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    Sir Alex Ferguson arrives for last ever away game in Man Utd job after brutal Sir Jim Ratcliffe cuts

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON arrived at the San Mames stadium ahead of the Europa League final – marking his final away day as Manchester United’s global ambassadorFerguson, 83, showed his support for Man Utd ahead of their European heavyweight bout with Tottenham in Bilbao – but was left bitterly disappointed by a 1-0 defeat.Sir Alex Ferguson attended the Europa League final for his last away game as a paid club ambassadorCredit: GettyMAN UTD VS TOTTENHAM – EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL LIVELatest betting odds, offers and predictions Sir Alex, who managed United for 26 years, has been kept on the books at Old Trafford as an ambassador since his exit as boss in 2013.But as part of new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal cost-cutting measures, Ferguson’s paid role was axed back in October.The legendary Scottish manager had to wave goodbye to a £2.16m-per-year salary as a result, with the decision kicking in at the end of the current season.Which means his attendance at the Europa League final on Wednesday night was his last away game as a club ambassador on the payroll.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSir Alex had certainly been enjoying his trip to the Basque Country, stopping by Bilbao’s San Mames stadium before the match to visit Athletic Club officials.He even took the time to sign a match ball and pennant in the hallways of the ground from Athletic’s 2011/12 victory over United in the Europa League round of 16.Ferguson led United to 13 league titles, two Champions Leagues, five FA Cups and four League Cups.But he can rest assured that his ambassadorial axing wasn’t personal, but instead part of a slew of cost-cutting measures put in place by Ratcliffe and his Ineos team.Most read in FootballFerguson visited the San Mames stadium before the match tooCredit: TwitterSir Jim Ratcliffe axed Ferguson from his paid role at Man Utd in OctoberCredit: GettyJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThe billionaire Brit and his company cut costs by announcing nearly 500 redundancies at the Premier League giants.While other more marginal financial savings have been made by scrapping free meals for Old Trafford staff, cancelling the staff Christmas party and stopping access to private chauffeurs and company credit cards.’He was evil’ – Sir Alex Ferguson would be in JAIL if he managed today, claims Man Utd legend Patrice Evra Should take around 15 seconds if we want to include it-United had the opportunity boost their dire financial situation with a victory over Spurs in Bilbao, a win that wouldn’t have just earned them a major trophy, but also a place in the Champions League.A place amongst Europe’s elite would have helped line the pockets of the Manchester club, who have been struggling financially since their drop in form over the past few years.But that dream was snatched away from them as Brennan Johnson scored Tottenham’s only shot on target and ended Spurs’ 17-year wait for a trophy to defeat United 1-0.Despite the mass cost-cutting, United announced in March plans to build a brand new £2billion 100,000-seat stadium in the near future.Man Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clash More

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    Newcastle ready to hijack Man Utd and Chelsea’s move for Liam Delap as £30million transfer release clause becomes active

    NEWCASTLE UNITED will attempt to persuade Liam Delap to snub Manchester United and Chelsea for them.The 22-year-old striker has enjoyed a brilliant breakthrough campaign in the Premier League and has a host of top clubs chasing his services.Liam Delap appears sure to depart relegated Ipswich this summerCredit: AlamyAlexander Isak’s situation could be a stumbling blockCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHe will be available for just £30m next month when his relegation release clause becomes active at Ipswich Town and that will start a scramble for his services.Delap and his representatives have already been given the green light to open discussions with interested clubs and have already begun assessing his options.Sun Sport revealed a fortnight ago that Chelsea were confident they would bring the 12-goal ace to Stamford Bridge.But Delap will not rush a decision and has also held face-to-face talks with Manchester United.Newcastle, who accept they face a huge battle to land him, are now due to outline their plans for him in order to convince him to snub moves elsewhere over the coming days.Eddie Howe is desperate to strengthen his striking options with Callum Wilson, 33, looking set to depart once his contract expires in June.He hopes the Magpies will be in a position to offer Delap Champions League football while the club will be able to also match any financial packages on offer from their rivals.Though the one stumbling block for Newcastle could be their 27-goal top scorer Alexander Isak.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Magpies plan to open talks with the Swede over a new-and-improved contract this summer and want him to remain their first-choice forward.Both United and Chelsea have informed Delap that he will be their main man up top should he sign.Now it is up to Newcastle to convince him that he can either complement Isak or that they could potentially play together or even share the workload rather than him merely playing back-up.Meanwhile, Man Utd are in pole position for Wolves attacker Matheus Cunha.But the Red Devils will still want a No9 if they miss out on Delap.Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen – on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli – are on the radar. More

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    ‘It’s derogatory’ – Man Utd icon Scholes looks sheepish when asked about Sir Alex Ferguson’s ‘It’s Tottenham’ speech

    SHEEPISH Paul Scholes warned Manchester United not to underestimate Spurs as he branded Sir Alex Ferguson’s “It’s Tottenham” speech “derogatory.”The Red Devils are hoping to get the better of their Premier League rivals in tonight’s Europa League final.Paul Scholes had his say over Sir Alex Ferguson’s ‘it’s Tottenham’ speechScholes branded Fergie’s comments ‘derogatory’ ahead of the Europa League finalCredit: GettyBoth sides have struggled domestically, with United 16th in the table and Spurs 17th.Victory will seal a place in next season’s Champions League, with the loser facing a long and unhappy summer.Spurs are feeling confident after winning all three of their previous meetings this term.While United have been clinging to hope thanks to a famous speech given by Sir Alex against Spurs in 2001.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Red Devils were three goals down at half-time but came back to win 5-3, with Fergie telling his players: “Lads, it’s Tottenham.”But Scholes, who featured in that famous match, believes in hindsight that it was “derogatory” to dismiss Spurs that way.And he certainly feels the same attitude cannot be held by United this evening.Scholes told TNT Sports: “I think it’s a bit derogatory to speak about such a great football club like that.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“We knew that most of the time we had the beating of Tottenham. We were always confident against them.“I know there’s a lot said of, ‘It’s only Tottenham’ and that should be enough to win a game. But it isn’t. You’re playing against a very good team of footballers. Man Utd & Spurs supporters party all day in Bilbao’s fan zones ahead of Europa League finalMAN UTD VS TOTTENHAM – EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL LIVELatest betting odds, offers and predictions “They’ve had the upper hand against United, we’ve lost the last three. It’s not quite ‘just Tottenham’ any more.”Fans were quick to react, with one saying: “He doesn’t believe himself.”Another declared: “Paul Scholes is pure class, a wizard of a player but so humble.“Knows his stuff too, not airs and graces, never fake, one of the real ones.” More

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    Alejandro Garnacho shares cryptic Instagram post before being left OUT of Man Utd starting XI for Europa League final

    ALEJANDRO GARNACHO shared cryptic pictures on Instagram – just hours before his omission from Manchester United’s starting line-up for their 1-0 Europa league final loss. Many fans reckon the winger was sending manager Ruben Amorim a clear message over his feelings.Alejandro Garnacho was only a playing sub for the Europa League finalCredit: GettyThe wideman shared this special 2024 FA Cup final momentGarnacho was only named as a sub as the Red Devils and Tottenham attempted to rescue their dire Premier League season with victory in the Bilbao showpiece.And the 20-year-old stirred debate online with two images he posted.Garnacho showed photos of his celebrations after hitting the opener when starting in United’s 2-1 FA Cup final triumph over neighbours Man City 12 months ago.But if the Argentine was to do the same against Spurs on Wednesday night in Spain, it would have to come from the bench.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd in the end he came on for a lively 20-minute cameo – but in vain as Spurs held on to win 1-0.Garnacho added no words to his Instagram pictures – but some fans believe his meaning was obvious.United’s line-up, including his omission, was officially announced about 75 minutes before kick-off.But a batch of supporters are convinced he took to Instagram in frustration because he knew of his fate.  Most read in Europa LeagueOne fan blasted: “His attitude stinks, keeps going on like this they can show him the door, kid needs to realise he ain’t no Ronaldo he’ll never will be.”Another wrote: “He’s such a sore loser, man plays for himself not for the team.”However, a third supporter suggested Garnacho could still have a key role.Leny Yoro had a big reason to grin as he was back to start for UtdCredit: GettyHe posted: “Doesn’t take rotation well! It’s a 90 min game… tactical approach.”Meanwhile, there was far better news for another United starlet.Leny Yoro was ruled fit enough to start alongside Harry Maguire in defence.The Frenchman, 19, missed United’s 1-0 defeat at Chelsea last Friday.Yoro had been injured in a 2-0 home loss against West Ham five days earlier. More

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    Why are Man Utd wearing black shorts against Tottenham in Europa League final?

    MANCHESTER UNITED take on Tottenham in the Europa League final TONIGHT!The two English giants will put it all on the line in Bilbao as both sides look to save their woeful seasons with silverware.Manchester United have been forced to ditch their white shorts for the Europa League finalCredit: PAMAN UTD VS TOTTENHAM – EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL LIVELatest betting odds, offers and predictions Not only is a major trophy up for grabs, but also qualification to the 2025/26 Champions League – which is worth an estimated £100million.Fans tuning in to the blockbuster Europa League final will notice Man Utd aren’t wearing their more ordinary white shorts against Tottenham – SunSport brings you the reason why.Why are Man Utd wearing black shorts against Tottenham in Europa League final?Tottenham have been drawn as the home team for the Europa League final, which means they will wear their Lilywhite shirt with navy blue sleeves, paired with white shorts and white socks.In domestic competitions, Spurs usually wear navy shorts, but due to a European tradition dating back to 1961, the North London outfit will don white shorts this evening.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ritual was started by former boss Bill Nicholson, who wanted to increase visibility for his players in stadiums that didn’t have good lighting.The tradition has stuck ever since, with Spurs wearing all white in Europe to this day, when they are the home side.Man Utd will wear their red home shirts, but are forced to change their more customary white shorts to avoid a clash.Manchester United wore black shorts with their red shirt against Real Sociedad earlier this seasonCredit: GettyThe Red Devils will pair their iconic strip with black shorts and black socks – the same combination they wore in the last-16 away leg at Real Sociedad.Most read in Europa LeagueSpurs’ goalkeeper will wear a yellow strip while Man Utd’s shot stopper will be in all green.Man Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clashHow to watch Man Utd vs Tottenham FREETNT Sports has made this season’s Europa League final available to watch for FREE through its Discovery Plus app/website.This will also be the case for the two other mouthwatering Uefa finals as TNT are repeating last season’s model.It means the all-Prem Europa showdown between Manchester United and Tottenham, Chelsea’s Conference League climax with Real Betis and Inter’s Champions League final against PSG can all be watched without a TNT Sports subscription.TNT Sports subscription holders won’t have to pay a penny more either as all three games are part of their deal. More

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    Micah Richards forced off CBS Sports’ Europa League final coverage live on air after awkward toilet emergency

    MICAH RICHARDS was forced off air during coverage of the Europa League final… for a toilet emergency. The popular pundit teamed up with Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane for the blockbuster all-English showdown in Bilbao.Micah Richards had to dash off air during CBS Sports’ Europa League coverageCredit: CBS SportsRichards’ toilet troubles were no laughing matter for the popular punditCredit: GettyBut ahead of kick-off, Richards had to make a sudden dash to the bathroom. Carragher took great delight in announcing to CBS’ viewers why his colleague was not at the desk during the build-up. The Liverpool icon said: “People are affected by pressure differently.”Now, the man on my left… READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”I mean, it’s a big European final. “Now the pressure has got to him.”The sweat was peeing out of him.”Keane chipped in: “I hope he’s okay. Is he okay?”Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCarragher replied: “I think he is okay. Is he okay?”A man off screen then confirmed: “Yeah he’s okay.”Maguire and Romero in post-match scrap as Man Utd and Tottenham stars’ battle continues after Europa League finalCarragher continued: “I think you can work out for yourself where he probably is right now.”What’s he having? Imodium?”Host presenter Anita Jones said “yes” before Carragher gave plenty of extra details. He added: “I think that will give you a realising of where he is and what he is doing right now.”Will he make the kick-off?” Thankfully for Richards, his CBS pals and viewers at home, he was able to return to the set to continue the preview analysis for the big game. Richards predicted a 1-0 win for United – backing Bruno Fernandes to set up Casemiro for the only goal.Keane also went for his former side due to their pedigree in major finals while Carragher reckoned Spurs’ injury woes will prove costly.They were all wrong, though, as Tottenham snatched a 1-0 victory.Read More on The SunA combination of Luke Shaw and Brennan Johnson bundled past Andre Onana just before half-time.And that proved to be the only goal of the game – as Micky van de Ven produced a stunning acrobatic clearance to keep Spurs in front and end the 17-year wait for a trophy. Richards’ seat was left empty as he ran to the toiletCredit: CBS Sports More

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    James Maddison’s now-deleted tweet about Gareth Bale resurfaces as he is interviewed by Spurs legend on TNT Sports

    JAMES MADDISON’S now-deleted tweets about Gareth Bale have resurfaced after he was interviewed by the Welshman.The Tottenham star spoke to Bale ahead of the Europa League final in Bilbao.James Maddison was interviewed by Gareth Bale on TNT SportsCredit: TNT SPORTSMaddison once tweeted this about BaleCredit: xHe has since deleted the anti-Spurs postsCredit: xThe pair were pitchside before the game as Maddison was unable to play due to injury.Maddison, 28, and Bale made up part of the panel on TNT Sports’ coverage before the match.As the two discussed the match, Maddison’s now-deleted tweets about the five-time Champions League winner resurfaced on social media.The then-16-year-old posted about not liking Tottenham and claimed Jack Wilshere was better than Bale.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe first tweet from 2012 read: “I hate Gareth Bale with a passion, calm down you monkey, [Jack] Wilshere is 10x better than you chimpanzee.”And in another, from March 2013, Maddison posted: “Hope Luis Suarez destroys Tottenham today, don’t like Spurs!”Especially that monkey everyone’s on about!”Maddison deleted the tweets ahead of his £40million transfer from Leicester City to Tottenham in 2023.Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe was a part of the Coventry youth system when he made the posts.They have been deleted and can not be seen on his account, along with every other tweet before 2019.Man Utd & Spurs supporters party all day in Bilbao’s fan zones ahead of Europa League finalMAN UTD VS TOTTENHAM – EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL LIVELatest betting odds, offers and predictions Fans have seen the funny side of the encounter as they reacted on social media.One posted: “Getting Gareth bale and James Maddison together is proper funny.”A second wrote: “Maddison standing next to Bale rn haha.”A third commented: “Maddison next to Bale in the studio…….awkward.”A fourth said: “Maddison standing next to Bale, must be awkward after those tweets.”Another added: “So awks.”Meanwhile, Tottenham’s trophy parade plans have been revealed before the final against Manchester United. More

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    Boy, 15, collapsed and died during football game at school just days after doctors wrongly diagnosed him with asthma

    A TEENAGE boy who collapsed and died during a football game at school was wrongly diagnosed with asthma just days before, an inquest heard.Jake Lawler, 15, passed away after collapsing at Ashton on Mersey School in Sale, Trafford, on November 5 last year.Jake Lawler was misdiagnosed with asthma a month before his deathCredit: c-r-y.orgThe 15-year-old collapsed and died during a football gameCredit: FacebookThe court heard a month before his death he attended Wythenshawe Hospital complaining of shortness of breath while playing football.The inquest was told Jake, from Sale, had collapsed on the pitch on October 13, 2024.Alison Mutch, senior coroner for Manchester South, has now written in a Prevention of Future Death report.She warned how medical professionals incorrectly diagnosed the teenager with exercise induced asthma.According to the report, an “abnormal ECG” and an “exercise induced syncope episode”, were not recognised or followed up on.Medical history provided by Jake’s father was also “not assessed correctly”.The coroner concluded the abnormal ECG in combination with the teen’s collapse “should have resulted in him being referred for an inpatient paediatric review and further testing”.And, when Jake was discharged, his ECG results were wrongly recorded as coming back “normal”.Most read in FootballJake’s GP prescribed him medication for the misdiagnosed asthma, but it did not seem to have any effect on the youngster.A test for asthma was also conducted five days after Jake collapsed.But the nurse referred him back to a doctor as they did not think he suffered from the condition.The 15-year-old tragically died from a biventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy just a month later. The coroner wrote in her report: “It is probable that he would not have died on the day he did had the correct actions been taken. “Jake’s collapse was incorrectly attributed to his exercise induced asthma.”In her report, four areas of concern were highlighted to help prevent future deaths.She stated Jake’s ECG results were “key warning signs” that shouldn’t have been missed, whether due to training or insufficient medical equipment. Another “red flag event” laid out was “no clear national guidance” on the route to take after a paediatric exercise induced syncope.The third point spotlighted covered asthma treatment prescribed by the GP, which failed to elevate Jake’s symptoms, and the asthma assessment. “Jake was assessed by his GP practice using the national asthma scoring system,” wrote the coroner.”However, the scoring system does not appear to facilitate scoring for exercise induced asthma. “In Jake’s case the readings and answers pointed to a well-controlled asthma. “This was at variance with the fact that his history indicated that he was continuing to struggle with his breathing when exercising and meant he did not trigger as a concern. “This was exacerbated by the normal peak flow readings taken at rest which gave a falsely reassuring picture.”The coroner added there was a “lack of curiosity” and a “lack of appreciation” regarding how limiting the assessment was.”In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths, and I believe you and/or your organisation have the power to take such action,” she continued.Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and GP Surgery have until July 4 later this year to respond to the report.Jake’s school said at the time of his tragic death: “Our school community was absolutely devastated by the loss of one of our much loved and precious students, Jake Lawler, who recently passed away in tragic circumstances.”As a school, we keep his family and friends in our thoughts and continue to support our students and staff during this incredibly difficult time.Read More on The Sun”We would also like to take this opportunity to share a link to Jake’s memorial fund, set up by his family to raise awareness of a very worthy cause – CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).”The money will go towards raising awareness of young sudden cardiac death as well as supporting the families affected, supporting their screening programme and funding research and pathology.”What is biventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathyACM is a condition where the cells in your heart muscle don’t stick together properly. The walls of your heart can become weak and blood may not be pumped as well as it should.Your heart has four chambers. The top two are called the atria and the bottom two are called the ventricles. ACM can affect one or both of your ventricle chambers. Jake suffered from biventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, meaning it affected both.ACM is usually a genetic condition which means if one of your parents have it, you have a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene that could cause ACM.ACM symptoms palpitations (a pounding or fluttering feeling in your chest or neck)feeling lightheadedfaintingfeeling breathless or shortness of breathabnormal heart rhythms (when your heart beats too fast, too slow or irregularly)swollen ankles, legs or tummy areafeeling pain or discomfort in your chest.How is ACM diagnosed? Chest x-ray Cardiac MRI scanECG (electrocardiogram)Exercise testEchocardiogram How is ACM treated? MedicationPacemakerICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) Cardioversion Catheter ablation More