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    Man Utd chief admits club risk FIVE-YEAR trophy drought as they commit £2BILLION to 100,000-seat ‘New Trafford’ stadium

    MANCHESTER UNITED admit they “risk” a five-year trophy drought by committing £2BILLION to “New Trafford”.United yesterday unveiled their vision for a state-of-the-art, 100,000-seater home next to the Theatre of Dreams.Man Utd have unveiled ambitious plans for a new £2bn stadiumCredit: PACo-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe revealed the club would have gone bust without his interventionCredit: GettyUnited chief executive Omar Berrada admits the £2bn outlat is a ‘risk’Credit: PABut it came less than 24 hours after co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe claimed the club could have gone bust by Christmas without his savage cost-cutting measures.The “brave” stadium plans were backed by legendary former boss Sir Alex Ferguson.While chief executive Omar Berrada hopes current under-fire boss Ruben Amorim will still be in charge when the stadium is completed in 2030. However, asked if the build could affect their competitiveness on the pitch, Berrada admitted: “That is a risk.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Clearly it’s something we want to avoid.”We don’t want to inhibit our ability to invest in the team, for us to continue being competitive while we are building a new stadium.”There are various ways around that. One of the things we are looking at is to shorten the construction timelines so we can have a new stadium within five years, that’s our ambition.”In the meantime, by getting our finances back in order and becoming profitable, we believe we can be very competitive.”Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsPrem rivals Arsenal and Tottenham have also moved homes in recent memory — and suffered on the field as a result. But Berrada added: “The big benefit that this club has is that it has the biggest fanbase in the world and therefore the ability to be the No 1 in terms of revenues it generates.”Sir Jim Ratcliffe launches scathing attack on struggling Man Utd squad saying some ‘not good enough’ and ‘overpaid’United hope to start construction this year, but the aim is to be in their new home by the start of the 2030-31 season.The Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) said the images looked “stunning and exciting” but the project raises more questions than answers.Amorim’s men are currently 14th in the table and many regulars believe the squad needs a major rebuild.The MUST statement said: “Whilst investment is much needed and welcome, fans remain anxious about what it means and what the consequences will be.”Will it drive up ticket prices and force out local fans? Will it add to the debt burden which has held back the club for the last two decades?”Will it lead to reduced investment in the playing side at a time when it is so badly needed?”Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Red Devils signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as everIT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.Arsenal’s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances.The stadium plans were backed by Fergie, who said: “Manchester United should always strive for the best in everything it does.”Old Trafford holds so many special memories for me but we must be brave and seize this opportunity to build a new home fit for the future, where history can be made.”United believe they can continue to play in the 74,000-capacity Old Trafford, which has been their home since 1910, right up until their new stadium is ready.The cost of the project left some fans scratching their heads — as it came just a few hours after Ratcliffe issued his chilling warning about the club’s finances.Berrada confirmed the stadium, along with club areas like fan zones and a megastore, will not be paid for by the general public.He added: “We won’t be asking for taxpayer money.”But, at the same time, the stadium, the new build in isolation does not make sense if there’s not an investment in the wider generation project.”United will also explore the possibility of raising some cash by selling the new stadium’s naming rights.Berrada admitted the hope in the boardroom is that Amorim will still be in charge come 2030.The Frenchman said: “We’d love it if he was still coach when we move.”United’s hopes of playing Champions League football next term are hanging on them winning the Europa League.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey host Real Sociedad in a last-16 second-leg clash on Thursday night with the score 1-1.Berrada said: “If we qualify to the Champions League, we will have more revenues and we’ll have more capacity to invest in the team.” More

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    Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister pelted with missiles from PSG end while taking corner in Champions League showdown

    LIVERPOOL star Alexis Mac Allister was pelted with missiles from the away end while taking a corner in their Champions League penalty defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.Mac Allister’s Reds went into the second leg of the last-16 tie with a 1-0 lead but ended up crashing out of the tournament in heartbreaking fashion.Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister was pelted with missiles by PSG fansCredit: PAIt occurred when the midfielder went to take a corner in the Champions League clashCredit: GettyLiverpool escaped the first leg in the Parc des Princes with victory thanks to Harvey Elliott’s 87th minute strike – their only shot on target in the game.And the Premier League leaders looked to make their advantage count at Anfield on Tuesday night as they pressed for a second.But it was PSG who broke the deadlock in the 12th minute when Ousmane Dembele took advantage of Ibrahim Konate’s error.The goal sent visiting fans into jubilant celebrations.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the party continued throughout the game as both sides looked to take the lead.However, PSG fans also refused to relent when Liverpool won a corner.Argentine midfielder Mac Allister went over to the flag to take the set-piece.But he was greeted with a barrage of missiles and bottles in shocking scenes.Most read in Champions LeagueCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThe behaviour of PSG fans certainly didn’t go down well with the Liverpool faithful.Taking to social media, they criticised the travelling supporters for their missile-throwing antics.Daniel Sturridge shrieks as Wayne Rooney and Amazon Prime team soaked by SPRINKLERS during half time of Liverpool vs PSGOne said: “Not very nice stuff.”Another declared: “Throwing bottles, classy.”One noted: “Stewards should throw them out.”Another added: “Clowns.”As the game progressed, neither side could break the deadlock.The match eventually went to a penalty shootout.And it was PSG who booked their place in the quarters after Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones had their spot-kicks saved. More

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    Liverpool 0 PSG 1 (agg 1-1, pens 1-4): Agony for teary Salah and Nunez as Reds KO’d from Champions League in shootout

    IS this the week when Arne Slot’s Liverpool lose two legs of a potential Treble.Because this was the worst of all worlds for the Reds as they suffered the heartbreak of a penalty shoot-out – after a shattering two hours of football to leave them with weary legs before Sunday’s Carabao Cup Final against Newcastle. Paris Saint-Germain celebrate their Champions League triumphCredit: PADarwin Nunez is denied by Gianluigi DinnarummaCredit: GettyNunez is comforted by his team-matesCredit: RexSalah fought back tears after the gameCredit: GettyParis St Germain keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma – the man who thwarted England in the Euros final shoot-out of 2021 – saved from Anfield fall-guy Darwin Nunez and sub Curtis Jones to send his side into a likely Champions League quarter-final against Aston Villa next month.Liverpool have won seven major finals on penalty shoot-outs, including two European Cups – but this was the night when their luck ended from 12 yards to leave Mo Salah fighting back tears.Over two legs, PSG deserved to progress – they battered Liverpool in an unlikely first-leg defeat then became only the second side this season to win at Anfield.After a classic European tie between the champions-elect of England and the permanent kings of France, Slot’s side face an uphill struggle to regain energy for a Wembley showpiece at the weekend. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOusmane Dembele prodded home the early goal which levelled the tie on aggregate and after several swings of the pendulum, Paris kept their nerve in the shoot-out.  Liverpool had taken a plastering from Paris in the first leg, only spared from a heavy defeat by their keeper Alisson playing like a cross between Lev Yashin and Jesus Christ. It had been as good a performance any team could have produced without scoring from Luis Enrique’s men – only for sub Harvey Elliott to deck them with a late sucker blow. Slot selected the same starting line-up that withstood that pummelling at the Parc des Princes and the visitors were unchanged too.Most read in Champions LeagueCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsSalah had been shackled by Nuno Mendes last week and he was denied an opener by the same player within five minutes – Alexis Mac Allister squared to the Egyptian whose shot was blocked over the bar by the PSG left-back.Soon Salah was darting forward, exchanging passes with Diogo Jota and curling a shot narrowly wide.Liverpool manager Arne Slot says his team were ‘lucky’ to beat PSG Yet having created more in 11 minutes than they had in 90 last week, Liverpool conceded. A Mendes pass found Dembele in space and he released Bradley Barcola, whose low ball to the near post caused chaos, Ibrahima Konate sliding in but wrong-footing Alisson, allowing Dembele to hurdle the prone keeper and tap in the loose ball. It was Dembele’s 21st goal of this year – not this season. He is hotter even than Salah. Konate, who ought to have been sent off early on in Paris, almost made amends for his defensive error by drilling a long-range shot which Gianluigi Donnarumma turned wide. It was wild end-to-end stuff, Alisson off his line to pull off a decent save from Barcola.  Dembele ought to have given Paris the aggregate lead when Khvichka Kvaratskhelia – the winger who tormented Liverpool in France – released him with a sweet through-ball only for a poor touch to allow Alisson to smother. Then it was Kvaratskhelia’s chance to spurn a golden opportunity, latching on to Barcola’s cut-back but blazing over.Next, Dembele had a curling shot deflected wide and Liverpool were rocking. Ousmane Dembele levels the tie early on at AnfieldCredit: PADembele celebrates his early openerCredit: EPARef Istvan Kovacs was consistently refusing to bend to the howling of The Kop and he turned down a penalty shout just before half-time when Fabian Ruiz had a kick at Dominik Szoboszlai on the edge of the box.Still, Liverpool are renowned for upping their game in the second half and, straight after the restart, Marquinhos was booked for hauling down Luis Diaz as the hosts seized some momentum. The Reds thought they had regained the lead when Trent Alexander-Arnold struck the inside of the post and Szoboszlai found the net, only for the linesman to stick up a flag and rule Diaz to have been offside earlier in the move.This was far better from Slot’s side and Szoboszlai was soon thwarted again, his deflected wide by an excellent block from Pacho From the resulting corner, Donnarumma used his vast wing-span to make a sprawling save from a Diaz header. For the first time in the entire tie, PSG were seriously under the cosh, with Liverpool attacking in waves. There was another decent penalty shout soon after – Alexander-Arnold’s pass releasing  Salah, who pushed over on the edge of the box by Nunes – Kovacs unmoved again. Slot sent on Darwin Nunez for Jota and Jarell Quansah slotted in at right-back after Alexander-Arnold was forced off through injury. From an Andy Robertson free-kick, Quansah headed against the inside of the post.Nunez was adding a chaos factor up front and Diaz forced another decent save from Donnarumma before Kvaratskhelia went close on a rare PSG break.In extra-time, the momentum swung back to Paris – subs Beraldo and Desire Doue both went close early on, then Alisson made a fine save to turn a Dembele shot wide.   READ MORE SUN STORIESBut when it came to spot-kicks, Paris produced a perfect four from four as Donnarumma made the difference with two of his trademark swooping saves. Liverpool may have to content themselves with the Premier League title this season – unless they can revitalise themselves for Sunday.Donnarumma denies Curtis Jones from 12 yardsCredit: GettyPSG advance to the quarter-finalsCredit: Getty More

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    Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Man Utd’s £2billion ‘New Trafford’ to be England’s Eiffel Tower and attract one billion tourists

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE wants Manchester United’s new £2billion home to be the north of England’s answer to the Eiffel Tower in Paris.And the club’s co-owner claims ONE BILLION United followers will want to visit the ‘New Trafford’ tourist attraction — despite some fans branding it a “CIRCUS TENT”.Manchester United have announced plans to build a new 100,000 seater stadiumThe ground will be built on land adjacent to Old TraffordThe new home of the Red Devils will be the second biggest stadium in EuropeThe Old Trafford faithful might be sceptical — given the Red Devils also sit 14th in the Prem table.What’s more, Ratcliffe claimed on Monday afternoon the club would have gone bust by Christmas had they not brutally slashed costs.Yet here he was, a few hours later, unveiling the plans for a 100,000-seater stadium — which they hope can become reality by the start of the 2030/31 season.The Ineos owner said: “It’s obvious that the more iconic or more extraordinary that the stadium is, the more successful the regeneration scheme will be.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“A really good example is the Eiffel Tower. Everybody around the world knows the Eiffel Tower.“I’m sure many people here who have visited Paris, you stay in a hotel, you go to the Eiffel Tower.“We have one billion people around the world who follow Manchester United. They will all want to visit this stadium.”The Manchester-born Ineos magnate does not feel the region he hails from has a stadium it merits — but he aims to put that right.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsManchester United are hoping to complete their new ground by 2030The stadium be situated under a large umbrella, which will harvest energy and rainwaterThat is why he asked architect Norman Foster — another who grew up in the city — to come up with the plans.Ratcliffe added: “The north of England has won ten Champions League medals and London has won two but London has Wembley, and Twickenham, and Wimbledon and the Olympic Village.Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains his plans for the new Man Utd Stadium “The North deserves to have a stadium where England can play football, where we can hold the Champions League and a stadium befitting of Manchester United’s stature.”He feels the same way about the English top flight, too, adding: “The Premier League is indisputably the best football league in the world — maybe the best sport’s league in the world.“It must have a stadium that is at least the equal of the best in Europe.“Today it has some great stadiums but it doesn’t have a Bernabeu or a Nou Camp.“They are bigger and more interesting than the stadiums we have in the Premier League.”United have studied those two Spanish venues while working out their own plans — as well as the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and the Olympic Stadium in Munich.But they wanted something unique to United — and the three big-top style tents, to signify the ‘trident’ on their badge will make sure of that.Not to mention the enormous umbrella that will cover a huge area of the complex — surely a nod to the famous Manchester weather.With 170,000 on their waiting list for season tickets, United are convinced they can sell the extra 25,000-plus tickets that would be added to their current capacity.They need to make sure they have a team worthy of performing on such a grand stage, though — and chief exec Omar Berrada says they will not lose sight of that.He said: “It is clear that our ambition is to have the best team in the world with the best and most iconic stadium in the world.“We want to have some of the best players playing at Old Trafford in front of our fans.Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Manchester United’s new stadium to a must-visit attractionCredit: PA“Our fans deserve to see a team that they can be proud of and can connect with — and to be able to do that in an amazing venue like the one we have shown.“We obviously want the stadium to give us additional revenues for us to be able to invest into the team, and I think that’s going to help.“One of the biggest upsides is to give the best experience to our fans, to be able to accommodate more fans into the stadium.“But it is true that the additional revenues will help finance the talent that the fans will see on the pitch.”He also played down concerns over how a club that was apparently heading for the wall can finance such an enormous project.Berrada added: “The way the club was tracking, with all the losses that have been accumulated — more than £300million in the last five years — was not sustainable.”So all the plans we’ve been putting in place over the last months really address the short-term issue, which is that the club was losing money.“Once we stop losing money, we then put ourselves in the best financial position to continue investing in our team and also to allow us to be able to have the ambition to build a new stadium.”United have yet to decide what will happen to the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ — their home since 1910 and the setting for countless iconic moments.But yesterday was a clear sign that its days are numbered.READ MORE SUN STORIESBerrada said: “We want a stadium that’s befitting of the stature and history of this club.“Old Trafford is 115 years old, so we want to build a stadium that is going to last for another 100 years.” More

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    ‘We’re just so used to it’ say fans as Burnley admin makes bizarre blunder after West Brom draw

    BURNLEY fans claimed “we’re just so used to it” after their team’s X account erroneously reported that they’d drawn 0-0 with West Brom.Scott Parker’s side hosted Tony Mowbray’s men at Turf Moor, hoping to overtake Leeds at the top of the Championship table.Burnley battled West Brom this eveningCredit: PAThe Clarets have become known for their frugal defence this season.They went into tonight’s match having only conceded 10 goals in 36 league games under Parker.Burnley did go behind, however, via John Swift’s stunning 20th minute free kick.But the promotion chasers weren’t down for long, Zian Flemming equalising in the 23rd minute.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe match went on to finish 1-1… not that you’d have known from their initial social media post.The tweet read: “It ends goalless in Burnley.”Responding to the mistake, one fan joked: “We’re so used to 0-0 hahahahaaha.”While a second cheekily wrote: “we saw what you did there.”Most read in ChampionshipCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThe Clarets quickly updated the post to read: “It ends level in Burnley.”Incredibly, Parker’s side have drawn 0-0 eleven times this season.Jonjo Shelvey completes shock Championship transfer after six-cap England star, 32, saw contract TORN UP by Turkish clubThey have scored 50 goals, the lowest tally among the Championship’s top four.Prior to their 2-1 win at Cardiff earlier this month, Burnley had gone 12 league matches in a row without conceding.Following tonight’s Championship action the Clarets remain third in the table.They are just one point behind previous leaders Leeds United, and two off new table-toppers Sheffield United.James Trafford has kept several clean sheets this seasonCredit: Rex More

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    Fans fear Trent Alexander-Arnold has played last game for Liverpool after nasty injury in Champions League clash vs PSG

    LIVERPOOL fans are worried that Trent Alexander-Arnold has played his last game for the club. The Reds full-back, 26, limped off in the second half of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.Liverpool fans fear Trent Alexander-Arnold has played his last game for the clubCredit: GettyThe full-back was taken off in the second half of Liverpool’s clash with PSGCredit: APAlexander-Arnold was impressive before being forced out of the contest with just under 20 minutes remaining. Trailing 1-0, the England star attempted to slide tackle PSG midfielder Vitinha. The ball was nipped away by the Brazilian, leaving Alexander-Arnold sliding awkwardly on the Anfield turf.He appeared to tweak something in his left leg, with medical teams immediately dashing onto the field. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAlexander-Arnold was able to stand under his own steam but was swiftly replaced by Jarell Quansah. One fan groaned on X: “Is that the last time we see Trent Alexander Arnold play for @LFC? Please no.”Another said: “I won’t be surprised if Trent doesn’t play again this season, could even be his last Liverpool game.”While a third added: “Trent was quality second half. Looked upset coming off, hopefully not the last time he plays at Anfield.”Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsAnd a fourth commented: “That was such a weird injury for Trent, gutted for him.”Alexander-Arnold has been with his hometown club Liverpool since the age of six.Liverpool manager Arne Slot says his team were ‘lucky’ to beat PSG He made his debut in 2016 and has since become a firm fan favourite at the club.But his contract is up in the summer, with no concrete signs yet he will sign a new deal.Real Madrid were chasing the full-back in January, with Liverpool rebuffing the Spanish champions’ £20m bid. Alexander-Arnold would be free to sign with the LaLiga giants in the summer if he doesn’t pen a new contract on Merseyside.His teammates Mo Salah and Virgil Van Dijk are also yet to commit their future to Liverpool. SunSport revealed last week that Madrid are keen to get Trent through the door BEFORE the Club World Cup in June.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat would require an agreement with Liverpool over a transfer fee for releasing TAA from his contract early.Ancelotti’s side face Saudi’s Al-Hilal in their first group game in Miami on June 18. More

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    Daniel Sturridge shrieks as Wayne Rooney and Amazon Prime team soaked by SPRINKLERS during half-time of Liverpool vs PSG

    DANIEL STURRIDGE and Wayne Rooney were nearly soaked by sprinklers as they covered Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.The former England duo joined host Gabby Logan and AC Milan legend Clarence Seedorf on Amazon Prime Video’s coverage.The Amazon Prime Video team were nearly soaked by sprinklersCredit: Amazon PrimeWayne Rooney and Clarence Seedorf joined Gabby Logan and Daniel Sturridge on the broadcastCredit: GettyAt half-time of the topsy-turvy clash, the punditry team were caught off guard by the Anfield sprinklers.In footage shown on Prime’s broadcast, the team could be seen ducking away from being soaked.Sturridge, 35, even shrieked as he made his move.The quartet had just watched an exciting first half of action.READ MORE IN SPORTLiverpool went into the second leg leading 1-0 from last week’s match in Paris.But Luis Enrique’s side levelled the tie just 12 minutes into tonight’s encounter, via Ousmane Dembele.Reds boss Arne Slot admitted that his side were “lucky” to win last week’s first leg.Liverpool withstood a barrage of PSG attacks before winning it late on via Harvey Elliott.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSlot said: “We weren’t a little bit lucky, we were really lucky – but as Michael Jordan said once: ‘The harder you work, the more luck you have’.”This is the biggest compliment you have to give the players, they worked incredibly hard.Moment Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are pulled apart after apparent spat during Liverpool training “That also has to do with the players being – if you were 45 minutes with the other team having the ball a lot and having to defend so much – mentally and physically so strong to come up with the second-half performance of not giving away as many open chances as we did in the first half.”And, even scoring a goal on the counter-attack shows you how mentally and physically strong these players are.” More

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    I helped at dad’s bakery & made chicken balls with mum… I’d play as Man City on FIFA for fun, now I’ve signed for them

    NEW Manchester City star Juma Bah has had an unorthodox route to the top of the game.The centre-back, 18, joined Pep Guardiola’s side in a £6.75million deal from Real Valladolid in January.Juma Bah is on loan at RC Lens from Man CityCredit: ReutersBah, 18, impressed in his native Sierra Leone before moving to EuropeCredit: Instagram @abdulaijuma28While most of City’s superstars won’t have worked an ordinary job as they came up through various plush academies, Bah understands the value of hard graft away from the pitch.Hailing from Freetown, Sierra Leone, Bah opened up on his football journey while chatting to the BBC.”At 4am I carried wood, because my father usually bakes early in the morning,” he revealed.”I would say he has the best bread in the world. I used to carry the bread to people’s shops.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”My mum used to sell chicken balls on the street. I would usually help pound the meat and after she took it to sell to people. I’m really happy to help my family.”Having impressed in his home country, Bah attracted the attention of European scouts – eventually signing for Valladolid last year.After initially playing within the Spanish side’s youth set-up, Bah was rapidly promoted to the first team.Following 12 LaLiga appearances, Bah had shown enough potential for City to acquire his services.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHaving joined the Premier League champions, Bah was subsequently sent out on loan to RC Lens – replacing City-bound Abdukodir Khusanov and Tottenham new-boy Kevin Danso.Having already made a remarkable rise, Bah is far from done.Fans plead with Pep Guardiola as they spot secret Mo Salah charm offensive after Liverpool loss “It would be a dream for me to play with these great players at Manchester City,” he said.”I usually play with them on PlayStation. Playing with them in real life will be amazing.”I’m looking forward to go there and learn, and to have the best coach in the world.”My aim is to win trophies.”Bah spent the first half of the season in LaLigaCredit: Getty More