Liverpool could dominate English football like Manchester United did in the 1990s and 2000s, says former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas.

Premier League leaders Liverpool play United at Anfield on Sunday with Jurgen Klopp's side 27 points ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team, who are fifth.

“The gap is so vast between them,” said Jenas on BBC Radio 5 Live's Friday Football Social.

“Jurgen Klopp has something about managing players that Ole is learning.”

United won the Premier League 13 times in 21 seasons, including three championships in a row between 1999 and 2001 and again between 2007 and 2009.

But Jenas felt Solskjaer's style of football would not challenge for titles, while Klopp's ability to build a team and improve players will see the European champions win more trophies.

“The one thing that sticks out in my mind is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and what he's capable of doing with this group of players,” said Jenas.

“You can have top players, but can you get them playing a style of football that's capable of challenging this Liverpool team? Liverpool look like they'll dominate as United did in the late '90s and early 2000s.

“When I watch United and their style of play is this a team that can challenge Liverpool for a title? I've not seen it in Solskjaer as yet.

“I don't see that style that can compete with the best. That's not to say it's not doable as Solskjaer will evolve as a manager, he will learn and adapt.”

Before joining Liverpool in 2015, Klopp spent seven years at Borussia Dortmund, guiding them to two Bundesliga titles and the Champions League final in 2013.

Jenas added: “Klopp built a couple of teams at Dortmund. He won a league there, got them into a Champions League final.

“He was a winner with really good young players. He developed these players and even the players he has right now, look at what he's done with Andrew Robertson, Georginio Wijnaldum, who got relegated with Newcastle, and look how Jordan Henderson has evolved over the last two years.”

Jenas thinks United would be closer to challenging for titles if they had ex-Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino in charge.

“I'm seeing players like Fred start to look like he can do a job, Daniel James has been brilliant so the signs are good for Manchester United and part of me thinks stick with the process and stick with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer,” said Jenas.

“But I'd struggle to ignore Pochettino. He's closer to what Klopp is than Solskjaer is and it would be a quicker process to get that team playing a certain type of football that would win a title.”

Newcastle United are set to make a bid for Hull City's English forward Jarrod Bowen, 23, after manager Steve Bruce was assured by owner Mike Ashley that he will back him in the transfer market at a meeting this week. (Telegraph)

Manchester United are close to reaching an agreement with Sporting Lisbon to sign Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes, 25, in a deal which could be worth up to £60m, but the move is not imminent. (Sky Sports)

Meanwhile, United are also attempting to recruit a central midfielder on loan until the end of the season. (Manchester Evening News)

That midfielder could be Birmingham City's England youth international Jude Bellingham, after Manchester United made a £25m offer for the 16-year-old. (Daily Record)

Inter Milan are on the verge of signing Chelsea winger Victor Moses, 29, after manager Antonio Conte made a specific request for the club to sign the Nigeria international, who is currently on loan at Fenerbahce. (Mail)

Paris St-Germain left-back Layvin Kurzawa, 27, has dropped a hint that he is edging closer to sealing a move to Arsenal this month after announcing he has joined a UK-based agency. (Evening Standard)

Arsenal have agreed a five-year deal with Kurzawa, with the defender expected to leave PSG in the summer. (Express)

Meanwhile, Arsenal sporting director Edu is lining up talks with Athletico Paranaense over their 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. (Goal via Mirror)

Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen, 27, is closing in on a move to Inter Milan after successful talks with his current club Tottenham. (Sun)

Manchester United have triggered the two-year extension in 25-year-old Ivory Coast defender Eric Bailly's contract to tie him to the club until 2022. (ESPN)

LA Galaxy have signed Mexico forward Javier Hernandez, 31, from Sevilla on a contract that will make him the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer. (Sports Illustrated)

Germany midfielder Emre Can, 26, is likely to move to AC Milan from Juventus. (Sportmediaset – in Italian)

Injured England striker Harry Kane, 26, could return to light training in nine weeks' time and is still expected to be available for Tottenham by the middle of April. (Telegraph)

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has warned Aston Villa that a loan move for the Foxes' 31-year-old Algeria forward Islam Slimani is likely to be “too complicated”. (Independent)

Hearts have stepped up their efforts to bring Kosovo forward Donis Avdijaj, 23 to Tynecastle from Trabzonspor. (Daily Record)

Cardiff City fans are disappointed after learning some of the most important items in the club's history are to be sold off by a private owner at auction next week. They have urged the club to buy the collection – including 1927 FA Cup final memorabilia, players' contracts and historic board meeting minutes – back themselves. (Wales Online)

Defender Simon Francis, 34, has said Bournemouth will take the challenge of avoiding Premier League relegation “head on”. (Daily Echo)

Fulham moved up to third in the Championship as Anthony Knockaert's early goal gave them victory over in-form Middlesbrough at Craven Cottage.

Knockaert capped a blistering opening half an hour from the hosts with what proved to be the winner, meeting Joe Bryan's low fizzing cross to tap home at the far post.

It was the least Fulham deserved for their relentless first-half pressure, with the absence of injured top goalscorer Aleksandar Mitrovic perhaps telling as Scott Parker's side squandered at least three guilt-edged opportunities.

Ivan Cavaleiro and Josh Onomah were most guilty, both failing to hit the target when well placed, while Denis Odoi deflected Hayden Coulson's cross on to his own crossbar on a rare foray forward from Boro.

The contest was much tighter after half-time, although Odoi thought he had made the game safe when his glancing header found the corner of the net – only to be flagged offside by the barest of margins.

But Fulham were able to see the game out relatively comfortably to leapfrog Brentford and close the gap to the automatic promotion places to four points.

The result also checks Middlesbrough's recent resurgence, with defeat in west London their first in six league matches, after they had clawed themselves clear of relegation trouble.

That run included eye-catching wins at West Bromwich Albion and Preston North End, but they never came close to repeating that level of performance against Fulham.

Knockaert had already curled one effort wide even before opening the scoring in the sixth minute, while captain Tom Cairney and Bryan also had efforts saved.

Paddy McNair came closest to an equaliser in the closing stages, inadvertently guiding a free-kick from out wide towards the far corner and forcing goalkeeper Marek Rodak into a smart save.

Fulham manager Scott Parker told BBC Radio London: “I thought we were very, very good first half. And I thought second half we had some big chances but didn't capitalise.

“We weren't clinical enough in the first half. I thought everything we've worked on this week worked so well.

“But we won the game with another clean sheet, we looked pretty solid and for the majority of the game we played some good stuff.”

Middlesbrough boss Jonathan Woodgate told BBC Tees: “Fulham are a good team. They were right on top. But we kept on going.

“We didn't give up. In the second half, we were miles better.”

On the signing of goalkeeper Dejan Stojanovic on Thursday, Woodgate added: “His concentration level is very good. He makes important saves, he's quick off his line.

“It's Aynsley [Pears]'s shirt to lose at the minute so Dejan will come in and challenge Aynsley for the number one spot along with Tommy [Tomas Mejias]. You can't drop Aynsley. He's done really well.”

Manchester United will be offered the chance to sign Paris St-Germain and Uruguay forward Edinson Cavani, 32, for free in the summer – but have been told he is not available this month. (Manchester Evening News)

Chelsea are favourites to sign RB Leipzig and Germany striker Timo Werner after the 23-year-old said he wanted to test himself in the Premier League. (Bild – in German)

Inter Milan have submitted an opening bid of £13m for 27-year-old TottenhamHotspur and Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen, who is out of contract at Spurs in the summer. (Telegraph)

Manchester United's English left-back Ashley Young, 34, walked out of training to force through a move to Inter Milan. (Sun)

Leicester City are lining up Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand, 30, as a potential replacement for fellow England international Ben Chilwell. The 23-year-old Foxes defender has been linked with a move to Chelsea. (Mail)

Manchester City remain keen on keeping Germany forward Leroy Sane, who has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich, and have not given up hope of convincing the 24-year-old to sign a new contract. (Metro)

Tottenham and England striker Harry Kane, 26, has been told by one of the UK's leading surgeons that he will probably miss Euro 2020. (Press Association, via Sun)

Sporting Lisbon and Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes, 25, could be in the stands for Manchester United's trip to Liverpool on Sunday as talks continue over a potential £50m move to Old Trafford. (A Bola, via Mirror)

Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho has spoken to Manchester City and Portugal full-back Joao Cancelo, 25, about a potential move. (El Desmarque – in Portuguese)

Lille and France Under-21 midfielder Boubakary Soumare, 20, is set to decide between signing for Manchester United or Chelsea before the transfer deadline. (Sky Sports)

West Bromwich Albion boss Slaven Bilic is ready to offer West Ham United a £1.5m loan fee to keep 21-year-old England Under-20 midfielder Grady Diangana at the Championship promotion hopefuls for the rest of the season. (Telegraph)

Liverpool will not embark on a warm-weather training camp this February with Jurgen Klopp opting for an alternative approach as he will give his players a week off training. (Standard)

Juventus and Germany midfielder Emre Can, 26, has ruled out a potential move to Manchester United, because of his connections with former club Liverpool. (Tuttosport, via Mirror)

Celtic, Derby County, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest are all interested in signing Sheffield United's English striker Billy Sharp, 33, but the player has the choice to stay at the club if he wants. (Sheffield Star)

Manchester City want to beat Barcelona to the signing of Spain Under-19 midfielder Ivan Morante, 19, who plays for Villarreal B. (Telegraph)

European football's leaders are close to an agreement to expand the Champions League by four extra match dates each season. (Times – subscription required)

Aston Villa are being linked with a move for France midfielder Steven Nzonzi, 31. The former Blackburn and Stoke player is on loan at Galatasaray from Roma. (Mirror)

AC Milan are considering a move for Wigan Athletic's 22-year-old United States left-back Antonee Robinson and Hearts' Scottish defender Aaron Hickey, 17. (Sky Sports)

The agent of Matias Vecino, 28, has dismissed speculation the Inter Milan and Uruguay midfielder is set to move to Everton. (Milan News, via Inside Futbol)

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has accused the football authorities of disregarding player safety, with the club facing the possibility of an FA Cup replay during next month's winter break. (Times – subscription required)

The issue of scrapping FA Cup replays will be discussed by the Football Association Professional Game Board on Monday and an FA Board meeting this month. (Times – subscription required)

Former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira says he did not have talks about taking over as Gunners boss after the sacking of Unai Emery and that his focus is on managing French club Nice. (Mail)

Newcastle United have been told that former Everton and England Under-21 winger Ademola Lookman is not available for loan. The 22-year-old is now playing for German side RB Leipzig, but has struggled for game time. (Newcastle Chronicle)

Celtic boss Neil Lennon faces a transfer battle with Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa in the January window for the signature of Manchester City's English winger Ian Poveda, 19. (Express)

Aston Villa will have to pay more than £20m to sign 23-year-old English forward Jarrod Bowen from Hull City. (The Athletic, via Birmingham Mail)

Bournemouth and Bosnia-Herzegovina goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, 32, who has joined AC Milan on loan, will “evaluate” his future at the end of the season. (Bournemouth Echo)

Chelsea defender Reece James has signed a new long-term contract that keeps him at the club until the summer of 2025.

James, 20, has made 18 appearances for the Blues after scoring on his debut in a 7-1 victory over Grimsby in the Carabao Cup third round in September.

“It has been my dream to be here at Chelsea and play week in week out,” said James.

“To have a contract for another five-and-a-half years is living the dream again.”

James, who also scored a late equaliser to earn Chelsea a Champions League point against Ajax in a thrilling 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge in November, added: “I have always wanted to be here and another five-and-a-half years means a lot to me and a lot to my family.”

He signed for Chelsea at under-nine level having trained at Cobham since the age of six.

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: “The smooth way Reece has fitted into the team so quickly despite missing the start of the season has been clear for everyone to see.

“Reece started his football education with us at the age of six and his performances on loan at Wigan last season paved the way for a strong beginning to his career in the Chelsea team.

“We're very pleased he now has the perfect opportunity to build on that and become a major player for us for many years to come.”

West Ham are planning a loan bid for Chelsea's England midfielder Ross Barkley, 26, who played under Hammers boss David Moyes at Everton. (Mirror)

Tottenham are in talks to sign Cape Verde striker Ze Luis, 28, on loan from Porto. (Record – in Portuguese)

Inter Milan have agreed personal terms with Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen, 27, over a permanent move this month but Tottenham want the Italian side to double their bid of 10m euros (£8.5m). (Calciomercato – in Italian)

Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani, 32, is out of contract in the summer but Paris St-Germain have told Atletico Madrid to raise their offer of 10m euros to 30m. (Marca – in Spanish)

Liverpool are lining up a summer move of £107m for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Kai Havertz, and lead Manchester United, Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the race to sign the 20-year-old Germany international. (Mundo Deportivo, via Mirror)

Arsenal are looking at making a £6m move for PSG's French left-back Layvin Kurzawa, 27, before he becomes a free agent in the summer. (Sun)

Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil, 31, said he had a “hard time” under previous coach Unai Emery but the former German international is “happy with everything” under new boss Mikel Arteta. (Mirror)

The Gunners and local rivals Tottenham are among five Premier League clubs chasing Getafe centre-back Djene Dakonam. Monaco have already had a bid turned down for the 28-year-old Togo international. (Sun)

Spurs will face competition from Sevilla this month in a bid to land AC Milan's Polish striker Krzysztof Piatek, 24. (Mail)

The swap deal involving Inter Milan striker Matteo Politano and Roma left-back Leonardo Spinazzola, both 26, is on hold as Inter have asked Spinazzola to undergo more fitness tests on Thursday. (Corriere dello Sport – in Italian)

Manchester United left-back Ashley Young, 34, believes Inter Milan will still want to sign him even if they sign Spinazzola. (Sun)

Manchester United want to sign a central midfielder on loan for the rest of the season and 24-year-old Spaniard Marcos Llorente, who plays for Atletico Madrid, has emerged as an option. (Manchester Evening News)

Barcelona are close to signing Brazilian midfielder Matheus Fernandes, 21, from Palmeiras for 7m euros, plus a potential 4m in add-ons. (Mundo Deportivo – in Spanish)

Barca are also monitoring the progress of 17-year-old Japanese midfielder Jun Nishikawa, who currently plays for Cerezo Osaka. (Mundo Deportivo – in Spanish)

AC Milan's Swiss full-back Ricardo Rodriguez, 27, has chosen to go out on loan to Fenerbahce rather than PSV Eindhoven, with a view to a permanent move for 6m euros. (Calciomercato – in Italian)

Southampton will not sell Che Adams this month as boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has ordered the board to keep the English striker, 23. (Express)

Dutch full-back Mike van Beijnen, the son of Frenkie de Jong's agent, has left Barcelona without playing a game – six months after the 20-year-old signed a deal with a 100m euro release clause. (Mail)

Former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has hinted he could leave Marseille after ex-West Ham and Sheffield Wednesday chief executive Paul Aldridge was appointed as a ‘special advisor' without his knowledge. (Le Parisien – in French)

Rangers midfielder Greg Docherty, 23, would prefer to join Sunderland on loan for the remainder of the season rather than Charlton. (Northern Echo)

Uefa changed the formation of the fans' team of the year to accommodate 34-year-old Juventus and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo. (Mail)

Former Chelsea and Juventus striker Eniola Aluko, who won more than 100 England caps, has retired.

Aluko, 32, left Juventus in December after nearly 18 months with the Serie A champions and had been tipped to return to the Women's Super League.

She was also part of the Great Britain team at the London 2012 Olympics.

“I made the decision about six months ago,” she said. “I've taken time out to see if I missed football and training – but that hasn't been the case.”

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Drive, Aluko added: “If it was a physical issue that would have made it easier. It was more mental.

“I was abroad with Juventus, I won three trophies and started to feel like I didn't have any more motivation, so it was like ‘OK, what next? What am I doing here, missing family and friends?'”

She is now planning to do more media work and move into the executive side of the game, saying an announcement will be made on Friday.

Aluko is England's joint-10th most capped international, scoring 33 goals in 102 senior appearances.

But her last international appearance came in 2016 and, also that year, she made allegations of misconduct against then England boss Mark Sampson.

The Football Association apologised to Aluko in October 2017 for racially discriminatory remarks made by Sampson in 2014.

Writing in The Players' Tribune, Aluko penned a “thank you letter” to football for the experiences it had given her during a playing career which began with Birmingham City in 2001.

“You have given me the dream of playing in the US, the pride of representing England, the thrill of winning titles with Chelsea, the adventure of playing for Juventus in Italy,” she said.

“Whenever I have faced obstacles, you have shattered them. Whenever I have had great expectations, you have exceeded them.”

Aluko, whose younger brother Sone plays for Reading, also added she was “content with her career” and hinted that she would remain involved in the game.

“There are a few things I did not achieve, but I know I can't have it all,” said Aluko, who has also worked as a television pundit in the latter years of her playing career. “I took the hardest option every time, and I think I have been rewarded for it.

“I honestly believe women's football will continue to hit an even higher level in the next few years. I want to do my part to make sure that happens.”

Aluko joined Juventus in June 2018 after a six-year second stint at Chelsea. She helped Juve retain their league title and Italian Supercoppa last term, having also won the Coppa Italia earlier in 2019.

Her career at Chelsea included winning two Women's Super League titles and two FA Cup victories – a competition she also won with Birmingham City in 2012.

During her time in the USA, she played for Women's Professional Soccer clubs St Louis Athletica, Atlanta Beat and Sky Blue FC between 2009 and 2011.

She also played for Charlton between her first spells with Birmingham City and Chelsea.

Newcastle manager Steve Bruce hopes Joelinton can kick on after ending a 20-game goal drought against Rochdale to help the Magpies into the FA Cup fourth round.

The Brazilian forward, a £40m signing from Hoffenheim in July 2019, scored his side's fourth goal after 20-year-old substitute Tom Allan marked his senior debut with an assist.

Joelinton, who has come under fire from fans for his lack of goals, celebrated by running over to Bruce and his backroom team.

“Many, many players have come to the Premier League with big experience and find it a struggle,” said Bruce. “So let's hope it just gives him that bit of confidence which every striker needs.

“You saw the difference in him straight away. From the last five minutes to the first five minutes, you saw it straight away because he scored a goal.”

On a night when Newcastle owner Mike Ashley made a rare visit to St James' Park prior to talks with Bruce about transfer targets, the hosts went ahead through Eoghan O'Connell's own goal.

Matty Longstaff, Miguel Almiron and Joelinton found the net before Jordan Williams' consolation.

Newcastle, who have not gone beyond the fourth round since 2006, will host League One Oxford United in the next round.

Rochdale had earned praise after coming from behind to force a third-round replay against the Magpies on 4 January after an equaliser by 40-year-old substitute Aaron Wilbraham.

But their FA Cup run came to an end in front of 2,500 of their travelling fans.

Newcastle get the job done

Newcastle were frustrated they did not finish the job at Rochdale earlier this month and Bruce took no chances by naming a side boasting a combined 104 Premier League starts this season for the replay.

Almiron had already hit a post when O'Connell inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net while trying to cut out a pass by Matt Ritchie, making his first start since August.

Longstaff was unmarked when he added the second while Almiron netted for the third successive game after a howler by Rochdale keeper Robert Sanchez, who passed straight to the Paraguay forward while trying to play out from the back.

Rochdale improved after the break but Joelinton increased Newcastle's lead before Williams pulled a goal back with a shot which went in off the post.

The presence of Ashley was significant.

The billionaire businessman is due to have talks with Bruce this week as the Magpies look to strengthen the squad to combat a lengthy injury list.

Newcastle were without 10 players for last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Wolves, a game which saw Paul Dummett and Dwight Gayle limp off with hamstring problems.

“He's here for a day or two so we'll meet up,” said Bruce on Ashley's visit to St James' Park.

“He's been supportive since I walked in the door. If there's someone there who can improve us, we'll act. I think there's been three deals so far in the Premier League so it's difficult.”

Since Ashley took charge in 2007, six-time winners Newcastle have failed to go beyond the fourth round.

However Bruce, who guided Hull City to the FA Cup final in 2014, has openly said he wants a strong run in the competition.

‘Encouraging for us moving forward' – what they said

Rochdale boss Brian Barry-Murphy: “We've had amazing backing from our supporters. The players were desperate to give them something to shout about in the second half.

“We went to Manchester United earlier in the season in the Carabao Cup and we were lauded for everything that we did there. But there were moments in the first half there when Manchester United had gilt-edged chances and we just managed to defend them.

“Tonight, we weren't able to do that and things went against us in the first half.

“It was really important to see how we reacted in that situation and whether we were able to maintain our way of playing and display our personality.

“We did that in the second half and it was very, very encouraging for us all moving forward.”

Man of the match – Miguel Almiron (Newcastle)

Familiar territory – the stats

• Newcastle have reached the fourth round for the fourth consecutive season. They have not reached the fifth round since 2005-06.
• Matty Longstaff has scored three goals in eight starts for Newcastle in all competitions this season. Only Jonjo Shelvey (5) and Miguel Almiron (4) have netted more for the Magpies in 2019-20.
• Karl Darlow, who was the last Newcastle player to touch the ball before Miguel Almiron's goal, became the second goalkeeper this season to register an assist in the FA Cup, joining Rob Tolfrey of Kingstonian, who did so against Macclesfield in the first round.

What's next?

Newcastle switch their attention back to the Premier League when they host Chelsea on Saturday (17:30 GMT), while Rochdale are away at Wycombe Wanderers in League One on the same day (15:00).

Quique Setien says he could not imagine becoming Barcelona manager “in his wildest dreams”.

Former Real Betis coach Setien, 61, was named Barca boss on Monday following Ernesto Valverde's sacking.

Setien, who has signed a two-and-a-half year deal, led Betis to their highest finish since 2005 and to the Copa del Rey semis before leaving in May.

“I want to thank this institution for giving me the chance,” said the Spaniard at his first news conference.

“Not even in my wildest dreams could I have imagined this. I have to thank the club. I'm excited about this challenge and this project.”

He added: “Yesterday, I was walking around my home town with cows around me and now I'm here at Barcelona managing the best players in the world.”

After managing lower-league sides, Setien led Las Palmas to 11th in La Liga – their best finish for 40 years – and enjoyed further success at Betis, where in his first season he led them to sixth place and qualification for the Europa League.

Betis also secured wins over Barca, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid during his two-year tenure, and he left the club by mutual consent in the summer.

Barcelona are top of La Liga on goal difference and have won four of the last five league titles.

“I thank Ernesto Valverde for leaving me with a side that is top of the league,” he said.

“My objective is to win everything! Everything you can win, this club has no other path to follow.

“Year after year, to win as many trophies as possible. I think the best way to victory is by playing good football. It doesn't always happen but it's not just about one day, it's about keeping it going.”

Setien has previously stated he would cry when Barca and Argentina forward Lionel Messi retires.

“I said that about a lot of players,” he said. “I have enjoyed watching Barcelona for several years, watching them on television.

“To be able to manage the best in the world, and his team-mates – he has great team-mates – I have spoken to him and others.

“I have always said that the admiration is one thing but reality is different. Everyone needs to have their place. Messi is Messi, Busquets is Busquets.”

To say it has been an eventful four months for Luke Matheson would be an understatement.

If you recognise the name, it's probably because he was the 16-year-old Rochdale defender who scored a brilliant equaliser to take Manchester United to penalties in his side's Carabao Cup defeat in September.

On Tuesday, Matheson's League One club take on another Premier League side when they visit Newcastle United in an FA Cup third round replay.

The now-17-year-old set up the equaliser for Aaron Wilbraham at Spotland on 4 January to earn the replay for Brian Barry-Murphy's side.

BBC Sport went to speak to the teenager to find out just how much life has changed – personally and professionally – since that memorable night at Old Trafford.

The morning after – back to school

After getting a flurry of A*s and As in his GCSEs, Matheson started studying for his A-Levels in September. And it was back to reality the morning after his heroics against United, as he sat a psychology test at Trinity Sixth Form in Manchester.

It wasn't my best piece of work and my teacher was understanding of that. She let me redo it when I'd had more sleep!

My education is something that I'm so passionate about. Hopefully I have a long playing career, but education is something you can fall back on, regardless of who you are and what you've done.

If I work really hard in football and my education for the next two years it'll be more than worth it. I go to college whenever I have a day off here, I stay a couple of hours after everyone else sitting with the teachers, I do a couple of hours after training, or a couple of hours after a game.

It's a lot of work, but I enjoy it.

The playground superstar

It wasn't just the psychology test waiting for Matheson when he got back to school the next day as he became an overnight celebrity.

To my friends they still see me as Luke, but to the year sevens (11- and 12-year-olds) I'm some sort of superstar.

That's so weird to me because I was in their shoes, wearing that exact same uniform, taught by the same teachers, sitting in the same classrooms, writing with the same pens and pencils and now they're coming up to me with their planners for their homework asking me to sign stuff and I'm getting told off by my old head of year because I'm not allowed to.

I still get recognised on the tram on the way to Rochdale for training. I have been recognised at the Trafford Centre.

I'm just a kid, I'm 17, I've done nothing in the football world so for people to come up to me and want to take a photo, it's so weird.

Signing a professional contract

Matheson made his debut for the club at just 15 years and 336 days – becoming the youngest player in Rochdale history. Just over a week after that famous night against United, Matheson turned 17. That meant he could sign a professional contract.

That was a very, very proud moment for me, that was when I could officially call myself a professional footballer.

It's a dream every little boy has to be a footballer, to be one of the very few that get that opportunity, it's amazing.

Rochdale's the only football academy I've been at, I've been coming here since I was eight. They gave me an opportunity to play up as a 12- and 13-year-old and they're still giving me that opportunity now at 17 to be starting first-team games. Lee [Riley] has been my coach since I was an under 14, now he's first-team coach, he's still sending me the same messages – he'll tell me if I'm playing awfully, he'll tell me if I'm playing amazingly.

They don't owe me anything, I owe them everything. They didn't have to take a punt on that eight-year-old and sign me, they could have gone for that bigger, faster kid, but they went for me, the little kid that still wore glasses back then.

Money and mates

With a professional footballer's contract comes a professional footballer's wage. He's having driving lessons so will hopefully be able to trim down his two-hour journey between his home in Fallowfield and training in Rochdale.

Nothing's changed, I'm just Luke to my mates, I'm just the same person I was five years ago.

I've offered to pay when we've gone out to Nando's, but they've just said no. The money is not something I think about – I'll just play my football, the money will come no matter how much or how little that is.

I don't see myself as a big superstar. I've done nothing in the football world, I'm just getting started.

Social media mayhem

Matheson had a fairly impressive 2,300 followers on Instagram before the United match. Now he has 17,900. The goal against United – and the media exposure in the hours and days that followed – got him recognition from fans and footballers alike.

James Maddison tweeted about me saying I had a fantastic interview and that was unreal. I followed him at Norwich and now he's at Leicester – for someone like that to be watching a video of me, that is just ridiculous, that is amazing to me.

I have grown up in the social media world, and it doesn't bother me whether I have 1,000 or 17,000 followers. Social media is a place, a horrible place at times, but it's also an incredible place and I'm very aware of what I post and the influence that I can have on people.

There's always going to be that one person who comments on something – they always go for my hair – but you've just got to ignore them, you know what you're doing, it's through a screen and it doesn't mean anything. I may give a goal away in the 90th minute to lose a game but that's the profession we live in and you've just got to accept that.

And on that distinctive hair…

My mum wanted it long when I was little, so she grew it long, and I've just kept it long. I'm trying to trademark the long hair and headband!

Sheffield United's Oli McBurnie has been reminded of his responsibilities by the Football Association after appearing to make an obscene gesture while watching Swansea City.

The 23-year-old striker, who joined United for a record £20m in August, is a Swansea fan and was in the crowd for their derby at Cardiff City on Sunday.

McBurnie had Sunday off after scoring in the 1-0 win over West Ham on Friday.

Sheffield United are not commenting on the incident.

The Scotland international, who has scored four goals for the Blades since his summer move from Swansea, was also pictured watching his former team at QPR earlier in the season.

Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville said – before the FA's notice was issued – that any action against the player would be “a disgrace”.

Neville said on social media: “This lad has done the most normal thing I've seen from a footballer for a long time. He goes to support his team and is pictured, filmed and ends up with this.”

Former Swansea forward Lee Trundle added: “Exactly mate, people moan that players are too far detached from the fans then when one has a day out as a fan they do this.”

In November, McBurnie pleaded not guilty to a drink-driving charge at Leeds Magistrates' Court. He is due to go on trial on 16 March.

Liverpool continued their unbeaten run with a 1-0 away win at Tottenham to go 14 points clear at the top of the table.

Sergio Aguero scored a hat-trick and became the top-scoring foreign player in Premier League history as Manchester City hammered Aston Villa 6-1 at Villa Park.

Ralph Hasenhuttl's Southampton celebrated a 2-1 away victory against high-flying Leicester as Danny Ings' late goal denied Brendan Rodgers' men a third successive league win.

Marcus Rashford marked his 200th Manchester United appearance in style by scoring twice as the Red Devils easily saw off bottom-of-the-table Norwich 4-0.

At Stamford Bridge, Callum Hudson-Odoi scored his first Premier League goal as Chelsea regained their home form with a 3-0 win over Burnley.

Sheffield United, Everton and Watford also picked up three points, while Crystal Palace and Arsenal plus Wolves and Newcastle both drew 1-1.

Here's my team of the week – have a read and then select your own below.

Goalkeeper – Martin Dubravka (Newcastle)

I thought Crystal Palace's Vicente Guaita's double save in the closing minutes of their game against Arsenal was excellent. His efforts preserved a point for the Eagles, who played for almost 30 minutes facing 10 men after Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had to go for the sheer carelessness he showed in his tackle on Max Meyer.

However my goalkeeper this week is Newcastle's Martin Dubravka. The Slovakia international's performance away to Wolves was immense. He made two world-class saves; one with his feet and the other he practically pulled the ball out of the net. If you don't believe me, ask his manager Steve Bruce.

Did you know? Dubravka made two saves from shots in the six-yard area in Newcastle's 1-1 draw with Wolves.

Defenders – Fernandinho (Man City), Reece James (Chelsea), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Fernandinho: There was a wonderful moment on 49 minutes against Aston Villa when Fernandinho screamed at his fellow defenders and pointed to play the ball forward rather than square. Manchester City were cruising at 4-0 but that didn't deter the Brazil midfielder-turned-defender from lecturing his team-mates. At a time when Fernandinho could be winding down and starting to become a squad player, he's now playing in a back four and has added another two years at the top to his career.

Did you know? Fernandinho made 71 passes, had 74 touches and made one tackle in Man City's 6-1 victory against Aston Villa.

Reece James: This lad has caught my eye before and I'm not in the least bit surprised he has finally made my team. He is starting to look like the real deal. Some of you may remember me admonishing him after Chelsea's defeat against West Ham when Aaron Cresswell got the better of him. The Chelsea youngster seems to have learned a lesson from that experience and is impressive in defence and attack.

Did you know? No Chelsea player created more chances against Burnley than defender James (three – including an assist).

Virgil van Dijk: Dele Alli had roasted Joe Gomez and seemed to be bearing down on Liverpool's goal – but that was to reckon without this Dutch colossus. Van Dijk weighs up the situation and realises in order to avert the crisis he is going to have to get his shorts dirty. It's rare for the Netherlands defender to have to go to ground but the situation called for it. The tackle was beautifully timed, with the man bun still intact, the shorts slightly ruffled but no lasting damage to the image or brand. Job done. Clean sheet. Liverpool march on.

Did you know? Van Dijk made 110 successful passes against Tottenham; the most of any player this weekend.

Midfielders – Juan Mata (Man United), Bernard (Everton), Kevin de Bruyne (Man City), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)

Juan Mata: The ball for Marcus Rashford to score Manchester United's opening goal against a soon-to-be-ravaged Norwich City was wonderful. There are few players in the Premier League capable of delivering such a ball – but Mata is one of them. The former Spain playmaker looked up, saw what Rashford saw, and played a pass that rendered everyone in the ground – including the entire Norwich defence – as spectators. Manchester United are simply not good enough to keep a player of Mata's quality on the bench these days. When is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer going to realise that?

Did you know? Mata provided two assists in a Premier League game for the first time since October 2012, also in a match against Norwich.

Bernard: This lad was only on the pitch for 72 minutes but the impact he made on Everton against a resilient Brighton side was clear. Bernard buzzed around Goodison Park like the legendary Colin Harvey used to – and he had to do it without players of the calibre of Alan Ball or Howard Kendall supporting him. That's the problem for new manager Carlo Ancelotti – Everton lack quality in midfield, Bernard apart.

Did you know? No Everton player made more passes in the opposition half (38) or created more chances (four) than Bernard against Brighton in the Toffees' 1-0 win.

Kevin de Bruyne: I must say I have struggled with my team this week. To leave out Abdoulaye Doucoure and Troy Deeney after their win at Bournemouth and two-goal Riyad Mahrez after he danced his way through the Aston Villa defence on two occasions was very difficult. But I could not bring myself to leave out Kevin de Bruyne after his assist for Gabriel Jesus. Have you ever seen a pass like it? Out of this world.

Did you know? De Bruyne notched his 13th and 14th assists of the Premier League season against Aston Villa.

Roberto Firmino: Spurs deserved something from this match but got nothing, thanks to Roberto Firmino's Exocet missile. If his left is his weaker foot, I can't imagine how sweetly he strikes the ball with his right. The Brazil international usually plays up front but his work-rate and – for such a gifted player – his surprising physicality mean he could handle a midfield role in my team. He's been in hot form since he scored the winner in the Club World Club final and, clearly, so are Liverpool, who look unstoppable at the moment.

Did you know? Firmino has scored five goals in his last six games for Liverpool in all competitions, as many as he had in his previous 30 appearances for the Reds.

Forwards – Marcus Rashford (Man United), Danny Ings (Southampton), Sergio Aguero (Man City)

Marcus Rashford: The way Rashford nonchalantly took his first goal against Norwich told you all you need to know about his development. The casual manner in which he celebrated screamed ‘this is just what I do for a living' and that it was simply business as usual. I can't help but feel if Jose Mourinho was still at Old Trafford, Rashford would be playing for a club abroad or in the reserves – instead, he is now flourishing at the club he loves.

Did you know? Rashford scored twice from three shots in Manchester United's win against Norwich.

Danny Ings: The Southampton striker was a constant threat to Kasper Schmeichel and Leicester's defenders; he could have scored four goals rather than ‘only' the winner. Ings was effervescent throughout but if, as some are suggesting, he has the potential to move to a bigger club, he needs to improve his chances-to-goals ratio. Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said the win wasn't about avenging the 9-0 humiliation against the Foxes in October but about how far they had come in their development. Come off it Ralph!

Did you know? Ings was responsible for half of Saints' 10 shots on target at Leicester.

Sergio Aguero: Aguero's hat-trick against lamentable Aston Villa was further confirmation he is, without doubt, the best striker to have graced the Premier League. He will soon call it a day on these shores but I dearly hope before he leaves he will be appropriately honoured by the PFA or the Football Writers' Association. Preferably both.

Did you know? The Argentina striker netted his 12th Premier League hat-trick – the most of any player in the competition's history.

Now it's your turn

You've seen my selections this week. But who would you go for?

The Crooks of the matter

Gambling is not only legal but has been a recreational activity in the United Kingdom for over a century. But the question I would like to pose is: should sport governing bodies be recommending it? I think not.

The Football Association has sold its football rights to betting agencies via a third party, as if that was somehow providing an arm's length approach. So, since the start of last season, bookmaker Bet365 has had rights to show FA Cup ties on its website and app, with matches available to anyone who had placed a bet or put a deposit in their account in the 24 hours before kick-off.

But the point of the FA is to protect the sport and the millions of boys and girls around the country who play it – not encourage gambling. Players, managers and owners of clubs are excluded from engaging with betting companies, so why should the FA be any different?

The government allowing members of the public to gamble is one thing, but for a governing body to act in this way is entirely different. The FA has created a double standard and I find it unacceptable.

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur shared European football's greatest stage on a balmy Madrid night last June – but on a cold January night in north London they looked worlds apart.

Jurgen Klopp's side claimed the Champions League trophy at Wanda Metropolitano Stadium with a 2-0 win and from the moment Liverpool lifted the trophy for the sixth time the two clubs have been heading in opposite directions of travel.

Never has the growing chasm been more graphically, or painfully in Spurs' case, illustrated than by a glance at the Premier League table after Liverpool made another mark in history with a 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Liverpool's victory, secured by Roberto Firmino's first-half goal, gave them a mammoth 16-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand. The gap to Spurs, in eighth, is 31 points – and they have played a game fewer.

Whereas Liverpool used that win in Madrid as the launchpad to a golden future, Spurs look like a team and a club that has simply not recovered from getting so near but yet so far away from the greatest prize in European club football.

Spurs, without injured striker Harry Kane, battled gamely in the second half and might have earned a point had Son Heung-Min and Giovani lo Celso not missed excellent chances, but the brutal reality is that Liverpool now operate on a different level to the club they faced in Madrid a few months ago.

Klopp is on course to write his name into Liverpool legend as the manager who ended their 30-year wait for a title. Spurs, in contrast, have since sacked Mauricio Pochettino – the man who took them to Madrid – and now have Jose Mourinho struggling to turn the ship around.

Pochettino presided over a Spurs side that was allowed to age together while Liverpool have invested superbly under Klopp, who had none of the players who started his first game at White Hart Lane in October 2015 in his starting line-up on Saturday, although Divock Origi and Adam Lallana came on as substitutes.

Pochettino clearly saw the Champions League final as the big chance to cement Spurs' place in the top echelons but appeared a distant, discontented, disaffected figure once that did not materialise.

Klopp, in contrast, is taking Liverpool and their supporters on a dream ride.

Liverpool have brought in game-changers such as Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, and the manner in which Spurs have been left behind comes into sharper focus with every passing week.

Klopp was questioned when he sold Philippe Coutinho, who many regarded as his most important player, to Barcelona for £142m in January 2018 but he used the huge fee to build a more rounded team by buying Van Dijk and Alisson.

Klopp has manoeuvred Liverpool into a position of strength – where they can add to their squad with opportune acquisitions such as Takumi Minamino – whereas Mourinho and Spurs now face a rebuilding job.

It may have been cheaper for Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to see Pochettino off the premises rather than back ambitious transfer plans but he must find funds for Mourinho now or face the prospect of undoing much of the good work – Champions League regulars while moving into a new stadium – under the Argentine.

Whereas Liverpool look united, forceful and ooze infallibility, Spurs were tentative and negative for the first hour before finally rousing themselves and almost grabbing a point.

Christian Eriksen is now a toxic presence in their line-up, a hugely talented player who is an increasing target for fans who clearly feel he is running down the clock on his time at Spurs.

Every tackle he misses is seen as a lack of commitment, every misplaced pass is viewed as a lack of interest. It is a harsh judgement but he certainly felt the scorn of Spurs' fans when he was replaced by Lo Celso in the 69th minute.

Eriksen is the symbol of how Spurs need renewal or let the top clubs move too far ahead of them.

There is no such problem for Klopp and Liverpool.

The statistics can be rattled off as testimony to the foundations of the Anfield empire Klopp has rebuilt, an empire that would be even more firmly established if the formalities of this title are duly completed.

Some things can still be speculated upon, though.

Can Liverpool go a whole Premier League season unbeaten? Can they eclipse Manchester City's record total of 100 points in 2017/18?

While these seem very real possibilities, other figures are already set in stone.

Liverpool have gone 38 league games without defeat since they lost at Manchester City last January. In the same period Spurs have lost 16 matches, including three to Klopp's team.

The champions-elect have amassed 104 points across that period, the biggest by any team in the competition's history – and they are the first team in Europe's top-five leagues to win 20 of their first 21 games.

So while Liverpool's manager took the acclaim of their fans in a corner of Tottenham's impressive stadium at the final whistle, the impression remains that Mourinho and his conservative style – historically at least – is yet to convince the Spurs support.

It is early days and Mourinho has been unlucky with injuries to important players such as Kane but there is little current comparison between these sides.

Liverpool are surely on the way to the Premier League title while Spurs look lost and in need of major refurbishment.

Madrid and the Champions League final seem an age away.