipe: “I don’t believe for a minute that Pogba intended to or wanted to dope. Knowing him well, I know that is not how he is.

“What Paul has experienced these past months has been extremely difficult and I can’t be insensitive to his pain, given what he has done with the national team and the relationships that have been formed with the France national team.”

Sir Keir Starmer apologies after Galloway wins Rochdale by-election

Helen Greaney
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Sir Keir Starmer apologies after Galloway wins Rochdale by-election

Sir Keir Starmer has said sorry to Rochdale voters after disowning Labour’s by-election candidate.

George Galloway was the resounding winner with 12,335 votes, whilst independent candidate and local businessman David Tully came second with 6,633 votes and Paul Ellison for Conservatives was third with 3,731.

Labour’s suspended candidate Azhar Ali, came in fourth after losing his party’s support in making remarks that were alleged to be antisemitic – which he has apologised for.

The by-election was sparked by the death of Sir Tony Lloyd, who died in January aged 73, after revealing he had an untreatable form of leukaemia.

Mr Galloway – leader of the Workers’ Party of Britain – described the result as Sir Keir’s “worst nightmare” and said he and prime minister Rishi Sunak were “two cheeks of the same backside” and claimed they “both got well and truly spanked here in Rochdale”.

During his winning speech he was heckled by someone accusing him of being a climate change denier, and then had confetti thrown over him by another candidate, Mark Coleman – a Just Stop Oil supporter.

The Gaza war was a running theme in Mr Galloway’s campaign.

Sir Starmer said: “Galloway only won because Labour didn’t stand a candidate. I regret that we had to withdraw our candidate and I apologise to voters in Rochdale – but it was the right decision.

“Obviously we will put a first class candidate before the voters in Rochdale at the General Election.”

Mr Galloway has previously been an MP for Labour until 2003, then in the Commons as an independent and Respect Party MP for three constituencies between 2003 and 2015.

 

Bahrain Grand Prix: Verstappen claims pole for Red Bull

Jon Fisher
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Bahrain Grand Prix: Verstappen claims pole for Red Bull

Max Verstappen picked up where he left off last season by clinching pole position for the opening race in 2024 in Bahrain.

After what has been a difficult few days for Red Bull in light of the ongoing Christian Horner situation, the Dutchman’s performance, and that of the car, will provide a moment of satisfaction for the Austrian team.

Read our other football news stories here:
United will always trail City while Guardiola is in Manchester, Carragher
Manchester City v Manchester United: Preview and prediction
Guardiola wary of Ten Hag’s United

Verstappen clinched pole with a fastest lap of one minute, 29.179 seconds. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc joined him on the front row in 1:29.407 with George Russell the fastest of the Mercedes to come third in 1:29.485.

If Q1 was tightly-fought with Carlos Sainz topping the timesheets, Q2 was led by Leclerc, who ended it two-tenths of a second faster than Verstappen.

But when it really mattered, the Dutchman came through once more. Verstappen won a remarkable 19 of the 22 races last year and he will be the obvious man to beat in Bahrain tomorrow.

He said: “It was a lot of fun actually, the track had a lot of grip but with the wind over the last few days, it’s been quite tricky to get the whole lap together and it was the same in qualifying, in Q1, Q2 you go a bit faster with the track ramping up but to really get everything out of it in Q3 was a little bit difficult.

“I’m very happy to be on pole, to be honest it was a little bit unexpected but in qualifying I think the car came to us and I felt a bit happier with the whole car.

“I said yesterday we need to fine tune a few things on the car to try and get that perfect balance, but with the wind that was not possible, but luckily we went in the right direction and we could really push a bit more with the car.”

Sainz ended up fourth with Sergio Perez, Fernando Alonso, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri rounding out the top eight.

Lewis Hamilton was a disappointing ninth, over five-tenths off the pace.

Manchester City vs Manchester United: Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch and prediction

Jon Fisher
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Manchester City vs Manchester United: Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch and prediction

The State of Play

Manchester United make the short trip across town to the Etihad on the back of some good form. Their defeat to Fulham last weekend was their first in eight games in all competitions and they bounced back immediately with a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup.

Erik ten Hag appears to have found some consistency from his side even if performances remain a little unconvincing.

Read our other football news stories here:
United will always trail City while Guardiola is in Manchester, Carragher
Deschamps stands behind banned Pogba
Guardiola wary of Ten Hag’s United

They will be tested to the full on Sunday when they come up against a City side that was rampant in the 6-2 midweek win at Luton.

Pep Guardiola’s men have won 16 and drawn two of their last 18 games and appear to have key players returning to form and full fitness – evidenced by Erling Haaland’s five goals and Kevin De Bruyne’s four assists at Kenilworth Road.

City are a point behind leaders Liverpool and their bid to land a double treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup remains on track.

Team News

Jack Grealish has been ruled out after limping out of the action before half-time at Luton with a groin injury to continue his frustrating season.

Erik ten Hag and Manchester United have major issues in two departments with no senior left-back as both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are out injured, whilst Rasmus Hojlund is still missing up-front.

Expected Line-ups

Man City: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Ake; Rodri, Bernardo; Foden, De Bruyne, Doku; Haaland

Man Utd: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Evans, Lindelof; Casemiro, Mainoo; Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho; Rashford

What they Said

Pep Guardiola on Manchester United

“What I have learned from my experience in these kind of games is to stay relaxed, don’t talk too much, talk about tactics and not the emotion. The emotion will be there. They [United] are able to go to Wolves and beat them, able to go to Luton and beat them, go to Aston Villa and win a few weeks ago. They have the quality and in one action can create something special. When they play well, they win games. In 2024, they have lost one game, they have proved their consistency.”

Erik ten Hag on preparation for the derby

“We will prepare well, the players are ready for it, they are looking forward to it – I can smell it when I speak to the players. We are excited. They have a good team – that’s the challenge. But there are more good teams.”

When and How to Watch

This match will be played at the Etihad Stadium at 15:30 on Sunday, March 3rd. It will be shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and can be streamed live via the Sky Go app, too, in the UK.

Prediction

City have won the last three meetings between the sides at the Etihad – two in the league and one in the FA Cup – scoring a combined 12 goals in the process. And with Haaland and De Bruyne firing it could be a very long afternoon for United.

The Red Devils’ recent away form has been good with six successive wins, but extending that to seven would be a significant surprise.

Expect City to cruise to victory with something to spare.

Events professional becomes entrepreneur in residence at University of Central Lancashire

Helen Greaney
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Events professional becomes entrepreneur in residence at University of Central Lancashire

Manchester-based hospitality consultant and leading event management specialist, Liz Taylor, has been selected to join the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) as an Entrepreneur in Residence.

Joining a team of business figureheads from across the northwest region, Liz will call upon her 35 years of experience at the forefront of the UK’s event industry, her in-depth knowledge of the hospitality sector and acumen as a business founder and entrepreneur, to enhance the students’ experience at the university.

Liz Taylor, CEO of Taylor Lynn Corporation and MD of Liz Taylor Consultancy said: “I have always felt it is important to nurture young talent and contribute to the education of young people; and not just those studying in courses relevant to my industry. But all those students at UCLan with whom I can share my experiences and ideas on what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur.”

UCLan selects its educational contributors in a stringent vetting and recruitment process, with only those who can genuinely add real insight, time and experience to students being selected for the prestigious Entrepreneur in Residence programme. The entrepreneurs engage with students from a variety of courses through a combination of masterclasses, keynotes, and Q&A sessions. In addition, they may provide innovative projects for students to work on and advise on curriculum relevant to their industry.

Professor Sue Smith, acting associate dean and director of the centre for SME and enterprise development, University of Central Lancashire, said: “We are delighted Liz has joined our growing number of Entrepreneurs in Residence who represent some of the finest entrepreneurs in the northwest. We are really looking forward to working with Liz in helping our students and UCLan thrive from her knowledge and expertise.”

Liz Taylor is a CEO and founder of two thriving businesses in Manchester – Taylor Lynn Corporation a leading corporate and private event management company. TLC works with a range of private clients, in addition to global leaders, blue-chip companies, charities, sports brands, retail giants, and media businesses to create events right across the UK and Europe.

And as MD of Liz Taylor Consultancy, Liz provides a luxury hospitality consultancy offering niche marketing to high level brands. LTC has worked with businesses such as GG Hospitality’s Hotel Football and Stock Exchange Hotel, Victor’s Restaurants, Tom Kerridge’s Bull and Bear, Lone Star Boutique Hotel & Suites, Barbados, St Brelade’s Bay Hotel, Jersey, and the Cheshire events venue, Tatton Estates.

This unique set of experience, plus over three decades as one of the north west’s leading businesswomen makes her the ideal candidate for the Entrepreneur in Residence programme, which will utilise her real-world expertise to enhance students’ learning.

Liz added: “As an entrepreneur in residence I will be able to engage with students more regularly and in a more structured and meaningful way, working alongside some highly successful businesspeople. Hopefully, I can bring another perspective to the table and highlight the benefits of working in the events and hospitality industries which have given me not just an exciting and profitable career path, but the opportunity to travel the world and meet fascinating people from all walks of life.”

Pictured from left foreground are: Alison Hitchen, Pam Steed, professor Steven Rhoden, Michelle Bondesio, Russell Hogarth and from right foreground: Rupert Gatty, Glen Higson, professor Sue Smith, Liz Taylor and Joanne Boyd.

Manchester United: Fulham boss Silva understands Ten Hag anger over Fernandes TikTok

Jon Fisher
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Manchester United: Fulham boss Silva understands Ten Hag anger over Fernandes TikTok

Marco Silva understands Erik ten Hag’s anger at Fulham sending a TikTok mocking Bruno Fernandes, and says he would have been equally furious had it been the other way round.

A clip of Fernandes appearing to make the most of minimal contact from Cottagers midfielder Sasa Lukic during Fulham’s 2-1 win at Old Trafford on Saturday has been circulating on social media this week and yestrday appeared on the London club’s official TikTok account.

Read our other football news stories here:
United will always trail City while Guardiola is in Manchester, Carragher
Deschamps stands behind banned Pogba
Guardiola wary of Ten Hag’s United

The video was accompanied by comedic music, a caption of “so glad he’s okay” and an eye roll emoji.

Ten Hag said he had not seen the clip but leapt to the defence of the Portugal midfielder, insisting Fulham were “absolutely not right” and demanding an apology from the London club.

Fulham boss Silva also claimed to have not seen the TikTok but felt Ten Hag was correct in his response.

He said: ”I’m aware of it. I haven’t seen it – I’m not a fan of social media.

“It was a reaction from Ten Hag. When a manager defends a player, it’s normal. I would defend one of ours until the end.


“He said he hadn’t seen it, he was responding to a question. Ten Hag defended his player, I understand that.

“All the other noise comes because it’s Man Utd. If it was Marco Silva reacting, it would be finished in 10 seconds.”

On Fernandes, he added: “Bruno is a top player and a top professional.”

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