Month: August 2019

Upstart Verstappen’s rise to prominence a much-needed shot in the arm for championship

BUDAPEST, Hungary – As Lewis Hamilton moves ever closer to Michael Schumacher’s Formula One record of 91 grand prix wins, a younger and equally ambitious driver is emerging as his main rival.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen is showing the kind of daring and panache now seemingly beyond the reach of Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, who is enduring a third straight season of frustration.

Valtteri Bottas, who is Hamilton’s under-pressure teammate at Mercedes, led the championship early on but has drifted back after a eight-race winless streak.

Now, Verstappen is poised to overtake Bottas and move second behind Hamilton overall when F1 resumes with the first of nine remaining races at the Belgian Grand Prix on Sept 1.

Hamilton speaks in glowing terms about Verstappen, a fearless and mentally strong driver who does not crack under pressure. In fact, the 21-year-old Red Bull driver thrives on it, much like Hamilton.

Verstappen drove brilliantly from pole position in Sunday’s Hungarian GP, fighting hard until Hamilton overtook him late on following a relentless chase to clinch his 81st F1 win. It was another enthralling scrap, following Hamilton’s brilliant defense under intense pressure from Verstappen at the Monaco GP in May.

While Hamilton speaks respectfully of Vettel, a four-time F1 champion with 52 wins, he speaks with admiration of Verstappen.

“There is no better feeling, from a racing driver’s point of view, when you have a race (where) you face a really strong competitor and a great driver like Max, obviously at their best,” Hamilton said. “It is awesome to see the respect level between us. Really respectful driving and I hope to continue that.”

Hamilton’s processional win at the French GP in June prompted acerbic criticism over the lack of excitement in F1 because of the ultra-dominant Mercedes. But since then, F1 fans have been treated to engrossing battles in Austria and Germany, a decent race in Montreal, and two exciting contests at the British GP and in Hungary.

The dramatic spike in the interest level has much to do with Verstappen, who won in Spielberg and Hockenheim and was denied a podium shot at Silverstone following a collision.

“Everyone was so negative talking about the sport and now all of a sudden we’ve had this big step up from the Red Bulls,” Hamilton said. “Now we’ve got a really good battle on our hands and it looks like it’s here to stay.”

Ferrari’s state of flux – no wins in 12 this season and 0-15 stretching back to last year’s US GP – has opened the way for Verstappen.

Vettel blew championship leads in the past two seasons, and has not won in 20 races since his victory at the Belgian GP last August.

Verstappen is touted as a future multiple champion and genuinely looks capable of challenging Hamilton. He is already ahead on two counts: as the youngest driver to win an F1 race (at 18) and the fourth-youngest to take pole compared with sixth for Hamilton (who was 22).

But the 34-year-old Hamilton is still working his way through the record books and his win in Hungary – the eighth this season – extended his championship lead to 62 points as he chases a sixth F1 title to move one behind Schumacher’s F1 record.

“I don’t have plans on stopping anytime soon,” he said.

Hamilton’s relatively advanced age was a topic raised by his former teammate Nico Rosberg – who beat Hamilton in a thriller when clinching his only F1 title with Mercedes in 2016. The German driver showed great ability to overcome Hamilton in an acrimonious season which went down to the last race in Abu Dhabi.

Then, in a flash, he retired from F1 after a number of tense seasons alongside Hamilton, when their bickering tore apart a friendship dating back to their karting days as teens.

Rosberg, who won 23 F1 races with Mercedes, has taken to social networks to berate Hamilton.

He questioned the severity of the Englishman’s illness at the recent German GP.

On July 28, Rosberg tweeted: “I think the man flu was just part of The Lewis Hamilton Show. He likes to make it look more difficult than it is.”

Hamilton, who said he needed several days of heavy sleeping following that race, scoffed at Rosberg’s claim.

“Believe me it wasn’t man flu, like some have said. It was really something that wiped me out,” he said.

Verstappen’s surge in form offered Rosberg another chance to take a swipe.

On his YouTube channel blog after Verstappen’s superb pole in Hungary on Saturday, Rosberg said that Verstappen – with his “bullet-speed reactions in his mind (and) absolute peak human body reaction times” – is now the No 1 driver in F1.

Despite evidence pointing to Hamilton’s ongoing dominance, Rosberg insisted the Briton’s powers are waning.

“The best age for racing drivers is 30, 31, 32 and that’s because your ability as you’re getting older slightly decreases,” Rosberg said.

Hamilton was unimpressed.

“Whether he is right or wrong, I don’t really care. All you have to do is look at the tally of my results and they speak for themselves,” Hamilton said. “Naturally there will be people who have not had the success that I have, and might want to talk it down.”

“I’m still fit,” he added. “Hopefully you can see I’ve not lost any speed.”

So far this season, every driver in F1 would agree.

Associated Press

When I first took my British friend Isaebella Watson, 24, to an acupuncture clinic in Beijing, she was horrified when needles pierced her soft skin. She froze, and refused to move initially, fearing that a small change in posture could trigger a sharp pain. Later, however, she was amazed by the magical therapeutic effect.

Last month, Watson, who studies communication at a Beijing university, was on a long-haul flight from London to Beijing. She slept through the journey, only to find later she could not move her right arm and fingers.

“I felt no pain, and there was no bruise and scar. Instead, my arm just simply didn’t follow my brain’s instructions to move, as if it no longer belonged to my body. I went to a Western hospital. I took the prescribed medicine, but my situation didn’t improve,” Watson recalled.

Cut to the acupuncture clinic. I can still recall the painful look on her face. Lying on the clinic bed, she closed her eyes firmly as dozens of tiny needles were inserted across her arms and fingers.

“I tried to stay very still because I was afraid that even a small move would make the long needle heads rip through my muscles. I spent many long hours counting the clock, waiting for the moment when the doctor would remove the needles.”

After a couple of days, she could move her fingers. Two weeks later, she could eat a meal with chopsticks. Within a month, her arms and fingers recovered almost fully.

“Oh my god. Chinese acupuncture is amazing! I used to dismiss acupuncture as an old-fashioned pseudoscience. The treatment is long, the process is painful, and after all, the recovery speed is so slow! However, the miracle of my recent treatment and recovery totally changed my mind,” said Watson.

Now, she is a big fan of traditional Chinese medicine. She bought TCM books to learn about TCM systematically. She attended TCM lectures. She even administers to herself moxibustion treatment at home when she experiences any body discomfort.

Watson’s story finds echo in a recent report from the State Council Information Office. According to the report, acupuncture is now widely accepted across the world as a healthy treatment.

The practice dates back to the sixth century. Acupuncture spread to Japan and North Korea first, and to Europe in the 16th century. In November 1996, the World Health Organization recommended acupuncture to alleviate symptoms of 64 diseases. There are over 380,000 acupuncture professionals worldwide, and patients who received TCM treatment account for over one-third of the world population. Outside China, there are more than 100,000 Chinese acupuncture institutions, said the report.

The Belt and Road Initiative further promoted acupuncture globally. In 2014, the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies promoted acupuncture in BRI economies, aiming to boost academic exchanges between acupuncture and other traditional treatments, and offering local people a better understanding of the practice.

“Acupuncture adjusts human body from an abnormal status to a healthy status. It also eases pain by making the blood in the meridians run smoothly. In addition, research showed that acupuncture has preventive effects by raising the immunity of human body. This is why acupuncture became popular overseas,” said He Ling, an acupuncture professional at Zhenaiguangyuyuan, a renowned acupuncture hospital in Xi’an, Shaanxi province.

Liu Baoyan, president of the China Association of Acupuncture-Moxibustion, said: “Clinical research, talent, professional bodies and authentic data are needed to support the safe usage and global development of TCM.”

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After derogatory chants were directed at Neymar before and during the 3-0 win over Nimes, PSG boss Thomas Tuchel had his say.

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Thomas Tuchel defended Neymar but also said he understood why the wantaway star was targeted by the club’s own supporters during Sunday’s Ligue 1 win over Nimes.

Neymar – tipped to leave the French champions amid links to Barcelona and Real Madrid – sat out the 3-0 victory against Nimes as PSG opened their title defence with three points.

Amid growing speculation over an imminent departure, sections of the Parc des Princes aimed derogatory chants towards Neymar before and during the match.

“It’s a little difficult, I don’t know what to say. I saw [the public’s reaction on Neymar] on my colleagues’ phones because I hadn’t heard that during the game,” Tuchel said about the chants directed at Neymar.

“Can I understand that? Yes and no, that’s the way it is in our lives. The emotions are serious, the emotions are still there, okay. But on the other hand, Neymar is still our player, still my player, and I will always protect my players. He’s in the locker room, he’s here and I’ll protect him.

“I can understand that not everyone likes what he said and what he did. I understand, but we have to express a level to express our emotion.”

Asked if PSG missed Neymar against Nimes, Tuchel added: “He is still missing, because he can find solutions that only he can find. He can open spaces with movements, accelerations, one against the other.

“It was a little lacking today to be more decisive in the first half. But we have to find other solutions, we have to give rhythm with passes, with intensive runs. But it’s clear, he’s Neymar, and he has extraordinary qualities. If he is not on the field, he is missing, but it is our challenge to find solutions. We still have to improve.”

While Neymar was absent on Sunday, Edinson Cavani, last season’s top scorer Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria led the way for PSG in Paris.

After Cavani broke the deadlock via the penalty spot in the first half, Mbappe and Di Maria put the result beyond doubt following the interval.

“The best thing is that they [Neymar and Mbappe] play together,” Tuchel said. “It is not a question of whether Mbappe can give more when Neymar is not there.

“Kylian gives a lot, he’s been very focused for four weeks now. He puts a lot of intensity into training, into matches. It’s great for the team to improve. But the best thing is that Neymar is next to him.”

Mbappe, who hinted he could be ready for a “new project” following the 2018-19 season, scored a Ligue 1-high 33 goals as PSG retained their crown last term.

“As I said last year, he is invited by the club to take more responsibilities every day. Taking responsibilities does not mean taking every penalty, hitting every corner or every free-kick,” Tuchel continued. “It’s not like that, there are many ways to take responsibilities, and he does that.

“He started this season with a lot of concentration, I’m very happy. He’s here, I have a feeling he’s happy. He has objectives for himself and the team, and he does everything to achieve them. He gives his opinion, and we’re going to keep developing that. He has a good relationship with everyone, he is reliable.”

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The Englishman scored only 10 Premier League goals last term and his boss wants him to step up this year

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expecting more from Marcus Rashford this season after the striker opened his campaign with a brace against Chelsea.

United crushed the Blues 4-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Rashford playing an important role – though the scoreline did flatter Solskjaer’s side.

Rashford opened the scoring early on with a penalty he won following Kurt Zouma’s clumsy foul, before Anthony Martial made it 2-0 in the second half.

A cool finish after Paul Pogba’s pass saw Rashford double his tally a few minutes later, with Daniel James wrapping up the win late on.

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Rashford managed to score 10 Premier League goals last term, but Solskjaer is expecting him to kick on this term.

“I think Marcus is developing really well,” Solskjaer told reporters at Old Trafford. “He’s growing, you see his stature now, his body. He’s capable of playing more this year.

“He struggled with his ankle last season, so this year I expect more from him. But the whole squad, we’re fitter, we’re stronger. You can see in that second half we are more than capable of lasting games.

“He’s getting fitter and is a year older. We’ve had six weeks to work on a shape we want to look like and he’s exceptional when there’s space in behind.

“And the third goal, he almost got the same against Kristiansund [in a pre-season] friendly in Norway, but his touch let him down. Thankfully he brought it down [this time].”

Martial began the match as United’s central striker and, although he and Rashford rotated throughout the game, he got his goal with a poacher’s effort from an Andreas Pereira cross.

Solskjaer is hopeful Martial gets more of those goals this season, telling him he should be looking to finish moves from close in, instead of bothering with tricks on the wing.

Solskjaer said: “It’s always important for a striker [to score goals], but how do you react? Do you drop your shoulders, [and think] ‘I’ve scored my goal now’, or do you get hungrier and realise, ‘That’s where I score my goals’?

“It’s not out wide on the left-hand side showing your skills, it’s in that box, and I was so pleased for Anthony scoring from five yards after that cross, because I’ve not seen too many of them [from him].”

The 2018 Eastern Conference champions travel the breadth of the country to try and stop Carlos Vela and his in-form team-mates

LAFC meet the New York Red Bulls on Sunday in a clash between two of the superpowers of MLS.

Spearheaded by Carlos Vela, the hosts come into this match the runaway leaders of the Western Conference, having recorded three wins in their last four.

Their New York rivals, however, are five points off the pace in the Eastern Conference, despite a 2-0 win over Toronto last time out.

Who will prevail at the Banc of California Stadium?

Game	LAFC vs New York Red Bulls
Date	Sunday, August 11
Time	3:00am BST / 10:00pm ET
Stream (US)	fubo TV (7-day free trial)

In the United States (US), the game can be watched  live and on-demand with fuboTV (7-day free trial).

New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.

US TV channel	Online stream
Fox Sports 1 / Fox Deportes	fubo TV (7-day free trial)

In the UK, the match will be shown on FreeSports but will not be streamed.

UK TV channel	Online stream
FreeSports	n/a

Position	LAFC squad
Goalkeepers	Miller, Sisniega
Defenders	Zimmerman, Segura, Jakovic, Batista, Harvery, Beitashour, Blackmon
Midfielders	Atuesta, Guido, Kaye, Nguyen, Vassell
Forwards	Rossi, Blessing, Rodriguez, Vela, Perez, Diomande, Zelaya, Perez

Mohamed El-Munir and Javi Perez miss out, while it seems highly unlikely that either Pablo Sisniega or Alejandro Guido might play.

Brian Rodriguez has been added to the roster from Penarol, while Christian Ramirez was surprisingly traded to the Houston Dynamo.

Possible LAFC starting XI: Miller; Harvey, Segura, Blackmon, Beitashour; Atuesta, Kaye, Blessing; Rossi, Diomande, Vela

Position	New York Red Bulls squad
Goalkeepers	Robles, Meara, Louro
Defenders	Parker, Long, Tarek, Nealis, Lawrence, Buckmaster, Murillo, Lade, Duncan
Midfielders	Davis, Rzatkowski, Casseres, Koffi, Gamarra, Bezecourt
Forwards	Royer, Sims, Muyl, Ivan, Mines, Wright-Phillips, Jorgensen, White, Barlow, Fernandezz

Long-term injury concern Florian Valot continues to miss out for the New York Red Bulls, who will need to check on Alex Muyl late on.

Southampton midfielder Josh Sims has arrived on loan.

Possible New York Red Bulls starting XI: Robles; Murillo, Long, Parker, Lawrence; Casseres, Davis; Rzatkowski, Gamarra, Royet; White

LAFC are red-hot 3/10 favorites to win this match with bet365. New York Red Bulls are out at 8/1, while the draw is on offer at 9/2.

Click here to see all of bet365’s offers for the game, including goalscoring markets, correct score predictions and more.

LAFC will attempt to continue its dominance of MLS Sunday when the club tackles the New York Red Bulls at the Bank of California Stadium in the highlight clash of the weekend. 

The Black and Gold is firmly established as the team to beat this season. Having picked up 52 points from a possible 69, they are 10 points better off than any other side in either division – and that is despite playing two matches short of Eastern Conference leaders the Philadelphia Union. 

In Carlos Vela, LAFC has MLS’ hottest property, with the Mexico international having contributed 22 goals in 22 games this season, while the team’s offense has struck 61 times, again a league-leading statistic by an enormous margin. 

“Concentration has been high,” Walker Zimmerman said when as to explain the high level of the team. “I think guys are realizing what we’re doing doesn’t happen every year. What we’re doing is special and I think guys notice that. And that kind of helps in our preparation because every game still matters. We’re chasing trophies, we’re chasing records in points and wins. It presents a challenge each and every game. And it helps guys get motivated every game.” 

But with such a strong record, LA has become a target for opponents, too. It recently lost the derby to the LA Galaxy, their third defeat of the season, and though the team bounced back with wins against Atlanta United and New England, it will face a massive test against a Red Bulls outfit that has specialized in playing the big guns this season. 

While Chris Armas’ side has been inconsistent, it has typically saved its best performances for the greatest stages. 

“I think we’ve done well against better teams this year,” midfielder Sean Davis said. “But we have to continue to improve against all teams. It doesn’t matter who we play, we have to show up with the right mentality. It doesn’t matter if we’re playing teams that are just trying to kick it long, we have to show up with the right mentality and how to combat that and play well.” 

New York boasts wins over MLS Cup champions Atlanta and the LA Galaxy this season, but as Luis Robles admitted, it will have to be at its best to take the points on Sunday. 

“Something that has become apparent this season is that we play to the level of our opponent,” the goalkeeper said. “So I’m hoping that plays out the same way against LAFC because they’re the top team. They’re the team that everyone’s gunning for. And it’s going to be a really good test for us.” 

Come full-time, the Red Bulls will know exactly where they sit in comparison to MLS’ star team. 

The former manager was full of praise for the world’s most expensive defender after his first Old Trafford outing, but had a warning for United fans

Jose Mourinho says Manchester United’s new record-breaking defender Harry Maguire was “solid like a rock” in his Premier League debut against Chelsea.

Maguire was named Man of the Match as United routed Frank Lampard’s side 4-0, with the centre-half powering a corner away with a trademark defensive header for the last touch of the game.

The 26-year-old registered more clearances, more interceptions and more blocks than any other player on the pitch, and Mourinho thinks he was good value for his accolade.

“I think he fully deserved Man of the Match,” Mourinho said on Sky Sports. “I think he was solid like a rock and as we know it is very important for a team to have that.

“Not just the tactical knowledge but that personality, that sense of reading the game, being alert all the time, the confidence to play. He was fantastic, absolutely deserved.

“A team can be very dangerous in attack but if you feel that a defensive mistake is just around the corner, you don’t play as well.

“When you can feel that there is something that really allows you to play, you are much more confident. [Victor] Lindelof can be a very good player and with Maguire I think they can be a very good couple.”

Maguire’s performance underlined a display in which United’s defence snuffed out the Chelsea threat and gave their attacking players licence to get forward. Having kept just one clean sheet against the other ‘big six’ teams last season, it was a much-needed platform on which to build a result.

Marcus Rashford scored twice, with Anthony Martial and fellow debutant Daniel James also on the scoresheet.

However, with United selling forward Romelu Lukaku to Inter and not replacing him before the transfer window closed, Mourinho thinks they will have more problems against teams who are less open than Chelsea.

“United will find it much more difficult to play against teams with compact blocks,” he said.

“If the blocks are low, it will be difficult to play without a striker.

“They don’t have a reason to feel anything but positive in this moment. It is an amazing result. It is very important the dressing room feel that they can be champions. I feel they will not be champions, but they can have a good season.”

United’s first away fixture of the campaign sees them travel to Molineux on August 19, facing a Wolves side they struggled against last season.

Pouring a glass of wine to have with dinner was once a rare sight in Chinese households, yet within the space of just 10 years, wine is now a popular evening tipple around the country.

During a recent livestream event organized by China Daily, four wine experts discussed China’s rapidly changing attitudes toward alcohol and the domestic wine industry.

According to Claudia Masueger, CEO of China-based wine retailer Cheers, domestic consumers are becoming increasingly sophisticated and knowledgeable as the industry develops.

“Wine is now a huge subject in China,” Masueger says. “It’s a lifestyle. It’s a fashion statement. And what the Chinese really love is that they can combine it with their local food.”

China is the sixth-largest wine producer in the world, and currently makes more wine than Chile, Portugal and South Africa.

Yet until recently, most wine made in China was consumed domestically. Rarely exported, its appeal was limited to local drinkers who had already developed a taste for homegrown wine.

“Chinese wine used to be undrinkable. It has only improved in the last couple of years,” says Masueger. “China now produces some very expensive, yet very nice wines. But the bad reputation remains. The Chinese should be able to enjoy good quality, affordable wine.”

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When Masueger first arrived in Beijing in 2008, she embarked on a mission to change the wine scene. Back then, the only good wine were the expensive imports served in five-star hotels.

In recent years, Chinese of all classes have started to drink alcohol more regularly, according to global consulting firm INS. No longer considered a niche product, wine enjoys widespread demand among Chinese consumers.

And with this more mainstream appeal, consumers are now more willing to try new wines-both local and imported-and incorporate them into their daily diets, says Masueger.

Wine is becoming a healthier alternative to baijiu, a liquor that used to be served with dinner. Now both drinks can be served with evening meals when paired with different types of foods.

“People now try to mix local dishes together with wine,” says Masueger. “Riesling goes well with hotpot, as does moscato.”

Masueger believes that once consumers are introduced to new types of wines-whether red, rose or white-they will start to incorporate them into their daily lives.

KUNMING – Police in Southwest China’s Yunnan province have seized a total of 114.9 kilograms of drugs and captured 18 suspects in five recent cases, local authorities said Saturday.

On July 22, police on the China-Myanmar border city of Lincang busted two cases after receiving tip-offs about drug trafficking, with 32.67 kg of methamphetamine seized and seven suspects caught.

A drug gang was busted in the city’s Gengma County on July 29, during which police found 23.26 kg of methamphetamine from backpacks carried by three drug dealers nabbed on the spot.

Police arrested eight suspects for trafficking 58.97 kg of drugs in two other cases in Cangyuan County, Lincang on July 30.

Further investigations into the cases are underway.

Yunnan is a major front in China’s battle against drug crime, as it borders the Golden Triangle notorious for its rampant drug production and trafficking.

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The England forward believes the Red Devils’ pre-season preparations have put them in better shape to challenge than 12 months ago

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford claims the squad are better prepared for the challenges of a new season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer than they were when Jose Mourinho was in charge.

Solskjaer will lead the Red Devils into their Premier League curtain-raiser with Chelsea on Sunday in what will be his first full campaign in charge at Old Trafford.

And it is his appointment, following a successful spell as caretaker boss between December and March last term, that Rashford believes has been key to the players’ fitness and mind-set this summer.

The England international, who is expected to play a significant role in attack now that Romelu Lukaku’s departure to Inter has finally been confirmed, will jockey for position with United’s new number nine Anthony Martial for the central striker spot.

And ahead of their showdown with the Blues, the 21-year-old says his fitness, along with the rest of his team-mates’, is much further advanced than it was this time last year under former boss Mourinho.

“It definitely feels different,” he admitted to Sky Sports. 

“For starters, physically we’re at a much better position than we were this time last year, going into the season. 

“We’re already three or four steps ahead of where we were last season, and now it’s about putting the fundamentals down about how we’re going to play.”

When asked to pin-point specifics when it comes to the differences between Solskjaer and Mourinho, he added: “I’d say the intensity change, from how we were towards the end of last season, to where we are now. 

“It’s so clear to see the difference in terms of intensity, especially without the ball. That’s where we’ve taken a lot of strides forward.

“You learn different things under different managers. The time under (Louis) Van Gaal, it was perfect for me at that time to have a manager like that, he was patient with me and gave me time to learn the game. It wasn’t too much information thrown at me.

“Then under Jose I feel like we all understood the game a bit better, especially defensively. And now under Ole we’re trying to combine the two, and at the same time he knows the club for what the club is so he can spread his own messages too. 

“For me it’s like it’s back to normal, and that is the most important thing. It’s been good. It’s been tough, but as a team I feel we’ve taken a lot of strides forward, so it’s been worth it.”

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The former Citizens centre-back thinks that his old rivals have made a good purchase but that it is not enough to compete at the top of the league

Joleon Lescott believes Manchester United have made an excellent signing in Harry Maguire, but said that the £80 million ($97m) arrival from Leicester City won’t be enough to allow the Red Devils to compete with their local rivals Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s City won the domestic treble last season and posted a remarkable 98 points, which was 32 more than sixth-placed United.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is trying to make up some of that gap on the champions this season, Lescott thinks that the Guardiola factor makes his former club impossible to overcome.

“I don’t see Man United ever finishing above Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City,” Lescott told Goal at the finals of the #BetRegret Cup, part of the nation’s largest safer gambling campaign.

“It is difficult to say what happens afterwards but there is never any complacency at City.

“The way they treat every game the same. Every game is a must-win; every game is a cup final. There is the same level of respect shown to every opposition in the way he sets them up.

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“Pep knows how we win this game. It is evident from their Amazon Prime documentary.

“Man United would admit there is a big gap between them and Man City. Maguire is not the answer to close the gap.

“It is not just the defensive record that wins you titles. You need three or four players who score 20 goals.”

Lescott has hailed City’s team-first mentality, which may have resulted in a few of their stars being overlooked for major individual honours.

“The way Man City play, it is not an individual that does that, it is a collective,” continued the former England international.

“The way Raheem Sterling plays up front and performs shows Pep’s methods. He coaches and teaches unstoppable methods. Man City is a collective.

“I know Pep is frustrated that his players are not getting recognised for FIFA Best Awards, but it is a credit to both him and them.

“No player is needed more than any other. They lost Kevin De Bruyne for most of last season and still won the league the way they did and it proves that.

“It is a compliment to them, but he is right that individuals deserve recognition for being so consistent with him.

“They won a domestic treble. Going forward, they will be determined to win everything, including the Champions League.”

Lescott’s £22 million move from Everton to Man City in 2009 raised some eyebrows due to the high fee, but that amount was dwarfed by Maguire’s move from Leicester to United.

Maguire is set to make his debut this weekend against Chelsea, and Lescott believes that the price tag won’t have any effect on the Red Devils’ new central defender.

“I think you have to expect people will talk about it, but I doubt people will put any more pressure on him to do well than he puts on himself,” he added.

“I think either at £80m or £8m; he will just want to play at his best. He is not the finished article but there aren’t many who are.

“I am sure he will want to improve aspects of his game. He is going to be eager to learn. There is a bit more scrutiny. That will be new to him. In terms of improving, he will want to improve every aspect.

“I think it will be more about playing for Manchester United. There will be more eyes on him, more criticism and more expectation.

“When you play for a top team then you have to perform and winning isn’t always enough. I am sure he is ready for that and relishing the challenge.

“I remember when I went to Man City I was the same, relishing the challenge and chance to become a fixture and win trophies. I am sure with Man United’s current situation he will think the same and want to get them back to the top.

“It won’t be easy because there are a lot of teams pushing. I wish him the best as an individual but not for his team!”

Lescott was speaking from the final of the #BetRegret Cup, part of the UK’s largest safer gambling campaign. Teams from across the UK have been battling it out throughout the summer, which culminated at the national final at Powerleague Shoreditch on August 4. Bet Regret is that immediate sinking feeling you get when you place a bet you know you shouldn’t have, for example when you’re bored, drunk or chasing losses.