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After Galatasaray fans celebrated wildly all over Old Trafford on Tuesday night as Manchester United entered their biennial terminal velocity mode, even better Turkey-based news followed for Manchester City suits this morning. The Turkish government’s decision to plump for a joint bid with Italy for the 2032 Euros rather than 2028 means England, Wales, Scotland, Norn Iron and the Republic O’Ireland will jointly host the soccer jamboree in five years’ time! Old Trafford, best soundtracked by Top Red Phil Collins’ “The Roof Is Leaking”, was not considered for inclusion. An expanded Etihad Stadium’s laser blue concourse will be Mancunia’s enormodome of choice, though renamed the City of Manchester Stadium for non-sponsorship purposes – unless Abu Dhabi sponsor the whole caboodle, which cannot be ruled out.
Can I be the first of 1,057 readers to congratulate Michael Butler on his scarily accurate prediction [Tuesday’s Daily]? ‘Zaha played a key role in Galatasaray’s first Big Cup game … manager Okan Buruk would be wise to start him at Old Trafford … it could be a bad night to be Diogo Dalot.’ On second thoughts, perhaps it wasn’t THAT hard to predict” – Ricky Phi.
Sad news that we’ve lost yet another of the greats in Franny Lee. I was reminded of Franny during this year’s Women’s World Cup whenever I saw Lauren Hemp play. Two blonde, stocky and indefatigable forwards for Manchester City and England, both with an eye for goal. Admittedly, Franny was in a class of his own when it came to winning penalties, but might have found that tougher in the VAR era” – Chris Berry.
Interested to read Deryck Hall [Tuesday’s letters] decrying Whitby’s long-distance trip to Chelmsford in the FA Cup. Sympathy too for Maidstone United, in the southern half of the draw but still travelling 229 miles to play at Torquay. A long old trip for Stones supporters, particularly with the preceding league away game at … you’ve guessed it, Torquay” – Paul Bromley.
Arsenal and Manchester United losing to Lens and Galatasaray, Newcastle drawing with Milan – there’s a real 90s/early 00s throwback feel to this year’s Big Cup. Can’t wait for the second group stage!” – James Vortkamp-Tong.
This is an extract from our daily football email … Football Daily. To get the full version, just visit this page and follow the instructions.
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