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    ‘I’m delighted for him’ – Ian Wright reveals he’s secret mentor to ex-Arsenal star who’s thriving after quitting club

    ARSENAL icon Ian Wright has been mentoring former Gunners academy star Mika Biereth – who has been tearing it up since leaving North London.Biereth, 22, was earmarked as the potential future of Arsenal’s front line when he joined their youth ranks in 2021, but four years down the line and he is banging in the goals in France while the Gunners cry out for a new striker.Ian Wright has been mentoring former Arsenal academy kid Mika BierethCredit: GettyBiereth has been tearing it up with Monaco this seasonCredit: APThe London-born Danish international never managed a professional appearance for Arsenal, but was given a chance to shine during pre-season tours.But despite never making it at the Emirates, there was one thing he took away from the Premier League giants – a new mentor.Biereth had reached out to Arsenal legend Ian Wright, seeking advice on how he could break into the first team and be the best striker he possibly could while at Hale End.And whatever Wrighty told the rising star is clearly working, as he has been scoring for fun in Ligue 1 since joining Monaco in January.READ MORE ON ARSENALSpeaking to Get French Football News, Wright explained that he met up with the youngster at his local boozer.He said: “I have to always give Mika the credit for proactively reaching out to me years ago. He was looking for advice on where he was at with his game, with the club and what he should do next. “I will always give him credit for that because it’s very easy to not make yourself vulnerable to someone else. After he contacted me, we met at my local pub and we have stayed in touch since.”Biereth had looked to Wright, who scored 185 goals in 288 games for Arsenal, to try and help him earn a spot in the first team.Most read in FootballBiereth never managed a first team appearance at ArsenalCredit: GettyHe was sent out on loan to MotherwellCredit: Willie VassAnother loan with Sturm Graz turned into a permanent move this summerCredit: AFPJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesBut he was never able to achieve that, ultimately being sent out on loan to gain experience with Scottish side Motherwell and Austrian outfit Sturm Graz.It was at Sturm Graz where Biereth impressed the most, scoring nine times in a six-month loan spell last season as the club won the league, ultimately earning himself a permanent move to Austria this summer for around £4million.Myles Lewis-Skelly lost for words after finding out he has broken England recordBiereth hit even better form after putting pen to paper on a permanent deal, netting 11 times in 16 league games before Ligue 1 side Monaco came knocking.The French club forked out £10.8m this January to sign Biereth from Sturm Graz, a fee which is now looking like a relative bargain.That’s because he has now scored 11 goals in just nine Ligue 1 games for Monaco, netting THREE HAT-TRICKS in that time.Those goals even earned him his first senior call-up for the Danish national time during the international break.And it’s safe to say Wright, who still maintains in touch with forward, is over the moon to see him thriving.If I’m honest it must’ve been something with the plans Arsenal had. Mika should’ve been in and around it at the moment.Ian WrightHe said: “I’m incredibly proud of him, it’s an amazing record so far and long may it continue. He’s also contributing to the team as a whole.”And that’s in spite of the fact that Wright’s beloved Arsenal could do with a striker themselves amid an injury crisis that has seen midfielder Mikel Merino play up top since Kai Havertz picked up a hamstring injury in February.Asked about Arsenal letting him go, Wright said: “If I’m honest it must’ve been something with the plans Arsenal had. Mika should’ve been in and around it at the moment. “One of our chats early on was about him showing himself in the pre-season for Arsenal and giving it his best go. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But he had the bravery to go to Scotland, then Austria and now France and that is what shows he wants to be the best!”He has to be playing to prove that. His record speaks for itself. It’s disappointing for Arsenal but on a human level, I’m delighted for him.”Biereth has been scoring for fun since signing for Monaco in JanuaryCredit: AFPThe striker earned his first call-up to the Danish national sideCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Dream since I was a kid’ – Liam Lawson breaks silence on Red Bull axe with emotional statement and posts childhood pics

    LIAM LAWSON has broken his silence after being dropped by Red Bull.The 23-year-old has had a nightmare start to the Formula One season after failing to score any points in the first two weekends.Liam Lawson has broken his silence after being axed by Red BullCredit: APLawson said it was always his dream to be an F1 driver and shared childhood photosLawson shared a drawing he did as a young boy, predicting he would be an F1 driverRed Bull chiefs confirmed this morning they would be swapping the Kiwi driver for Racing Bulls star Yuki Tsunoda, with Lawson heading back to the team he had driven 11 races before across two stints in 2023 and 2024.Much has been said of the move, with Max Verstappen appearing to not be too happy about the situation after liking a social media post comparing it to “bullying”.Lawson was the latest in a line of drivers dating back to Pierre Gasly in 2019 – followed by Alex Albon and Sergio Perez – who have struggled to emulate Verstappen in taming the mechanical beast created by the Red Bull engineers.However, following his demotion to the sister team, Lawson has addressed the situation with a heartfelt social media post.READ MORE IN F1Taking to Instagram hours after the news was confirmed, Lawson posted a photo of himself as a kid in school with an old drawing he did outlining his dream of becoming an F1 driver.Lawson captioned his post: “Being a @redbullracing driver has been my dream since I was a kid, it’s what I’ve worked towards my whole life. “It’s tough, but I’m grateful for everything that’s brought me to this point. “To every one of you who’s stood by me, thank you for all the support it means the world.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Thank you @visacashapprb for the warm welcome, I’m excited and ready to go to work at one of my favourite places.”Tsunoda, 24, had said he would welcome a team switch if offered because the Red Bull car was faster.Meet F1 2025 rookies including star gifted first go-kart by Michael Schumacher and Brit teen who’s already a millionaire Lawson has been replaced by Japan’s Yuki TsunodaCredit: PAChristian Horner believes Red Bull made the right decision in replacing Lawson with TsunodaCredit: GETTYLiam Lawson recently gloated about getting the better of Yuki Tsunoda in F3Credit: GETTYHowever, Lawson seemed to not take the comments too well, saying after the Chinese Grand Prix: “He can say whatever he wants. I’ve raced him for years, raced him in the junior categories and beat him.”If I look back over our careers, I was team-mates with him in F3 and I beat him. In Euroformula I was team-mates with him, [and] in New Zealand, and I beat him there.“Then in F1 last season I think honestly, if I look at all the times he got promoted instead of me in those early years, then no. He’s had his time. Now it’s my time.”The pair were team-mates in the motorsport last season, with the Japanese driver out-qualifying Lawson 6-0 and going 4-2 in their head-to-head race finishes.On the decision, team boss Christian Horner said: “It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and as a result we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch.”We came into the 2025 season, with two ambitions, to retain the World Drivers’ Championship and to reclaim the World Constructors’ title and this is a purely sporting decision.”We acknowledge there is a lot of work to be done with the RB21 and Yuki’s experience will prove highly beneficial in helping to develop the current car. “We welcome him to the Team and are looking forward to seeing him behind the wheel of the RB21.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam and together, we see that after such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience, as he continues his F1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, an environment and a Team he knows very well.”The Japanese Grand Prix is the next race on the calendar on April 6. More

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    How Pep Guardiola can ignite Marmoush and Haaland partnership with aggressive attacking shape in FA Cup vs Bournemouth

    THE FA Cup is Pep Guardiola’s only realistic chance left to win a trophy this season.Had you said last summer that in March Manchester City would be out of the Champions League, far out of the Premier League title race and nowhere close to the Carabao Cup final, you would have been laughed out of the room.Pep Guardiola could find a way to spark a stunning partnership with Erling Haaland and other Man City forwards against BournemouthCredit: GettyHigh flying Bournemouth will be a tough nut to crack in the FA Cup on SundayCredit: GettyBut that is the reality facing the Cityzens as we approach the run-in.City’s ageing squad has come back to haunt them and they have been a shadow of the team which has dominated the English football landscape for the best part of a decade.The FA Cup, and by extension their quarter-final against Bournemouth this weekend, represent the final chance at silverware for Guardiola’s serial winners. In the latest edition of Tactics Exposed, we answer YOUR questions about Sunday’s clash and ask whether Guardiola can get his flops firing against the Cherries.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWill City go long ball against Bournemouth’s press?A Guardiola Man City team being accused of going long ball is another sentence which may have got you some worried looks a few months ago.But again, it is a reality City faces as they adjust to their new standing as the third or fourth-best team in the country.City have found success in going long against sides who press high, including Chelsea.Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth are another ball game altogether, with the stats showing that they press more than any other team in the Premier League this season.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKDespite currently being five games without a win if you include their FA Cup penalty shootout win over Wolves, Bournemouth have been one of the best teams to watch in the league this season,They have won possession more times than anyone else in the middle and final thirds, while they rank second for interceptions and third for possession won in their own third.’I don’t expect anything’ Roy Keane savages England star after below-par display in Thomas Tuchel’s first gameIraola has coached his side to press in a way that forces the opposition to play through a congested area or play the ball backwards.One way City could counter this high press is by going more direct.It is a style which worked wonders for Newcastle against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, with players being pushed high before the ball goes long and therefore removing Bournemouth’s pressing threat.What City could look to do is lure the opposition into a stretched zone in their final third, creating an overload out wide after too many players commit to the press before the ball is quickly played forward.Man City could play long balls to play pass the Bournemouth pressBournemouth are the highest pressing team in the leagueAnother option is to play more centrally into Erling Haaland, who can then bring the ball down to play into Omar Marmoush and Phil Foden.The three-versus-two overload is a high-risk, high-reward system, but it worked wonders when deployed against Chelsea.Semenyo or Marmoush?Omar Marmoush has been a good signing for Man CityCredit: GettyAntoine Semenyo has had an impressive season for BournemouthCredit: GettySurely if I have Man City’s money I should be able to have both Marmoush and Antoine Semenyo, right? Unfortunately, that’s not the case so what splits these two immensely talented attackers?Semenyo has had an impressive year, but if he was a bit more clinical in front of goal the Cherries might be even higher up the table.The 25-year-old is brilliant at timing his press. When team-mate Evanilson blocks the passing lane of a goalkeeper, Semenyo is clever enough to hover in the shadow of the opposite direction before springing into life when the ball is played there.He is helped by another player having a superb season, Milos Kerkez, who is up there with the best in the league.It is not unusual to see Semenyo and Kerkez pressing together in the opposition’s final third and a large factor in this is that Semenyo’s work rate covers for Kerkez if he loses the ball.Despite all the Semenyo praise, Marmoush still edges the debate.His pace, his ability to take the ball on the run and his intelligence to read the third-man run without being offside make him a deadly threat to any opponent.This is of course not to mention City’s pure wingers, likely to be Jeremy Doku and Savinho, who work in tandem with the interior players like Foden and Marmoush.How to get Foden flying again?Phil Foden is underperforming considering his lofty standardsCredit: GettyThis is probably the biggest question in the Premier League at the moment.Foden, 24, has had an underwhelming season considering his previously lofty standards.He was equally poor starting for England against Albania, but his cameo off the bench against Latvia could hold the answer on how to get him back to his best.In that game, Foden was played more centrally and would often come deeper to collect the ball.Foden is an expert at spinning his marker before popping the ball off to a winger.Guardiola could find some consistent success in playing him as one of the two attacking No10s, given how Foden’s versatility has meant he has never truly found rhythm in his career. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is still a world-class talent, but the question is how you get enough out of him to show that talent and influence the game.The change of tactics to a more direct system is affecting him, but Foden’s talent means given the platform he should be in a position to get back to his best if he is given a run in one position. More

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    Anyone with an ounce of spirit should want Bournemouth to beat Man City to keep romance of the FA Cup alive

    THERE are no Premier League fixtures this weekend — but don’t feel ashamed if you haven’t even realised.It’s hardly been a bumper year for the so-called greatest league  in the world.Bournemouth could offer a massive FA Cup miracle for the romanticsCredit: GettyBournemouth take on Manchester City in the FA CupCredit: GettyNewcastle broke a monotonous run by winning the Carabao CupCredit: RexThe last time a club outside the Big Six won a cup was in 2013 with Wigan in the FA Cup and Swansea in the League CupCredit: GettyLiverpool have fast-walked the title race and Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton have been hell-bent on relegation since last August.So who would have thought the two cup competitions would be left to stop the entire nation switching off altogether and doing something less boring instead?The cups have been bulldozed and bullied to make way for expanding European competition.Boiled down with second legs and replays scrapped to relieve the heavy legs of players grinding it out to satisfy the demands of clubs looking beyond two relatively tiny trophies offering a few quid in prize money. Read More on FootballNewcastle’s victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final this month was a spectacular bloody nose for the Big Six.It’s five down and one to go in the FA Cup, which means “little” Bournemouth have the opportunity to finish the job. Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham  all have a surprise weekend off as we reach the quarter-final stage.Anyone with an ounce of romance, spirit and  sporting fun should be willing the Cherries on against Manchester City. If not, you should never again pass an “I am not a robot” test.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA winner from Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Fulham, Crystal Palace or Preston North End is a rarity.And not since 2013 have both our domestic trophies been won by teams from outside the “elite” in the same season. That’s when Swansea won the League Cup and Wigan beat City in the FA Cup final. Prior to that, it was 1988 with Luton and Wimbledon.Erling Haaland reveals bizarre bedtime habit including special glasses and taping mouth SHUT on Logan Paul podcastIn between, it is the same old names and the same old finals. Prior to this year, the previous nine Carabao Cups were shared between Liverpool and the Manchester clubs.For one year only, Leicester broke the FA Cup stranglehold of Arsenal, City, Chelsea, United and Liverpool that has existed since 2014.What we are seeing now is football’s equivalent of Halley’s Comet entering our solar system.Come May, screw up your eyes and you may be able to visualise the glowing tail of glory for a team which doesn’t treat Wembley as a second home.The Cherries have never won  a major trophy, nor Palace, nor Fulham, nor Brighton.Preston, synonymous with the great Sir Tom Finney, have had big stars but no significant silverware since the 1938 FA Cup.Breaking traditionVilla and Forest are shaking up the establishment in the league but you must rewind to the 1990s to find either winning a cup of note.What it will mean for the  supporters of these seven clubs to reach the FA Cup semi-finals or beyond fires the imagination.And it serves as a beacon of hope for anyone wishing to salvage a crumb of interest in a mundane season in the league. Players love the cups, the fans adore them.Attendances throughout this year’s Carabao Cup were 20 per cent up on last year and their highest for almost a quarter of a century.If Bournemouth beat City on Sunday it’s a huge shot in the arm for the much-maligned cups, for fans and for fun. So what if it’s bad for business and for the big boys?Fans ticked off with ToddTODD BOEHLY is feeling the heat from Chelsea fans over his 41 per cent stake in US ticket resale outlet Vivid Seats.To the extent the supporters’ trust has written to the Premier League demanding they probe their club chairman over a  potential conflict of interest. Fair enough. No trip to Stamford Bridge is complete without the sight and sound of several shady characters loitering by Fulham Broadway Tube station offering tickets for the coming game at inflated prices.So much so that the London club emailed fans last week to trumpet their actions targeting this criminal scourge. They claim to have stopped more than 1,000 people entering the ground with dodgy tickets, cancelled more than 1,500 memberships linked to dodgy tickets and arrested dozens of people through matchday operations.Meanwhile, Boehly, the man at the top of the club, is raking it in via his investment in what the Premier League label an “unauthorised” ticket website.They urge fans to “exercise extreme caution” when dealing with firms like Vivid Seats.It’s almost as if it’s one rule for one and one for another. In football? Surely not?A bore’s no drawEVERYTHING about England’s recent two matches was highly interesting — apart from the two matches. Thomas Tuchel, Dan Burn, the build-up, the team selection, the hope.But as usual the ties were as flat as a pancake and sparked a debate about the entertainment value of qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Don’t think the boredom level of these insipid games hasn’t been  discussed at the top level.Not that long ago a plan was hatched to expand the Euros to 32 teams.The continent’s top-ranked countries would face each other in an extended Nations League to leave 16 sides. Lesser-ranked nations would do similar, eventually leaving 32 teams.Almost everyone was up for it apart from Europe’s rights-holding broadcasters, who seem to think England v Albania on a Friday night is just what the nation wants to see on their TVs.London bawlin’AS domestic football returns, a plea. Can London-based clubs stop playing London Calling by The Clash, fronted by Joe Strummer, during every pre-match build-up?Yes, we know the song is about the city — it’s in the title — and your club is in that city. But that’s it. It’s not that big a deal.And by endlessly forcing this irony upon fans, you have worn out what should be cherished as a post-punk classic by one of the greatest rock bands of all time.Just stop it. Please.FA party Ful of itIF you have £120 to spare you too can enjoy a night out at Fulham’s 1975 FA Cup final celebration dinner come May.A selection of team members from the day will entertain guests with memories of the showpiece — which they LOST 2-0 to West Ham.READ MORE SUN STORIESSounds like a silly idea —  then again, Newcastle held open-top bus parades after losing the 1974 FA Cup final and 1976 League Cup final.Even more daft, someone I know actually went to BOTH. More

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    Newcastle star Dan Burn sings along to Luke Littler’s walk-on as he risks wrath of Premier League Darts star

    NEWCASTLE hero Dan Burn danced to a surprising new Toon as he helped whip fans into a frenzy at Premier League Darts Night 8.The Carabao Cup winner and new England star sung along to LUKE LITTLER’S walk-on tune – and also videoed the world champion.Dan Burn acted like any other darts fan at Newcastle’s Utilita ArenaLuke Littler took booing from the crowd in his strideGeorgie Chris Dobey seemed awed by his reception as he walked out to to a new tune – an entrance song by his beloved NewcastleManchester United supporter Littler was booed by by the crowd as he strode out to the oche at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena.One reason might be that local lad Chris Dobey, one of the eight Prem competitors, is a big darts favourite on Tyneside.And Bedlington ace Dobey was boosted beforehand after hearing Newcastle players would be there to roar him on – just like he did for the Toon against Liverpool at Wembley as they ended their trophy drought. But Burn showed he appreciates class and charisma wherever it comes from.READ MORE IN DARTSThe 32-year-old, who is himself from Northumberland, had fun getting behind the Nuke in the opening match of the night.The towering defender was a distinctive sight as he jigged away as the 18-year-old came out.And Burn looked just like any other excited darts fan as he smiled broadly while appearing to take a video of the scene on his phone.Littler went on to destroy Stephen Bunting 6-0 – averaging 110 and in fact finishing it all off with a checkout of the same score.Most read in DartsFans gave Dobey incredible backing, with Newcastle’s black and white colours everywhere to be seenHome favourite Dobey battled well but lost 6-3 to Luke HumphriesBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThat put the Prem winner into the semi-finals on the night.Meanwhile, Geordie hopeful Dobey was on a high simply to compete on ‘home’ turf.Luke Littler brutally BOOED at Premier League Darts in Newcastle but has perfect responseHe went into his clash with World No 1 Luke Humphries saying: “I’m delighted to get this opportunity again.”Not many people can say they can play in front of a home crowd, and this will be the third time I’ve done so.”So yeah, it’s a massive occasion, and yeah, I’m looking forward to it.”Dobey even walked out to a different tune of his own – albeit a Magpies song.But although he performed pretty well, Humphries was too strong – clinching a 6-3 victory. More

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    ‘Much more advanced’ – Major update on Mo Salah’s Liverpool future revealed with link to Trent Alexander-Arnold decision

    MOHAMED SALAH is edging closer to sorting out his future after entering “advanced” negotiations, according to reports.Salah, 32, has had contract talk and transfer rumours swirling around him all season with his Liverpool contract expiring in the summer.Mohamed Salah is said to be in advanced negotiations with Liverpool over a new dealCredit: GettyIt comes after reports indicated Trent Alexander-Arnold was set to leave the clubCredit: GettyThe Egyptian King, along with Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold were the three high-profile stars on course to leave the club. However, following reports this week that Alexander-Arnold has all-but agreed terms on a move to Real Madrid, Salah’s future has taken a fresh twist.According to a report by Egyptian outlet Masrawy, Salah’s agent has now entered serious negotiations to extend the attacker’s Anfield stay.A source told the site: “Liverpool’s management has opened negotiations with Rami Abbas, Mohamed Salah’s agent, to renew the Egyptian star’s contract with Liverpool for the time being.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Negotiations between Liverpool and Rami Abbas, Salah’s agent, are much more advanced this time than ever before, and the offer presented is higher than any offer made to the player before.”But this shift in stance from Liverpool, who were previously unwilling to meet Salah’s contract demands, has only come following Alexander-Arnold’s fate heading away from the club.The report adds: “Alexander-Arnold’s imminent departure from Liverpool will be a major factor in Salah’s contract renewal, following the reduction of the club’s high salaries, allowing the Egyptian star to be given what he desires in his new contract with the Reds.”According to Capology, the Englishman currently earns £180,000 per week, while Salah earns £350,000.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSalah is the club’s highest earner at present, while 26-year-old Alexander-Arnold is third in the rankings behind the winger and Van Dijk, who himself earns £220,000 per week.Alexander-Arnold’s new wages in the Spanish capital will reportedly see him earn £240,000 a week.Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed terms on a move to Real Madrid this summer, according to reports With his expected move Alexander-Arnold will become only the seventh Englishman to play for Real Madrid, adding his name to a list including the likes of ex-Reds Steve Macmanaman and Michael Owen.However, Liverpool could still land a fee for the defender after a new transfer window was agreed to allow clubs to sign and sell players ahead of the Club World Cup, which Real are competing in.Los Blancos are willing to stump up a fee, understood to be around £5million, to sign him on June 1 so he can join England team-mate Jude Bellingham on the plane for the US-hosted tournament.Liverpool fans have not taken the news of the homegrown star’s expected end-of-season departure well, and he will return after the international break to the cauldron of Anfield during a hotly contested Merseyside derby. More

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    Man Utd files: Ruben Amorim set to spend £70m for top transfer target Francisco Trincao despite £50m release clause

    MANCHESTER UNITED are once again without a game this weekend, due to being out of the FA Cup.Ahead of the Red Devils’ return to action next Tuesday, keep up to date with the latest goings-on behind the scenes at Old Trafford with our Man Utd Files.Ruben Amorim’s side have not played since March 16Credit: RexFRANC DISCUSSIONSMANCHESTER United will have to dig deep to land Ruben Amorim’s prime summer transfer target.Amorim is desperate to land former Wolves winger Francisco Trincao as part of a new-look United attacking unit next term.But Amorim’s former club Sporting Lisbon will play hardball – and are likely to demand a fee in EXCESS of the attacker’s £50m release clause.Trincao, 25, is under contract to 2027 after signing a four-year deal in 2023 following a £6m move from Barcelona.Barca, though, retain 50 per cent of his future transfer rights – which is where the going could get tricky for United.Sporting, braced for the departure of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, are even more determined not to let Trincao go, to the extent of preparing to offer him a new contract.Even if they can be persuaded to sell, Sporting want to recoup at least £35m.But they only get that if United – or another suitor – is prepared to pay TWICE as much, allowing Barcelona to get a similar share of the proceeds.Amorim is convinced Trincao, with the benefit of that season at Molineux in 2021-22, will be able to make a swift adaptation to the Prem.Yet with the likelihood of no European competition cash – unless United win the Europa League – he may have to consider an even more drastic summer sales policy to free the funds required to land him.Sporting are eager to keep Francisco Trincao this summerCredit: AlamySporting chiefs know that they are likely to lose Viktor GyokeresCredit: GettyTUCH AND GOHARRY MAGUIRE might be forgiven for feeling perplexed by Thomas Tuchel’s comments after his first international window as England boss.Tuchel suggested that he had omitted the United centre-half in favour of Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi because “they had better rhythm and deserved to be in”.But Maguire was never in a position to be selected having been out for nearly a month with a hamstring injury.His inability to train meant Maguire, 32, was in no condition to add to his 64 caps even if he had been named in the squad. Strange.Harry Maguire was not in a position to be selected by EnglandCredit: GettyBANK TRANSFERSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S grand plans for the 100,000-capacity “New Trafford” to replace United’s home since 1910 have not been universally welcomed.Some fans have been critical of the design, while the potential £2bn cost of the proposal has left other supporters wondering about the long-term impact on their pocket.But Ratcliffe and Ineos may point out that there were not dissimilar questions raised when United announced plans to move from their then-home at Bank Lane in Clayton, five miles across the other side of the city.Letters printed in local newspapers bewailed the prospect, with one fan moaning: “Bank Street was ours – cramped and muddy, but it felt like home. This new place is a stranger’s house.”There were also complaints about the impact on ticket pricing and questions over whether United could fill their new home.At least, unlike 115 years ago, there will be no open, uncovered terraces at Sir Jim’s palace of entertainment. But, doubtless, the same demands – a team that wins and deserves the stadium.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has launched ambitious new stadium plansCredit: PAMan Utd recently released imaging of their proposed new stadiumCredit: ReutersWELL I NEV-ERIN this most uncertain and stuttering of seasons at Old Trafford, it has been the one constant… Gary Neville will feature somewhere along the way.Passing judgement on good, bad and ugly as a pundit, of course, on why Erik ten Hag should be sacked/keep his job, for example.An interview with Sir Jim Ratcliffe? Gary’s your man. Creating a task force to explore regeneration around Old Trafford? Well he’s got to be on that.What about the voiceover for the magnificent new stadium unveiling? Neville – it’s a no-brainer.Now Manchester United’s omnipresent ex-full back has been asked to pick up another gauntlet… speaking up for the pensioners facing a 57 per cent hike on their season tickets.Slashing the 50 per cent OAP concessions, plus a general increase, means some older fans will have to pay nearly £400 extra. A rise many insist they simply cannot afford.Forums, phone-ins and message board have been flooded with irate supporters who have been Old Trafford regulars for over half a century.Including one fan posting urging Neville to take up the fight on behalf of United’s most loyal and long-standing followers.He wrote: “Please Mr Ratcliffe, explain why you think it’s ok to exploit us. We haven’t made the mistakes you have since your investment, but you want us to pay for it.“How about you cut the price as your employees have not provided good value for money? This is Manchester United Football Club, not JRFC.“He is just a businessman and a number cruncher. Please, please get Gary to speak up for the pensioners.“The extra revenue from the pensioners won’t be enough for any player’s wage for a week…stop this exploitation.”Over to you, GaryGary Neville can often be found somewhere at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersMan Utd fans are set for big price hikesCredit: GettyMan Utd have a tough run of fixtures coming upWARRIOR SPIRITIT was the pre-season promo visit that has led to the unlikeliest of friendships… and most telling of asides. In January Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Andre Onana visited four-trophy, clean sweep winners Wigan Warriors ahead of the new Super League season.They got a first-hand glimpse of everything… passing, tackling and kicking, with Mount and Maguire joining in with the latter, and were blown away by the spirit and togetherness between the players.The Manchester United trio were so impressed that an expected 45-minute stay lasted well over two hours – and an ongoing affinity for some.As someone whose entire career was spent in the south before joining United last season, Mount was hardly a die-hard RL fan… but he is now, and was back at the Brick Stadium when the Super League season began.For Cameroon keeper Onana it was a totally alien sport, but he struck up an immediate bond with young forward Junior Nsemba, whose parents hail from the same country.Maguire is a long-time RL admirer.. yet it was an aside to one Wigan star on his left that proved most memorable as he joked: “We could do with a spirit half as good as yours.”We think it was a joke, anyway…Harry Maguire and Mason Mount pose with Wigan Warriors star Luke ThompsonCredit: SWpix.comAndre Onana hit it off with Junior NsembaCredit: SWpix.comRUNAWAY LEADERSCHRISTIAN ERIKSEN’S passing ability would be heightened if he had a striker as quick as United fan Usain Bolt to run onto the end of them.But the Danish midfielder and Jamaican sprint legend were on the same side this week when they visited a special programme to help underprivileged youngsters in Manchester.Bolt and Eriksen joined in training drills with kids on the Street League scheme, which is on the shortlist for the Sport for Good prize at next month’s Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid.Win or not, those kids will never forget the time they spent with two genuine sporting icons.Christian Eriksen and Usain Bolt teamed up for a community initiativeCredit: www.olympics.com More

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    Bukayo Saka returns to training with two word-post as Arsenal get major boost ahead of Real Madrid clash

    BUKAYO SAKA is on the verge of an Arsenal return.The Gunners star was pictured for the first time back in full training at London Colney today after undergoing hamstring surgery in December.Arsenal superstar Bukayo Saka has returned to full trainingCredit: Instagram / bukayosaka87The England star is in contention to play in the Gunners’ upcoming games after recovering from surgeryCredit: ReutersSaka teased fans in an Instagram post showing him smiling with his thumbs up alongside the caption: “Hello again.”And SunSport understands he is in contention to be included in the squad to face Fulham on Tuesday night ahead of vital clashes against Everton and Real Madrid.Saka, 23, tore his hamstring in a 5-1 Prem win over Crystal Palace on December 21 before having surgery to fix the issue days later.He has missed 19 games in all competitions since then, a run that saw Arsenal knocked out of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, as well as lose ground in the Prem title race.Read More on ArsenalThe target was always for Saka to make it back for the Champions League quarter final first leg at home to Real Madrid on April 8 – and he looks on course to achieve that.Arteta is keen for Saka to get some minutes under his belt before then, with opportunities to do so at the Emirates against the Cottagers next week before a trip to Goodison Park to face Everton on April 5.Despite his impressive recovery and rehab so far, Arsenal remain wary over pushing Saka too hard too soon. He will likely be given cameo appearances off the bench to prove his fitness and get back up to speed.Saka has stepped up his training load during the international break while his teammates have been away with their countries.Most read in FootballBefore the break, asked how Saka would be progressing, Arteta explained: “Hopefully with more ball at his feet than he has had. “That will mean he is passing the ball and shooting and running and everything. He has done quite a lot already on the pitch working on his own. “Next we need to arrange it with people around him in a more competitive training session and see how he goes with that.”Despite his absence, Saka has been a constant presence in and around the team during his rehab, seen on crutches at the turn of the year supporting from the stands at the Emirates.On the club’s warm-weather retreat to Dubai last month, Saka flew out with the squad to carry on his individualised solo training plan with light gym work.He was also spotted in the Wembley tunnel speaking to Three Lions coach Thomas Tuchel after England’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Latvia on Monday.Saka’s return has been aided by some much-needed rest, spending time abroad on holiday with his family in late January.Arsenal are in need of some attacking inspiration after Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were ruled out for the season with hamstring and knee issues respectively, forcing midfielder Mikel Merino to deputise as a centre forward.And manager Mikel Arteta received yet another blow during the international break as Riccardo Calafiori had to withdraw from Italy’s squad after hurting his knee.Saka’s influence cannot be understated. Even after a three-month lay-off, he remains the leading provider of goals and assists in all competitions for Arsenal this term [nine goals and 13 assists].Three points adrift of Prem leaders Liverpool at the time of his injury, Arteta’s men now find themselves 13 points behind with nine games to play.Arteta was desperate to bring in reinforcements during the January window, linked with Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, but could not get a deal over the line.Arsenal could be set for another major boost as Real face being without four stars for the first leg.Superstar strikers Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior as well as former Chelsea ace Antonio Rudiger and ex-Gunner Dani Caballos face an official Uefa probe for allegedly making obscene gestures after their victory over Atletico Madrid in the Last-16.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesVinicius was the most high-profile case as he reportedly took six “shots” at Atletico supporters during and after the clash at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.Rudiger, on the other hand, was accused of making a throat-slitting gesture to Atleti supporters.READ MORE SUN STORIESCeballos, who spent two years at Arsenal before his return to Madrid in 2021, is accused of making an obscene one-armed gesture with a clenched fist.And Mbappe was reported for touching his genitals in a clearly derogatory manner.Saka underwent surgery on his hamstring and has missed the last three monthsCredit: Getty More