Losing in finals are never easy, but for Manchester United back in the 2011, their defeat to Barcelona at Wembley in the Champions League is surely one that causes heartbreak.

The Red Devils arguably came up against one of the greatest club sides in the history of the game, and despite putting up a valiant effort, saw them go down to a 3-1 defeat.

Speaking after United’s loss, Sir Alex Ferguson was gracious in admitting that they were as good as anything he had seen in his illustrious managerial career.

He said: “They’re the best in Europe, no question about that. In my time as a manager, I would say they’re the best team we’ve faced. Everyone acknowledges that and I accept that. It’s not easy when you’ve been well beaten like that to think another way. No one has given us a hiding like that. It’s a great moment for them. They deserve it because they play the right way and enjoy their football.”

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United’s back-line was as strong as it could have been with the likes of Edwin van der Sar in between the sticks, and Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra in front of him. But at right-back, a very inexperienced, Fabio, aged just 20 at the time, was given the improbable task of trying to help shackle an awe-inspiring Barcelona attack.

And the Brazilian could not manage to do so, with left-winger Pedro opening the scoring and putting the writing on the wall. It would have been a difficult job for anyone, let alone a player still trying to make his name.

But in this world of trying to imagine ‘what if?’, could an Ole Gunnar Solskjaer signing from last summer made any difference back in that game?

Aaron Wan-Bissaka was signed by the Red Devils for big-money from Crystal Palace, and has only enhanced his reputation in his debut campaign at Old Trafford. Despite missing a couple of games in the Premier League – the full-back nicknamed ‘The Spider’ for his ability to use his long legs when challenging for the ball – has made an impressive 99 tackles, which puts him second amongst all players in the top-flight.

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It’s little surprise that Jamie Carragher even lauded him as “one of the best one-on-one defenders in the world. I don’t think anybody would be able to get the better of him”.

Had Wan-Bissaka played instead of Fabio in 2011, would things have turned out differently? What it certainly could have done is changed the dynamics of Barcelona’s attack. The £36m-rated ace would have been far more aggressive in trying to win the 50/50s with Pedro, and if that was a duel he ended up winning in the early part of the game, then United could look to offer more protection to the other side of the pitch where Lionel Messi was wreaking havoc.

Simply by dominating his own one-on-one match-up, Wan-Bissaka would have allowed Ferguson’s side to have more bodies on the left-hand side, knowing full well they could rely on their right-back to deal with his own problems by himself.

It is certainly a stretch to say the former Palace man would absolutely have changed the outcome of the game, but it does raise an intriguing debate about whether he could have save United from their Champions League heartbreak.

Meanwhile, this Man Utd ace should move on for the good of his career.

Odion Ighalo has only been a Manchester United player since the end of January, so perhaps it’s natural that there’s an added level of intrigue surrounding the Nigerian striker.

That materialised on social media after Ighalo shared his frustrations at the lack of football at the moment, with the responses to his Tweet being littered with questions that he was happy to answer.

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One such query was who Ighalo’s formed the biggest bond with so far at United, and the former Watford man revealed that while he’s close to everybody in the Old Trafford ranks, he plays more with Juan Mata.

It’s not quite clear whether he’s referring to social activities or what goes on in training, although the latter would make a lot more sense considering neither Ighalo nor Mata are automatic starters at the moment.

Ighalo is yet to start a Premier League game whereas Mata hasn’t done so since the start of February – one assumes then that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad options are helping keep each other sharp in training.

Meanwhile, Man United believe a teenager at the club could save them £50m.

The South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) has appointed formerRedbacks captain, Jamie Siddons, as the new Assistant Coach for the Stateside.Siddons, who retired from first-class cricket in 2000, represented Australiain One Day Internationals, and captained both the Victorian and SouthAustralian State teams.As a middle-order batsman, Siddons scored more than ten thousand runs inSheffield Shield/Pura Cup matches – making him the most prolific scorer inthe competition’s history.Siddons joins the SACA following the departure of Tim Nielsen who recentlyjoined the Australian side as Assistant Coach.SACA’s State Manager of Cricket, Mr Greg Chappell, said the SACA was verypleased to have Siddons on board.”At such a critical time of the season, we are very fortunate to havesecured Jamie to join the State coaching team ,” Mr Chappell said.”Jamie brings to the SACA a wealth of knowledge and experience, and as arecently retired player and captain, he has a proven track record as avalued leader. His leadership skills and knowledge of the game of cricketwill be an enormous asset to our State squad.”

Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil has sent sections of the Emirates Stadium faithful into raptures this week after he posted an image of a former player to Twitter.

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The 31-year-old uploaded his old teammate Serge Gnabry in an Arsenal shirt with the caption “once a Gunner, always a Gunner?” which has left many fans going wild in the responses.

Gnabry has become a sensation in European football since his exit from north London in 2016. He’s clinched a Bundesliga title with current club Bayern Munich, where he also won their Player of the Season award.

This campaign, the electric German winger has found the net 18 times and has even laid on 11 assists in only 33 appearances, via Transfermarkt, becoming one of the most dangerous attackers in the game.

Arsene Wenger let him leave Arsenal for just £4.5m and plenty of supporters are absolutely desperate to see him return home in the near future.

Although, he’s now valued at £81m and without the prospects of Champions League football next season, a move for the 24-year-old would seem rather unlikely.

Here’s a glimpse at what fans have been responding to Ozil with…

AND in other news, Bukayo Saka update has lots of Arsenal supporters FUMING…

It’s fair to say Sami Hyypia will go down in Liverpool history as one of the finest and most decorated defenders to ever play for the club.

The former Finland international arrived on the red half of Merseyside back in 1999 from Dutch outfit Willem II, and enjoyed a stellar spell at Anfield, lifting numerous trophies and forming a formidable partnership with fellow Reds icon Jamie Carragher at centre-back.

All in all, Hyypia won the Champions League, two FA Cups, two League Cups, one UEFA Cup and four UEFA Super Cups – quite the trophy cabinet for the man who played a whopping 464 times for the club.

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Now, The Athletic journalist Simon Hughes has suggested Hyypia should go down as “one of the best” and spoke about how he represented superb value for money.

And after hearing about Hughes’ comments, Liverpool fans took to Twitter to voice their thoughts on his verdict.

One fan meanwhile pointed to his class and professionalism when the captaincy was handed to Steven Gerrard, and how his response “showed the measure of the man”.

There certainly won’t be too many Liverpool fans arguing against Hughes’ verdict on Hyypia.

The Finnish man was a brick wall at the back for the Reds in his time at the club, and is rightfully seen as a Liverpool stalwart.

The Merseyside club have some truly iconic defenders littered throughout their history, and for his achievements, Hyypia certainly ranks among them too.

Meanwhile, Liverpool fans react to James Pearce’s article about this midfielder.

After Mashonaland Eagles were bowled out for 182, half-centuries from Vusi Sibanda and Jaik Mickleburgh helped Mid West Rhinos win by four wickets at the Kwekwe Sports Club. Spinners Malcolm Waller and Graeme Cremer, who also effected two run outs, didn’t allow Eagles to build big partnerships as the opening stand of 40 was their highest of the innings. A confident chase, led by a second-wicket stand of 109 runs between Sibanda and Mickleburgh effectively sealed the contest.After being put in to bat, Eagles started positively through their openers, but from 71 for one, they slipped to 80 for four, and kept losing wickets regularly thereafter. A lower order defiance was led by Ray Price, but they failed to cross the 200-run mark, being bowled out in the 48th over.The Eagles, however, made a positive start in the following innings when Rhinos’ captain, opener and wicketkeeper Brendan Taylor was run out for 10 in the fifth over. After the ensuing Sibanda-Mickleburgh partnership, which ended in the 28th over with Sibanda’s dismissal, Rhinos suffered a minor collapse. Mickleburgh had stuck around for long to score 73 and secure their victory. When he departed with the score at 160 for five, 23 more runs were needed, which were scored in 56 deliveries and the loss of a wicket.At the Masingvo Sports Club, a four-wicket haul by Chris Mpofu overshadowed Curthbert Musoko’s four-wicket haul as it helped Matabeleland Tuskers defeat Southern Rocks by nine runs in a rain-shortened game. Tuskers’ Keegan Meth scored 36 turned out to be highest in the low-scoring game.Chasing 141 in 31 overs, the Rocks fell into trouble early with the wicket of opener Kudzai Monze in the fourth over. Although half their side was out for 70 in the 21st over, a middle-order resurgence, led by Peter Burgoyne Tawanda Mupariwa helped them get close to the target. But Mpofu’s timely wickets pegged them back. With 23 needed off the final two overs, Rocks lost two wickets and fell nine runs short to end the game at 131 for nine.With five single-digit scores and two ducks, Tuskers’ innings also stuttered to reach 140 for nine. Two partnerships proved to be the bedrock of their innings – a 28 run stand for the fifth wicket after they were in trouble at 32 for four, and a quick 50-run partnership in 6.2 overs between Meth and Glen Querl that pushed them towards a total that they could defend.

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Reports in Italy claim Tottenham are keen to land Juventus ace Douglas Costa this summer, but would the Brazilian international be a good fit?

What’s the story?

Well, according to Calciomercato, Tottenham want to sign Costa this summer, and a stunning swap deal could be on the cards.

The report claims that if Spurs do make an approach, Juventus sporting director Fabio Paritici will attempt to lure Christian Eriksen in as part of the deal.

The Danish international has yet to pen a new long-term deal in North London, and his contract expires in the summer of 2020.

CheekySport’s Joel claims Spurs badly need to invest in January after not having “the balls” to beat Arsenal. Check out his uncensored opinion in the video below…

A huge mistake?

There’s no question that Costa is an electric player that would enjoy playing in the Premier League.

The 28 year-old already has five Ukrainian Premier League titles, two Bundesliga titles and one triumph in Serie A, and has proved himself at the Champions League level with both Juventus and Bayern Munich.

He is absolutely incredible with the ball at his feet, able to change pace at a moment’s notice and burst past defenders, and his crossing and shooting is far superior to most wingers of his calibre.

However, his levels have dropped off considerably this season, finding the net just once and adding two assists.

What is even more concerning from a Tottenham perspective is his controversial behaviour, as the 31-cap Brazilian served a four-game ban earlier this campaign for spitting directly into an opponent’s mouth.

Able to function on either wing, his versatility will definitely appeal to Mauricio Pochettino, but his work rate is questionable to say the least and losing Eriksen in an attempt to land the fiery winger would be betraying the very thing Pochettino has worked so hard to build.

The gaffer expects all his players to buy completely into the team philosophy, and Costa is the wrong man to target for a side that prides itself on grit, commitment and teamwork.

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Lots of Aston Villa fans have been running the rule over their third signing of the January transfer window, as Tyrone Mings has joined on loan.

It feels like Aston Villa have been in second gear for most of this season, but fans are hoping their latest signing will kick start a genuine playoff push.

The club have confirmed the capture of Mings from Bournemouth, per their official site, and the defender will join on loan until the end of the season.

The 25 year-old has made just seven first team appearances for the Cherries this season, per Transfermarkt, and has been pushed down the pecking order at the Vitality Stadium by the incredible form of Nathan Ake.

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Dean Smith’s ageing defence has been in need of reinforcements all season, and Mings, a left-footed defender who can play right across the back four, will be a huge boost to the gaffer’s arsenal.

Mings joins Lovre Kalinic and Kortney Hause on the list of January signings, and the Twitter reactions down below are absolutely loving it…

Liverpool lumbered to a second successive 1-1 draw in the Premier League as Manchester City cut short their lead at the top of the table.

The Reds failed to overcome both Leicester and West Ham in two of their worst performances of the season so far. Jurgen Klopp’s men were also lucky to beat Crystal Palace at home and their recent form will be cause for concern at Anfield. Injuries have taken their toll in recent weeks and Klopp will be hoping to welcome some key players back soon.

Liverpool’s improved back four has been hit hardest with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez both missing in recent weeks but their attack has also been stalling. Mohamed Salah has struggled to influence games as the central striker while Roberto Firmino has been out of sorts in recent weeks – luckily for the Reds, Sadio Mane has finally looked back to his best.

It’s hard to deny that Liverpool are still missing a creative spark in the middle of the park – something the fans haven’t seen since Philippe Coutinho’s departure to Barcelona. Therefore, Klopp should look to reunite with Borussia Dortmund hotshot – Marco Reus – in the summer. Valued at £45m by Transfermarkt, the German has been back to his brilliant best after spending most of last season on the treatment table.

A Bundesliga winner under Klopp, Reus has been completely transformed as a number ten this season and is flourishing; a similar role he played at Borussia Monchengladbach. The former Germany international has found the back of the net 17 times in all competitions as well as registering an impressive 11 assists for his team-mates. With excellent dribbling skills, vision and an eye for goal – Reus would take the Liverpool attack to the next level and provide the spark that has been missing at times throughout the campaign.

Reuniting with Klopp in the summer would have Liverpool fans licking their lips.

Liverpool fans, thoughts?

أعرب الدولي الأوكراني، أندريه لونين، حارس مرمى ريال مدريد، عن سعادته بالعودة للوس بلانكوس هذا الموسم، مُشيرًا إلى أنه حقق حلمه، وذلك قبل ساعات من مباراة ريال سوسيداد في الليجا.  

ريال مدريد يفتتح موسم 2020/2021، بمواجهة ريال سوسيداد مساء الأحد على ملعب “أنويتا”، بالجولة الثانية من الدوري الإسباني، بعد تم تأجيل مباراة الجولة الأولى.

لونين كان قد انضم إلى ريال مدريد، في صيف عام 2018، قادمًا من فريق زوريا لوهانسك الأوكراني، مقابل ثمانية ملايين يورو.

وبعد ذلك أعير لنادي ليجانيس، ليلعب بشكل منتظم ويتأقلم على اللعب في الدوري الإسباني، وتمت إعارته إلى بلد الوليد، ولكنه لم يحظ بأي فرصة لعب، لذلك قرر النادي قطع إعارته، ليُعيره لنادٍ آخر وهو ريال أوفييدو وقضى موسم 2019/2020 مُعارًا معه.

اقرأ أيضًا.. راموس: لن نعيش على الماضي.. وريال مدريد سيقاتل على كل البطولات

وهذا الموسم قرر زين الدين زيدان المدير الفني للوس بلانكوس، إعادة لونين، ليكون الحارس الثاني خلف تيبو كورتوا بعد رحيل ألفونس أريولا.

وقال لونين في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية: “ريال مدريد هدفه الوصول إلى القمة في جميع المُسابقات التي يُشارك فيها، وأنا سأضحي وأقدم كل شيء من أجل هذا النادي الرائع”.

وواصل: “مُنذ العودة ومهمتي واضحة، هي العمل، وفقط العمل من أجل القدرة على القيام بكل شيء، سأقدم كل ما في وسعي، من أجل هذا النادي العظيم”.

وأتم تصريحاته قائلًا: “أود أنّ أشكر الأندية التي عملت بها، لقد ساهموا في تطويري على المستوى الشخصي والمهني، والآن حققت حلمي بالتواجد في ريال مدريد”.