List of All Articles with Tag 'epsocmag'

Everton’s takeover by the American investment firm 777 Partners remains on course, despite the possibility of a points deduction that could put the Merseyside club at greater threat of relegation. The Premier League are reportedly pushing for Everton to be deducted 12 points during an investigation into possible breaches of financial regulations but 777 are adamant they still want to proceed with plans to complete a buyout. Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri has signed a deal with 777 Partners, who have invested in a range of clubs including Genoa, Sevilla and Hertha Berlin. Everton were accused of breaking Financial Fair Play rules, which are supposed to limit clubs to a total loss of £105m over a three-year period. But Everton announced losses £44.7m in 2022, £121.3m in 2021, £139.9m in 2020, £111.8m in 2019 and £13.1m in 2018. The Premier League charged them in March though Everton have insisted they have complied with the regulations and their additional losses stem involve allowances clubs were permitted when Covid meant grounds were empty. Everton disclosed all scenarios with 777 during talks and financial due diligence and the potential outcome was priced in to the structure of the deal. A 12-point deduction would leave Everton, who only just avoided relegation in the last two seasons, on minus five. Other potential punishments, if Everton are found guilty, could include a transfer ban or a fine, which West Ham were given for the third-party ownership of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano in 2007. Read More Everton face ‘12-point deduction’ over alleged financial breaches Everton boss Sean Dyche pays tribute to ‘amazing servant’ Bill Kenwright Bill Kenwright: Theatre producer who went from terraces to boardroom at Everton

Manchester United have announced record revenues of £648.4m for the last financial year and expect to bring in even more revenue this season. But they made a net loss of £28.7m, despite cutting their wage bill by £52.8m – partly because they were not in the Champions League but also for a season when the best-paid player, Cristiano Ronaldo, left part way through the campaign – after expensive transfers. Their accounts cover a 12-month period ending on 30 June, in which they signed Mason Mount this summer but also made the expensive purchases of Casemiro, for £63m, and Antony, for £86m, in 2022. United paid out £331.4m in salaries to their players last season, a sum that is likely to rise for the current financial year because salaries are raised when they are competing in the Champions League. With the added income of playing in Europe’s premier continental competition, United anticipate a revenue of between £650m and £680m this year. United also said that, for the first time since 2016, no dividends were paid to the owners, the Glazer family. The club’s debt remains at £538m while they also owe an additional £106m with a revolving credit facility. United paid £21.4m in net finance costs over the 12 months – down £40.8m, partly due to a change in exchange rates. United’s broadcasting revenue dropped £5.8m last season as they counted the cost of playing in the Europa League, a consequence of a sixth-place finish in the Premier League in 2021/22. But their commercial revenue reached a new high of £302.9m, up £45.1m, which was driven by a £41.6m rise in sponsorship income. United have since signed a 10-year £900m kit deal with Adidas, which is likely to lead to a further increase in commercial revenue. United’s matchday revenue also went up by £25.9m to £136.4m, aided by a host of home games during their runs to the FA and Carabao Cup finals. For much of the last year, United have been for sale, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos expected to take a 25 per cent stake in the club. Read More Lauren James to miss England’s games against Belgium with concussion Manuel Akanji: Manchester City are ready to win the derby at Old Trafford Esme Morgan pleads for patience and politeness from England’s autograph hunters

Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali has been banned from football for 10 months, the president of the Italian football federation (FIGC) has confirmed. Gabriele Gravina insists the Newcastle midfielder will be suspended for 10 months and follow a rehabilitation programme following an investigation over betting on matches during his time at AC Milan. It means Tonali will miss the remainder of the season for Eddie Howe’s side and be unavailable for Euro 2024, should Italy qualify. “The FIGC Prosecutor and Tonali have reached an agreement which I have already approved,” said the FIGC President. “The agreement consists of a 10-month ban plus eight months of rehab activities and at least 16 public appearances.” The 23-year-old was under investigation by the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and the Italian Football Federation, who found the Italy international had broken gambling rules. Tonali, who was signed by Newcastle from Milan for £50m this summer, fully cooperated with the investigation and was handed a reduced sentence. “Rules provide a ban for a few years, but there can be a plea agreement and attenuating circumstances,” Gravina added. “The guys collaborated above and beyond expectations, so we will continue to follow the rules we had adopted.” The midfielder’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, said Tonali suffers from a gambling addiction and the player has agreed to a treatment programme for gambling problems. Tonali’s punishment comes after the Juventus player Nicolo Fagiolo was banned for 12 months, with five suspended, amid the biggest betting scandal to hit Italian football in almost 20 years. Aston Villa’s Nicolo Zaniolo has also been investigated by authorities. Read More Newcastle determined to bounce back from Champions League setback – Joe Willock Eddie Howe’s tactical move exposes Newcastle weakness in Dortmund ‘lesson’ Newcastle given reality check as summer decision returns to haunt them

Celtic fans defied a club appeal and waved Palestinian flags before Wednesday’s Champions League fixture. The Green Brigade, a supporter group which occupies the north curve of Celtic Park, traditionally organise a tifo - a choreographed display involving a large banner - for major games. But as the teams emerged from the tunnel for their Group E match against Atletico Madrid, they instead held up Palestinian flags. Celtic have already banned the group from away games after they displayed the flags at recent matches in the wake of the attacks in Israel and Gaza. It is expected the Scottish club will now receive a fine from Uefa. Read More Moment Gerard Pique falls into huge hole as he’s distracted by phone Bobby Charlton’s football was ‘poetry in motion’, says former teammate Ten Hag lays flowers in centre circle as Man United pay tribute to Bobby Charlton

There were many moments that Sir Bob Murray could point to as illustrating how much football has changed, but one stands out for what he feels was a lack of basic decency. “My wife used to go to the boardroom at Chelsea, and they would thoroughly search her handbag,” he says. “She’s the woman married to the chairman of Sunderland.” The reason for that was out of the rigorous security concerns for Roman Abramovich, an ownership that Murray declares himself “personally diametrically against”. The 77-year-old even argues in his new book, I’d Do It All Again, that the entire issue of modern sportswashing “might have started with Abramovich picking up 20 trophies”. The deeper point is how some of football’s more dignified traditions, such as decency to rival clubs, were cast aside because of far loftier geopolitical concerns. Abramovich was a billionaire with a huge security detail, so that superseded the rest of the game. There is an obvious contrast with a great football figure that has been so celebrated this week, as Murray recounts in his book. The former accountant had taken his 10-year-old son James to see Sunderland’s match at Old Trafford, where Sir Bobby Charlton arranged for him to have his photo taken with the Champions League trophy. “When we played them at the Stadium of Light in the return fixture six months later, Sir Bobby had remembered the photo and handed James the picture. I was very touched by that; he’d showed great kindness and thought. Sir Bobby and his wife, Norma, always treated Sue and me like royalty at Old Trafford. In return, I always made sure I gave him some ham and pease pudding and stottie cake to take home whenever he came to our home games.” While so many of Murray’s stories raise a smile in the same way, it is very quickly apparent on talking to him about the book that this is no mere folksy look at what football used to be. It is about what the game is supposed to be, and what it represents. Drawing on his experience from 20 years as chairman of Sunderland, and having taken them up to the Premier League, Murray feels it is necessary to address the most complicated of themes. “Sportswashing” and the game’s many financial issues come up a lot, as he believes all of this is so damagingly moving the sport away from the community core it is supposed to be about. That ethos is visible in Sunderland’s Stadium of Light itself – with the financially sustainable way it was built seeing Murray brought into the St George’s Park and Wembley projects by the FA – as well as his aims for the book. He has insisted that 100 per cent of the cover prices goes to the Foundation of Light, the club-associated charity he set up “to use the power of football to invest in the communities we serve and to improve the education, health, wellbeing and happiness of people, no matter who they are”. It can be purchased at www.sirbobmurraybook.com. A core of the book of course covers Sunderland’s fortunes, from Roy Keane and the Niall Quinn-led takeover by Drumaville to Peter Reid’s transfers and tribulations, as well as the simple joy of having Kevin Phillips repeatedly lash the ball in after a Quinn knock-down. “It's the pace that things change,” Murray laments. “I think people don't realise it. This league is only 30 years old, it's in its infancy and yet... in 2000 I had the Golden Boot of Europe in Kevin Phillips. That was a wonderful thing to have, a lad that wanted to stay at Sunderland, that was 23 years ago.” It feels impossible now, because of how football’s economic infrastructure has been allowed to change. “It's just accelerating, we're just at the beginning of this journey... it's not going to get any better. We don't have any political leadership on it.” There is naturally a lot of discussion about Sunderland’s greatest rivals. While Murray is highly critical of the Public Investment Fund ownership of Newcastle United, and what it all represents, he believes the path to that point is instructive. He points to a period where both clubs reached agreements with broadcasters. “Where we’d created new shares, Newcastle United did a media deal of their own by selling existing shares to rivals NTL. The Newcastle directors received a lot more money – around £15m for themselves. The difference was it went straight into their pockets, while we took a share dilution so that ours could go straight into building and funding the Academy of Light. (We created new shares, so that the company – the club – got the money; Newcastle sold existing shares so that the directors got the money; then four years later the club bought some more Hall family shares, bringing the Hall income from Newcastle United to £20m. Add in salary packages and dividends paid to all shareholders and you’re looking at £36m to the Halls and £8m to Freddy Shepherd. And this was all before the sale to [Mike] Ashley.) “The receipts from the public flotation of Sunderland AFC all went to pay for the Stadium of Light and the Academy of Light. The receipts from the public flotation of Newcastle United helped pay back the Hall family loans. Sky had paid vast premiums to what the shares were really worth – but all the money went on the Academy of Light, and we had no debt. What do I think? I think we put the club first. Hall and Shepherd’s legacy to Newcastle was to get the highest price. That’s why they had 10 years of Mike Ashley. Now they’re owned by a Saudi. That’s your legacy…” While some would no doubt accuse Murray of jealousy or all the usual claims, that would be to completely misunderstand his perspective. This isn’t just about competing at any cost. It’s about creating something sustainable for the community. “It’s the Newcastle supporters I feel really sad for, they’ve got great tradition and pedigree, great supporters, very passionate, love their club, I'm concerned about them really. That’s what I’m concerned about. I don’t like them on a Saturday 3 o’clock, but after that I've got no problem with them.” He is highly critical of the Premier League’s leadership. “Who knows where it’s going to end? Probably with more clubs losing their soul.” Murray elaborates on this more in a chat about the book. “We've got a fantastic club, lots of youngsters, ladies, great mix, generations, really proper football club and we're very fortunate to have the owner we've got, but I didn't do the book because I'd been in the game so long again, and I did St George's Park and Wembley, I thought I should voice my concerns, that's to the advantage you spend a bit of time and effort on sportswashing, because it's quite new in the north east. That's where I am, I put my head above the parapet really, I didn't write the book to do sportswashing to be truthful. It's the issue isn't it.” Murray hones in on what this is in the book. “Sportswashing presents huge concern for the future. It’s money through the back door that hopefully will be investigated properly. And it goes back to that old chestnut of the supporter not being able to influence the thing he or she loves. In fact, it’s even worse: supporters are now turning their heads and not looking where the cash comes from as long as they are winning trophies or qualifying for Europe – that’s the ultimate triumph of sportswashing.” Speaking now, he brings much of this down to a core driving motivation. “There’s a lot of self interest because we have to win games. But football should be for the good of society. That's what we're all about really isn't it. “It reflects on them, because it's the power of the brand. We can get people to live better lives due to the crest. “That’s what the game's about.” Sir Bob Murray’s book can be bought at www.sirbobmurraybook.com, with 100% of the cover price going to the Foundation of Light Read More Eddie Howe’s tactical move exposes Newcastle weakness in Dortmund ‘lesson’ Newcastle given reality check as summer decision returns to haunt them One of those nights – Eddie Howe bemoans fine margins after Newcastle defeat Eddie Howe’s tactical move exposes Newcastle weakness in Dortmund ‘lesson’ Newcastle given reality check as summer decision returns to haunt them One of those nights – Eddie Howe bemoans fine margins after Newcastle defeat

Newcastle host Borussia Dortmund at St. James’ Park this evening as they aim to win consecutive matches in the Champions League this season. The Magpies defeated Paris Saint-Germain at home last time out in what was their first European top-flight match at St James’ Park in 20 years. Miguel Almiron, Dan Burn, Sean Longstaff and Fabian Schar all got on the scoresheet as Newcastle sent four past the French champions to take control of their group with four matches to play. Eddie Howe’s men are unbeaten in the group stages so far having also draw away at AC Milan in their opener but the face a difficult test against Dortmund tonight. The Bundesliga club have lost just one game in 11 matches all season - away at PSG in their Group F opener - and have scored eight goals in the last four games. They are bottom of the table as it stands and will see tonight’s fixture as a valuable opportunity to get themselves back in the race to reach the knockouts. Follow the action below plus get the latest odds and tips for Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund right here: Read More Newcastle and Dortmund share same glaring hole in their team before Champions League clash Sandro Tonali is the latest victim of football’s double standards

As Jordan Larsson stepped up for that final kick, it felt like Andre Onana was the only person in Old Trafford who was in any way calm. He stood there in a composed manner, as Steve McLaren shouted instructions, and Alejandro Garnacho walked away in the knowledge no one on the pitch had noticed him scuffing the penalty spot. It was as if everyone wanted to exert their will over a set piece that was really just between the kicker and the goalkeeper. There were grander reasons for that. Manchester United needed this win over Copenhagen to possibly progress in the Champions League, and didn’t want to fail on a night that was all about perhaps their greatest ever player. There was also something more personal, that Sir Bobby Charlton would no doubt have appreciated. There was a will that Onana should be the difference, not just that Larsson should miss. It could be sensed in the deafening roar that greeted his save, as the goalkeeper guessed right to send the shot wide. It saved the win on an important night, and could well be an important moment in Onana’s United career. The psychological significance certainly shouldn’t be underestimated. This was what he’d been waiting for. This was the response he needed, the love he required. Because, as Erik ten Hag admitted after the game, Onana knows he hasn’t been at his own best level. It’s obvious his confidence has been affected. There was ironically a reminder of David De Gea, and not just because the Spanish goalkeeper also endured an uncertain start at United way back in 2011. One of the reasons De Gea was ultimately ousted was because of a decline that began in 2018. Having been brilliant for Jose Mourinho that season as a pure shot-stopper, staying deeper, he then went into a Spanish national team that demanded he play out from the back. He couldn’t, and it clearly eroded his self-assurance, to the point that De Gea began to make mistakes he hadn’t for years. That persisted for years more. Onana had meanwhile been largely signed for his footwork, only to not really get to use it to best effect in his first few games. He had been signed too late in the window, and there were too many changes to the defence. Onana didn’t have that chemistry with his centre-halves. It meant he often had to punt the ball long, removing one of the qualities he is most respected for. That obviously began to affect his confidence, to the point he started to make errors that he hadn’t at Internazionale. It was almost a classic negative spiral – that might well have been arrested with that save. That’s why it might have been so big, even beyond the emotional night. There is some symmetry in how United now face Manchester City in the derby this Sunday. Pep Guardiola’s first major move in England was to replace Joe Hart with Claudio Bravo due to the need for good footwork, only for the Chilean to almost immediately start struggling. The first major mishap was in fact at Old Trafford, and that first Manchester derby between Mourinho and Guardiola. Bravo was all over the place, misplaced kicking leading into poor handling, and gifting United a way back into the game. He never really recovered to be City No 1. Although some respectability was restored in how Bravo became a fine cup goalkeeper, he had been usurped by Ederson. There was never that same trust. Guardiola had a theory about how that happened, given that Bravo had previously been a European champion with Barcelona. The Catalan believes that goalkeeper is such an individualised position, leaving the No 1s so isolated, that an early mistake at a big stadium can have long-term effects on their confidence. This is clearly what happened with Bravo. It looked like it might have been happening with Onana. It is entirely possible, however, that Guardiola’s theory can work the other way. A first great moment in a big stadium can have a huge positive effect. It can restore confidence. Ten Hag praised Onana, saying he had “showed personality”. He stood up, by getting down superbly. That didn’t just push away Larsson’s shot but will have temporarily pushed out all memory of so many of the goalkeeper’s recent errors. He will be bolstered by the knowledge of this. Onana showed his value. He secured a win on a night when United needed a victory for all manner of reasons. Two of those were bigger than any one individual, but the moment undeniably meant most to him. Read More Alejandro Garnacho labelled ‘baby’ for scuffing spot before Copenhagen’s penalty miss Erik ten Hag heaps praise on United goalkeeper Andre Onana after penalty heroics Jesus inspires Arsenal while Harry Kane helps Bayern to victory over Galatasaray ‘It was meant to be’: Man Utd dedicate dramatic victory to Sir Bobby Charlton Manchester United vs FC Copenhagen LIVE: Latest Champions League updates Man Utd duo’s heroics offer fitting tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton

Gabriel Jesus has calmed Arsenal fears after picking up an injury in Tuesday night’s Champions League win at Sevilla. Jesus scored Arsenal’s second goal in the 2-1 victory and produced one of his best performances of the season, but left the pitch holding his hamstring. Afterwards, his manager Mikel Arteta sounded concerned, telling TNT Sports: “He straight away asked to be subbed which is not good news because Gabby is not a playing who does that at all, so we will need to wait and see over the next few days.” But Jesus later said: “I felt something. Let’s see. I did some tests with the physio, it looks not that big, but let’s see. I have a scan, maybe tomorrow. I’m pretty sure it will be nothing.” Arteta heaped praise on Jesus the 26-year-old Brazil international, who also provided an assist to compatriot Gabriel Martinelli, taking Arsenal to the top of Group B at the midway point of the pool stage. Jesus, who has now netted 23 times in 41 appearances in Europe’s elite club competition, joined Arsenal after five seasons at fellow Premier League side Manchester City in July last year. When asked if Jesus’s goalscoring record in the Champions League was one of the reasons why Arsenal signed him, Arteta, who served as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at City from 2016-2019, said: “For sure, he’s been through a lot in the last few years and he’s still really young. “He has enormous experiences, and some of them, while not the nicest, they’ve been necessary to (shape) the player he is today. I’m really happy to have him in the team. He came here for a reason; he changed our world. He’s brought so much belief and energy to the team, and he needs to step into those moments. That’s why he played, and he’s done that. “That’s when a player becomes accountable to the team, and the team relies on those players to win games. We need players like this.” Arsenal next host Sheffield United on Saturday in the top-flight before switching their focus to the League Cup on 1 November, when they visit West Ham United in the fourth round. Additional reporting by Reuters Read More Gabriel Jesus has ‘changed our world’ – Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta Mikel Arteta concerned by Gabriel Jesus hamstring injury: ‘Not good news’ Jesus inspires Arsenal while Harry Kane helps Bayern to victory over Galatasaray

Resolve. Perseverance. Redemption. This Manchester United victory may not have been anywhere near as beautiful as any of those Sir Bobby Charlton graced, or indeed that tribute to his life, but it displayed some of the club’s soul that he made famous. Because this was obviously about so much more than just beating FC Copenhagen 1-0 late on, or indeed staying in the competition the club’s legend was most built on. It was certainly about so much more for Andre Onana, who had his first great moment at Manchester United in what was a must-win game. That was maybe what Charlton would have most enjoyed. Doing it when it mattered. A night that started with a gracefully poignant mourning of the great man ended with more appropriate celebration. It ended with deafening and defiant roar, in celebration of a player who has struggled in his first few weeks, in memory of a player who was perhaps the club’s greatest. And a player that has been pilloried and unpicked in Harry Maguire displayed defiance, scoring the winner for a relatively late 1-0 win. Onana then stepped up by getting it done, keeping it at 1-0 in the 96th minute, and keeping United in this great competition. The manner of that may not be how anyone wants this great institution to look right now but it was perseverance, exactly what Charlton, his manager and so many of his teammates would have asked for. The defeated Copenhagen also offered their own memorable contribution to the night beyond a respectable display that made United work, and that final penalty miss by Jordan Larsson. Before the game and throughout, they echoed the Stretford End in singing “there’s only one Bobby Charlton”. The rest of Old Trafford applauded. It should be recognised that wasn’t the sentiment that greeted most of the action. This was mostly another poor performance against a limited team, even if it was a third consecutive victory. Little of it beyond the context will live in the memory. Most would rather forget it. The problem is that it all informs what will be a game that really demands a performance on Sunday, which is the visit of Manchester City for the derby. United will need to be far sharper. Some allowances should be made, of course. Such is the sense of history at United, that these sombre occasions have had the effect of subduing performance. It is as if the beauty of the bagpipes sounding that the club “will never die” makes everyone all too keenly aware of the legacy they are playing for. It happened on the 40th and 50th anniversaries of the Munich air disaster, dates which brought a 1-1 draw at home to Bolton Wanderers and a 2-1 defeat to a pre-Abu Dhabi Manchester City, respectively. One difference was that both of those sides were defending champions so, as with those last two wins, this felt like there was more to it than United feeling the weight of the occasion. It was really like a lot of matches at Old Trafford this season, right down to the way an inferior-resourced opposition side controlled long periods of the game in a way that shouldn’t really have been possible. The only proper action of the first half actually came very quickly after the tributes. Mohamed Elyounoussi just cut through Sofyan Amrabat and Maguire at first, in a way that really shouldn’t have happened, then sending a cross over for Diogo to bounce against the post. If there were initially fears this could become another chaotic back-and-forth like the Galatasaray defeat, it never got that entertaining, certainly in the first half. Other than some moments of spark from Rasmus Hojlund, almost nothing happened. Ten Hag had to try something. Amrabat was removed. That did see United play a bit more directly, seeking to stretch the pitch more. Hojlund again offered constant warnings, and almost won a penalty straight into the second half. Marcus Rashford was even put through on goal, only to take a heavy touch. There were, very gradually, however, some positives. Onana looked at his most assured, making one fine save. It was all the more important since the Champions League has been the stage for arguably two of his biggest errors so far. That, like a lot on the night, made this more important than the individual moment. United’s was soon to come. Christian Eriksen, who came on for Amrabat, made the delivery. Maguire made the impact. The centre-half headed home. United should have been secured. An anxiety remained. It was betrayed by McTominay’s late foul. So much for the midfielder being a constant saviour. It was all just prelude and set-up. Onana stepped up. It was perhaps the most fitting tribute possible. Read More Onana’s big moment can be catalyst to reverse more than one awful run ‘It was meant to be’: Man Utd dedicate dramatic victory to Sir Bobby Charlton Manchester United pay emotional tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton before Copenhagen match Ten Hag lays flowers in centre circle as Man United pay tribute to Bobby Charlton Watch: FC Copenhagen fans chant ‘There’s only one Bobby Charlton’ at Old Trafford Manchester United vs FC Copenhagen LIVE: Latest Champions League updates

Gabriel Jesus will be assessed in the coming days to determine the extent of a hamstring injury picked up during Arsenal’s 2-1 win at Sevilla, as Mikel Arteta admitted the forward’s second-half substitution was “not good news”. Jesus scored a spectacular goal and set up Gabriel Martinelli’s opener in the victory in Spain, which saw the Gunners take control of their Champions League group. But the Brazilian’s fitness is now a major concern ahead of a key run of games in Arsenal’s season. The Gunners host Sheffield United on Saturday before they face trips to West Ham in the Carabao Cup and Newcastle in the Premier League next week. Jesus was substituted in the second half of the Champions League win, having been holding his hamstring moments before the board was held up showing his number. Speaking after the game to TNT Sports, Arteta admitted the injury had prompted the substitution, saying it was “worrying” and that Jesus would be assessed in the next few days to discover the extent of the injury. "He felt something in his hamstring so let’s see,” Arteta said. “He straight away asked to be subbed which is not good news because he’s not a player that does that at all so we’ll have to wait and see in the next few days.” Arsenal’s victory put them top of Group B on six points, with Lens now in second on five points after their 1-1 draw with PSV Eindhoven. Read More Sevilla vs Arsenal LIVE: Latest Champions League updates Mikel Arteta hopes to be talking about football after Arsenal’s trip to Sevilla Mikel Arteta pinpoints moment Arsenal made ‘phenomenal’ response at Chelsea

It is a path less travelled, let alone as quickly, a journey from FC Copenhagen to Sturm Graz, Atalanta to Manchester United, all before his 21st birthday. It was the culmination of an ambition, too, for a boyhood United fan, the realisation of a dream. And yet there were points in a reunion where Rasmus Hojlund could be forgiven for wondering if he had been better off staying put. Not financially, admittedly, with the rewards that come with a £72m price tag, but from a footballing perspective. The more coherent team were Copenhagen, the low-budget overachievers seeming to have more of a plan than the high-budget overachievers but it was tempting to think that if the Danish champions could still call upon their most valuable old boy, they would have won at Old Trafford. Instead, United were victorious, aided by a telling intervention by a Dane. It wasn’t Hojlund, though that is no criticism: there are times when he is the brightest of United’s front three simply a process of excellence but here, as against Galatasaray, it was a consequence of excellence. But it was his compatriot Christian Eriksen who curled in a cross that Harry Maguire converted. Which, along with Andre Onana’s 97th-minute penalty save from Jordan Larsson, averted indignity. Which a draw would have been, given the gulf in resources between the clubs. Hojlund is proof of it. But as his former club, who had led against Galatasaray and Bayern Munich, came within a few inches of going ahead at Old Trafford, there were times when Hojlund had to stand and admire. In different ways, his younger brothers Oscar, a late substitute for Copenhagen, and Emil, who did not make the bench, were spectators. So was the older and more expensive sibling, limited to two touches in the first quarter of an hour, left stranded by United’s impotence. Yet, with the notable exception of Maguire’s decider, everything they did right thereafter in attack revolved around him. Which, in itself, may have been an indictment of others. Pivotal as centre-forwards can be, United looked over-reliant on one whose name, this time last year, may have simply seemed a failed attempt to spell Haaland. And the Norwegian, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had been keen to point out, was a player he advised United to sign for £4m, five years before they got Hojlund for 18 times as much. But in the Hojlund derby, the forward United did get to show a sharpness. He came alive in the final third in a manner to suggest that his teammates needed to give him more of the ball. After that uneventful first 15 minutes, he rifled a half-volley over the bar. His backheel almost released Scott McTominay to shoot. He teed up Eriksen when his fellow Dane had a shot well saved. When an offside Marcus Rashford was brought down by goalkeeper Kamil Grabara, he had raced on to Hojlund’s pass. When Alejandro Garnacho came close, it was because Hojlund led a break. When Elias Jelert was required to clear off his line, it was because Hojlund met Bruno Fernandes’ header with a deft piece of chest control. It was a sign of resourcefulness, an ability to make something out of nothing. Which, at times, was just as well, given his supply line. Neither winger is a crosser. Antony, as even those who have spent decades stranded on tiny islands in the Pacific Ocean know, will try and cut inside and shoot with his left foot. Rashford, too, has designs on being more of a scorer than a supplier. Hojlund spent some of the first half acting as the creator for McTominay, the ungainly auxiliary No 10. But United had more footballing craft with Eriksen on. He is the technician while Hojlund’s physical attributes form part of his appeal. He has got a wiry strength. He is a rangy runner with a turn of pace. He has an eager willingness that stands him in good stead. The raw materials are there. Yet the concern is that too few signings have improved at United in the last decade; it is just a coincidence of negotiating that Hojlund’s fee is very similar to Jadon Sancho’s but the exiled winger is proof United’s best-laid plans can go wrong. The feeling at Old Trafford now is that Hojlund has a high ceiling: higher even than Randal Kolo Muani, another on their summer striking shortlist and who ended up costing Paris Saint-Germain more. Thus far, he has a relatively low goal return: just three in 10 games for United. For both his first and current clubs, he has been more prolific in Europe. He never scored in the Danish Superliga. He has not struck in the Premier League, either: outscored by Diogo Dalot on domestic duty, his goals have been confined to Europe. Yet he kicked off as the Champions League’s joint top scorer, the product of a strike against Bayern and a brace against Galatasaray. Even as he drew a blank against Copenhagen, Hojlund added to the impression that he belongs on this stage. But as United laboured to victory, they scarcely offered compelling evidence they will still be in the Champions League after Christmas. Read More Manchester United pay emotional tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton before Copenhagen match Ten Hag lays flowers in centre circle as Man United pay tribute to Bobby Charlton Watch: FC Copenhagen fans chant ‘There’s only one Bobby Charlton’ at Old Trafford Manchester United vs FC Copenhagen LIVE: Latest Champions League updates Harry Maguire and Andre Onana heroics offer fitting tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton Man United fans cover Bobby Charlton statue with flowers and scarves ahead of match

Arsenal look to respond after their shock defeat to Lens in the last round of the Champions League group stages when they travel to Spain to take on Sevilla. Mikel Arteta’s side got their campaign up and running with a comprehensive win over PSV but were brought crashing down to earth with a 2-1 loss in France - their only defeat of the season so far - to leave them second in the group. Sevilla have two draws from their opening two group games but have endured a torrid start to their domestic campaign, with Jose Luis Mendilibar sacked during the international break. Diego Alonso is the new man in the reigning Europa League champions’ dugout and got off to a solid start after a hard-fought 1-1 home draw against Real Madrid on Saturday. Here’s everything you need to know about the fixture, plus all the latest betting tips here. When is Sevilla vs Arsenal The match will kick off at 8pm BST on Tuesday 24 October at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium. How can I watch it? It will be shown live on TNT Sports, with coverage starting from 7:45pm. TNT Sports subscribers can also stream the match on Discovery+. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events then you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. What is the team news? Sevilla have only two likely injury concerns with backup keeper Alfonso Pastor and striker Mariano Diaz dealing with knee and thigh niggles respectively. Arsenal, too, have relatively few injury concerns with several key players returning in recent weeks. Jurien Timber remains a long-term absentee with any rotation likely to be tactical rather than enforced. Predicted line-ups Sevilla: Nyland; Navas, Gudelj, Ramos, Acuna; Sow, Soumare, Rakitic; Lamela, En-Nesyri, Ocampos. Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Odegaard, Rice, Partey; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli. Odds Sevilla - 16/5 Draw - 11/4 Arsenal - 4/5 Prediction A narrow hard-earned away victory for Mikel Arteta’s side against their inconsistent Spanish opponents. Sevilla 1-2 Arsenal. Read More Erik ten Hag: Sir Bobby Charlton will always remain an inspiration to Man Utd Is Manchester United vs Copenhagen on TV? Channel, time and how to watch Pep Guardiola admits winning treble has taken toll on Manchester City We’re after seven teams – Unai Emery plays down Villa’s Champions League chances Newcastle boss Eddie Howe praises ‘ultimate professional’ Jacob Murphy Newcastle romp to victory over Crystal Palace