Philippa Kaur

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    The Marcus Rashford vs Ruben Amorim showdown just days into manager’s reign from which relationship has never recovered

    MARCUS RASHFORD and Ruben Amorim fell out just days into the Manchester United manager’s reign. Rashford is looking to leave the club before Monday’s transfer deadline, having not played in any of their last 12 games.Ruben Amorim’s relationship with Marcus Rashford is unlikely to recoverCredit: GettyRashford thinks Sir Jim Ratcliffe is behind the push for him to leaveCredit: AlamyThe Sun can exclusively reveal that Amorim’s sour relationship with the England star can be traced back to before his third game in charge against Everton on December 1.Rashford scored twice in a 4-0 win, but he has been named in just one starting line-up since then.A problem came to a head prior to the Everton game when he was accused of going on a night out by Amorim.The pair had a heated conversation and the manager questioned his professionalism.READ MORE ON MAN UTDA source told The Sun: “Marcus got called in by Amorim who said he believed he had breached discipline by going out.“Marcus denied it and was adamant he had done nothing wrong. He asked the manager to show him the proof he’d been out and said something along the lines of, ‘Are you calling me a liar?’“Their relationship has never recovered, and it’s hard to see how it ever will now.”It is not the first time partying has been an issue, as last year previous boss Erik ten Hag fined him two weeks’ wages for calling in sick to training after a booze-fuelled bender in Belfast.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRashford featured briefly in the next three games after the Everton win before being dropped from the squad for the trip to Manchester City and he has not played since.Amorim explained his decision to leave him out, citing his “performance in training, the way you eat, the way you push your team-mates”.Amorim fires extraordinary blast at Rashford and says he’d rather put 63-YEAR-OLD coach on Man Utd bench ahead of himTwo days later, Rashford caught United off guard with a bombshell interview in which he claimed he was “ready for a new challenge”.The player feels he has been treated unfairly by Amorim on orders from owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who wants his staggering £325,000-a-week wages off the books.A source told The Sun: “Marcus thinks Sir Jim wants him out of the club and has basically told head coach Ruben Amorim to get him out.“He might just have met his match with Sir Jim.”Marcus feels like he is being picked on.“In the early days of training under Amorim, he was trying to learn new systems and other players were also struggling — but he was the one who was getting more vocal criticism.“He knows he needs to leave but he’s shocked that no big team has pulled out all the stops to get him. “There’s been interest but financially it’s a complicated deal and that’s put quite a few teams off.“Marcus has been left bewildered by how quickly his relationship with Amorim has disintegrated.”When asked about his Rashford’s exile last week, the Portuguese boss said he would rather put his 63- year-old goalkeeper coach Jorge Vita on the pitch instead of “a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day”.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt leaves the forward desperately searching for a new club and Aston Villa could reportedly make a late loan offer.Moves to Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Barcelona have already collapsed due to his £325,000 weekly wage packet proving a stumbling block. More

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    Patrick Dorgu breaks silence as he arrives at airport to jet to Man Utd with Ruben Amorim closing in on first transfer

    PATRICK DORGU has broken his silence on his imminent move to Manchester United.The versatile defender is on the verge of becoming Ruben Amorim’s first signing as Red Devils manager.Manchester United are on the verge of signing Patrick Dorgu from LecceCredit: GETTYThe defender said his goodbyes to his team-mates and fans after Lecce’s 3-1 win over Parma on FridayCredit: REXDorgu broke his silence on his move to Old Trafford after being spotted at the airportCredit: X@SKYSPORTSNEWSAmorim moved quickly to acquire the Dane’s services, agreeing a £29million deal with Serie A side Lecce after identifying him as a target.Dorgu said his goodbyes to his Lecce team-mates after their clash with Parma on Friday night.He was spotted at Milan airport on Saturday morning ahead of a flight to Manchester and a seemingly imminent medical with the Red Devils.And the 20-year-old revealed he’s champing at the bit to join the Premier League giants.When asked as he entered the airport if he’s excited about the move to Old Trafford, he told Sky Italia: “It’s an opportunity for me.”Dorgu was in the Lecce matchday squad for their 3-1 win over Parma but was an unused substitute.He warmly embraced his team-mates and acknowledged the travelling supporters after the final whistle.Lecce boss Marco Giampaolo was full of praise for the full-back after the final whistle.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe said: “I think Dorgu will be in Manchester tomorrow.”[He’s] a splendid boy, he gave us everything he had.Ruben Amorim says his team could be the worst in the history of Man Utd “At 20 you have this opportunity, maybe you also have other thoughts in your head.”It didn’t seem right to me to make him play neither for Lecce nor for himself.”If I needed him, I would have used him, I thought about it but the temptation was brief.”Dorgu joined Lecce in the summer of 2022 from Danish outfit Nordsjaelland. He’s made 57 appearances for the Italians, scoring five goals and registering two assists. More

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    Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs’ restaurant ‘suddenly CLOSES’ as devastated workers ‘told by text they’d been sacked’

    A RESTAURANT co-owned by Premier League legend Ryan Giggs has closed with “immediate effect”, it is claimed.Staff of George’s Dining Room and Bar in Worsley, Manchester, were reportedly told by text they’d been sacked yesterday.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 on Friday nightCredit: MEN MediaThe ex-Reds midfielder, 51, opened the venue on Barton Road in 2014 with two old school pals.Signs on the door on Friday night said it was closed for the weekend “due to unforeseen circumstances”.However, texts sent to staff by bosses said the restaurant has closed for good, reports the Manchester Evening News.The messages reportedly stated they “regret to announce that with a heavy heart we have no alternative but to close George’s effective immediately”.READ MORE ON RYAN GIGGSThey 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.”Staff 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.Most read in FootballHe 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.Ryan Giggs helps with training session for Salford CityGiggs 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 this 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

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    Sir Alex Ferguson was left traumatised by tackle so bad that Gareth Southgate apologised and left Man Utd stars ‘numb’

    GARETH SOUTHGATE had to apologise to Sir Alex Fergurson after one of his players injured a Manchester United star.The incident occurred while the former England manager was in charge of Middlesbrough in 2008.Sir Alex Ferguson was left fuming over the reaction to the red cardCredit: AFPGareth Southgate was forced to apologise to Sir Alex following the horror tackleCredit: PA:Press AssociationRodrigo Possebon was on the receiving end of wayward challenge by Emmanuel PogatetzCredit: GettySir Alex said he was ‘numb’ in fear for PossebonCredit: GettyUnited beat Boro 3-1 in a third round League Cup tie, but the win was overshadowed by the injury wonderkid Rodrigo Possebon sustained.The Brazilian midfielder, who was making his first start for the Red Devils, was on the receiving end of a horror tackle from Emmanuel Pogatetz.He was sent off but it did little to calm down a furious Sir Alex.Ferguson revealed after the game that “everyone was numb” in fear for Possebon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the legendary boss was fuming over Boro players pleading it was not a red card, saying: “It was an absolutely terrible tackle. “What gets me about challenges like that is that the opponent always claims he has done nothing wrong.”Pogatetz should have just walked off the field.”You get their bench screaming that it wasn’t a sending off and there is nothing wrong with our player.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”At least Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate was very good about it. He apologised and understood the gravity.”Possebon was fortunate to avoid a broken leg and Pogatetz also later apologised. ‘Managers don’t get that now’ – Rio Ferdinand reveals Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man Utd ‘intel’ that wouldn’t happen todayHe said: “Firstly, I have to say that I went for the tackle because I thought I could win the ball. I now accept, however, that I misjudged the challenge.”But now I that I have had the chance to see the tackle on television, I know the ref was right to send me off.”I am going to speak to Rodrigo by telephone and I will apologise for hurting him. I hope that he will make a quick recovery and that he will not be out for long.”Possebon went on to make eight appearances for Man Utd before returning to play in his homeland of Brazil.He now works as a chief at Brazilian Serie A club Athletico Paranaense. More

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    Jhon Duran’s new salary after £64m Al Nassr transfer revealed with ex-Aston Villa ace earning £1,900 PER HOUR

    THE stunning breakdown of Jhon Duran’s multi-million-pound contract with Al-Nassr has been revealed.And it makes for truly incredible reading.Jhon Duran completed a stunning from Aston Villa to Al-Nassr on FridayCredit: REUTERSThe striker has signed a contract worth a whopping £16.7million per yearCredit: X@ALNASSRFC_ENThe details of the 21-year-old’s new contract are truly staggeringCredit: X@ALNASSRFC_ENThe Colombian completed a stunning £64million move to the Saudi Pro League side from Aston Villa on Friday night.Duran’s surprise move to The Kingdom has secured him an incredible pay rise that will set him up for life.The striker, who only signed a new contract with Villa last October, is set to earn a whopping TAX-FREE yearly salary of £16.7million.That equates to a staggering £1.4m per month, £46,000 per day and £1900 an hour.READ MORE SPORT NEWSThe now former Villa striker now also earns £31 a minute and 52 pence per second.Duran joined Villa from MLS side Chicago Fire in January 2023 for a fee of £18m.He leaves Villa Park having scored 20 goals in 78 appearances for Unai Emery’s side.Villa confirmed Duran’s departure in a brief statement thanking him for his efforts during his time in the Midlands.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIt read: “Aston Villa can confirm that Jhon Durán has joined Al-Nassr for an undisclosed fee.”The striker moves to Saudi Arabia having scored 12 goals for Villa this term, including the winner against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.Aston Villa hothead Jhon Duran rages as he’s subbed moments after scoring and kicks back of team-mate’s chair “Everyone at Aston Villa would like to wish Jhon all the best in the next step of his professional career.”Duran could make his Al-Nassr debut next Friday when they welcome Al Feiha to Al-Awwal Park. More

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    Kyle Walker’s football agent at centre of drugs raid after cops uncover over 90 cannabis plants DAYS after AC Milan deal

    THE home of a top football agent who helped seal Kyle Walker’s move to AC Milan was last night at the centre of a drugs raid.Michael Rankine, 40, joined the former Manchester City skipper on his private jet last week as he flew out to sign for the Italian giants.Michael Rankine, above at at Kyle Walker’s unveiling in Milan, was at the centre of a drugs raidRankine also represents Chelsea and England ace Cole PalmerThe ex-footballer was even photographed with the England full-back as he was unveiled to the fans holding up his new number 32 shirt.But 48 hours after he returned to the UK, a police raid at his home was said to have uncovered more than 90 cannabis plants with a potential street value of £75,000.They also recovered equipment used to produce the Class B drug.A source said: “It was a huge shock to everyone after what should have been a ­triumphant return from Italy.”READ MORE IN SPORTSThey added: “Michael flew out with Kyle in his jet on Thursday. His uncle Mark, who is Kyle’s agent, was also on the flight.“They got the deal over the line and were jubilant. Michael posed with Kyle for pictures, returned to the UK over the weekend and then on Monday his home was raided by police.”Rankine, who played as a striker for Doncaster Rovers, Scunthorpe and Bournemouth during a 16-year career, is employed as a consultant for London firm CAA Base.It represents a host of Premier League footballers such as Tottenham’s Son Heung-min and James Maddison and manager Ange Postecoglu.Most read in FootballOn its website, CAA Base said Rankine joined the company in late 2018 after retiring from the game. It adds: “Based in Yorkshire, he helps recruit, manage and guide young professional footballers.” His ex-pro uncle, Mark, who played for Wolves and Sheffield United, also works for the company.Kyle Walker lands in Italy to complete AC Milan loan dealHe represents players including Chelsea and England ace Cole Palmer and New­castle and former Three Lions defender Kieran Trippier.Rankine is also a cousin of former Tottenham Hotspur and England star Danny Rose.South Yorkshire police ­confirmed in a statement that officers executed a warrant at an address in Doncaster.The raid happened on a busy residential street in full view of neighbouring families.Police added: “Following officers entering the property, we discovered a cannabis set-up.”The Sun contacted CAA for comment. Walker’s loan deal is tipped to lead to a full-time £4million summer move.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Rankine during his playing days for Scunthorpe in 2005Credit: Getty More

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    Cheapest Premier League club to support home and away revealed – how much do your team’s fans fork out?

    BRENTFORD is the cheapest Premier League club to support home and away, analysis shows — and Newcastle the dearest.Diehard Bees fans typically spend £4,128 a year, with travel costs kept down as they play several London derbies.Brentford is the cheapest Premier League club to support home and awayCredit: GettyCrystal Palace is the second-cheapest Premier League club to follow — at £4,157 a year.Meanwhile, Toon fans living in the North East fork out £7,455 for their footballing passion — with long distances travelling to away games costing £5,440 alone.Second-biggest outlays come from Bournemouth supporters who spend £6,704 ­following their side, with several mammoth trips from the South Coast.Cherries fans cough up an average of £61.94 on merchandise, the most of any top-flight supporters.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIn terms of share of income, Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea are the most affordable, partly because of all the local derby matches in London.Fulham have the highest average season ticket cost at £1,869 while Manchester United’s home shirt is the most expensive at £110.Manchester City were the third most expensive club to support – £6,037 annually – while their fans spent 30p less than Bournemouth’s in club shops.Southampton have the cheapest full kit at £97.Most read in FootballUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.I’ve spent £10k travelling to 118 football grounds around the world… but tickets aren’t my only eye-watering expense More

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    Tottenham ‘make shock Alejandro Garnacho transfer enquiry’ after Mathys Tel rejected move from Bayern Munich

    TOTTENHAM have made a shock enquiry for Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho, according to reports.The North Londoners are determined to sign a forward player before Monday’s transfer deadline. Alejandro Garnacho has emerged as a shock Spurs targetCredit: RexYesterday they agreed a £50million deal for Bayern Munich star Mathys Tel, only for the Frenchman to snub a move to North London following a face-to-face meeting with Daniel Levy.According to the Mail, Spurs have now turned their attention towards Red Devils starlet Garnacho.The Argentine winger, 20, was left out of Ruben Amorim’s matchday squad for last month’s Manchester derby and has reportedly been made available by club chiefs in order to ease PSR burdens.Unlike Marcus Rashford, also omitted against City, Garnacho has not subsequently been frozen out – with Amorim having heaped praise upon him earlier today.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Portuguese, 40, said of Garnacho: “He changed right after that City game. He’s improving but it’s not from me — it’s the way he understands things.“I just want to help him. He understands sometimes I am a different coach.”That I’m demanding in my way and sometimes it is hard to make the first impact.”All the merit is for Garnacho. He understood the position, playing inside and outside. The connection with Mainoo.”Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYUnited are claimed to have demanded £65m when Chelsea asked about Garnacho earlier this month.While Napoli have had multiple bids, including one of around £50m, turned down by the Red Devils.Which Manchester United stars should stay and go?Garnacho has made 22 Premier League appearances this season, scoring three times and laying on just one assist.In total he has played 121 matches for United, netting 23 goals and assisting a further 15.The Red Devils have also shown an interest in Bayern teenager Tel, in addition to Aston Villa, Arsenal and Chelsea.But it has not been ruled out that the Frenchman opts to stay at Bayern until the summer after snubbing Spurs.Ange Postecoglou’s side also missed out on Paris Saint-Germain star Randal Kolo Muani earlier this month.The French international instead joined Juventus on loan.Tottenham have been linked with Brentford ace Yoane Wissa in recent days.While Southampton starlet Tyler Dibling and England international Angel Gomes have also been mentioned.In addition to a more attacking player, Tottenham would like to bolster their defence before the transfer deadline, particularly following the injury suffered by Radu Dragusin during Thursday night’s 3-0 win over Elfsborg.READ MORE SUN STORIESClub chiefs are claimed to have agreed a deal for former Chelsea star Fikayo Tomori from AC Milan.The centre-back, 27, is said to be mulling over a potential switch.Tottenham have bid for AC Milan defender Fikayo TomoriCredit: AP More