Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag praised the "unstoppable" Marcus Rashford after his brilliant goal against Nottingham Forest helped his side put one foot in the Carabao Cup final.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag praised the "unstoppable" Marcus Rashford after his brilliant goal against Nottingham Forest helped his side put one foot in the Carabao Cup final.
Rashford scored for the 10th time in 10 games since the World Cup to put United on course for a comprehensive 3-0 first-leg semi-final win at the City Ground.
The 25-year-old is arguably the in-form player in the country at the moment and produced a moment of individual brilliance as he ran 50 yards and then converted at the near post.
Wout Weghorst's first goal for the club and Bruno Fernandes' late strike means that only a miraculous turnaround in next week's second leg at Old Trafford will stop United from reaching the February final.
If Rashford continues this form, having scored in every round of the League Cup so far, he could well fire United to silverware which would end a five-year trophy drought.
Ten Hag said: "There are more players who are playing really well but I am happy with Marcus' performance and his development.
"From the start of the season he is growing and he keeps doing that and what we have to aim for with him, and he is responsible for that, is to keep this process going.
"If he is in this mood, this spirit, he is unstoppable and it's about the team to get him in the right positions.
"Also, possession, we have a plan but finally is also the intuition, the creativity of an individual like Rashy is to create chances."
The Dutchman was also pleased to see January recruit Weghorst break his duck after his loan move from Burnley.
"For strikers, it's always important (to score)," he said. "I think he did a great job at Crystal Palace and Arsenal with pressing, with targets and movements.
"The goal from Bruno at Crystal Palace, he was part of it because he makes the right movement to the front post.
"The goal of Rashford at Arsenal, he was part of it by dragging the centre half away but strikers are there to score goals and when they don't score they're not happy.
"So it's important for him, for his confidence as well that he scored that goal. And this is one of the ways to score goals – by being in the box, being present."
Forest, whose history in the League Cup is almost as rich as United's with four titles in 12 years under Brian Clough, will see this as a missed opportunity to go to Old Trafford next week with something to hold on to.
They had a strong period in the first half where Sam Surridge had a goal disallowed and Morgan Gibbs-White and Brennan Johnson had decent opportunities.
But Cooper knows it is almost mission impossible next week.
"It's a really disappointing scoreline. With the two-legged affair the last thing you want to do is go to Old Trafford for the second leg with the result we got tonight," he said.
"That is the most disappointing thing. The manner of the goals, from the timing of them to how they have come about.
"Rashford is one of the most in-form players in the country so to allow him to do what he did was disappointing.
"To go to Old Trafford with 2-0, you never know, it would be tough but you never know, so to concede late on and not accept what we had tonight is disappointing.
"I think it is going to be incredibly tough next week. We have to be very professional and set some objectives to give ourselves an opportunity and also to make sure we go into the game and come out of it in a better place than we went into it."

Erik ten Hag hails 'unstoppable' Marcus Rashford

Nathan Ake proved the unlikely match-winner as Manchester City edged out title rivals Arsenal 1-0 in a tense FA Cup fourth-round tie on Friday.

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Nathan Ake proved the unlikely match-winner as Manchester City edged out title rivals Arsenal 1-0 in a tense FA Cup fourth-round tie on Friday.
The Netherlands defender steered home a low shot in the 64th minute at the Etihad Stadium as City landed the first blow in their trilogy of clashes with the Gunners over the coming months.
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Arsenal, the Premier League leaders, had enjoyed the better of the first half, with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Leandro Trossard both forcing good saves from Stefan Ortega.
Yet, while much had been made of the growing touchline rivalry between City manager Pep Guardiola and his former assistant Mikel Arteta, for a seventh time in eight meetings it was ultimately the old master who prevailed.
Guardiola, perhaps aware that a victory could also have a psychological impact heading into next month's league encounter between the sides, went with a strong side and made just two changes to Arteta's six.
The Gunners, however, retained all their usual energy and, in a frantic start, seemed determined not to allow City to establish their customary early rhythm.
As a result the hosts played more direct than normal and the results were mixed. There were some promising attacks, but Erling Haaland seemed uncomfortable with the altered plan and, despite plenty of touches, the Norwegian's impact was minimal.
The Gunners initially looked the brighter team and Tomiyasu stung the palms of City’s number two goalkeeper Ortega with a ferocious shot in the fifth minute.
Trossard, making his first start for his new club, also forced a good save from the German after breaking into the area on the left.
City had a half-chance when Haaland broke clear after a Rob Holding miskick, but Gunners keeper Matt Turner met him outside the area.
The ball looped into the air and Haaland adjusted to attempt an ambitious overhead kick, but Tomiyasu comfortably cleared.
City's best chance of the first half came when Kevin De Bruyne cut inside and curled a left-foot effort narrowly wide, but Arsenal went close again when Eddie Nketiah poked wide from a Trossard cross.
City suffered a blow just before the interval when defender John Stones was forced off with an apparent hamstring injury, but they returned for the second half more determined to take control.
De Bruyne began to run through the middle more and passes became slicker. The attack was enlivened further when Julian Alvarez came off the bench in the 58th minute.
The change paid off six minutes later when the World Cup winner thumped the base of the post with a powerful long-range drive and Jack Grealish laid off to Ake from the rebound.
The Dutchman had time and space and calmly placed a shot beyond the reach of Turner.
It proved a decisive strike and City comfortably and efficiently closed out the game with Arsenal failing to threaten again.
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Nathan Ake strike hands Manchester City narrow FA Cup win over Arsenal

Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier has signed a contract extension to keep him at the club until the summer of 2025.

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Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier has signed a contract extension to keep him at the club until the summer of 2025.
The 32-year-old England right-back, who joined the Magpies from Atletico Madrid last January, has helped Eddie Howe's side keep 16 clean sheets in all competitions this season.
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Trippier told the club's official website: "I'm absolutely delighted that I've extended my contract here. I've got a lot of thank yous to make to the manager, owners, fans and my team-mates.
"When I first arrived here, they made me feel so welcome and I want to help the club achieve great things. It's a positive moment for us players in the club and there’s no place I'd rather be."
Newcastle manager Howe added: "It's a fitting reward for the season he's had.
"He's been outstanding both on and off the pitch, showing real leadership at a difficult moment when he first arrived, and now he's excelled in a team that's doing well. I can't praise him enough for everything he's given the club."
Trippier has played a key role for Howe's side as they have kept 12 clean sheets in the Premier League this season and has also registered six assists and scored one goal.
The former Tottenham full-back, who has won 40 caps for England, was Newcastle's first signing under their Saudi owners when the club paid Atletico £12million plus add-ons during last year's January transfer window.
Howe's side, currently third in the Premier League, are next in action on Tuesday when they play Southampton at home in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
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Kieran Trippier signs Newcastle contract extension until 2025

West Ham boss David Moyes insists Michail Antonio won't be leaving West Ham this month.

David Moyes insists there is no chance of Michail Antonio leaving West Ham this month.
Antonio seems to be angling for a move having this week revealed on The Footballer's Football Podcast that he has been in contact with other clubs.
The striker said: "Honestly, I've not ruled anything out. That's all I can say, nothing has been ruled out. There are talks so whatever happens, happens."
But Moyes, who lost new signing Danny Ings to an injury on his debut against Everton last weekend, has no intention of letting West Ham's all-time top Premier League goalscorer leave.
"Well, it's not the club talking about Micky Antonio, I think Micky is the one talking about it," said the Hammers boss.
"Micky said it but we here have got no intention of doing anything. Sometimes players choose to do that, some of them want to go.
"But at the moment we want Mick here, we want him playing well, we want him scoring goals, and we're happy to have him."
Losing Ings was a major blow for Moyes, who spent £12million to prise the 30-year-old frontman from Aston Villa in a bid to inject more goals into his side.
Moyes is already without Italian forward Gianluca Scamacca with a knee injury, leaving Antonio as West Ham's only fit senior striker for Monday's FA Cup tie at Derby.
"Unfortunately Danny picked up an injury in the first 15 or 20 seconds of the game," said Moyes.
"We don't think it's that bad and he'd be cup-tied on Monday anyway so we've got a little bit of grace there.
"Hopefully he's not going to miss too much. He's had an injection in his knee and hopefully he can get back quickly."
Moyes does not expect to go back into the market to replace Ings, however.
"No not really, I think in the main we've spent money on Danny which we weren't necessarily expecting to do but we felt we could add to what we've got," he said.
"At the moment I don't necessarily see us spending more money, but I don't want to say that and then you tell me you told me something different because this world changes very quickly."

David Moyes confirms Michail Antonio will be staying at West Ham

Harry Kane may miss out on the chance to become Tottenham's all-time leading scorer due to illness.

Illness could see Harry Kane miss out on the chance to become Tottenham's all-time leading scorer in Saturday's FA Cup tie at Preston.
The Spurs forward went level with Jimmy Greaves on Monday when he hit the winner at Fulham to score his 266th goal for the club.
Boss Antonio Conte revealed afterwards Kane had struggled with a fever and he missed training on Wednesday and Thursday this week before he returned on Friday ahead of the weekend clash at Sky Bet Championship outfit Preston.
"We have only one problem, with Harry, because he played the last game full of illness," Tottenham assistant Cristian Stellini revealed.
"He didn't train during the week, he trained this morning, but he wants to come with us and be available.
"We know very well that Harry wants to play every game, so we are happy that Harry is involved in the game, but the only situation we have to take care of is this."
Kane could earn an overdue rest anyway with Richarlison pushing to make his first start since a hamstring injury following last month's World Cup.
Stellini admitted some changes would be made at Deepdale but midweek signing Arnaut Danjuma, who joined on loan from Villarreal on Wednesday, is only set to be named on the bench.
Tottenham are pushing to make further additions this month and talks continue with Sporting Lisbon over the signing of Pedro Porro, the PA news agency understands.
An agreement over the payment structure of Porro's 45million euros (£39.5) release clause still needs to be reached and the attacking full-back looks primed to feature in Sporting's cup final against Porto on Saturday – but there is an expectation a deal will eventually be concluded before Tuesday's deadline.
While potential new recruit Porro could win silverware this weekend, Tottenham continue to seek an end to their trophy drought that dates back to 2008.
But Stellini insisted: "Many times, many times when I was here, we speak about a trophy, a cup to win. I don't want to push, to create pressure on this.
"We have to change the mentality. The last game was a good start-point to change this and with the change of the mentality, you don't have to talk about winning trophies, you have to do it.
"It is difficult to work on the mentality, we try to do it and we want to be a team that can win a trophy."
Conte's future has been a constant talking point recently but his passionate celebrations with the Spurs fans at Craven Cottage on Monday hinted his determination remains as strong as ever to succeed at the club.
"It's very difficult to feel that Antonio is not determined, it's very difficult," Stellini admitted.
"But, the way he celebrated, maybe he can let (people) understand, in my opinion, that he feels love around him. This is really important.
"This is really important, that the fans are with us, with the team, with the players, with the club and with Antonio as well."

Harry Kane's hopes of becoming Tottenham's record scorer could be ended by illness

Jadon Sancho could return to Manchester United action from injury when they host Reading in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Jadon Sancho could make his first appearance in 14 weeks when Manchester United host Reading in the FA Cup on Saturday night.
Last month United manager Erik ten Hag said the winger was "not in the right status or fitness state" having done an individual fitness programme in the Netherlands rather than travel to the squad's winter camp to Spain.
Ten Hag said patience was paramount with Sancho, who resumed group training last Tuesday having returned to Carrington earlier in January and could be involved against Reading this weekend.
"He is training with the team and we will see," the United boss said of the 22-year-old, who last played in October's 1-1 draw at Chelsea.
"So, he's improving, he's making steps and we will make the decision after training."
Pushed on whether Sancho could feature in Saturday's fourth-round tie against Reading, Ten Hag replied: "I said he's on the way back, he's making steps.
"He's back in team training and now we have to see when he's ready to go back into the games."
Sancho's return, whenever it comes, will be a boost to United as they continue to fight on all four fronts and fight through a relentless run of fixtures.
That period is almost certain to include a trip to Wembley for the Carabao Cup final, having won Wednesday's semi-final first leg at Nottingham Forest 3-0.
That result means United can rest some key players in next week's return fixture, while the Dutchman will be tempted to rotate against Championship side Reading on Saturday night given they are heavy favourites.
"But that's on paper," Ten Hag said of facing Paul Ince's Royals. "Football is never decided on paper, we have to be ready for every game, every opponent will be tough and especially in the cup.
"That is, for them, a perfect chance. We have to be aware of that. We have to be on the front foot, fully focused and full of energy.
"I think tomorrow we will have a strong selection for this game. We have a good squad, we have depth in the squad."
Ten Hag is looking to balance the need for strength in depth with the need for young players to develop on loan elsewhere.
Anthony Elanga, Facundo Pellistri and Zidane Iqbal are among those to have been linked with temporary exits, as has 22-year-old Brandon Williams.
"We have our ideas," Ten Hag said of potential outgoings. "For some players, we are open for loans but some players we are not.
"I think they have to develop first in our environment and we have many games to cover, so we need also players to cover that.
"When you play in 30 days 10 games you need a lot of players.
"The way we put on Pellistri (as a substitute against Forest) that is already a signal (about his future)."
On United full-back Williams, who saw last season's loan at Norwich prematurely ended by injury, boss Ten Hag said: "I think that counts for Zidane, definitely also for Brandon.
"He had a bad injury, he's on the way back. He was in pre-season for the restart.
"Now he is in the squad, he was in the selection in Forest, so he is really a part of it. It's also a little bit up to him.
"I like him, but we have to work with him and see where his development can go.
"Then it's also about him to find the moment where he can deserve his chance and to take this chance.
"But when he wants a loan, we have to talk about that."

Jadon Sancho could return for Manchester United's FA Cup clash with Reading

Jurgen Klopp  does not want to go through the "horror show" again that Liverpool put on against Brighton a fortnight ago.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has no intention of reliving the "horror show" his side put on at Brighton a fortnight ago as they prepare for a return this weekend.
The German described the 3-0 defeat earlier this month as the worst performance of his managerial career as his side were run ragged by the more dynamic and incisive hosts.
They go back to the south coast for an FA Cup fourth round tie but Klopp does not plan to use their previous failure as motivation to prove a point.
Asked whether he would refer to that performance with his players, he said: "Not on a daily basis but yes, of course we had intense talks after the Brighton game.
"We had to change immediately and we did. A couple of days later we played Wolves and we looked a different team, I said it looked like two completely different sports.
"But I will not do a meeting where I show all bad situations from Brighton, it would be a proper horror show and we saw that already. We played it and saw it after.
"If there is anything good about it, it felt that bad for the players as well that everyone was clear about it.
"It is about general change and improvement of different things. We can lose a game and we did that and if you don't learn from it, it is just a defeat.
"If you learn from it, it is important as well and we tend to do things like that."
What Klopp appeared to learn about it was that his tired-looking midfield needed a shake-up.
As a result he fielded a previously untried trio of 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic, Naby Keita and Thiago Alcantara for the third round replay at Wolves and the home Premier League match at Chelsea – leaving captain Jordan Henderson and Fabinho on the bench – and was rewarded with two clean sheets.
"We had injuries after Brighton or little niggles so it was clear we had to change anyway and then I liked the rhythm and the mix of offensive things and defensive readiness," he said of his selection.
"It was not the three alone because the three alone can do nothing, but the front line did really good as well, and that is really important to us.
"With Brighton a lot of things are clear and you have to respect that and defend that. If you don't do that then you are screwed.
"The midfield three it just worked well for these games, we will see who will start on Sunday.
"The midfielders they train and all show up and obviously all want to play and my job is to make a decision and see how it works best and then we have five opportunities to change.
"We have six, seven midfielders in top shape, perfect situation in our system and only three can start but you cannot make mistakes with line-ups.
"That is the situation I want to be in again."
Forward Fabio Carvalho has not trained this week due a minor injury and is unlikely to feature while centre-back Nat Phillips, who Klopp accepted could leave in the next week if a suitable bid arrives, has been suffering with a heavy cold.

Jurgen Klopp expects big Liverpool improvement against Brighton in FA Cup clash

Anthony Gordon's absence from Everton continued into a third day but his hopes of trying to manufacture a move away from the Premier League club are complicated with no manager still in place.

Anthony Gordon's absence from Everton continued into a third day but his hopes of trying to manufacture a move away from the Premier League club are complicated with no manager still in place.
Former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa is understood to be owner Farhad Moshiri's preferred option to replace Frank Lampard and the Argentinian flew into London on Thursday ahead of expected face-to-face talks.
There had been suggestions Moshiri had set a Friday deadline to appoint what would be the eighth permanent manager of his seven-year reign and Bielsa's arrival in the country raised hopes a deal could still be done despite the 67-year-old's apparent misgivings about the squad he would inherit.
The relegation-threatened club were also believed to be considering ex-Burnley boss Sean Dyche, while Davide Ancelotti has reportedly also been mentioned as an alternative, having spent 18 months as assistant to his father Carlo when he was in charge at Goodison.
But while the top job continues to remain unfilled, the 21-year-old Gordon’s chances of securing a move away from his boyhood club – with Newcastle heavily linked – were complicated further.
Both Newcastle and Chelsea made offers for Gordon in the summer but Everton were adamant the academy graduate was not for sale, although that resolve may now be weakening.
Only a month ago Gordon, whose current contract expires in 2025, was set to sign a new deal but things appeared to have soured since then with the player confronted by fans outside Goodison Park following the damaging loss to bottom side Southampton earlier this month.
On Thursday evening, Lampard released a statement via the League Managers' Association expressing his disappointment at not being able to turn around the club’s fortunes after staying up.
"Coming in to Everton last year I knew we were in a tough moment and I will always be proud of the incredible work and support from everyone involved to keep the team in the Premier League last season," Lampard said.
"Thanks to everybody that played their part as the whole club came together. I will never forget the incredible night against Palace that we shared.
"I want to thank all Evertonians for the welcome that you gave to myself, my staff, and my family. It truly is a special club with a huge heart and an incredible history.
"I'm disappointed that we couldn't achieve more together and wish all the players and everyone at Everton FC the very best for the future."