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LAFC boss Steve Cherundolo sounded off on MLS for making them play in fierce winter conditions against Real Salt Lake Saturday.

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• RSL defeat LAFC 3-0
• Snowy conditions cause controversy
• Winter storm saw players freeze on pitch

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  LAFC fell 3-0 to RSL Saturday evening, obtaining their first loss of the season, but it didn't come without issue or controversy.

  The match was delayed multiple times, due to a mixture of wind, lightning, rain and dust… but by the time things properly kicked off at America First Field, the temperature had dropped severely and snow began falling on the pitch.

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  WHAT LAFC BOSS STEVE CHERUNDOLO SAID

  “It was an absolute joke we had to play today, the game could have and should have been called (off). It was an absolute disgrace to play… I don't understand why on earth we'd count a game like that."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  By the time the final whistle blew, visibility on the field appeared to be almost non-existent – with MLS implementing an orange ball in the game so that all persons could view it. The snow-covered pitch was shoveled multiple times throughout the match, while players opted to wear face-coverings, gloves and hats throughout the match.

  LAFC's Hugo Lloris was one of the most visibly shaken footballers on the pitch by the conditions, shivering on-camera whole seeing his facial hair turn into ice – frozen to his face.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LAFC?

  The Black and Gold return home to Los Angeles next weekend in what will – hopefully – be more playable conditions. They'll look to get their campaign back on track and earn their second three points of the season.

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has revealed he was caught with cider and cigarettes aged 14 by an Everton youth coach in a hilarious anecdote.

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• Rooney became a United legend
• But started playing days at Everton
• Caught red-handed by coach in hilarious story

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Rooney was chatting alongside fellow Premier League legends Jamie Carragher, Gary Neville and Roy Keane, as well as Lionesses icon Jill Scott, in the latest episode of . The group discussed the the drinking habits of people in Liverpool, as Carragher made a reference to anything from grassroots games to christenings warranting a boozy celebration. Rooney took that opportunity to tell a hilarious anecdote about growing up in his hometown of Croxteth, Liverpool.

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  WHAT ROONEY SAID

  Rooney told : "Where I grew up wasn't an easy place to live, but I used to absolutely love growing up there. It taught me so many different things. I remember when I was 14, I was crossing the road, I think it was a Thursday or something like that. I was playing for the U19s on Saturday for Everton, Colin Harvey was the manager. So I'm crossing the road, I've got a bag of cider and a packet of cigarettes, a car stops to let me cross – and it was Colin Harvey!"

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Rooney's escapades had no effect on a stunning Everton career which saw him seal a switch to United at just 18 years of age back in 2004. He went on to become a legend at Old Trafford before returning to the Toffees in 2017. Rooney then moved to MLS with DC United before finishing his playing career at Championship club Derby County, retiring in January 2021.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ROONEY?

  Despite such an esteemed playing career, Rooney has largely failed to live up to the billing at managerial level. He has averaged a dire 1.14, 1.04 and 0.67 points per game as permanent manager of Derby, DC United and Birmingham, respectively, and has been out of work since being sacked by the Blues in January following a dreadful spell.

Crystal Palace are interested in appointing Rafael Benitez as Roy Hodgson’s successor at Selhurst Park, and the south London outfit should do all they can to persuade the Spaniard to take charge.

Hodgson announced his imminent exit from the Eagles dugout earlier in the week after four successful seasons with the capital club, and who Steve Parish picks to replace the former England boss is guaranteed to have a huge impact over their immediate prospects.

The former England boss guided Palace to Premier League safety with ease throughout his tenure, finishing as high as 11th in 2017/18, but there was a growing feeling that the 73-year-old had taken them as far as he could.

Now that Hodgson’s departure has been confirmed, talk has turned to who could possibly take over the reins, with several big names such as Frank Lampard, Eddie Howe and Scott Parker linked with the soon-to-be-vacant role.

However, according to the Daily Record, the Palace hierarchy are also keen to explore the possibility of appointing Benitez as the ex-Real Madrid, Inter and Chelsea boss looks for his next management position.

The 61-year-old Spanish manager made history by ending Valencia’s 31-year wait for a La Liga crown back in 2002 and arguably went one better three years later, guiding Liverpool to the most dramatic Champions League victory in the competition’s history in Istanbul.

With all due respect to Palace, it’s not often that a club of their stature has the opportunity to appoint a head coach of Benitez’s calibre and quality, and it would be a masterstroke if Parish could pull this off.

It’s set to be a turbulent summer at Selhurst Park, with over a dozen players approaching the end of their current contracts, meaning an experienced head is more suited to the job a hand. And Parish admitted the task of finding the right man to replace Hodgson is a daunting one.

“I don’t think we should underestimate the size of the challenge. We can see with teams that have been promoted already, we have a quality league next year, but equally, it is a fantastic opportunity for somebody.

“This is a London club, and it is an exciting time to be around it, the academy is developing, and the catchment area for talent we know is outstanding. The staff are amazing, and we have now pursued plans for a new main stand with vigour through this difficult time,” he added in an interview with Sky Sports.

“It’s daunting, but we have been through this before. We are in better shape than ever before as a club to make this transition, that isn’t to say it doesn’t come with pitfalls and dangers.”

Hiring a young, forward-thinking boss who plays attractive football may please many Palace fans and football romantics, but in reality, now may not bethe time for that in south London. The Eagles are approaching a crossroads, and with so much upheaval in the playing squad set to occur over the summer, they need an experienced leader to guide them through.

Benitez has won 12 major honors throughout his managerial career, and steering Palace successfully through this transitional period would be another significant success story.

And, in other news…Parish masterclass: Palace must swoop for 19-goal gem dubbed the new Thierry Henry – opinion

Pep Guardiola hailed his "supermen" Manchester City players following their 1-0 win over Bournemouth – while criticising their busy fixture list.

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• City beat Bournemouth 1-0
• Guardiola hails his 'supermen'
• Manager criticises busy schedule

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  City cut Liverpool's lead at the top of the Premier League to one point thanks to Phil Foden's goal in a 1-0 victory at Bournemouth. That was City's sixth game this month, leading Guardiola to praise his players' fitness and durability. However, the former Barcelona boss said his team are having to play too many matches and their schedule needs to be reduced.

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  WHAT PEP GUARDIOLA SAID

  He told : "I adore my players – they are supermen. They are so good. Where we come from for many years, playing every three days – they [Bournemouth] had seven days to prepare for the game and we always have less. So when people say, you play in the same conditions in the Premier League, no, no – we don't have the same equality, we have much more games than the rest to play, and this is a tough place to come, they are a fantastic team, they won 3-0 at Old Trafford.

  "We demand too much of our players but they respond. I know people say: 'They earn a lot of money' but it [the schedule] is too much. Honestly, but business must go on and it surprises me every time how we are still there, they have an incredible character and are so competitive even when they are tired, they give extra. Our fans have to be so proud of these guys. The last 10-15 minutes were tough – we won the Treble and people think we have to win every game 4-0, 5-0 but that is not the reality and hopefully soon we can have a week off and refresh our minds and legs."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  City are going for another treble and when your team is successful, playing lots of matches comes with the territory. More games tends to mean players and clubs pocket more earnings as a result, so while footballers may be playing too often – a solution needs to be put forward to find a happy medium.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  City, who have played 36 games this season compared to Bournemouth's 31 in all competitions, round off a busy month with an away trip to Luton Town in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Tuesday. It will be their fifth match in a two-week period.

New USWNT boss Emma Hayes delayed start with the U.S. poses an issue, per sporting director Matt Crocker, but the USSF is happy to wait for her.

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• Emma Hayes delayed start presents issues for U.S. Soccer
• USSF 'hopeful' Hayes can travel to meet squad

• USWNT host China PR on December 2

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  In a press conference on Monday, Crocker said that despite the complications with the current situation regarding Hayes' status with the USWNT, he's 'hopeful' that the new boss will be able to visit the squad in Florida next week. The U.S. has a pair of December international friendlies against China PR to end the calendar year.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Hayes is a picture-perfect hire for the USWNT, and the way they negotiated her contract, she will still end on good terms with her beloved Chelsea; it's an ideal scenario. The 47-year-old manager will still be on the touchline for at least four games prior to her first major tournament with the national team in the Paris Olympics, too. However, the one negative is that for any matches played in 2024 from January until the end of the WSL season, Hayes won't be on the bench with her squad.

• WHAT CROCKER SAID

  "It's not ideal Emma can’t start with us right away. But from my perspective, what was important is that we’ve got the best candidate for the long term rather than wrong candidate for short term," he said.

  The USSF Sporting Director added: "We're just again working to final details around her schedule… it would be an ideal situation for her to come and meet the players and staff and we're very hopeful that that can happen."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR HAYES AND THE USWNT?

  The current Chelsea boss will continue out the WSL season with the Blues before joining up with the USWNT on a permanent basis in 2024. They're back in action on Thursday in the UEFA Women's Champions League against Paris FC. The U.S. meanwhile, announced the November camp roster Monday morning ahead of a pair of December friendlies against China PR.

Leah Williamson, Mary Earps and Chloe Kelly are among the England Lionesses to have joined the likes of Paul Mullin and Gary Lineker at the GQ Awards.

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• England internationals grace the red carpet
• Goalkeeper among those to pick up a prize
• Wrexham frontman also gets suited up

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The glitzy Men of the Year ceremony for 2023 took place at the Royal Opera House in London on Wednesday evening. Famous names from the worlds of television, music and sport graced the red carpet ahead of the annual event staged by the fashion and culture magazine.

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  THE GOSSIP

  England and Arsenal captain Williamson, who missed the 2023 Women’s World Cup through injury, dazzled onlookers at the star-studded event – with international colleagues Earps and Kelly joining her, along with former Lionesses hero Alex Scott.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Spanish World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso was also on the guest list, with an iconic venue in the English capital swapping songs for gongs. Manchester United goalkeeper Earps was among the 20 honourees to pick up a prize on the night.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Ex-England striker Lineker – who now hosts Match of the Day on the BBC – and prolific Wrexham frontman Paul Mullin suited up for the evening, while Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin brought his unique sense of style to the most glamorous of occasions.

Russell Martin is desperate to sign Sunderland centre-forward Will Grigg this summer, according to reports…

What’s the word?

Speaking after Milton Keynes Dons 5-0 win over Swindon Town on Saturday, Martin stated his desire to sign Grigg – who is currently on loan at the League One side – permanently this summer.

As cited by MK Citizen, Martin said: “We’d like to keep him, he fits in with what we’re doing but he has a contract with another club. He has another year, and Sunderland could be in this league still. We’ll be right in the mix to try and keep him. We’ll have to wait and see.”

On Grigg’s performance in the fixture, in which the 29-year-old bagged four of MK Don’s five goals, Martin remarked: “Today, he got the goals he deserved. He’s playing in a way that he hasn’t been asked to do before. He deserved the goals because he is so humble, has no ego, puts the team ahead of himself.”

Why should Sunderland sell?

While it is undeniable that Grigg has impressed during his loan spell, with the Northern Ireland international scoring eight goals and providing three assists over his 18 appearances for MK Dons, this form is a far cry from anything the striker has managed since joining Sunderland in a £3.06 million deal from Wigan Athletic back in 2019.

This season, Grigg managed no goals or assists over his nine League One appearances for Lee Johnson’s side before departing the club in January, while, in total, he has scored just eight times in 61 appearances for the Black Cats.

This means that, not even factoring in his £6,000-per-week salary, the centre-forward’s goals have cost Sunderland around £382,500 per strike, an extraordinary amount of football for a team who are still playing their football in the third tier of the English pyramid.

As such, regardless of whether Sunderland achieve promotion or not this season, Johnson should do all he can to see that Martin does indeed manage to sign the 29-year-old on a permanent basis this summer, as it is abundantly clear that Grigg and Sunderland are not compatible with each other whatsoever.

Furthermore, while Grigg is in a fine run of form whilst out on loan, perhaps the Black Cats will be able to claw back slightly more of the rather astonishing transfer fee they paid for him, in comparison to how much they could have asked for when he was failing to do the business at the Stadium of Light.

In other news: Move over Sanderson: SAFC could save millions by unleashing “lovely” rarely-seen beast – opinion

AC Milan goalkeeper Antonio Mirante will make a rare appearance this weekend as the Rossoneri are forced to field their third choice against Juventus.

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• First choice Maignan suspended
• Sportiello out with injury
• Mirante likely to be in starting XI

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Stefano Pioli's team return to Serie A action on Sunday with a match against Juventus. The Milan coach has been left with a selection headache with many players struggling with injury, and the goalkeeping position is a particular concern.

  Mirante will be the man to take his place between the sticks in the weekend's headline clash as first choice Mike Maignan is suspended after he was sent off in their previous match against Genoa. Meanwhile, Milan announced that back-up option Marco Sportiello is also out with a calf injury he sustained in training this week.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Pioli has other concerns spread throughout his team heading into the clash at San Siro. Samuel Chukwueze and Theo Hernandez are both unavailable, while Rade Krunic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who are still recovering from injuries, will need to be assessed before kick-off.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Mirante's appearance will be his first start since 2021, when he was named in the starting XI for Roma. Since joining AC Milan, he has seen just one minute of competitive action, which was in the final game of last season.

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  Pioli's team are top of Serie A heading into Sunday's game against Juventus, who are four points behind. A win will see Pioli's side remain ahead of rivals Inter.

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has reportedly splashed out £180,000 on a custom Mercedes van after crashing his £700,000 Rolls-Royce Wraith.

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• England international involved in concerning collision
• Red Devils forward suffered no injuries
• Is now planning to be driven to training sessions

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 25-year-old England international is not short on wheels as he was spotted arriving at training on Monday in a £560,000 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Blue Shadow – the day after he wrecked his other Roller when heading home from a 1-0 Premier League win over Burnley. United were quick to calm any fears after that incident, posting: “Marcus is fine. It was an accidental collision.” Police forces are no longer investigating the crash.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Rashford has now spent big on another motor, and he will not be driving this one himself. According to , the United academy graduate will be escorted to Carrington in his luxury Mercedes Vito Maybach by a personal chauffeur.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  That news will come as some relief to Erik ten Hag and the United coaching team, with concerns immediately raised after learning that Rashford – who left the team’s training base at around midnight after helping to down Burnley at Turf Moor – had collided with a traffic light on Saturday evening.

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  Rashford will now be travelling to training in style, with there plenty to keep him occupied during the journey. His new Mercedes is said to include a 40 inch TV, a PlayStation, USB charging ports, a wireless iPhone charging station and a galaxy ceiling that features hundreds of twinkling stars.

Steve Bruce must urge Newcastle United to re-sign Jetro Willems at the end of the season after the Eintracht Frankfurt defender was backed for a return to Tyneside.

What’s the word?

While speaking with the Transfer Tavern, Daniel Pinder, the editor-in-chief at Get German Football News, claimed Willems has his heart set on returning to the Premier League with the Magpies.

Willems joined the Toon on loan for the 2019/20 campaign in a deal that carried an €11m (£9.5m) clause to buy the Dutchman, but plans were derailed after he sustained a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament rupture in January.

The left-back had been keen to secure a permanent stay in the North East before the devastating blow, but was denied the chance and moved back to Germany where he is yet to feature since returning to fitness.

Newcastle had explored a potential return for the 27-year-old during the winter market when contact was made with his agent, but opted against pursuing a deal as “Jetro hasn’t played enough” as Bruce would later confirm.

Yet a possible summer switch was not scrubbed from the cards as Willems will be out of contract in June and is refusing to sign a new contract at Deutsche Bank Park, and Pinder believes a deal is entirely possible.

“I think Newcastle is where he wants to be, and I’ve seen him like tweets from Newcastle fans on social media about a return,” he told TT. “He hasn’t really played for Eintracht Frankfurt this season as he’s down the pecking order behind the likes of [Filip] Kostic and Erik Durm.

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“Obviously, his contract is up in the summer as well, so yeah, I think Newcastle will be the club for him.”

Should Newcastle re-sign Frankfurt’s Willems?

There are no guarantees of Newcastle re-signing the same player they saw during Willems’ time at St. James’ Park on loan if the Toon were to explore a summer swoop, but getting a full pre-season under his belt could see the left-back alleviate Bruce’s winter concerns.

Bruce was full of praise for Willems during the Dutchman’s five months in the North East that saw him score twice and offer three assists in 20 games across all competitions, noting via quotes by The Northern Echo:

“He was playing week in, week out and had done very well [before the injury], and his goals against [Manchester] City and Liverpool were there for everybody to see.”

The Shields Gazette’s Liam Kennedy also claimed on NUFC Matters: “He’s a player that really impressed a lot of people at the football club – not only with his performances, but his attitude.”

Bruce should now urge Newcastle to rely on those positive positions in the off-season with the Toon on the search for a new left-back at a time when funds are expected to be almost non-existent – surely making a free move for Willems all the more appealing to Mike Ashley.

The £2.5m-rated beast returned to fitness this January and has been named on the bench for 10 Bundesliga fixtures by Adi Hutter to date, and would likely have been given a chance to feature if it were not for Eintracht Frankfurt’s immense run of form.

After claiming 27 of a possible 51 points while Willems was in the treatment room, Die Adler have since taken 29 of a possible 39 – only runaway leaders Bayern Munich (32/39) have taken more since January 21.

It remains to be seen if he can get back onto the pitch before the season draws to a close next month, but that should not stop Bruce from making Willems a Newcastle player again if the chance arises.

AND in other news, an “absolutely awesome” Newcastle colossus is wanted in a £6m summer switch…