Watch out Ryan Reynolds! World heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury challenges Deadpool to a fight following Wrexham’s 6-0 mauling of Morecambe

Wrexham co-chairman Ryan Reynolds had better watch out as world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has challenged Deadpool to a fight.

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Red Dragons eased to victory over the ShrimpsLancashire native wants to exact revengeMarvel superhero called out by the 'Gypsy King'WHAT HAPPENED?

The enigmatic boxing superstar has reacted to Wrexham’s 6-0 mauling of Morecambe in their latest League Two fixture – with Fury a native of the Lancashire town. He has previously launched a bid to complete a takeover of the seaside-based outfit, which would have put him in direct competition with Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in the chairmanship stakes.

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For now, Fury wants to exact revenge of sorts by squaring up to Reynolds’ famous Deadpool character in the ring. He has asked his loyal legion of social media followers to choose who would win in a fight if he were to trade blows with the Marvel superhero.

InstagramTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Fury had revealed back in September, after seeing Wrexham join Morecambe in League Two, that he intended to “call out Ryan Reynolds” when attending a meeting between the two clubs. He has been as good as his word, with the larger-than-life 35-year-old currently readying himself for a unification fight against Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia on February 17, 2024.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Wrexham will face Morecambe again shortly after that battle in the Middle East – on March 9 – with it possible that Fury will be in attendance at Mazuma Mobile Stadium. Until then, he is reflecting on a crushing defeat for the Shrimps that saw Red Dragons striker Paul Mullin add another hat-trick to his collection.

Adidas Predator: Accelerator, Mania & every edition of world-famous boots

One of the most iconic football boots is making a comeback in 2018 and Goal takes a look back at the evolution of Adidas' famous range

adidas Archive/studio waldeck1Adidas Predator 18 Team Mode (2018)

Four years after its discontinuation, the Predator was reborn in 2018 with the launch of the new Predator 18 Team Mode.

The Predator 18 has revived the traditional look which characterised the range throughout the 2000s, but care has been taken to bring the boot into the modern era, with a 'PrimeKnit' and 'ControlSkin' textile upper, as well as a sockfit collar to improve stability.

Recalling past ventures, the front and sides of the boot feature a ridged texture, but the tongue remains a thing of the past.

World Cup winner Paul Pogba is the face of the new era of Predator boots, following in the footsteps of his compatriot Zidane.

Advertisementadidas Archive/studio waldeck2Adidas Predator Instinct (2014)

There were even more daring alterations made to the Adidas Predator in 2014 with the release of the Instinct in the lead up to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The boot, which borrowed from the F50 range in terms of the synthetic material used, was used by stars such as Angel Di Maria.

The design of the Predator Instinct featured white hexagonal shapes on a black background, with three orange stripes on the sides.

adidas Archive/studio waldeck3Adidas Predator Lethal Zones (2012)

After the release of the Predator X, the old style was very much left in the past and Adidas began to explore new innovations in their Predator Range.

In 2012 they released the Predator Lethal Zones (or LZ), which was totally unlike any of its predecessors in design.

In fact, since they used the same 'SprintFrame' technology and stud configuration, the Predator LZs were more similar to the new F50 and adiPure ranges.

The 'Lethal Zones' alluded to in the boot's name were five distinct sections of the shoe: first touch, dribble, drive, pass and sweet spot, which were each optimised for the different areas of the game.

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adidas Archive/studio waldeck4Adidas Predator X (2010)

Drastic changes came in 2010 as Adidas launched their 10th edition of the range: Predator X.

The tongue, which had been a unique feature of the range for the duration of the previous decade, was removed completely, with the laces partially hidden, which was said to improve the control of the ball

As with the Powerswerve, rubber strips were not present and the front of the boot featured a single area of foam.

Liverpool player ratings vs Newcastle: Deadly Darwin Nunez digs out disastrous Reds defence as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk turn in terrible showings

The Reds appeared doomed to defeat after going a goal and a man down at St James' Park, but the Uruguayan sub turned the game on its head

Darwin Nunez came off the bench to earn 10-man Liverpool a dramatic 2-1 victory at Newcastle on Sunday afternoon with a sensational late double that left St James Park in a state of shock.

The Reds looked to have gifted their hosts three points during a three-minute, first-half implosion that saw Anthony Gordon open the scoring after an atrocious error from Trent Alexander-Arnold before Virgil van Dijk got himself sent off for taking out Alexander Isak on the edge of the area.

However, Newcastle failed to kill the game, with Alisson making a stunning save from Miguel Almiron, who also struck the post with a second-half effort.

Liverpool grew in confidence the longer the game wore on, with Jurgen Klopp's changes making a big impact on the proceedings – none more so than Nunez, who took advantage of Sven Botman error to level matters before then producing another excellent finish after being slipped through by Mohamed Salah in injury-time.

GOAL rates Liverpool's players from St James' Park…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Alisson Becker (8/10):

Betrayed by his back-line once again for the goal but kept Liverpool in the game with the save of the season so far, when he somehow managed to deflect Almiron's close-range drive onto the bar.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (2/10):

Lucky not to have been sent off early on, after fouling Gordon just moments after picking up a needless booking for flicking the ball away, and then gifted Newcastle the opener by mis-controlling a simple pass from Salah in midfield. Even his usually precise passing was off.

Joel Matip (7/10):

Drafted into the starting line-up because of an injury to Konate and acquitted himself well during a heroic rearguard action.

Virgil van Dijk (2/10):

Shocking from the skipper, with Van Dijk stupidly getting himself sent off for going through Isak just outside the area. No chance of this red card being overturned.

Andy Robertson (6/10):

Played with his usual level of passion and tenacity, and also saw plenty of the ball down the left flank even after Van Dijk's dismissal, though if his end product wasn't great.

AdvertisementGetty Midfield

Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10):

Started very brightly, looking more than capable of making something happen with his passing and forays forward, but his threat was unsurprisingly curbed after the red card. He never stopped fighting, though, and deserved to end up on the winning team.

Wataru Endo (6/10):

Used the ball well and covered a huge amount of ground in a desperate attempt to keep Newcastle at bay before being taken off, exhausted, just before the hour mark.

Alexis Mac Allister (6/10):

Put himself about, making numerous interceptions and challenges before running out of steam in the closing stages.

Getty Attack

Mohamed Salah (6/10):

Saw so little of the ball for long periods but he worked tirelessly for the cause and his effort was rewarded when Nunez finished off his late through-ball emphatically.

Cody Gakpo (5/10):

Had a half-chance shortly before the break but never looked like scoring at any stage, so it was no surprise to see him subbed.

Luis Diaz (5/10):

The unlucky forward to be withdrawn immediately after the red card. It was a real shame, too, as Diaz had gone closest to scoring for Liverpool, after a characteristically mazy dribble into the area.

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GettySubs & Manager

Joe Gomez (7/10):

Came on in place of Van Dijk and did enough to suggest that he should prove a decent replacement for the now-suspended Dutchman.

Harvey Elliott (6/10):

Replaced Endo shortly after the interval and injected some much-needed energy to a flagging midfield.

Diogo Jota (6/10):

Somewhat surprisingly dropped to the bench after netting against Bournemouth last week but was introduced in the 58th minute and added a different dimension to the forward line.

Darwin Nunez (9/10):

Only took over up front for the last 13 minutes of the game but earned Liverpool an incredible victory with two absolutely fantastic finishes that will do wonders for his confidence after starting the first three games of the season on the bench.

Jarell Quansah (N/A):

Brought on alongside Nunez late on and didn't look overawed at all.

Jurgen Klopp (8/10):

Credit it where it's due, Klopp's bold and offensive substitutions paid off spectacularly, and you could see how much this victory meant to him at full-time. Sensational.

'Devastated' Thiago Silva apologises to Chelsea fans in emotional message after awful error gifts Newcastle goal in 4-1 defeat

A "devastated" Thiago Silva apologised to Chelsea fans in an emotional message after an awful error gifted Newcastle a goal in a 4-1 defeat.

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Silva issues apology after silly errorChelsea convincingly beaten by NewcastleBlues drop to 10th spotWHAT HAPPENED?

The defender was at fault after a critical error led to Joelinton's goal that helped the Magpies to further extend their lead. Silva's sloppy pass was cut off by his compatriot and Joelinton made no mistake to score past a helpless Robert Sanchez between the sticks.

AdvertisementWHAT THIAGO SILVA SAID

Silva posted an emotional message after the defeat which read: "I'm devastated. It wasn't a good day for us. I would like to apologise to everyone for the defeat, especially to my teammates who believe in me and support me every day. I take full responsibility. Let's gather strength and come back stronger."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

After coming out second-best to an injury-ravaged Newcastle, Mauricio Pochettino was naturally left "upset". Alexander Isak scored the opener but Raheem Sterlingensured that they were back on level terms soon after scoring a brilliant free kick. However, after the break, the Magpies upped the ante and Jamaal Lascelles made the most of the inspired start and put his team back in the lead. After Silva's howler, things went further south for Chelsea as Reece James was handed his marching orders. Ten minutes later, Anthony Gordon scored the fourth of the match for Newcastle to seal a memorable evening for the fans at St. James' Park.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR THIAGO SILVA?

Silva is one of the leaders in the dressing room and became the oldest player to ever feature for the Blues at 39 years and 64 days when he was named in the starting XI against Newcastle. The centre-back will look to put this disappointment on the back burner and move ahead as Chelsea are set to host Brighton next on December 3.

The best Premier League fantasy football goalkeepers for 2021-22

Goal looks at some of the top picks to take the No.1 shirt for your FPL team in the new season

With the 2021-22 Premier League season just around the corner it's an exciting time for all fantasy football managers as you piece together your squad for the new campaign.

As always, the FPL game requires the selection of two goalkeepers, with it being vitally important that at least one of your two picks is a regular starter for their club.

Should you need assistance with who to opt for, Goal has listed some of the best goalkeepers available, and the price they'll set you back, while you can also check out our ultimate guide for more hints, tips and advice.

Stay up to date with all the latest Fantasy Premier League team news

Getty Images1Alisson | Liverpool | £6m

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson is the joint most expensive goalkeeper on the game and although he conceded more than in any other season with the Reds last term, it should be a different story in 2021-22.

Indeed, the return of Virgil van Dijk should prove significant in boosting their chances of more clean sheets this campaign, with the club's Brazilian No.1, who had his own injury issues, looking to improve on his 140-point haul from last season – only the joint-sixth best in the league.

AdvertisementPuma2Ederson | Manchester City | £6m

Another of the joint most expensive goalkeepers on the game, the beauty of having Ederson in your team is that he's very rarely rotated out of the starting XI.

Indeed, Pep Guardiola is renowned for chopping and changing his team from game to game although the Brazilian, who has won the Premier League Golden Glove award two years in a row, should rack up a more than healthy match total.

Getty Images3Edouard Mendy | Chelsea | £6m

Edouard Mendy had an impressive first season in English football, with the Chelsea goalkeeper having established himself as the No.1 at Stamford Bridge under both Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel.

He scored 140 points in the 2020-21 season, keeping 16 clean sheets, and he looks an appealing option heading into the new campaign, with Chelsea having looked increasingly assured at the back under their German head coach. 

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Getty Images4Emiliano Martinez | Aston Villa | £5.5m

Alongside Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martinezproved to be Argentina's hero at the Copa America and that won't have come as a surprise to Fantasy Premier League fans, given his incredible domestic campaign with Aston Villa.

The 28-year-old was the highest-scoring goalkeeper in the game in 2020-21, recording 186 points – and 27 bonus points – just one point short of Brad Friedel's record FPL haul.

Huge Chelsea injury blow! Why Thiago Silva could miss Carabao Cup final clash against Liverpool

Veteran Chelsea defender Thiago Silva could miss out on playing in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool on Sunday.

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Silva doubtful for Carabao Cup finalSuffered groin injury against Crystal PalaceMissed playing against Man City last weekendWHAT HAPPENED?

Thiago Silva, who picked up a groin injury during Chelsea's 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on February 12, is yet to fully recover from his knock and is doubtful to feature in the Blues' upcoming Carabao Cup final against Liverpool on Sunday.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Ahead of their clash with Manchester City last weekend, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino had confirmed that the Brazilian was ruled out of action against the reigning Premier League champions. He further claimed that the defender's condition was assessed on a daily basis.

In the absence of the 39-year-old, Axel Disasi and Levi Colwill paired up in central defence. The young defensive duo had an impressive outing, with Disasi declared the Man of the Match.

DID YOU KNOW?

Since joining the Blues, former Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan defender Silva has featured in three domestic cup finals – FA Cup in 2021 and 2022 and Carabao Cup in 2022 – and has lost in all of them.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR THIAGO SILVA?

It remains to be seen if the Brazil international will recover in time to take the field at Wembley on Sunday. With his contract expiring at the end of the current season, the Carabao Cup final could be his last chance to win a trophy with Chelsea.

Bowling a serious concern for Hampshire

ESPNcricinfo looks at Hampshire’s chances in 2015

Alex Winter01-Apr-2015Last season
In: Andre Adams (Nottinghamshire, player-coach), Gareth Berg (Middlesex), Fidel Edwards (Kolpak)
Out: David Balcombe (Surrey), Michael Bates, Ruel Brathwaite (both released), Matt Coles (Kent)
Overseas: Jackson Bird, Yasir Arafat
2014 in a nutshell
Hampshire finally won promotion at the third attempt. They always seemed too good for Division Two and in 2014 largely played like it, only losing once; three rain-affected draws kept them close to the pack. There has never been a question over Hampshire’s batting – three players topped 1000 Championship runs last season – including Will Smith who proved an excellent signing – but it was the bowling attack that stepped up with Matt Coles taking 41 wickets and Kyle Abbott proving a shrewd overseas signing with 36 scalps at just 20.33 in his nine matches. Hampshire coped surprisingly well when Abbott was unavailable for the final five fixtures, winning three of them to seal the title. Another T20 semi-final was rather par for the course but they lost comfortably.2015 prospects
Unfortunately the bowling attack that won Hampshire promotion has been broken up with Kyle Abbott only a possible to return late in the season and Matt Coles curiously departing back to Kent. Australian Jackson Bird is a quality operator but with the county season so congested and Bird’s history, his fitness must be a concern. How effective a 33-year-old Fidel Edwards, long since cast aside by West Indies (and only arriving in late July), or 39-year-old Andre Adams will be remains to be seen. It all adds up to significant doubt over whether Hampshire have the bowling to compete in Division One. Survival will be a good achievement in their 150th year. Hampshire fans have become accustomed to a jaunt to T20 Finals Day and they should be very strong in the shortest format once again. Power brokers
Hampshire have a considerable coaching staff with Giles White at the helm. Dale Benkenstein arrived from Durham last season to become first XI coach and this season Andre Adams, the veteran New Zealander, has joined as player-coach. Jimmy Adams remains club captain, a job he has held since 2012, but James Vince has been appointed 50-over captain, adding to the 20-over remit he took on last season. The extra responsibility served Vince well as he enjoyed his best T20 season for three years.Key player
Will Smith has enjoyed a fine career – part of four Championship winning side – without being a consistent performer but his move to Hampshire could address that. He made 1000 Championship runs in a season for the first time last year and proved a calm, steady player that more lavish strokemakers could build around. That is a sound template to take up to Division One and Smith will again have a crucial role to play if Hampshire are to survive. His offspin has also proved very useful.Bright young thing
Hampshire need a bowler to make a breakthrough in the Championship this season and 24-year-old Chris Wood could be the man. A brisk left-armer, Wood has delivered in one-day cricket, closing out big matches, but injury has stalled his progress with the red ball. When he regained fitness for the final four matches of last season he took 15 wickets at 16.80, suggesting he could become a key member of the Championship attack.ESPNcricinfo verdict
There does not appear enough bite in Hampshire’s bowling to match some of the fancied sides in Division One but their batting should make them competitive and a mid-table finish is well within their reach. But it would be no surprise if they are in a relegation scrap. Hampshire should be there or thereabouts once again in T20 and they should bounce back from last season’s aberration in the 50-over competition.Bet365 odds
LV= Championship, Div 1: 11-1, NatWest T20 Blast: 6-1, Royal London Cup: 10/1

Neymar & Mbappe in perfect harmony! Winners, losers & ratings as PSG edge out Marseille in Le Classique

Kylian Mbappe and Neymar combined for the only goal of the game as Paris Saint-Germain ran out 1-0 winners against Marseille in Ligue 1.

Kylian Mbappe and Neymar’s relationship at PSG has been questioned this season but there was no doubt the two attackers were in perfect harmony in Sunday’s win over Marseille at the Parc des Princes.

Lionel Messi was back in the starting XI for the hosts after recovering from injury, but it was his two attacking team-mates who stole the headlines in a 1-0 win for Christophe Galtier’s side.

PSG started brightly but were pegged back by a lively Marseille outfit. However, the game turned just before half-time when Mbappe teed up Neymar to break the deadlock.

Marseille's night then went from bad to worse when after the break when substitute Samuel Gigot was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Neymar.

The sending-off allowed PSG to see out the game relatively comfortably and make it nine wins from 11 games so far in Ligue 1 this season.

GettyThe Winners

Neymar:

PSG found it tough going at times in the first half against Marseille but went in at the break 1-0 up when Neymar scored just minutes before the half-time whistle.

The Brazilian had earlier missed a good chance to break the deadlock but made no mistake second time around after a good pass from Kylian Mbappe.

Neymar now has nine goals in nine Ligue 1 games this season for PSG. The Brazilian's strike was also his 200th career league goal.

Kylian Mbappe:

The PSG striker has been in the headlines all week amid speculation he wants out of the French club but put that behind him with an influential performance.

Mbappe’s willingness to run at the Marseille defence and playmaking caused the visitors' problems all night long.

The France international was guilty of wasting a couple of good chances with some wayward finishing but there was nothing wrong with his assist for Neymar’s goal.

It’s Mbappe’s first assist to Neymar in over six months. The last time the Frenchman teed up his team-mate was in a 6-1 win over Clermont on 9 April.

Pau Lopez:

The Marseille goalkeeper was beaten by Neymar but there's no doubt the scoreline would have been much higher without Lopez in the visitors' goal.

Lopez had a busy first half and was forced into saves from Mbappe, Neymar, Messi and Achraf Hakimi.

The stopper may not have been able to keep a clean sheet but it was certainly an impressive showing from the 27-year-old.

AdvertisementGettyThe Losers

Danilo Pereira:

PSG were without Sergio Ramos due to suspension and Presnel Kimpembe because of injury against Marseille and then lost Danilo midway through the first half.

The centre-back had started the game alongside Marquinhos but only lasted 22 minutes before injury saw him forced off and replaced by Nordi Mukiele.

It’s not clear yet how serious Danilo’s injury is but it is another blow for PSG and gives Galtier a headache in defence that he could do without.

Samuel Gigot

Marseille's Samuel Gigot only came on in the 44th minute for Marseille, as a replacement for the injured Eric Bailly, but was gone half an hour later for a poor challenge on Neymar.

The 29-year-old left the referee with little choice after flying in with a late, high challenge on Neymar that was met with a swift red card.

Marseille had still been in the game at that point, but going a man down when they were already trailing 1-0 left them with a mountain to climb.

Marseille's title hopes

Marseille could have moved level on points with PSG if they had emerged from the Parc des Princes with a win on Sunday but instead slipped six points behind the defending champions.

Igor Tudor's side put up a stiff test but could not find a way past Gianluigi Donnarumma in the PSG goal despite creating plenty of chances.

Maxime Lopez and Chancel Mbemba both impressed for the visitors but it was PSG's extra quality in attack that proved the difference on the night.

GettyPSG Ratings: The Defence

Gianluigi Donnarumma (7/10): Stopped everything that came his way to keep a clean sheet. A block to deny Jonathan Clauss at the start of the second half was arguably his best moment.

Achraf Hakimi (6/10): Always looked a threat going forward but saw an early chance saved and was let down by some poor distribution. Had his hands full defensively with Nuno Tavares.

Marquinhos (6/10): Solid showing from the PSG captain.

Danilo (n/a): Picked up an early injury and forced off after just 22 minutes.

Juan Bernat (5/10): Not at all convincing at left-back and gave the ball away carelessly at times. Found Chancel Mbemba a tough opponent and was fortunate not to concede a penalty for a challenge on Clauss.

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GettyMidfield

Fabian Ruiz (6/10): Just his fourth Ligue 1 start for PSG and brought balance to the midfield. A strong run in the second half almost brought a second goal but Neymar was denied by a superb tackle.

Marco Verratti (7/10): Made a record 20th appearance in Le Classique and finished on the winning side yet again. A strong tackle from Verratti set PSG away for the opening goal from Mbappe.

Vitinha (6/10): Sent Mbappe through to feed Neymar for the goal. A good run into the box almost brought a second but he was too reluctant to shoot.

From Mario Balotelli to Raheem Sterling – Meet the players who played for both Liverpool and Manchester City

More than 30 players have played for both Northwest rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.

Manchester City and Liverpool started truly competing for the Premier League title in the 2013-14 season, when City pipped Liverpool to the crown by two points on the final day of the season.

Since then, they have built one of the most stunning modern-day rivalries in the Premier League.

A prime example of the extent of their rivalry is the 2018-19 season, when City won the league title by one point on the final day of the campaign by reaching 98 points, as compared to Liverpool's 97. The following season, Liverpool won the title by scoring 99 points, 18 points ahead of Pep Guardiola's men.

Throughout history, some incredible players have appeared for both clubs.

It's now time to find out who they were and what they achieved during their stint at either club.

Getty ImagesJimmy Ross

One of the great strikers of Preston North End's "Invincibles" era between 1883 and 1892, Jimmy Ross scored 85 goals in 130 appearances for them in his 11-year stay at the club before moving to Liverpool in 1894 for a £75 fee.

At Liverpool, the striker scored 37 goals in 73 appearances over two seasons before moving to Burnley in 1896 and later at Manchester City in 1898, where he scored 21 goals in 67 appearances before ending his professional career after the 1900-01 season due to health issues. He passed away at the age of just 36 in 1902.

Ross won the Second Division title with both Liverpool and City.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTommy Johnson

English striker Tommy Johnson began his career with Manchester City in 1919, and in his 11-year stint with them, he scored 166 goals in 354 games.

Everton recognised his quality and signed him in 1930 for £6,000. He formed an incredible strike partnership with Dixie Dean as Everton won the Second Division Championship in Johnson's first full season at the club. Johnson also featured for the Everton team that won the 1933 FA Cup final against his former team Manchester City.

In March 1934, he moved to Liverpool and made 36 appearances in his two-year stint at the club, scoring eight goals.

GettyMatt Busby

The legend who led Manchester United as manager through their toughest as well as their most glorious phase, Matt Busby actually featured professionally as a player for both Manchester City and Liverpool.

Busby won an FA Cup title during his stint with City between 1928 and 1936, comprising of 204 appearances. He then joined Liverpool in 1936 and went on to make 115 appearances for them.

After his retirement, Liverpool actually offered him the job of an assistant coach at the club, but they were unwilling to give him the control over the first team which he wanted. As a result, he took the vacant manager's job at Manchester United instead and built the famous Busby Babes!

After the Munich disaster in 1958, which claimed the lives of eight of his players, Busby rebuilt United and won the European Cup a decade later. What a story!

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GettyRobbie Fowler

Fowler graduated from Liverpool's academy in 1993 and went on to become one of the greatest strikers in the club's history.

The English striker scored 120 goals 236 appearances for the Reds before moving to Leeds United in 2001.

Two seasons later, Fowler joined Manchester City in January 2003. He made 80 appearances for City between 2003 and 2006 before returning to Liverpool for a solitary 2006-07 season, scoring eight goals in 30 appearances.

Neymar 'tied up' in ritual by Peruvian shamans designed to 'neutralise' Brazil superstar ahead of 2026 World Cup qualifier

Brazil superstar Neymar has been “tied up” by Peruvian shamans that hope to “neutralise” the threat he poses in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.

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Selecao in qualification actionNo.10 now their all-time top scorerRivals eager to contain his threatWHAT HAPPENED?

The 31-year-old forward – who has overtaken Pele to become his country’s all-time leading goalscorer – is due to be back in international action on Tuesday. Hosts Peru are aware that they are going to need all the help they can get in order to claim a positive result against the five-time World Cup winners.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

With that in mind, a group of traditional healers from the jungle, mountains and coastal regions of Peru – known as Tayta Inti (Father Sun) – have offered their assistance. An effigy of Neymar has been tied up, while a colourful altar with swords, amulets, flags and photos of players from both teams featured in a ritual that took place outside Peru’s national stadium.

WHAT THEY SAID

Shaman Felix Rondan told reporters: “We have neutralized Neymar by tying his feet. We tied him up so that he is not in good shape, and doesn't run and play well.” Shaman Walter Alarcon added that the ritual was intended to cloud Neymar’s mind so that he cannot “achieve what he is looking for, which are goals”.

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Brazil won their opening game of 2026 World Cup qualifying 5-1 against Bolivia – with Neymar bagging a brace in that contest to take him on to 79 international goals – while Peru were held to a goalless draw by Paraguay.

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