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    Bruno Fernandes almost single-handedly led Man Utd to victory vs Sheff Utd just days after suffering freak injury

    MANCHESTER UNITED star Bruno Fernandes put together a real captain’s performance against Sheffield United.
    Fernandes, 29, almost single-handedly led United to a stressful 4-2 victory over Chris Wilder’s bottom-of-the-league outfit on Wednesday at Old Trafford.
    Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes led his team to victory against Sheffield UnitedCredit: APFernandes played with a broken hand against Sheffield UnitedCredit: RexFernandes scored two goals and provided an assist for Man UtdCredit: GettyThe Red Devils faced another embarrassing Premier League result as the Blades’ Jayden Bogle opened the scoring and Ben Brereton Diaz netted his team’s second after Harry Maguire’s equaliser.However, Fernandes took matters into his own hands as he scored twice within 20 minutes.The playmaker also set up Rasmus Hojlund’s strike to seal the valuable three points five minutes before full-time.What makes the Portugal international’s performance even more remarkable is the fact he was playing injured.The ex-Sporting Lisbon star broke his hand during Sunday’s dramatic FA Cup semi-final against Coventry.Read More on Man UtdFernandes hurt his right hand after a fall that occurred during the clash at Wembley.United boss Erik ten Hag stated that the Portuguese ace was a doubt for the match against Sheffield United.According to The Times, however, Fernandes insisted he wanted to fight through the pain and play for his team.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe United skipper went on to play the entire match for Ten Hag’s side.Most read in FootballFernandes has received criticism this season due to his frequent outbursts on the pitch.Man Utd 4 Sheff Utd 2: Captain Fernandes scores twice as Utd come from behind to ease pressure on Ten HagHowever, the attacking midfielder’s immense contribution this season is undeniable with 15 goals and 11 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions.Fernandes has shone bright during Man Utd’s turbulent campaign More

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    Roy Keane admits he was ‘absolutely disgraceful’ with his drinking habits during Man Utd career

    ROY KEANE has confessed to an “absolutely disgraceful” drinking habit during his golden years at Manchester United.The legendary hardman says he’d regularly neck pints four days in a row if there was no midweek match.Roy Keane believes people will be surprised to hear of his habitCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdGary Neville explained how habits improved in the mid-1990sCredit: YouTube / The OverlapKeane won seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League in United’s famous 1998-99 Treble season.But he believes the football world might be shocked to hear of some of his behaviour while at Old Trafford from 1993-2005.The ex-Republic of Ireland midfielder, 52, told Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast: “People used to say I was a good pro..  Some of my stuff was absolutely disgraceful.”Keane went on to detail his drinking routine if Alex Ferguson’s men knew they were out of action during the week.READ MORE TOP STORIESHe said: “Definitely on Saturday. Definitely on Sunday.”Many times I’d go Saturday after the game, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. Pints or whatever it was I was drinking at the time.”But he stressed: “I’d draw the line on Wednesday, to be fair.”Then-United team-mate Gary Neville reckons many top-flight players were habitual drinkers in that era.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe told Keane during the podcast chat with Ian Wright and Jill Scott: “The reason you got away with it was because a lot of the players in the other teams were doing the same.”As long as they could all drink 10 pints they were all at the same fitness level.”Roy Keane’s Biggest TV Rants Keane suggested his relative youth, plus playing in such a good team, helped him thrive despite drinking.But when Neville outlined his own all-the-same theory, Keano nodded and said: “Probably.”Ex-England defender Nev also explained how football’s off-the-pitch standards were promptly transformed. He said: “I always look at that period pre 1995-96 as all players were doing the same thing.”1996-2000 professionalised a lot in that period – nutritionists came in etc.”Keane agreed but joked: “I carried on for a while – they’re not changing me!”Meanwhile, Neville revealed he once had a fit and fainted while covering an England game at Euro 2020.Keane’s career faded dramatically after he left Old Trafford following a fall-out with Fergie.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd after seven months at Celtic – the club he supported as a kid – the former Nottingham Forest hero quit playing on medical advice in June 2006.Two-year spells as manager at Sunderland and Ipswich followed before he became a Sky Sports pundit known for his frank opinions. More

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    Germany ban England fans from taking fruit to games – but will charge £4 for single sausage at Euros 2024

    ANY apple-loving England fans could be shocked to the core at Euro 2024 — the German hosts are banning fruit to boost sales of their sausages.Supporters trying to take any food into stadiums — including healthy half-time snacks — could be turned away or even barred from the entire tournament.England fans are banned from bringing fruit to games during the EurosCredit: RexBut the nation renowned for their love of Bratwurst and Frankfurters will be selling sausages for up to £3.77 each.England kick off their campaign against Serbia at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen on June 16 followed by games against Denmark in Frankfurt and Slovenia in Cologne.At the final at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium on July 14, single sausages will cost £4.77.Security teams will be searching bags outside all ten tournament venues, while stewards and police will patrol inside.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Uefa’s ban covers “liquids — drinks, e-cigarette refills, etc — and food of any kind, including fruit, such as apples, bananas, oranges, etc.”Punishments will include “expulsion from the stadium with a report to the police or a stadium ban for the whole or part of Euro 2024”.Germans have also banned smoking and vapes from the grounds.Cannabis joints will also be forbidden in stadiums despite new German laws making it legal to puff in public.Most read in FootballFlares, fireworks and whistles are also on the banned list – as well as megaphones and vuvuzela horns.Nazi flags, plus material supporting sides in the conflict in Gaza will also be outlawed.Germany becomes the latest nation to legalise cannabis More

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    ‘He’s won nothing’ – Roy Keane and Ian Wright in heated argument over Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes

    ROY KEANE and Ian Wright got embroiled in a heated debate over Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.Fernandes, 29, has cut quite the controversial figure amid United’s turbulent campaign as although he has stood out on the pitch he still has attracted criticism over his frequent tantrums.Arsenal legend Ian Wright and Manchester United great Roy Keane argued over Bruno FernandesMan Utd captain Fernandes has shown immense talent but his tantrums have led to criticismCredit: PASome have argued that although the playmaker possesses undeniable talent he still doesn’t deserve to wear the Red Devils’ armband as his outbursts never inspire his teammates.However, Arsenal legend Ian Wright backed the Portugal international and claims this sort of attitude comes from the fact that he is a “winner” with high standards.Wright said during the latest edition of Stick to Football: “I think Bruno is a winner. He’s frustrated. Whatever we say, he has his faults where he waves his arms up but he’s the kind of player that is trying [to change things].”However, United legend Roy Keane, who is considered as one of the club’s greatest skippers, strongly disagreed with Wright’s assessment as Fernandes has “won nothing”.Read More on FootballKeane fired back: “He’s won nothing in his career, he’s 29 years of age. What has he won in his career?”Wright responded: “He’s won nothing. But, irrespective of wanting to be a winner, his standards are high.”If you take Bruno out of Man United we’re talking about players who haven’t improved. If he’s not doing what he’s doing United are nowhere near where they are.”He’s frustrated, he probably sees it in training every day, people not up to the standards of what he’s looking for and it spills over into a Saturday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Because he [still] brings ‘it’ when we say about his histrionics, he brings it. If Man United are saved in a game it’s probably him who’s going to do it. He’s got every right to be upset with them because they should be doing better.”Keane conceded that Fernandes is “talented” but insists he hasn’t lived up to expectations as captain as he claims he doesn’t help his teammates improve.Roy Keane’s Biggest TV Rants Keane replied: “I think he is a talented boy. But does he help people out and does he make others around him better? The answer is 100 per cent no. He does like to dig them out, which is fine, but you’ve also got to drag the others along.”Would you like to be in that United dressing room today with these guys going, “Not sure about him, I think he’s OK when we’re winning but we’re not going to be winning every time’.”How do you stop that momentum and flex your muscles in games? That’s what I want. We talk about talented players but sometimes it’s about personalities in big games and getting you over the line in big games.”That led to a heated back-and-forth argument between the Sky Sports pundits.Wright said: “Bruno has got that,” before Keane retorted: “Where is the evidence? Where is the evidence?” And Wright replied: “The way he plays and the way he saves the club.”Keane fired back: “Saves the club? Look, he’s won nothing in his career. He’s won nothing in his career. Look at his CV. if he’s one of your best players there’s a responsibility.”Fernandes has shone bright during Man Utd’s turbulent campaign More

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    Fans compare Kevin De Bruyne’s stunning diving headed goal to iconic World Cup strike by Man Utd and Arsenal legend

    FANS think Kevin De Bruyne’s incredible headed effort against Brighton is reminiscent of another Premier League super star.The Belgian’s leaping header has been compared to a memorable goal scored by Robin van Persie.Kevin De Bruyne scored a spectacular diving header against BrightonCredit: ReutersFans think his goal was similar to Robin van Persie’s header in the 2014 World CupCredit: Getty – ContributorDe Bruyne put Man City 1-0 up with his acrobatic effort after Kyle Walker floated a ball into the box.The midfield magician leapt like a salmon to get his head on the end of the cross and saw his connection make the ball bullet into the top corner of Jason Steele’s net.Fans thought the goal was sensational and likened it to the World Cup stunner that Van Persie netted against Spain in 2014.The Dutchman, who played for both Arsenal and Man Utd, went flying as he got on the end of a long ball forward from Daley Blind to help the Netherlands cruise to a 5-1 win over the Spaniards in their group.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans think the two goals are eerily similar and took to social media to express their opinions.One wrote: “Just when you think you’ve seen De Bruyne do it all. He goes and scores a great header, just like Van Persie.”While another added: “De Bruyne scored an IDENTICAL goal to Van Persie’s historic goal.”A third fan posted: “Kevin De Bruyne’s opener in Van Persie style!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd a fourth wrote: “Okay that De Bruyne header… magnificent!!! Van Persie must be proud”.Jamie Redknapp even likened the goal to Van Persie’s live on Sky Sports as he said: “The one thing we didn’t expect today was a Robin van Persie style header”.Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel MessiRVP earned himself third spot in the 2014 Puskas Award with his worldie – with James Rodriguez taking home the prize for his volley against Uruguay.De Bruyne finished his off with aplomb despite it being the FIRST header he has ever scored in the Premier League.His goal sparked Pep Guardiola’s side into life as they quickly added two more goals to put themselves 3-0 up before half-time.And a second half goal to make it 4-0 meant that City put themselves within one point of league leaders Arsenal heading in to the final few games of the season. More

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    Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs to become dad for third time aged 50 with lingerie model girlfriend, 36

    RYAN Giggs is set to become a dad for the third time aged 50.The Manchester United legend and girlfriend Zara Charles, 36, are expecting a baby later this year.Ryan Giggs, 50, is expecting a baby later this year with girlfriend Zara Charles, 36The Manchester United legend with kids Zach and Libby after a Premier League title win in 2011Credit: ReutersStacey, who divorced Giggs in 2017, is said to have given the couple her blessingCredit: The Picture Library LtdGiggs, who has two kids from a previous marriage, and mum-of-one Zara are said to be “delighted”.Friends of the couple said they were excitedly planning for their baby’s arrival later this year.Giggs is already dad to Sheffield United footballer son Zach, 17, plus daughter Libby, 19, from his marriage to Stacey Cooke.Lingerie model Zara — his partner since 2021 — also has a daughter from a previous marriage.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe delighted couple have told close family, and their exes, about their happy news.A source said: “Ryan was nervous about what his kids would think but they’ve got to know Zara over the last few years and really like her.“They’re happy because they know he’s happy.“But they’ve joked that he might struggle with the early mornings and lack of sleep.Most read in Football“Ryan and Zara are thrilled at the prospect of becoming parents again.“They have a very solid, loving relationship and are building a long-term future together.Ryan Giggs is cleared and WON’T face another retrial as domestic abuse case over ‘attacking ex Kate Greville’ collapses“Their life is very simple, they go for walks, they go for coffees and love keeping fit.”A separate source said Stacey — who divorced Giggs in 2017 after ten years of marriage — has also given her blessing.’Blended family’She, Giggs and Zara spent Christmas together in December 2022 as a “blended family”, a source confirmed.They added: “Stacey approves of Zara. Her and Ryan have been through a lot but they have moved on and she’s only interested in him being happy, because that makes him a good dad to their kids. There is no animosity.”In November Giggs celebrated his 50th birthday with a trip to Dubai with Zara, who surprised him by having red rose petals scattered across their hotel bed.She posted: “Yesterday was my best friend’s Big Birthday. Happy 50th, Ryan. “So grateful we got to spend it in one of our happy places. I will love you forever.”Zara and Ryan are said to be ‘delighted’ at the news, the pair pictured this monthCredit: BackGridFriends of the couple said they were excitedly planning for their baby’s arrivalCredit: BackGridStacey approves of ZaraSourceThe couple live in a £2.1million, seven-bedroom mansion which Giggs bought last year.Zara supported him through his assault trial after he was charged with attacking his ex-lover Kate Greville and her sister Emma during a drunken row at his home in Worsley, Gtr Manchester, in November 2020.He was also charged with controlling coercive behaviour towards PR executive Kate during their three-year relationship.During the trial, the jury was told how Kate had accused Giggs of cheating on her with several women, including Zara.In a goodbye letter Kate penned to Giggs, she wrote: “You and Zara were also in a full-on relationship for a year. “I could go on but I think that’s enough. You got your guy from Harrods to send her shoes, bags, and dresses.”A jury failed to reach a verdict in August 2022 and Giggs — who always denied any wrongdoing — made a point of publicly thanking “my girlfriend Zara” for support.He faced a retrial but in 2023 the Crown Prosecution Service withdrew all charges after Kate said she did not want to give evidence, citing the toll the first trial had taken on her mental health. Judge Hilary Manley then told Manchester crown court: “I formally enter not guilty verdicts in respect of each of the three counts.”Giggs’s lawyer Chris Daw said at the time: “Mr Giggs is deeply relieved the prosecution has finally come to an end after almost three years in which he’s been fighting throughout to clear his name.“He’s now been found not guilty of all the charges and going forward would like to rebuild his life and career as an innocent man.”Giggs stepped down from his job as Wales national team manager in June 2022 ahead of the first trial. He has since been trying to rebuild his life out of the spotlight.Last month it emerged he was working again as Salford City’s director of football.Giggs is co-owner of the League Two club along with his ex-United team-mates Gary and Phil Neville, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes.Ryan and Zara are thrilled at the prospect of becoming parents againSourceFlying winger Giggs joined the Red Devils as a 14-year-old and went on to win 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and two Champions Leagues.He made 963 appearances and managed the club for four games at the end of the 2014 season after David Moyes was sacked.He then worked as an assistant to Louis van Gaal for two years before leaving when Jose Mourinho was appointed manager.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe won 64 Wales caps and was appointed national team boss in January 2018. Current boss Rob Page was appointed in his place in 2022.Giggs and his girlfriend live in a £2.1million mansion which he bought last yearCredit: Getty – ContributorThe football legend outside Manchester Crown Court during his trialCredit: PA More

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    Chelsea receive huge blow to European qualification hopes as £106m midfielder Enzo Fernandez OUT for rest of season

    CHELSEA have been dealt a huge blow with Enzo Fernandez ruled out for the rest of the season.The midfielder now faces a race against time to be fit in time for the Copa America this summer.Enzo Fernandez has been ruled out for the rest of the seasonCredit: ReutersFernandez has been suffering with an inguinal hernia for over a month, according to Argentine outlet Ole.The issue has affected his groin region between the lower abdomen and the thigh and requires surgery.Chelsea had hoped to treat the injury without Fernandez undergoing an operation, with the 23-year-old also speaking to a kinesiologist whom he worked with during his days at River Plate.But following a consultation with the Argentina medical team it was decided that surgery was the best course of action.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFernandez has now gone under the knife with Chesea’s season more or less over after they were knocked out of the FA Cup.He will likely spend three weeks sidelined as he recovers from the procedure.Chelsea issued a statement which read: “Enzo Fernandez has today undergone successful surgery on a groin issue and will now begin a period of rehabilitation, sidelining him for the remainder of Chelsea’s 2023/24 season.”The 23-year-old midfielder will work with the club’s medical department on his rehabilitation at Cobham.”Most read in FootballThe World Cup winner will now focus on healing and getting back fit in time for the Copa America opener, which takes place on June 21.The youngster is a key player for his country despite coming under fire at Chelsea this season.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut despite his poor form, manager Mauricio Pochettino has kept the faith and promised there is more to come.He said: “For sure he is going to be much better next season, after the experience of the whole season in this squad and this team,’ he said.Inside Chelsea flop Mateja Kezman’s amazing mountain resort in Serbia “He’s more experienced, he gets better feelings. The whole season is good for him to learn.”Even if he is a world champion, he needs to adapt to the Premier League and to this club. For me, there is no doubt that he is going to be much better.” More

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    Jurgen Klopp’s slow death march is a boost for next man in Liverpool hotseat as Arne Slot edges closer to deal

    RARELY can the wearing of a half-and-half scarf be justified.Particularly on the occasion of a passionate Merseyside derby with so much at stake for Everton and Liverpool.Arne Slot might find Anfield less daunting after Liverpool’s title woeCredit: PAJurgen Klopp’s recent plight as Liverpool boss could help his successorCredit: GettyYet if Arne Slot wrapped his neck in red and blue, while squirrelled away in his Rotterdam living room this week, it would be just about acceptable, if not advisable.Replacing outgoing Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp at the end of this season must be exhilarating — but slightly more terrifying for anyone being seriously  considered for the job.Feyenoord chief Slot, 45, has emerged as the No 1 candidate and while it’s the opportunity of a lifetime, it is also one of the toughest gigs going.Klopp has won seven big trophies in eight years but, moreover, restored a sense of entitlement at Anfield.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe feeling that the club is back where it belongs among football’s top feeders.Even if the imposing German was only half his 6ft 3in, those would be big shoes to fill.Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat at Everton has torpedoed the Reds’ title hopes.And, with them, romantic Scouse visions of Klopp, 56, being carried shoulder high through the Shankly Gates with a second Premier League winner’s medal hanging off him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEROvernight, the team looks weary and in need of a makeover similar to the manager’s cosmetic tooth job and laser eye surgery.But doom for Klopp is delight for Slot.Most dramatic Premier League’s final daysIt is now odds-on that  the man who has come to symbolise the renaissance on red Merseyside will head off into the sunset with only the Carabao Cup to go with his carriage clock.And how much easier  that makes it for Slot — or whoever takes over — to pick up the baton.Who wants the job of  trying to lead the Kop giants into an entirely new era when the trophy cabinet is bulging with bright, shiny new trinkets?Nobody wants to follow on from a legend.Whichever massively underpaid no mark eventually takes on my job will find it a breeze — because the only way is up. See what I mean?David Moyes found out  to his cost what it’s like attempting to remould Manchester United in his own image as the successor to Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. Every aspect of life at Old Trafford, from the boardroom to boot room, was soaked in the angry old Scot’s DNA.Even Fergie’s Glaswegian blood brother Moyes felt alien at United.Just to make it even harder, Britain’s most  successful manager signed off in style by winning the  Premier League title by a whopping 11 points from Manchester City to assert United’s local dominance.That’s the stuff of dreams for the bloke being put out to pasture with a trumpet fanfare.But a nightmare for the man coming in needing to get a new tune out of the same instrument.Mo Salah will need replacing and Darwin Nunez must discover consistencyCredit: APMan United still haven’t solved the problem 11  years on.The next Liverpool gaffer will have to replace Mo Salah, even if the 31-year-old Egyptian goal machine does not bunk off to Saudi Arabia this summer.He must turn Darwin Nunez, 24, into a consistent threat who doesn’t shrink on big occasions.Virgil van Dijk is 32 and not the force of nature he once was. The defence needs work with one new centre-back, maybe two.That’s some to-do list, but far better to come in when the team is at a low ebb  to make picking it up that much simpler.The fact Liverpool are contriving to turn what was a genuine shot at a goodbye quadruple for Klopp into a slow death march should at least make one man happy, at least on the QT.HAVE A RETHINKSHOULD Arsenal go on to win the Premier League title, boss Mikel Arteta knows who to thank.Pundit Craig Burley has been a repeat critic of Kai Havertz this term — pulling no punches in his analysis of the German forward following his £65million move from Chelsea last summer.Kai Havertz scored twice vs old club Chelsea to show his value to ArsenalCredit: RexThe former Blues midfielder said in August: “There is nothing in this  Havertz performance or performances that suggest  he is any different, not one iota, from the player who was performing for Chelsea.“The only difference is he’s wearing a red shirt.”Burley went as far as to urge Arteta to drop Havertz,  labelling him the ‘elephant in the room’ regarding Arsenal’s weaknesses.The Gunners battered  Burley and Havertz’s old Blues side 5-0 on Tuesday — with the German netting twice in the second half — to go back to the  top of the table.Havertz has averaged a goal every other game in the past 14 matches and is now considered  a cornerstone of a team making huge strides at home and in Europe.Burley may well have been right in what he said at the start of the season.But you’d have to pay a  fortune for that kind of reverse psychology on Bupa.BAD VIBE ON AMOWHAT a shame West Ham’s attempts to land Ruben Amorim as their next manager look to have collapsed.No surprise there as relations between the Hammers and Amorim’s current club Sporting  Lisbon can’t be that warm.It’s no surprise West Ham’s interest in Ruben Amorin is flounderingCredit: GettyBack in 2017, Sporting infamously labelled West Ham’s porn baron owners David Sullivan and David Gold the “dildo brothers” in a row over a transfer deal.No way was Europe’s most sought-after coach going to come quietly.BREWTIFUL GAME, EH?JOACHIM ANDERSEN and his fellow Crystal Palace players have a WhatsApp group where they discuss their love of coffee.The defender told GQ magazine: “It’s massive for me. We have some connoisseurs here, you know?“I’m in a WhatsApp group called ‘Coffee Talk’ and we talk about everything  —  beans, machines, where to get the best coffee at away games.”How embarrassing that all is!  Whatever happened to good, old-fashioned X-rated pics?BIGWIGS CAN’T LAY INTO REFSNOTTINGHAM FOREST have done nothing new.Football fans have been questioning the integrity of referees for years.And their assistants and VARs when results don’t go their way.Often en masse and at great volume with choice words included as part of a chant.What Forest said on the record last weekend about VAR Stuart Attwell’s allegiance to relegation rivals Luton Town is only what most punters consider ‘bantz’ in the pub.Fans, like the clubs, are also what we call  ‘stakeholders’ in today’s  game.But there is a difference and this is what Forest have forgotten.Whoever sanctioned the  daft statement insinuating Attwell’s judgment could have been swayed by his love of the Hatters reduced themselves to a terrace barrister.While the club’s threat of legal action because pundit Gary Neville labelled them a ‘mafia gang’ only made it worse.However frustrating it might be to see your team going down the gurgler, a few people in the inner circle at a top club cannot behave like the 25,000 in the stands.That’s the price you  pay for making football your job.READ MORE SUN STORIESTOM’S TURNSO it’s congratulations to Tom Cleverley on his appointment as the new permanent boss of Watford — their 11th in the last six years.Given the high turnover  of managers at Vicarage Road, you have to wonder if they even bother with permanent markers to sign the  contracts. More