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Tottenham potential takeover candidates 'identify Ange Postecoglou replacement'

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Son Heung-min's dad guilty of child abuse and accused of injuring kid at football academy

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Son Heung-min’s father Son Woong-jung has been given a £1,700 fine after being found guilty of verbally and physically abusing young footballers at his academy in South Korea. The penalty was handed out at Chuncheon District Court, 75 kilometres northeast of Seoul.

The case was forwarded to the prosecution in April after complaints were made to police in March.

The Tottenham star’s brother Son Heung-yun was also sanctioned, along with another unnamed coach.

According to The Korea Times, the parents of one player complained that their son sustained injuries to his thigh area which needed to be treated for two weeks after Heung-yun allegedly hit him with a corner flag during a training camp in Japan.

The parents claimed that he had also hurled profanities at players after they had made mistakes during sessions.

There were also accusations of physical and verbal abuse of young players at the training facility in South Korea.

All three defendants received the same £1,700 fine and were each ordered to complete 40 hours of child abuse treatment programmes. The trio can appeal the decision and ask for a trial within seven days.

Woong-jung has insisted that many of the charges against him and his staff are not true and has asserted that he has not behaved in any way that wasn’t driven by love for the players he coaches.

But he also vowed to review coaching methods at the academy, which opened in 2021.

Woong-jung's son Heung-min has become one of the best attackers in the Premier League since joining Tottenham from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015.

The winger has bagged 164 goals and 86 assists in 415 appearances for his team and helped them reach the Champions League final in 2019, where they lost to Liverpool.

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Son became the Tottenham captain last summer following the appointment of Ange Postecoglou as manager and enjoyed a fine maiden campaign under the Australian as he contributed 17 goals and 10 assists in 37 Premier League appearances.

The 32-year-old started his side’s first five top-flight matches this time around but missed the clashes with Manchester United and Brighton ahead of the international break after sustaining a hamstring injury during Spurs’ Europa League victory over Qarabag last month.

Postecoglou will be desperate to have Son back for the visit of West Ham next weekend after watching his side throw away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 at Brighton last Sunday.

And ahead of that encounter, the Spurs boss gave an update on Son as he explained: “Sonny unlikely, he’s pushing hard but I just don’t think the turnaround will be quick enough for him to be available at this stage.”

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Chelsea 'scouting' another Jadon Sancho as Tottenham and Liverpool prepare for battle

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Chelsea are reportedly looking to follow a transfer recipe which has served them well in recent windows, but their hopes could be scuppered by Liverpool or Tottenham.

All three Premier League giants are believed to be keen on Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens after his superb start to the season. The 20-year-old is now receiving regular game time in the Bundesliga and the Champions League, with four goals to his name already this term.

According to Bild, scouts from Chelsea, Spurs and the Reds have all been present at the Westfalenstadion for a closer look at Dortmund's up-and-coming wide man.

It's impossible to ignore the similarities between Gittens and Chelsea winger Jadon Sancho. The pair of them were tipped for big things while part of Manchester City's academy set-up - albeit three years apart - and they went on to make their senior breakthroughs at BVB.

Both players operate primarily on the left wing, and they're even represented by the same agency. Chelsea seemingly have a thing for English wingers with experience of playing overseas, as evidenced by Enzo Maresca's current starters - Sancho and Noni Madueke.

The Blues could add another to their collection if senior Stamford Bridge figures sanction a move for Bynoe-Gittens, either in January or at the end of the season.

The youngster has just under four years remaining on his contract, meaning Dortmund are under no pressure to sell. But the German side rarely stands in the way of a player moving on if their valuation is met.

It remains to be seen whether the volume of talent fighting for minutes out wide at Stamford Bridge would be off-putting for Bynoe-Gittens. Sancho and Mykhaylo Mudryk are both vying to start on the left, with Madueke and Pedro Neto up against one another on the right.

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The landscape is just as competitive at Liverpool, with Luis Diaz currently keeping Cody Gakpo out of Arne Slot's starting line-up on the left, and Mohamed Salah consigning Federico Chiesa to the sidelines on the opposite flank.

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou also has plenty of options out wide, although Bynoe-Gittens may fancy his chances of being in the mix with Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner, Wilson Odobert, Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski.

The Dortmund starlet is closing in on 70 senior games and makes frequent appearances for England Under-21s alongside the likes of Adam Wharton and Morgan Rogers.

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Real Madrid 'compile positive reports' on Tottenham star after intervi

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Asked about the prospect of joining Los Blancos in the future, the defender said: “It fills you with excitement, doesn't it? "You have to focus on your work, but the fact that Real Madrid is interested in you is because you are doing things well. That's how I think about it on a day-to-day basis. Well, if that moment has to come, it will come. And if it doesn't, well, I'll just keep working as I have been doing.

"If I get the chance to make that leap tomorrow, I will be prepared for that very reason. I will have much more experience. If you had told me this years ago, I would have told you that I wasn't. Because I'm being honest. Let's see what happens."

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Arsenal, Tottenham and Man Utd on red alert as top striker 'decides to leave on a free'

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Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United are among a host of top European sides with a long-standing interest in Lille striker Jonathan David. And their pulling power looks set to be put to the test next summer, with the 24-year-old reportedly deciding to run down his contract and move on as a free agent.

David is on course for another goal-laden season, having found the net eight times in 12 matches so far. Despite his age, the Canadian international boasts more than a half-century of caps and over 150 career goals.

Spurs, the Gunners and United have all taken note, along with the likes of Chelsea, Newcastle United, Juventus, Inter Milan and Barcelona.

The battle for his services is poised to become even more competitive, with Football Espana reporting that David has decided not to extend his Lille contract, which will expire at the end of this season.

A player of his goal-scoring pedigree does not come around on the free agent market often. Even during the latest summer transfer window, when David had a year left on his deal, Chelsea, United, Tottenham and West Ham all reportedly spoke with his entourage to assess the possibility of a move.

Others are now in the equation and reports indicate that several have already made fresh contact with a view to laying the groundwork for a switch in 2025.

David grew up mainly in Canada and jetted to Belgium as a teenager to begin life as a professional footballer with Gent. He scored 37 goals in 83 games before joining up with Lille in 2020.

Any interested party hoping to swoop in under the radar for David suffered a blow last week, when he scored a high-profile winner for Lille against Real Madrid in the Champions League. Manager Bruno Genesio is already believed to be scouting out replacements for David in case he departs.

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Moves to any of United, Tottenham or Arsenal would force David to compete with the established frontmen already in their starting line-ups. Kai Havertz has been superb for the Gunners since finding his rhythm in the centre-forward role.

United boss Erik ten Hag has Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee battling it out for minutes through the middle, while Spurs have only just splashed a whopping £65million on Dominic Solanke to lead the line for Ange Postecoglou.

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Mikey Moore 'ready' to star for Tottenham after 17-year-old's first Spurs start

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Mikey Moore is seizing his chance to shine under the guidance of Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou, having made a splash during his full debut against Ferencvaros.

The precocious 17-year-old forward featured alongside three other youngsters - Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Will Lankshear - as they played key roles in Spurs' hard-fought 2-1 win at the Groupama Arena on Thursday.

Spurs fans have been tracking Moore's progress with growing enthusiasm for over a year, following his standout performances that helped secure two youth team cup victories in 2023, as well as his Under-21s debut at just 15.

Having already set a record as the youngest Tottenham player to play in the Premier League after coming on against Manchester City in May, Moore has been on an upward trajectory, amplified by a strong pre-season culminating in a landmark start in Budapest.

Moore quickly demonstrated his potential with a surging run assisting Pape Sarr for the 23rd-minute opener, before setting up Brennan Johnson's decisive goal with a perfectly timed pass to Dominic Solanke late in the game.

Speaking about his preparation for the match, Moore shared: "To be fair, I only knew about 4 o'clock...but I was ready. It is what you work for. Obviously there are a bit of nerves coming into it, but once you get on the pitch you are all right.

"It's a big step but it is one I am ready to take. It's been all right, all the boys have helped me and it's been perfect really so far."

Postecoglou's decision to start Moore in an intense European away match was a bold move, especially considering the youngster had only just turned 17 in August.

However, it proved to be a successful gamble, and Moore is now determined to repay his manager's trust, even if he may return to the bench for Sunday's match against Brighton after playing the full 90 minutes in Hungary.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Moore said: "He (Postecoglou) is giving me little tips all the time, really.

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"Him putting me in the team, you get the trust straight away so I am thankful for him to start me and put his trust in me. He is helping me all the time but so are all the coaching staff."

Moore's impressive performance drew comparisons to Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, but a more fitting comparison might be to Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri, who is also 17 and has played alongside Moore in various England youth teams.

Postecoglou recalled: "The (wet) conditions, it always suits defenders because they can fly in with tackles and Mikey got one in the first 30 seconds I think.

"He kept his feet well and he takes the responsibility of driving inside or taking his man on, he makes good decisions with the ball.

"He's got so much growth still, but the good thing is he wants to learn, he wants to develop and I couldn't be happier for him, but also pretty pleased that he's part of our football club."

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'Worst team-mate' Bruno Fernandes sparked reaction from Man Utd squad

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Captain Bruno Fernandes has been in the firing line following his team's dismal 3-0 loss to Tottenham.Manchester United approached the new season with hopes of rejuvenation; Erik ten Hag was given a boost with a one-year contract extension, and the squad was strengthened by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Yet, a paltry seven points from six games is seeing the panic button being hit.

Fernandes has become the personification of the chaos and lack of confidence engulfing the squad, embodied by his poor performance this season and high challenge on James Maddison which resulted in a red card - though later appealed successfully. His current situation also draws parallels to the flak he faced for his underwhelming beginning to the 2022/23 season.

Former striker-now-pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor lambasted the Portuguese talent two years ago, and his sentiments were supposedly echoed by the United dressing room at that time - and may still be to this day.

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Speaking to talkSPORT following United's troubled start in 2022, suffering defeats to Brighton and a 4-0 thumping by Brentford, Agbonlahor commented: "For me, Fernandes, since he's been in the Premier League, yes he's had great stats, goalscoring and assists but he looks like the worst team-mate.

"Every time a player gives it away, every time he gives it away, he throws his arms up at his team-mates, he throws his arms up at the bench.

"I've played with players like him, you'd be fuming at him. He'll press now and then. If that was Paul Pogba, they would be slaughtering Pogba in the media. Fernandes gets away with murder. Did you see Fernandes do anything? It's easy to say Maguire, Ronaldo, Rashford, Sancho.

"Fernandes, for me, I can't remember the last time he had a decent game. He's always the one that's throwing his arms up in the air. Even when he gives it away. He could pass it to you but pass it out of play and he'd blame you. That's the sort of player Fernandes is. The worst possible team-mate."

In a damning report at the time, The Daily Mail claimed that instead of defending their team-mate against such harsh criticism, some of Fernandes' peers were growing increasingly frustrated with him. Following United's next victory over rivals Liverpool, it was reported that several players were 'irritated' by Fernandes' behaviour in the game.

The midfielder's constant complaining and an incident where he appeared to push a linesman in the back were cited as issues causing discontent among his team-mates. Additionally, his dramatic reaction to a minor scuffle with Ibrahima Konate did not go unnoticed.

Two years on, it appears that Fernandes has made little progress in improving his teamwork skills, as evidenced by the poor performance against Spurs, leaving his co-stars at a disadvantage for more than half the match, reports the Mirror.

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Ex-United defender Gary Neville was a critic of Fernandes whilst talking on Sky Sports after the first half against Spurs, evidencing that little has changed for the Portugeuse. He said: "It is one of the worst performances I’ve seen in Erik ten Hag’s time at Manchester United, and that’s saying something.

"It's been really bad. And he will not be able to believe what he's watched, his captain sent off. When players react like that, it means something has gone on that we haven't seen initially. He's gone knee-high Bruno Fernandes. I think he slips just before the tackle, but he's not going to get away with it."

Despite the red card being rescinded after an appeal, Bruno Fernandes' dismissal has helped cast a darker shadow over manager Erik ten Hag's future. Rumours are swirling that the Dutchman may only have two matches left to save his job as head coach, leaving the club in a conundrum post-transfer window, as they're unable to improve the squad until January.

Eyes will be on how Fernandes rallies after his sending-off was overturned, with vital matches coming up for United. They face FC Porto in the Europa League before tackling Aston Villa away in the Premier League prior to October's international break.

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Erik ten Hag admits to Sir Jim Ratcliffe talks after Man Utd drubbing

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Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has revealed that he's been in talks with club owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe about ways to improve following their 3-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur. A dismal start to the 2024/25 season sees the Red Devils languishing in an unimpressive 13th place in the Premier League.

This has sparked rumours that he may only have two matches left to save his position with clashes against Porto and Aston Villa on the horizon this week.

Following Sunday's (September 29) 3-0 home defeat to Spurs, their second consecutive loss after a similar defeat to Liverpool, the 54-year-old opened up to Sky Sports about the discussions he's had with the Brit billionaire since the defeat to Ange Postecoglou's team.

He said: "We're talking continually, but we are talking about how we can improve the process. We are all very impatient and our fans are and they are entitled to but we are definitely as well.

"We want to win every game and when we are losing, everyone is disappointed, and frustrated, but it's also our fuel to get better."

There's speculation that his role could be potentially filled by his new assistant and United legend Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who is reportedly a favourite among the players and obviously loved among the fanbase.

When asked about the necessary steps to recover for upcoming crucial matches against Porto and Aston Villa, Ten Hag added: "The most important [issue] to address is one you always need, to keep the belief.

"[To] stay in the game, you need to keep the belief so that's the most important message that we have to give because if you lose your faith you lose everything isn't it? We have to keep going and stick to the plan and move on."

He continued: "[To] stay in the game, you need to keep the belief so that's the most important message that we have to give because if you lose your faith you lose everything isn't it? We have to keep going and stick to the plan and move on."

Three of United's victories this season across all competitions have come against Fulham, Southampton and Barnsley, the latter taking place in the EFL Cup.

They've yet to score a league goal at Old Trafford since Joshua Zirkzee's winning goal against the Cottagers on the opening day of the season.

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'I knew I wanted to leave Man Utd after just 20 minutes of being managed by Erik ten Hag'

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A former United player decided to leave after his first training session under Erik ten Hag.

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Phil Jones was adamant that he wanted to leave Manchester United after his first training session under Erik ten Hag. The former Red Devils defender spent 12 years at Old Trafford but his decision to walk away was made in just 20 minutes.

Jones left United last year, having missed the entirety of Ten Hag's debut campaign with a long-term knee injury. He worked tirelessly to get himself in the best physical shape for the 2022/23 campaign but was almost immediately given a rude awakening.

After taking to the pitch for his first training session under Ten Hag, Jones quickly decided that he no longer wanted to play for United and promptly left the club. He explained that he simply could not cope with the physical demands of professional football any longer.

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Opening up on that fateful session on the High Performance podcast, Jones said: "I came back, first day, really excited, Erik ten Hag had come in. Fresh start. You're out on the grass. Boots back on.

"I was feeling my knee but I thought it's got to go away at some point, it's not going to stay there forever. We were just doing a drill, like a circuit, passing it into the net, jog around the cones, just a little warm-up.

"I kid you not, I couldn't pass the ball with my right foot. I wanted the world to swallow me up. I'm thinking: 'This manager is coming in and I can't go in from training 20 minutes into the session'.

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"I got through the session. I was passing the ball with the outside of my left foot. I'd got quite good with my left foot, I was technically really good with my left foot because I had to be better.

"I played with my left throughout the whole session but I remember I just turned and sprinted and I just felt it [my knee]. I couldn't carry on.

"I came over the physio and my words were, 'This is my last training session'. And to this day it was my last training session. I was done."

Jones has not played football since, having confirmed earlier this year that he will pursue a career in coaching. He has also dabbled in punditry work and featured as an analyst on Match of the Day last weekend.

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Bruno Fernandes ban overturned as Man Utd win appeal over Tottenham red card

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Manchester United have successfully appealed against the red card shown to Bruno Fernandes during their 3-0 defeat by Tottenham. The midfielder, who was sent off late in the first half, will be available for his side’s next three matches.

Fernandes was due to be suspended for a trio of Premier League fixtures against Aston Villa, Brentford and West Ham. However, Erik ten Hag will have his captain available for all three after United successfully appealed Chris Kavanagh's decision to dismiss him for a challenge on James Maddison.

The 30-year-old caught Maddison high on the Spurs star's shin but made contact with the side of his boot, rather than his studs. He had also slipped into the tackle on the rain-sodden Old Trafford turf.

An FA spokesperson said: “Bruno Fernandes will be available for Manchester United’s next three games following a successful claim of wrongful dismissal.

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“The midfielder was sent off for serious foul play during the Premier League match against Tottenham on Sunday, September 29.”

Kavanagh immediately produced a red card for Fernandes' challenge and his decision was confirmed by VAR. However, that decision has now been overturned upon appeal.

Fernandes volunteered to be interviewed by Sky Sports after the game - a rare move by a player who has been sent off. He revealed that Maddison told him his tackle should not have warranted a red card.

"I let my teammates down," the Portugal international said. "I do appreciate everything they did on the pitch and obviously it was tough for them. We didn't start the game well with 11 vs 11.

"Obviously nobody likes to be sent off and it's not a good feeling seeing my teammates running a lot and trying a lot to get a result because that's what they were trying to do.

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"We ended up conceding another two goals but they tried everything. Part of slipping and going in, I didn't go into the tackle with studs and I take him with my ankle.

"It's a clear foul but never a red card and that's my feeling. He [Maddison] said it was a foul but never a red card. I think on the eyes of everyone you can see it's never a red card.

"If this is a red card, we have to look at many other incidents and I see many incidents of Onana getting kicked and I never see it so quickly coming as a red card. It's never a red card.

"The contact is not that strong and if he wants to give a yellow because it's a counter-attack, I agree, and then I don't understand why VAR doesn't call the referee to the screen."

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