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Ten Hag has spent £100m trying to replace Maguire… but stats prove England ace is easily Man Utd’s best centre-back

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Ten Hag has spent £100m trying to replace Maguire... but stats prove England ace is easily Man Utd's best centre-back

ERIK TEN HAG has forked out £100MILLION trying to replace Harry Maguire – but the stats prove he is still Manchester United’s best centre-back.

Ten Hag ensured he was reunited with his ex-Ajax defenders as United chiefs paid £56.7m for Lisandro Martinez in 2022, before splashing £42.7m on Matthijs de Ligt this summer.

Harry Maguire is United's most in-form centre-back

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Harry Maguire is United’s most in-form centre-back
This comes after Erik ten Hag has spent just shy of £100m on his replacements

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This comes after Erik ten Hag has spent just shy of £100m on his replacements
Lisandro Martinez was adored by fans in his first season - but has since fallen out of favour

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Lisandro Martinez was adored by fans in his first season – but has since fallen out of favour

But the data SunSport has gathered shows that Maguire is actually by far and away the most in-form centre-half at Old Trafford.

After a solid debut season in Manchester, Maguire soon faced the wrath of fans, becoming a figure of fun for rivals and a soft touch for the experts after some questionable performances.

The fact that the England ace – who arrived from Leicester for £80m – was automatically handed the club captaincy by Ole Gunnar Solkajaer didn’t help his case.

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He was soon stripped of the armband by Ten Hag in June 2023 – being replaced by Bruno Fernandes, after falling behind the first-choice pairing of Martinez and Raphael Varane.

And United even agreed to sell Maguire to West Ham last summer – before the former Sheffield United defender vowed to fight for his place.

And he’s done just that, proving that he’s arguably still the best centre-back at Ten Hag’s disposal.

In fact, Maguire has beaten Martinez and De Ligt in nine out of 13 stat categories recorded in all competitions so far this term.

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Maguire has won the most duels with 5.3 per 90 minutes, compared to Martinez’s 2.9 and De Ligt’s 4.8.

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Matthijs de Ligt has failed to hit the mark after joining from Bayern this summer

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Matthijs de Ligt has failed to hit the mark after joining from Bayern this summer

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The England star also came out on top in interceptions won, possession won, and successful completed passes (61.81) per 90.

And he’s level with De Ligt in terms of goals scored (one) and total shots, despite starting four matches in all competitions this term.

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Martinez comes out on top only in tackles made and won – which is synonymous with his “Butcher” reputation.

The Argentine enjoyed an impressive debut season in 2022-23 but his form significantly dropped after recovering from surgery on his metatarsal bone last summer.

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Both Maguire and Martinez were in-and-out of the matchday squad last term, as United suffered an unprecedented number of defensive injuries and recorded a negative goal difference for the first time in Prem history.

Maguire started the first two Prem games this season, but was dropped for a mistake during Danny Welbeck‘s opener in their 2-1 defeat at Brighton.

New signing De Ligt was brought in to start instead but has come under intense scrutiny for his own performances.

Particularly in United’s 3-0 home defeat to Spurs and the 3-3 Porto game where the Red Devils again lost a 2-0 lead.

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Club legend Paul Scholes has frequently said: “I’m not convinced De Ligt is better than Maguire.”

Maguire was brought on in the final 10 minutes in the Europa League in Portugal when United trailed 3-2 – before his headed winner saved Ten Hag’s job at the death.

The 31-year-old and Jonny Evans were then trusted to start against Aston Villa, replacing De Ligt and Martinez – who many assumed would be the first-choice pairing going forward.

But Maguire faced yet another setback after suffering a fresh calf injury and left Villa Park in a protective boot, after he was replaced by De Ligt at half-time.

People scoffed at Maguire starting against Unai Emery’s side but Ten Hag will see his temporary loss as a big one.

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Bukayo Saka: England and Arsenal winger withdraws from squad to face Finland

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Bukayo Saka: England and Arsenal winger withdraws from squad to face Finland

Bukayo Saka has withdrawn from the England squad for Sunday’s Nations League game against Finland and returned to Arsenal for further assessment.

The 23-year-old winger was substituted early in the second half against Greece on Thursday after picking up an injury in his right leg.

Saka has been an ever-present for Arsenal so far this season, scoring three goals in 10 appearances in all competitions.

The Gunners first match after the international break is away at Bournemouth on 19 October.

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Liverpool’s uncapped midfielder Curtis Jones, who was added to the England squad earlier this week, has also withdrawn because of a personal commitment.

The remaining squad of 22 players will train at Tottenham’s training ground before flying to Helsinki on Saturday afternoon.

Lee Carsley’s side are second in League B Group 2 with six points from their opening three matches.

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Wales striker Kieffer Moore says Iceland opening shows they are on track

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Wales striker Kieffer Moore says Iceland opening shows they are on track


Wales striker Kieffer Moore believes the first half against Iceland on Friday showed everything they are trying to achieve under new manager Craig Bellamy.

Goals from Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson capped a dominant opening period for Wales in the Nations League game in Reykjavik.

The second half was in stark contrast, as Wales crumbled to allow the hosts to come back to make it 2-2 and were perhaps fortunate to escape with a draw after Iceland hit the post late on.

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“First half it showed what we’re about and what we’re working on. Everything came off and that was our identity – that’s how we should play,” said Moore, who led the line in Reykjavik.

“Second half we just lost a little bit of it. Iceland are no mugs. They’re a good team and when you give a team like that a foothold in the game they can take advantage, which is obviously what they did.

“But a point away from home is still a good result and we remain unbeaten.”



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Wayne Rooney was even wilder as a kid – I remember him fighting my team-mate on the pitch and getting sent off

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Wayne Rooney was even wilder as a kid - I remember him fighting my team-mate on the pitch and getting sent off

WAYNE ROONEY certainly hit the headlines throughout his football career.

But a Manchester United goalkeeper claims he was even wilder as a kid before his big breakthrough – and once got sent off for fighting.

Wayne Rooney was never afraid to show his aggression on the football field

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Wayne Rooney was never afraid to show his aggression on the football fieldCredit: Reuters
He picked up eight red cards as a professional - but was also sent off in youth football

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He picked up eight red cards as a professional – but was also sent off in youth footballCredit: PA:Press Association

Rooney, now 38, came through the youth ranks at Everton – bursting on to the scene aged 16 with his dramatic winner against Arsenal in 2002.

However, he was causing a stir among academy football years earlier.

Tom Heaton started out at United while Rooney was breaking records at Everton.

And the shot-stopper – now back at Old Trafford towards the end of his career after spells with Cardiff, Bristol City, Burnley and Aston Villa – has vivid memories of facing the young striker.

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Heaton, also 38, told ManUtd.com: “I played against him a number of times when he was at Everton.

“We were obviously the same age and he was even more wild when he was younger, I think!

“I can remember now, we played away, I think we were Under-14s or Under-15s, and him and our centre-half were fighting on the pitch – and I literally mean fighting!

“Both got red cards, so I sort of knew of him at the time.

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“He was obviously an incredible player with incredible ability, but he also had that fiery temperament, so yeah, [I’ve got] some real interesting memories of him.”

Rooney never lacked confidence or aggression on the football field.

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He earned a £27million transfer to Manchester United in 2004 and went on to become the club’s all-time record goalscorer with 253 goals in 559 appearances.

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The forward and former captain lifted 12 major honours with the Red Devils including five Premier Leagues and the Champions League.

But his no-nonsense approach often landed him in hot water with referees, rivals and even his own boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Rooney racked up eight red cards during his playing days, most famously in the 2006 World Cup quarter-finals against Portugal.

And he continues to feel the wrath of the officials as a manager.

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The former Derby, DC United and Birmingham boss is now in charge at Plymouth.

And just last weekend, he picked up his first red card as a gaffer.

Rooney was furious Blackburn’s late equaliser was allowed to stand and his comments protesting to the officials and James Linington brandished the red.

The ex-England skipper had the last laugh, though, as his Plymouth side snatched a 97th-minute winner.

And Rooney revealed he went crazy out of sight in incredible scenes.

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He told talkSPORT: “Me and the club secretary in the tunnel were celebrating, I broke his glasses celebrating.

“So the win was a deserved win, but sometimes it boils over a little bit and that’s the nature of football.”

He added: “It was my first time as a manager [getting sent off].

“I think as a manager or a head coach, decisions happen on the pitch and looking back, it’s a free kick, so the goal shouldn’t have stood.

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“In the Championship you don’t have VAR so the officials missed it and your emotions kick in and you know, I’m a passionate person, we want to win.

“We worked extremely hard to win the game and to have that taken away by what I feel was a mistake by the officials, I felt was really harsh.

“I reacted in a manner in which I shouldn’t have and the red card was deserved.”

Rooney made his mark with the winner against Arsenal in 2002

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Rooney made his mark with the winner against Arsenal in 2002Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
He picked up the first red card of his managerial career last weekend

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He picked up the first red card of his managerial career last weekendCredit: Rex

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Nations League: Micahel O’Neill says goalkeepers can ‘stake a claim’ for NI after Bailey Peacock-Farrell injury

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Nations League: Micahel O'Neill says goalkeepers can 'stake a claim' for NI after Bailey Peacock-Farrell injury

Northern Ireland are not just without their first-choice goalkeepers but have also lost Sunderland defender Dan Ballard and Leyton Orient midfielder Ethan Galbraith to injury.

While Rangers attacker Ross McCausland remains with the group ahead of Tuesday’s home game with Bulgaria, he will not feature in Hungary.

The contest provides Northern Ireland with a chance to restore momentum after last month’s loss to Bulgaria in Plovdiv.

Aside from that defeat, the team’s only other reverse of 2024 came at the hands of European champions Spain, but O’Neill believes the disappointing 1-0 Bulgaria defeat could prove instructive on Saturday.

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“They’ll provide a stiff test for us,” he said of Belarus.

“It won’t be dissimilar to the game probably in Bulgaria where we dealt with a more experienced team.

“We had to deal with the physicality, particularly in the early part of the game, but ultimately we came out on the wrong side of a 1-0 result. We want to make sure we address that.”

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Chris Eubank Jr EXACT fight time tonight: When is boxing icon facing Kamil Szeremeta?

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Chris Eubank Jr EXACT fight time tonight: When is boxing icon facing Kamil Szeremeta?

BOXING lovers will finally get to see Chris Eubank Jr in action once again tonight – and SunSport can reveal the EXACT time he will step foot in the ring.

It was a successful outing for Eubank Jr when he last fought as the American ace beat Liam Smith during a September 2023 bought.

Chris Eubank Jr (L) makes his long-awaited return tonight

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Chris Eubank Jr (L) makes his long-awaited return tonightCredit: Getty

And the TKO triumph was revenge from when Smith beat him earlier that year.

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Now more than a year later, Eubank Jr is all set to face Kamil Szeremeta who is undefeated in his last six encounters.

Furthermore, the Polish powerhouse is

But fans are itching to know exactly when they can see Eubank Jr as his fight features on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol.

Read more on Chris Eubank Jr

What time is Chris Eubank Jr fighting tonight?

  • Chris Eubank Jr vs Kamil Szeremeta will get underway at approximately 9:15pm BST.
  • Ring-walk times are expected to be around 9pm BST – 4pm ET and 8pm locally.
  • Kingdom Arena in Riyadh is the chosen venue and it can host approximately 26,000 spectators.
  • The fight will be 12 rounds in the Middleweight division
  • It is scheduled to be on the undercard of the championship match between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.

What is the full card?

  • Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol; For the IBF, WBC, WBO and WBA light heavyweight titles
  • Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Kamil Szeremeta; Middleweight
  • Fabio Wardley vs. Frazer Clarke; For Wardley’s British heavyweight title
  • Jai Opetaia vs. Jack Massey; For Opetaia’s IBF cruiserweight title 
  • Ben Whittaker vs. Liam Cameron; Light heavyweight
  • Skye Nicolson vs. Raven Chapman; For Nicolson’s WBC women’s featherweight title 
  • Mohammaed Alakel vs. Jesus Gonzalez; Lightweight

What has been said?

Chris Eubank Jr has revealed what “turns him on” about boxing ahead of his huge fight against Kamil Szeremeta.

The American ace said “I loved the competition. I love the challenge. I have a guy in front of me and he’s trying to take me out and I’ve been trying to take him out.

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“And who’s going to get to it first? Who’s going to land that first punch? That was always just sexy to me. And it just turned me on. I don’t know why.”

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UFC Vegas 98 Results: Royval vs. Taira

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UFC Vegas 98 Results: Royval vs. Taira

MMA Fighting has UFC Vegas 98 results for the Royval vs. Taira fight card, a live blog for the main event, and more from UFC APEX in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

In the main event, recent title challenger Brandon Royval hopes to hold on to his spot in the contender line when he fights the undefeated Tatsuro Taira. “Raw Dawg” bounced back from a disappointing loss to flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja with a narrow split decision win over two-time champion Brandon Moreno this past February.

Taira, who doesn’t turn 25 until January, has taken the UFC flyweight division by storm, winning his first six fights for the promotion to improve his overall record to 16-0. He scored the biggest win of his career in his most recent fight, defeating one-time title challenger Alex Perez when an injury ended Perez’s night in Round 2.

Royval is currently tied for the No. 2 spot at flyweight in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, with Taira looking to climb up from No. 8.

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In the penultimate bout of the evening, Brad Tavares makes his UFC middleweight record 25th appearance when he takes on “The Iron Turtle” Jun Yong Park.

Check out UFC Vegas 98 results below.

Main Card (7 p.m. ET, ESPN+)

Brandon Royval vs. Tatsuro Taira

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Brad Tavares vs. Jun Yong Park

Chidi Njokuani vs. Jared Gooden

Grant Dawson vs. Rafa Garcia

Daniel Rodriguez vs. Alex Morono

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Preliminary Card (4 p.m. ET, ESPN+)

CJ Vergara vs. Ramazan Temirov

Jonathan Pearce vs. Pat Sabatini

Themba Gorimbo vs. Niko Price

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Julia Polastri vs. Cory McKenna

Junior Tafa vs. Sean Sharaf

Dan Argueta vs. Cody Haddon

Clayton Carpenter vs. Lucas Rocha

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