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    Steven Gerrard odds-on favourite to take over as manager of Frank Lampard’s old club after Al Ettifaq exit

    STEVEN GERRARD is the red-hot favourite to take over as Derby County manager.Paul Warne was sacked by the Rams on Friday after a horror run of SEVEN straight defeats.Steven Gerrard is the odds-on favourite to become new Derby County bossCredit: PAPaul Warne was sacked by Derby on Friday after slipping into the relegation zoneCredit: PADerby have now slipped into the Championship relegation zone, two points adrift from safety.The hunt for a new manager has already begun, with a host of former Premier League managers in the frame.But Gerrard – who left Saudi side Al-Ettifaq last month – is the odds-on favourite to land the job.The Liverpool legend is 4/5 with Coral to be the latest manager tasked with the tricky Derby job.READ MORE SPORT STORIESThe likes of Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney have managed the Rams in recent years.And Manchester United legend Rooney is even the 10/1 sixth-favourite to return having been axed by Plymouth in December.Ex-Swansea and Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper – sacked by Leicester after just five months in November – is the 9/4 second-favourite.Rob Edwards, who left Luton last month, is also in the running at 3/1.Most read in FootballEarly odds for Derby job4/5 – Steven Gerrard9/4 – Steve Cooper3/1 – Rob Edwards9/2 – Russell Martin8/1 – Ryan Lowe10/1 – Wayne Rooney*Odds according to CoralSacked Southampton manager Russell Martin will be hoping to jump straight back into management.The former Saints chief is 9/2 to head to the Midlands.Steven Gerrard is going to be a grandad at 44Ryan Lowe, who left Preston after just ONE game of the 2024-25 season, is 8/1 to take over at Derby, having told Deepdale chiefs he “wanted a break.. a change.”But for Warne, his time at Pride Park is over following a horror run of form.Warne took over from Rooney after Liam Rosenior’s interim spell in September 2022.Following his arrival from Rotherham, the ex-midfielder had a strong start but form collapsed and Derby missed out on a League One play-off spot.However, Warne took them back into the Championship at the second time of asking in 2023-24, finishing second.But he oversaw just seven wins and six draws from 30 league games in the second tier so far this season.And with Derby two points off the bottom and two points off 21st-placed Hull, owner David Clowes made the decision to fire Warne.A Rams statement said: “It is with regret that Derby County have decided to relieve Paul Warne of his position.”While Paul and his staff helped deliver on the club’s objective of a return to the Championship last season, the recent run of results necessitates a change.”Clowes added: “Paul is a man of great integrity and embodies the values we hold important at Derby County.”No fan should ever forget his contribution in securing promotion to the Championship. I certainly won’t.READ MORE SUN STORIES“However, results in football dictate decisions and we felt that to give us the best chance of retaining our Championship status, the time was right to make a change.“Paul goes with our thanks, gratitude and best wishes. He and his family will always be welcome at Pride Park.” More

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    Man City launch new legal battle against Premier League two weeks before landmark hearing

    MANCHESTER City launched another legal battle against the Premier League – as they want the LATEST sponsorship rules declared ILLEGAL.City’s pre-emptive strike was initiated last month ahead of this week’s hearing into their challenges against the previous set of Associated Party Transaction rules.Man City have launched another legal battle against the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyPrem and City lawyers argued their case at a two day Arbitration hearing which is due to determine whether the regulations which were declared “unlawful” in the autumn have been fixed by the changes voted in by a 16-4 majority vote of clubs in November.City are arguing that the declaration by the panel that the rules as they previously stood were “unlawful” meant that they could not just be adjusted by the “tweaks” approved by the club after Prem bosses took independent legal advice.But now Prem chief executive Richard Masters has told the 20 clubs that City have begun separate proceedings which call into question the legitimacy of the entire rulebook relating to the deals.Associated Party Transactions – APTs – are commercial contracts entered into by clubs with companies related to their owners.Read More on Man CityIn November, Prem bosses persuaded Chelsea, Everton and Wolves to change sides and back the new regulations, which allowed owners to convert previous “shareholder loans” into shares in their clubs.City wanted ahead of the vote that a decision not to look retrospectively at the loans – often at low or zero interest rates – would not be legally viable.That is understood to be the thrust of the latest legal move, with Lord Pannick KC understood to again be leading City’s legal arguments.In his letter to clubs – issued ahead of next week’s two day “shareholder” meeting, likely to be an even feistier affair given the anger brewing between the two sides – Masters explained: “Manchester City FC seeks a declaration that the amendments approved by clubs in November (and therefore the current APT rules in force) are unlawful and void.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“The Premier League remains strongly of the view that the amendments passed in November were lawful and the APT rules comply with all competition law requirements.“We consider that the new arbitration must be resolved as soon as possible and, to that end, have agreed that the same tribunal should be appointed to hear the new case.How Arsenal humbled Man City with Arteta’s genius double press“The parties are currently corresponding in relation to further directions.“Meanwhile, the APT rules remain in full force and effect and clubs remain required to comply with all aspects of the system.”What will happen to Man City?MAN CITY began the season as favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future. More

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    Chelsea defender who can’t stop shooting and a Villa star who’s always being fouled – Weekend Wager’s best FA Cup bets

    SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager uses in-depth stats and razor-sharp analysis to bring you the best value bets from the upcoming bumper weekend of sport.Joining our very own Will Pugh on this week’s show is football journalist Kweku Afari and betting expert Sam Rosbottom.Chelsea look good value this weekend – as SunSport run down the best bets for the FA Cup and more sporting actionCredit: AlamyThe panel talk through some of the biggest games from this weekend’s FA Cup.Brighton vs Chelsea and Aston Villa vs Tottenham are the matches where there’s money to be made, according to our experts.And we’ve also got a cheeky Super Bowl bet to take a punt on.Check out all our best bets for the weekend below:READ MORE SPORT STORIESBRIGHTON vs CHELSEAKweku Afari: Chelsea to score 3+ goals – 5/2″You look at this Brighton team, there are questions marks… last week against Nottingham Forest they shipped seven goals.”This is a Brighton who are not in very good form and they’ve got no clean sheets against Chelsea in their last eight meetings.”I’ve got Chelsea to go big in this one.”Most read in FootballWill Pugh: Rutter to score & Chelsea to win – 11/1″Rutter’s got three goals in his last two FA Cup games, and that’s good on it’s own.”When you hear those three goals came in just 101 minutes…”But, I still think the Blues are going to do it – they’ve progressed from 25 of their last 27 FA Cup fourth round ties.”Brighton have also lost each of their last four matches vs Chelsea and have won just one of the last 11 homes games the Blues.”That’s quite a record.”Tosin scored twice in his last FA Cup match and is value to have at least two shots vs BrightonCredit: GettySam Rosbottom: Tosin to have 2+ shots – 16/5″I’m having loads of luck in the player shots market.”Hear me out… [Tosin] has had nine shots in his last four games, including three in the last match vs West Ham.”He had four in his last FA Cup game against Morecambe and got on the scoresheet twice.”It’s value.”ASTON VILLA vs TOTTENHAMKweku: BTTS & Villa to win – 15/8″Can Villa put a dent in Tottenham’s bid to win a trophy for the first time since 2008? I think yes…”I feel like this is a safe bet in terms of it coming in.””I feel like this is a safe bet in terms of it coming in.”These teams have both scored in three of their last four meetings, while Spurs have lost three of their last four domestic away games.”Donyell Malen has looked lively lately and could prove value for a goal involvement against SpursCredit: AlamyWill: Malen goal or assist & Spurs to win – 13/1″Tottenham have progressed from four of their last five FA Cup fourth round ties.”They’ve also won nine of their last ten away games against Aston Villa.”Donyell Malen… three shots on target in three games – two of them in his last game against Wolves.”He’s looked really busy whenever I’ve seen him and I fancy him to be involved.”Sam: Ramsey to be fouled 2+ times – 2/1″Keeping it simple… he’s been fouled twice in each of his last three games.”In total, 14 fouls in his last eight matches – he is a player who does get brought down.”He’s likely to come up against Dejan Kulusevski and Pedro Porro… this is value.”Patrick Mahomes will lead the Chiefs to a third straight Super Bowl, say our expertsCredit: GettySUPER BOWLPHILADELPHIA EAGLES vs KANSAS CITY CHIEFSKweku – Mahomes to score a TD – 7/2″The Chiefs are aiming for history, right now – the first-ever NFL team to win three Super Bowls in a row.”Patrick Mahomes, the only person he is chasing right now is Tom Brady.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The only person to ever beat Patrick Mahomes in a Super Bowl is Tom Brady.”That is not changing this weekend – Patrick Mahomes will lead the Chiefs to another Super Bowl.”Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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    Unai Emery has taken a huge gamble on Marcus Rashford… he must hit ground running to prove he’s not finished at 27

    UNAI EMERY’S judgment of players is about to come under scrutiny like never before.For a man who comes across as cautious, modest and reserved, Emery has blown the lid off his outward persona by swapping Jhon Duran for Marcus Rashford.Marcus Rashford faces crunch time on loan at Aston VillaCredit: Aston VillaVilla chief Unai Emery is taking a risk bringing in RashfordCredit: GettyJhon Duran left Villa for Al-Nassr after being rated as a ‘challenge’Credit: GettyDuran was considered a ‘challenge’ at Villa. A product of his upbringing in Colombia but hard work nonetheless. Turning up late for training; too many tantrums on the pitch.Rashford didn’t even get that far in his final death throes at Manchester United.An outcast elbowed from the squad. Ridiculed by manager Ruben Amorim for an alleged lack of application.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut his efforts fighting child poverty suggest his heart is in the right place.On the face of it, Emery appears to have swapped like-for-like at a crucial point in time for him and his employers, and taken a gamble even Villa’s shirt sponsors might baulk at.They face Tottenham in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday, which could see Rashford play for the first time since December 12, after joining on loan until the end of the season.Through to the last 16 of the Champions League, there’s plenty to aim for this season.Most read in FootballRuben Amorim offloaded Rashford after dropping him totallyCredit: GettyJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSEqually, the demands of fighting on so many fronts has taken its toll in the Premier League.Two points from the last nine has seen Villa slip to eighth.Ruben Amorim admits he and Man Utd players ALL fighting for their jobs between now and the end of the seasonThe goal for the vast majority of managers competing in Europe’s top competition is to qualify again the following year because there’s  little hope of actually winning it.That means Villa need a kick-start in the league.For that, Emery needs a  committed squad that can be relied upon week in, week out.No shirkers, no sulking, no dodgy sicknotes. Otherwise it’s curtains for the boss. Emery had his fingers burnt before trying to manage distracted stars, badly losing the battle with Mesut Ozil while attempting to keep Arsenal on the up following Arsene Wenger’s departure.He inherited that situation but  nevertheless admitted he could not change the moody German, and it played a significant role in Arsenal’s downward slide at the time.So far so good with Rashford. The day after signing on Sunday, he asked to train while his team-mates were off.A cracking start but then it usually is before the expectation kicks in. The next five months are pivotal for Rashford, Emery and Villa’s hopes of ending the season on a high.Rashford has been in mothballs for almost two months. He must hit the ground running and keep his nose clean until May to convince us he is not a busted flush at just 27.Duran was difficult but still racked up 12 goals before Villa turned a £50million-plus profit by flogging him.The direction of travel for Rashford’s market value is up to him but there is so much at stake for his manager to make sure this deal is successful.It is possible to beat the odds and make these daring signings come off.Harry Redknapp risked his reputation by signing Paolo Di Canio for West Ham then made him a club legend.Juventus don’t regret signing Carlos Tevez and winning the Italian league after his soap opera years at  Manchester United and City.The next five months are pivotal for Rashford, Emery and Villa’s hopes of ending the season on a high.Gouing… goneMATHIS AMOUGOU arrived at Chelsea on the back of an eight-year contract and immediately declared his aim to make an impression.The midfielder, 19, gushed: “It’s an honour for me to sign for such a big club as Chelsea.Mathis Amougou might have to buck the trend to succeed at ChelseaCredit: Getty“They believe in young players and the process they have in place for us to develop is fantastic.”That’s probably what Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, Deivid Washington, Djordje Petrovic, Cesare Casadei and Diego Moreira among others thought when they signed. Most have come and gone on loan and made little impact.Del so wrongDEREK CHISORA was wrong to label boxing a ‘scumbag’ sport.Mostly the protagonists come from chequered backgrounds but have turned their back on crime and lowlife to become supreme athletes with incredible mental strength.Those with the courage to step into a ring and put their lives on the line are people of bravery and commitment and up with the greats of any sport.Fairway frolicsWHO would have thought golf could be such a ­riotous sport?Organisers of the Phoenix Open in Arizona are taking steps to avoid a repeat of last year’s mayhem when 54 fans were arrested and 300 ejected due to drunken rowdiness.One even leapfrogged the boundary ropes bare-chested and performed ‘snow angels’ in a bunker.Where do I get a ticket?Fan-ning the flamesFRANCE will have boisterous support amongst an English crowd when they most likely win at Twickenham on Saturday.It was the same in Dublin last Saturday when England lost their Six Nations opener to Ireland.Rugby prides itself on rival supporters being able to drink alcohol freely and still mingle in safety. Of course we get the look-down-your-nose comparison to football — where that doesn’t happen.Manchester United versus Rangers is the latest example with the trouble inside Old Trafford being universally condemned.Around 39 fans were arrested at Old TraffordCredit: XBut there has to be a simple acceptance that football has been built on being the most tribal sport in the world. There are some positives to go with that.READ MORE SUN STORIESVisiting fans in the home end simply need to sit down, shut up and take in the game. It is possible.And those who can’t stop themselves from goading the people around them shouldn’t seek sympathy for their shiners afterwards.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    ‘It was so clear for me’ – Ruben Amorim reveals reason he axed Ruud van Nistelrooy from Man Utd coaching staff

    MANCHESTER UNITED head coach Ruben Amorim insists he made the right decision by axing Ruud van Nistelrooy from his coaching team.Van Nistelrooy, 48, briefly took charge of the Red Devils on an interim basis following the departure of Erik ten Hag in October.Ruben Amorim insists he made the right decision by axing Ruud van NistelrooyCredit: PAVan Nistelrooy, now Leicester manager, has revealed he knows the Man Utd squad inside outCredit: ReutersHe managed three wins and a draw during his time at the helm before Amorim, 40, took over permanently.However, the Portuguese boss rejected the opportunity to keep Van Nistelrooy on board and instead brought in his own team of staff.The Dutchman was subsequently appointed manager of Premier League strugglers Leicester City.And he will face his former club for the first time in the FA Cup tonight.Read More on Man UtdSpeaking ahead of the fourth round clash, Amorim insisted he was right to let Van Nistelrooy leave United three months ago.He said: “It was not a difficult situation, because it was so clear for me, I just had to explain.”He is a man of football and he understands this situation. I have my team and my staff. I prefer to work with a team that brought me here.”I could keep Ruud because it was a good thing for me or a popular thing to do.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But I will not put Ruud in front of my guys, no matter what.”Then I had to put a person like Ruud in the end of the hierarchy on my staff, and I think that was not fair on Ruud.Ruud van Nistelrooy talks about his feelings in returning to Old Trafford for Man Utd clash “To show respect to Ruud, I was really clear with him. I explained I have my team and I will continue the same way, and I will not put a guy like Ruud, a legend of this club, in the end of the hierarchy in the staff.”So was the clear decision, really simple to explain, and he took it like a class guy as he is.”Meanwhile, Van Nistelrooy has revealed that he knows the Man Utd squad “inside out” – which could give Leicester a huge boost.He said: “I’m glad I don’t have to analyse the Manchester United squad, I’ll leave that to Ruben. We have prepared for them and I know the squad inside out.” More

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    Injuries & suspensions update ahead of Gameweek 23: Latest on Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ollie Watkins and others

    DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news for Gameweek 23 in one convenient location.Trent Alexander-Arnold will not be risked at Plymouth on Sunday and is considered a doubt for next week’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.Speaking to journalists, Arne Slot said: “Trent? It’s too early for him. Difficult to say for Everton. It won’t take months or even weeks but it is only three days after Plymouth so let’s wait and see.”Liverpool’s No66 currently features in more than 25% of teams.Alexander-Arnold has the most points among Dream Team defendersCredit: Dream TeamUnai Emery named five absentees ahead of Aston Villa’s FA Cup clash with Tottenham on Sunday: Matty Cash, Tyrone Mings, Pau Torres, Ross Barkley and Ollie Watkins.The latter is the fifth-most selected striker in Dream Team at the time of writing.Speaking on Watkins, Emery told reporters: “I think he is not going to train because he will need more days to recover. Hopefully for next week, he will be available.”Axel Disasi is cup-tied but Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio could make their debuts for the Villains.As for Spurs, Ange Postecoglou doesn’t expect any of his injured players to return this weekend.Furthermore, Richarlison is due for an assessment having limped off with a calf problem at Anfield on Thursday night.Most read in FootballWatkins won’t play against Spurs this weekendCredit: GettyRuben Dias, Jeremy Doku, Ederson and Nathan Ake all returned to full Manchester City training this week but Pep Guardiola did not provide any concrete updates on availability ahead of his side’s trip to Leyton Orient.Sven Botman will play no part for Newcastle against Birmingham on Saturday.The Dutch centre-back took a knock to his knee against Arsenal but Eddie Howe doesn’t believe it’s a serious injury.Joelinton will be missing for “weeks not months”.Oliver Glasner confirmed that Eberechi Eze “won’t be available” for Crystal Palace at Doncaster on Monday night.Late decisions will be made on Chris Richards (illness) and Eddie Nketiah (twisted ankle).Fulham midfielder Harry Wilson underwent surgery earlier this week having sustained a nasty injury against Manchester United in January.Marco Silva also revealed that Reiss Nelson has suffered a significant setback on his road to recovery.It’s been widely reported that Lisandro Martinez faces several months on the sidelines having sustained a serious ACL injury against Crystal Palace.Martinez suffered a serious ACL injuryCredit: GettyARSENALInjuries: Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel MartinelliSuspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Pau Torres, Tyrone Mings, Ross Barkley, Matty Cash, Ollie WatkinsSuspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Luis Sinisterra (doubt), Alex Scott, Julian Araujo, Marcos Senesi, Adam Smith, Evanilson, Enes Unal, James HillSuspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Josh Dasilva, Gustavo Nunes, Igor Thiago, Rico HenrySuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: James Milner, Ferdi Kadioglu, Jason Steele, Mats Wieffer (doubt), Igor Julio, Solly March, Pervis Estupinan, Yasin Ayari (doubt), Carlos Baleba (doubt)Suspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Romeo Lavia, Nicolas Jackson (doubt), Marc GuiuSuspensions: Mykhailo MudrykCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Cheick Doucoure, Joel Ward, Chadi Riad, Eberechi Eze, Eddie Nketiah (doubt), Chris Richards (doubt)Suspensions: NoneEVERTONInjuries: Dwight McNeil, Youssef Chermiti, Armando Broja, Seamus Coleman, Orel Mangala, Dominic Calvert-LewinSuspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Kenny Tete, Reiss Nelson, Harry WilsonSuspensions: NoneIPSWICHInjuries: Chiedozie Ogbene, Conor Chaplin, Christian Walton, Wes BurnsSuspensions: NoneLEICESTERInjuries: Ricardo Pereira, Abdul FatawuSuspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Joe Gomez (doubt), Trent Alexander-ArnoldSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Oscar Bobb (doubt), Rodri, Nathan Ake (doubt), Ruben Dias (doubt), Jeremy Doku (doubt), Ederson (doubt)Suspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Jonny Evans, Lisandro MartinezSuspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Jamaal Lascelles, Harvey Barnes, Sven Botman, JoelintonSuspensions: NoneNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Murillo (doubt), Callum Hudson-OdoiSuspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Ross Stewart, Jack Stephens, Ryan Fraser, Nathan Wood-Gordon, Taylor Harwood-Bellis (doubt), Cameron Archer (doubt)Suspensions: NoneTOTTENHAMInjuries: Cristian Romero, Wilson Odobert, Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie, Timo Werner, Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, Radu Dragusin, Richarlison (doubt), Micky van de Ven (doubt)Suspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen (doubt), Jean-Clair Todibo, Niclas Fullkrug, Crysencio Summerville (doubt), Lucas Paqueta (doubt)Suspensions: NoneWOLVESREAD MORE SUN STORIESInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Boubacar Traore (doubt), Yerson Mosquera, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Leon ChiwoneSuspensions: None More

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    Aston Villa leave £22million signing out of Champions League squad after he said it was ‘big’ reason behind transfer

    UNAI EMERY revealed he had to break the bad news to new signings Donyell Malen and Andres Garcia that they were OUT of his Champions League squad.Even though that was one of the main reasons Malen joined Aston Villa from Borussia Dortmund.Donyell Malen didn’t make the squad yet had said it was ‘very important’Credit: PAMarcus Rashford is in the updated Villa party for the last 16Credit: Aston VillaLike Malen, Andres Garcia isn’t in Villa’s Champions League squadCredit: AlamyUEFA rules stipulate that Villa could only add three new players to the squad they named for the league phase, despite releasing SIX players during the transfer window.Villa signed five players in the winter window, including Malen for £20million and Garcia for £6m.However Villa then swooped for Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi in the final days of the market.Emery explained: “The rules are that we can only register three changes.READ MORE TOP STORIES”We did more changes in the transfer window than we wanted. “We lost one more player in the list because Jaden Philogene was a club-trained player.”We lost the opportunity through him to have one more player in the squad.”So we changed five players and we can only register three.Most read in Champions LeagueUnai Emery explained why he had to omit Malen and GarciaCredit: AlamyJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”We had to make a decision yesterday and the ones that are out are Andres Garcia and Donyell Malen.”It was not a good decision I had to take yesterday but I spoke with Andres and Donyell to tell them the decision and argued my decision with them.”Marcus Rashford says joining Aston Villa from Man Utd was an easy decisionMalen, who played for Borussia Dortmund in last year’s final, was understandably gutted by the shock news.When he joined Villa in January, he made it clear: “The Champions League is a big thing for me – it’s the biggest competition in the world.”I’ve played in it for the last few years, so for me it was very important that Villa were in the competition. It is where you want to play.” More

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    Restaurant owned by Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs suddenly closes down as customers given update on bookings & vouchers

    A RESTAURANT co-owned by Premier League legend Ryan Giggs which closed down suddenly has given an update.Staff of George’s Dining Room and Bar in Worsley, Manchester, were reportedly told by text they’d been sacked last Friday.Ryan Giggs at George’s with his two fellow co-ownersCredit: MEN MediaGeorge’s Dining Room in Worsley, ManchesterCredit: www.georgesworsley.co.ukThe note left at the restaurant last Friday nightCredit: MEN MediaIn the days since, customers have made a string of complaints in online comments asking what will happen with their gift vouchers purchased.A spokesperson for the restaurant told the Manchester Evening News: “We are currently in the process of refunding all vouchers purchased which haven’t been redeemed. “The majority of these have been refunded and we will be in touch within the coming days with those outstanding.”If you don’t hear from us please get in touch with the restaurant directly.” The contact for the restaurant is being given as the email address info@georgesworsley.co.uk.”READ MORE SPORT NEWSHowever, there has been no further information from the restaurant about the closure – with local rumours claiming the site has already been taken over.SUDDEN CLOSUREEx-Reds midfielder Giggs, 51, opened the venue on Barton Road in 2014 with two old school pals.Signs on the door on January 31 said it was closed for the weekend “due to unforeseen circumstances”.However, texts sent to staff by bosses said the restaurant had closed for good, reported the MEN.Most read in FootballThe messages stated they “regret to announce that with a heavy heart we have no alternative but to close George’s effective immediately”.They added: “This is due to the obvious reduction in trade and business against the huge increases in costs of operating the business and the ongoing cost of living crisis.”Ryan Giggs helps with training session for Salford CityStaff are said to have also been told they will be paid any outstanding wages in “due course”, as well as notice payment, as well as redundancy pay for “those to whom it applies”.One staff member told the news outlet: “It came totally out of the blue, we were all supposed to be working today and then we got the text messages through, we are all stunned.”When George’s opened over a decade ago, Giggs said it had been a lifelong dream of his to own a restaurant alongside childhood friends Kelvin Gregory and Bernie Taylor.He had described it as a “really different offering for the area”, with a launch event attended by former Manchester United teammates Bryan Robson, Nicky Butt, and Gary Neville.In 2015, a new terrace was added to the restaurant.Giggs has also since teamed up with Sky Sports pundit Neville on the GG Hospitality Group, which launched Hotel Football at Old Trafford and the Stock Exchange Hotel in the city centre.The Sun has approached George’s and Giggs’ reps for comment.RETURN TO DUGOUTElsewhere, Giggs has helped to transform Salford City FC after returning to the dugout for the League Two outfit almost three years after stepping down as Wales head coach.He has taken a more hands-on role with the first team in recent months and has been spotted in the dugout alongside manager Karl Robinson during games.The Wales and Manchester United legend is a co-owner of the Ammies alongside his former Red Devils teammates Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and investor David Beckham.Giggs also began working as the club’s director of football last year.However, the former Welsh national team manager now seems to be lending his experience of coaching to the staff at Moor Lane too as he takes up a match day role on the touchline.The star became manager of his country in 2018, before being arrested on assault charges two years later.READ MORE SUN STORIESGiggs, who has always denied any wrongdoing, stepped down from the role in June 2022 ahead of his trial, where a jury failed to reach a verdict.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Giggs in the dugout for Salford City last monthCredit: RexGiggs playing for Manchester United in 1991Credit: GettyGiggs with Manchester United’s Class of 92 who went on to dominate the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty More