Tag Archives: caution

Arsene Wenger may risk Jack Wilshere in Arsenal FA Cup tie with Blackburn Rovers ahead of Champions League tie

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Risk Jack before Bayern Wenger to make late call on Wilshere in FA Cup

By
Jim Van Wijk, Press Association

PUBLISHED:

08:24 GMT, 15 February 2013

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UPDATED:

12:19 GMT, 15 February 2013

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger must decide whether to risk Jack Wilshere in tomorrow's FA Cup fifth-round tie against Blackburn or save the England midfielder for next week's Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.

Wilshere will be closely monitored after coming off against Sunderland last week with a dead leg, just days after his heroic display for England in the win over Brazil at Wembley.

Wenger started Wilshere on the bench for the last FA Cup tie at Brighton, where his second-half introduction helped spark a late rally to secure a 3-2 win.

Worth the risk Arsene Wenger will make a late call on whether to play Jack Wilshere in the FA Cup tie with Blackburn Rovers tomorrow in view of the midweek Champions League tie with Bayern Munich

Worth the risk Arsene Wenger will make a late call on whether to play Jack Wilshere in the FA Cup tie with Blackburn Rovers tomorrow in view of the midweek Champions League tie with Bayern Munich

Concern: A worried Wenger looks on as Wilshere receives treatment during Arsenal's 1-0 win over Sunderland last weekend

Concern: A worried Wenger looks on as Wilshere receives treatment during Arsenal's 1-0 win over Sunderland last weekend

However, the Gunners boss knows just how crucial a fully-fit Wilshere will be for his side's hopes to progress in Europe, and so could err on the side of caution if the midfielder is touch and go for tomorrow.

'Jack is looking better, but is still a doubt. He got a kick on the thigh,' the Arsenal manager said.

Wenger is likely to try to protect the fitness of several key men, while also seeing off the challenge of Blackburn who were thumped 7-1 on the last visit 12 months ago as they headed for relegation.

Captain Thomas Vermaelen missed both the last two matches because of an ankle problem, which has been requiring injections.

The Belgian centre-half said during a Q&A with fans on Arsenal's official Twitter account yesterday: 'At the moment I feel great, I trained all week, so hopefully I will be back really quickly.'

Back soon: Thomas Vermaelen (right) told fans that he was close to a return

Back soon: Thomas Vermaelen (right) told fans that he was close to a return

Centre-half Laurent Koscielny is another doubt with the calf injury which saw him limp out of the warm-up last weekend, after originally picking up the problem while away on international duty with France.

Full-back Carl Jenkinson will be suspended for the cup tie after his red card for two cautions at Sunderland.

With Kieran Gibbs still sidelined by a thigh problem and Andre Santos having joined Brazilian side Gremio on loan, Wenger's defensive options are stretched, so Ignasi Miquel, the 20-year-old Spaniard, looks set to be involved again this weekend.

View to a return: But this weekend's match with Blackburn may come too soon for Laurent Koscielny

View to a return: But this weekend's match with Blackburn may come too soon for Laurent Koscielny

Centre-back Per Mertesacker maintains Arsenal must put all thought of tackling Bayern Munich out of their minds as they look to book safe passage into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

'We still have an important cup game on Saturday (first) – we absolutely want to advance in the FA Cup, that is why the preparations for Bayern are not that intense yet,' the Germany international said.

'However, beginning on Sunday the preparations for Tuesday's match will be extreme.'

Tomorrow sees the start of a crucial period which could well define Arsenal's season, as they go to Tottenham on March 9 and then host Everton before travelling to the Allianz Arena for the second leg.

Mertesacker added: 'Bayern are doing superb this year and that is a big challenge for us, but we are looking forward to both legs.'

Australian Open 2013: Jamie Baker loses to Lukas Rosol in first round

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Baker's Aussie dream is over after Brit falls to Nadal's Wimbledon conqueror Rosol

By
Mike Dickson

PUBLISHED:

07:45 GMT, 15 January 2013

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UPDATED:

10:53 GMT, 15 January 2013

Jamie Baker was left to rue some missed opportunities as he fell in the first round of the Australian Open to the man who famously knocked Rafael Nadal out at Wimbledon last year.

Playing on a far outside court in the enormous shadow of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the 26-year-old Scot led in both the first and second sets before he became overpowered by the athletic figure of Czech Lukas Rosol 7-6, 7-5, 6-2 in a shade over two hours.

Having typically battled hard to make it through the qualifying event it was a disappointing outcome for the British No 2 but winning those three preliminary matches still makes it a decent start to the season for the world No 246.

Over and out: Jamie Baker lost at the first hurdle to Lukas Rosol at the Australian Open

Over and out: Jamie Baker lost at the first hurdle to Lukas Rosol at the Australian Open

Against 75th ranked Rosol, who played like Godzilla back in June to beat the stricken Nadal in five sets, he had to rely on his counterpunching skills from the back of the court but they served him well early on as his opponent started to get frustrated.

Baker broke for 6-5 in the opener when he played a clever chip-and-charge manoeuvre that brought an error from Rosol. Trying to serve it out, however, he allowed three break points against him and on the last one hit a forehand into the net.

The Briton, an off season training partner of Andy Murray in Miami, was always behind in the tiebreaker as Rosol threw caution to the wind and hit out to take it 7-5, having built up a 6-3 lead.

Cruise control: Rosol knocked Rafael Nadal out at Wimbledon and was in no mood to be shocked himself

Cruise control: Rosol knocked Rafael Nadal out at Wimbledon and was in no mood to be shocked himself

The second set was also a story of Baker not being able to capitalise on his lead as he went ahead 4-1 and 5-3 and again was unable to close it out. Rosol reeled off four games and Baker’s fighting spirit was sapped, with daylight between them in the third.

Consolation for the Scot is the 18,000 first-round loser’s money and a boost from his wins last week.

Having fought more than his fair share of injuries he is at least heading in the right direction.

England fail to punish India"s MS Dhoni and leave the door ajar after first day in Nagpur: Nasser Hussain

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Careless England fail to punish defensive Dhoni and leave the door ajar

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UPDATED:

21:32 GMT, 13 December 2012

Negative outlook: MS Dhoni opted for caution in Nagpur (FILE PHOTO)

Negative outlook: MS Dhoni opted for caution in Nagpur (FILE IMAGE)

England went into the fourth Test promising they would be ruthless but they were not as clinical as they might have been on the first day and ended it having left the door slightly open for India.

India picked the wrong side —they really needed two seamers on that pitch — and lost the toss but England failed to take full advantage and will have been just the unhappier of the two sides going into the second day.

Yes, that was a very difficult pitch to score on and MS Dhoni immediately went on the defensive, which didn’t exactly help, but was it a hard pitch to survive on Was it a difficult pitch to play spin on Not really.

If the tourists had lost three or four
wickets to reverse swing I would have understood but the truth was that
they gifted India three and Alastair Cook will be thinking that the
close score could easily have been 200 for three.

Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell will both be disappointed with the way they got out and, while Kevin Pietersen batted well and I could understand him wanting to be assertive, he got out in the end to nothing more than a soft chip.

Cheap dismissal: Jonathan Trott will be angered with the loss of his wicket (FILE IMAGE)

Cheap dismissal: Jonathan Trott will be angered with the loss of his wicket (FILE IMAGE)

In the end the 21-year-old debutant in Joe Root showed, with a bit of that over-my-dead-body Yorkshire spirit, that you could survive and also play a few shots.

Graham Thorpe rates Root highly and you could see why here in the calm, composed and organised way he went about his business.

I have often said that you should pick on character and Root’s character immediately looks right.

Keeping his head: Joe Root made an impressive start to his Test career in tough circumstances (FILE IMAGE)

Keeping his head: Joe Root made an impressive start to his Test career in tough circumstances (FILE IMAGE)

I wasn’t surprised that England chose to replace Samit Patel — if he is not going to bowl then you can’t consider him one of England’s six best batsmen — but I was surprised they chose Root over Jonny Bairstow.

It is a brave call, and one that probably reflects England’s reservations about Bairstow’s playing of spin at this stage of his career, but so far it is one that you have to say they got right.

Ashley Cole gives evidence in Mark Clattenburg and John Obi Mikel "race" row

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Cole dragged into Clattenburg 'race' row as FA interview Chelsea star over Mikel claims

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UPDATED:

18:05 GMT, 20 November 2012

Chelsea's complaint against referee Mark Clattenburg for racial abuse has taken a dramatic twist after Ashley Cole was dragged in to give evidence to the FA.

The Chelsea left-back was interviewed at Stamford Bridge first thing on Sunday morning by the FA’s head of on-field regulation Tarik Shamel and FA compliance officer Blake Lewenden as the investigation moves into its 24th day.

FA chiefs hope to make an announcement on Clattenburg by the end of the week, but the decision to interview Cole has delayed the findings of the investigation team.

Evidence: Ashley Cole (centre) was interviewed by the FA on Monday

Evidence: Ashley Cole (centre) was interviewed by the FA on Monday

Chelsea allege that Clattenburg called John Obi Mikel ‘a monkey’ during their stormy 3-2 defeat against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 28.

Incredibly Cole, who was not close to the incident involving Mikel, has been added to the list of Chelsea’s players who have given taped interviews to the FA.

The FA’s compliance team are handling Cole with extreme caution after he was condemned by the Independent Regulatory Commission following the decision to ban John Terry.

Cole was criticised in the written judgement and his evidence was considered unreliable after the left-back made amendments to his original interview with the FA’s head of regulation Jenni Kennedy.

Row: Mark Clattenburg is accused of racially abusing John Obi Mikel

Row: Mark Clattenburg is accused of racially abusing John Obi Mikel

The Chelsea left-back responded at the time by tweeting ‘Hahahahaa, well done #fa I lied did I, #BUNCHOFT****’.

He was later fined 90,000 by the FA for his outburst and he subsequently apologised for yet another transgression.

Given Cole’s track record, it is a delicate situation for the FA and his interview, as with all the other witnesses, is now being scrutinised.

FA chiefs have asked for external legal advice as they consider whether to charge Clattenburg under the Rule E3 (1) and (2).

Raheem Sterling interviewed by police over alleged attack on woman in Liverpool

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England teenager Sterling quizzed by cops over alleged attack on woman in Liverpool

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UPDATED:

10:33 GMT, 20 November 2012

Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling was interviewed by Merseyside Police in connection with an alleged attack on a woman earlier this month.

The 17-year-old made his international debut for England last week against Sweden and has enjoyed a fine start so far in what is his breakthrough season at Anfield.

Quizzed: Raheem Sterling was interviewed by police

Quizzed: Raheem Sterling was interviewed by police

But it is reported that the teenager was
quizzed by police under caution after he reported to a Merseyside
station by prior appointment on November 5 – three days after the
alleged attack on a 27-year-old woman took place in the Liverpool 8
area.

Jamaican-born Sterling, who joined Liverpool two years ago from QPR, was not arrested, however, and the police revealed that investigations are ongoing.

‘Merseyside police can confirm that a 17-year-old male from the Woolton area was interviewed under caution following a report of an assault on Friday, November 2,’ a police spokesperson told the Daily Mirror.

On the ball: Sterling made his international debut for England against Sweden last week

On the ball: Sterling made his international debut for England against Sweden last week

‘A 27-year-old woman received slight injuries during the incident in the Liverpool 8 area.

‘The investigation is ongoing and no formal action has been taken.’

The Mirror reported that Liverpool declined to comment on the police interview.

Sterling, who has a five-month old daughter Melody Rose, turns 18 next month and is in line to receive a new bumper deal at Liverpool to secure his long-term future at Anfield.

Frankie Dettori fails drug test

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Racing hero Dettori in dock after positive drug test at Longchamp

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UPDATED:

17:14 GMT, 13 November 2012

Frankie Dettori will face an inquiry next week after a positive drug test at Longchamp in September, the rider's legal representative has revealed.

Solicitor Christopher Stewart-Moore released a statement with the news the Medical Committee of the French authority are planning a hearing.

Frank assessment: Two of Dettori's rides on the day in question were Willing Foe and and Joshua Tree (below)

Frank assessment: Two of Dettori's rides on the day in question were Willing Foe and and Joshua Tree (below)

Frankie Dettori

The statement said: 'On behalf of
Frankie Dettori I can confirm that, as a consequence of a positive test
at Longchamp on September 16 2012, he will be the subject of an inquiry
by the Medical Committee of France Galop next week.

'In compliance with, and out of
respect for, the regulations of France Galop, he will not be commenting
further until the France Galop procedures have been completed.'

Dettori had four rides at Longchamp
on September 16, a day of major trials for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
meeting the following month.

He finished second on Godolphin’s Farrh
in the Prix du Moulin and third on the same stable's Willing Foe in the
Prix Gladiateur, third on Marco Botti’s Joshua Tree in the Prix Foy and
unplaced on Sarah Lynx in the Prix Vermeille.

In the dock: Dettori will have to answer charges after failing a drug test

In the dock: Dettori will have to answer charges after failing a drug test

France Galop are the equivalent of the British Horseracing Association (BHA).

It is understood the France Galop disciplinary process will be in two parts with a Medical Committee meeting next week followed by a Stewards Committee meeting – which could be anything up to to a week or 10 days later – where any suspension arising from the positive test will be handed down.

Dettori received police caution for
possession of cocaine on May 15 1993, after he had been to watch Arsenal
and Sheffield Wednesday play at Wembley in the FA Cup final.

France Galop have not commented on
proceedings and in previous similar cases they have not issued a
statement before the hearing.

Frankie's folly: Dettori will now be the subject of an inquiry

Frankie's folly: Dettori will now be the subject of an inquiry

Frankie's folly: Dettori will now be the subject of an inquiry

Last month, Dettori's parted company with racing stable Godolphin after a successful 18-year association.

The official line from Godolphin was
that 'the retainer was not really working', although Dettori was
expected to continue working his present contract until the end of 2012.

The British-based jockey has won more than 500 group races in his career. He is best known for riding seven winners at Ascot in 1996.

The 41-year-old partnered nine English Classic winners in the royal blue silks, including their first in 1994 Oaks victor Balanchine, and a total of 110 Group or Grade One winners for the owner.

Asked by the Sportsmail in 2010 about his biggest regret, he said: 'Getting caught with cocaine in 1993. I was on all the front pages and put my family through hell. I was cocky and had too much too soon. It made me grow up.'

Allez! Dettori had four rides during the meet at Longchamp in September

Allez! Dettori had four rides during the meet at Longchamp in September

Ricky Hatton attacked by his dad

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Hatton attacked by his own dad hours before announcing comeback

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UPDATED:

11:59 GMT, 15 September 2012

The father of former boxing champion Ricky Hatton was arrested for attacking his son the day before he announced his comeback, police sources said.

It is understood that Hatton, 33, had to protect himself after his dad Ray, 61, attacked him during a heated row in the car park outside his Manchester gym.

Police were called and Hatton senior was arrested and cautioned.

Attack: Ricky Hatton (left) was hit by his father Ray (right) in a car park

Attack: Ricky Hatton (left) was hit by his father Ray (right) in a car park

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: 'Shortly before 11.45am on Thursday, police received reports that there had been a fight involving two men outside a health and fitness club on Market Street, Hyde.

'A 33-year-old man was assaulted by a 61-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of common assault and subsequently given a police caution.

'The 33-year-old man was not injured in the incident.'

On Friday, Hatton – nicknamed The Hitman – said he would strive to earn the nation's pride again after seeing his life 'turn to mush' in the three years since he last fought.

He's back! Hatton announced his comeback in Manchester on Friday

He's back! Hatton announced his comeback in Manchester on Friday

The Hyde fighter has suffered a series of well-publicised issues in his private life since his last fight saw him knocked out by Manny Pacquiao in their IBO light-welterweight title fight in Las Vegas.

Hatton insisted he did not want to see those demons tarnish his legacy in the sport, with another world title belt in his sights.

The fighter was the subject of allegations of cocaine abuse two years ago and within days he was admitted to a rehabilitation facility.

Drink and depression were major issues for Hatton at the time.

Flattened: Manny Pacquiao destroyed Hatton in his last fight in 2009

Flattened: Manny Pacquiao destroyed Hatton in his last fight in 2009

'I don't want people telling my kids that I blew it,' Hatton said as it was announced he would return to the ring on November 24 in Manchester.

'I want my kids to be able to say, 'He was a world champion, he had his problems, but my did he bounce back'.

'I want people to be proud of me again. I want British sport, my kids and my fans and my friends to be proud of me.'

Hatton's agent declined to comment on the incident.

Steven Gerrard blasts referee after being sent off

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Gerrard blasts referee after being sent off for first time in England career

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UPDATED:

23:15 GMT, 11 September 2012

Steven Gerrard suggested referee Cuneyt Cakir had been card happy after the first sending-off of his England career in Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Ukraine.

Captain Gerrard was one of nine players booked by Cakir in the World Cup qualifier at Wembley and was dismissed in the closing stages after picking up his second caution.

The Liverpool skipper, who will now miss next month's Group H clash with San Marino, said: 'I don't think there was a bad tackle in the game, was there And I think the referee's given seven yellow cards.

Off you go: Steven Gerrard leaves the field

Off you go: Steven Gerrard leaves the field

'So, it's disappointing for me because it's a red card – my first one in 98 caps.

'But we play San Marino next. I'm sure the boys can do the job without me and then I'll be available for Poland. I'm gutted over the red, but happy with my performance.'

Gerrard's display was one of few positives for England as they were outplayed by a Ukraine side who came within three minutes of avenging this summer's controversial European Championship defeat.

He said: 'We wanted to win this game tonight. We're at home with our crowd behind us, so we're disappointed not to get the three points.

Smash: Gerrard drives into Denys Garmash of Ukraine and is given a second yellow

Smash: Gerrard drives into Denys Garmash of Ukraine and is given a second yellow

'Having gone a goal down, I think we showed fantastic character and determination. We kept probing for the openings and, when the subs came on, I thought we created more chances.

'I thought we thoroughly deserved the point, if not a bit more on chances.'

He added: 'I think you've got to give them credit. They're a fantastic team and I think it's going to be between us two who tops this group. That's my prediction.

'I thought in general play, we controlled it. We looked the side who wanted to create all the openings and I think we'll probably have a better chance of beating them away because they'll have to come out and take more risks.

Take it: Frank Lampard takes the captain's armband from the departing Gerrard

Take it: Frank Lampard takes the captain's armband from the departing Gerrard

'But, credit to them, they've come to Wembley and they've taken two points off us.'

That is was not all three was thanks to Frank Lampard's 87th-minute penalty, his 26th goal for England which took him level with Bryan Robson.

Gerrard said: 'He's got a good record as far as penalties are concerned. I think that's his eighth or ninth penalty now. So, we rely on him and he's done the job again for us tonight.'

England to avoid big guns in Euro 2013 Under 21 play off

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England set for favourable draw in Euro 2013 play-offs after Norway win

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UPDATED:

10:43 GMT, 11 September 2012

England will avoid the continent's powerhouses in Friday's draw for the Euro 2013 play-offs after being confirmed as one of the seeds.

Stuart Pearce's side confirmed their place with a narrow 1-0 win over Norway on Monday, thanks to Connor Wickham's strike.

England will take on either Switzerland, Denmark, Slovenia, Sweden, Russia or Serbia in the two-legged tie.

Roar of delight: Connor Wickham scored the only goal of the game

Roar of delight: Connor Wickham scored the only goal of the game

Spain, Germany, Italy, Holland, France and Czech Republic are the sides England avoided thanks to their win.

Meanwhile, Pearce admits he has studied the potential opponents carefully.

He said: 'I would like to say that we haven't looked at that yet but I've studied those league tables on a daily basis for the last two seasons.

'Before [the Norway game] we knew exactly all the possible outcomes for us and the teams we could get.

Tussle: Jordan Henderson fights for the ball during England's win

Tussle: Jordan Henderson fights for the ball during England's win

'I wouldn't have wanted Norway to come out of the group with us if I'm being honest as that would have given us more of a chance of getting a runner-up – not that that particularly makes it easier for you as two years ago all four runners-up went to the finals having beaten group winners.

'So there is a word of caution there as there are plenty of things that can go against you – players' fitness and availability and so on.

'All the play-off fixtures will be tight affairs as everyone wants to be at those finals and we have two years' work rapped up in eight days in October now.'

Manchester United academy captain Luke McCullough arrested over "sex in public"

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United's academy captain arrested after allegedly having sex in public

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UPDATED:

12:53 GMT, 7 September 2012

A rising Manchester United star has been arrested for ‘lewd behaviour’ after allegedly having sex with a teenage girl in a doorway.

Luke McCullough, 18, who was last season's Academy captain, was seen on CCTV with the woman at 5am on Monday after a night out.

The Northern Irish defender – said by Old Trafford bosses to be the new Jonny Evans – allegedly got ‘overly amorous’ with the blonde.

Arrest: Luke McCullough (right) in action for Manchester United's youth team

Arrest: Luke McCullough (right) in action for Manchester United's youth team

The incident in Concert Square, a popular bar and restaurant district of Liverpool, will infuriate manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

He expects high standards of his young players and just last week banned all of his under-23s from driving flashy sports cars from new club sponsors Chevrolet.

During the incident, the smooching pair allegedly initially moved into a doorway semi-clothed, only for police to send a car to the scene.

The couple were spoken to, did up their clothes and walked away – but just a few yards away went into another doorway and carried on, police said.

Old Trafford: Manchester United bosses have described the Irish defender as the 'new Jonny Evans' and he is cited as a hot prospect

Old Trafford: Manchester United bosses have described the Irish defender as the 'new Jonny Evans' and he is cited as a hot prospect

Officers went back the scene and arrested both for public order offences. The woman received a police caution after admitting the incident.

The Northern Ireland youth captain and centre-back was held in police cells for several hours before being issued with a caution and sent home.

'They were all over each other and they
just couldn’t help themselves. Officers told them to move on and they
agreed but they didn’t get very far before they were at it again. We had no choice (but) to arrest them'

Police source

A police source said: ‘The pair of them were spotted on CCTV in a virtual state of undress but it was only when they move to a doorway we had to send a patrol out.

‘They were all over each other and they just couldn’t help themselves. Officers told them to move on and they agreed but they didn’t get very far before they were at it again.

‘We had no choice (but) to arrest them because all and sundry would have seen what they were up to. Why they didn’t just get a room is beyond us.’

A Merseyside Police spokesman confirmed an 18-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were arrested in Liverpool early on Monday morning.

Unlikely to impress: The incident will infuriate the club's senior manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, who expects high standards of his young players

Unlikely to impress: The incident will infuriate the club's senior manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, who expects high standards of his young players

He said: ‘Both were taken into custody and spoken to by officers before receiving a formal police caution for a public order offence.’

LUKE MCCULLOUGH
Born: 15/2/1994, Portadown, N. IrePosition: Centre-back
International: N. Ire U17Joined United: 1/7/2010Last season: MUFC Academy captain, 25 appearancesPrevious teams: Dungannon Swifts, County Armagh, Portadown Colleg

Manchester United call McCullough an ‘accomplished defender who is building his reputation as a powerful, commanding presence. ‘

The Portadown teenager joins a collection of Northern Irish players now at the club's Carrington training ground after arriving from Dungannon Swifts.

He was compared with Belfast-born United first-team player Jonny Evans after he became captain of the Academy side in the 2011/2012 season.

He was shortlisted for the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award, in memory of the ex-United assistant manager from the Busby Babes era.