Philippa Kaur

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    I joined Inter Milan after winning a TV competition then won the Champions League and body doubled for Cristiano Ronaldo

    JOSE MOURINHO was the last Inter Milan manager to lead the club to Champions League glory.And an ex-pro golfer turned player-manager in the Isthmian League South East Division had a front-row seat after winning a place in the Italians’ squad on a TV talent show.Ben Greenhalgh won Football’s Next Star in 2010, earning a pro contract at Inter MilanGreenhalgh filled in as Cristiano Ronaldo’s body doubleCredit: INSTAGRAM @bengreenhalgh17He is now player-manager at Margate in the eighth tierCredit: INSTAGRAM @bengreenhalgh17The winger nutmegged Patrick Vieira as a teenagerCredit: Sky 1And he’d already had a stint as Cristiano Ronaldo’s body double.Ben Greenhalgh won the first and only series of Football’s Next Star, which aired on Sky in 2010, earning a six-month professional contract at Inter aged just 17.And, only months later, he found himself sitting just behind Mourinho as he masterminded a 2-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League final to complete the Treble.Greenhalgh was not part of the matchday squad ,in fact he never made a first-team appearance for Inter.READ MORE ON INTER MILANBut he DID get a winner’s medal at the Bernabeu.Now a player-manager at non-league Margate, Greenhalgh, 33, told SunSport: “Looking back, it’s absolutely mental. To be part of Inter’s best season ever is incredible.“I sat two rows behind the dugout.“I didn’t celebrate much, I almost wish I’d run on the pitch and got even more involved.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I jumped at the opportunity to take the Champions League medal. We got given about five extras.“They might have been for players Mourinho cast out who weren’t there like Ricardo Quaresma and Marko Arnautovic.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers“It’s the best story I’m ever going to have in football. It will stick with me forever and I’m really happy about that.”The Champions League final on May 22, 2010 came 401 days after Greenhalgh made his Welling United first-team debut on his 17th birthday.But his stratospheric rise from Bexley to the Bernabeu came from his victory on the short-lived TV talent show.He was actually unaware of the trials when his Kent FA team went for what they thought was a regular training day in London until spotting cameras, Inter coaches and presenter Jamie Redknapp.Out of 20,000 hopefuls, Inter’s scouts whittled it down to 40 before a final ten were invited out to Milan.Greenhalgh admitted: “No one knew what was going on because a show like this hadn’t been aired before.It’s the best story I’m ever going to have in football. It will stick with me forever and I’m really happy about that.Ben Greenhalgh“Now those shows are quite nostalgic.“I don’t know why it’s never come back because it did really well. One night it beat Strictly for viewers.“I watched it in Italy, already playing for Inter. People were trying to contact me and find out if I was the winner.“I remember my Facebook crashed with friend requests.”Redknapp took 17-year-old Ben under his wing, even giving the youngster his mobile number to mentor him.Ironically, Greenlagh reckons his career could have turned out better had he NOT won the show – because Redknapp said his dad Harry would have signed him at Tottenham.Greenhalgh picked up a Champions League winner’s medal in 2010 despite not playingCredit: GettyJose Mourinho had an ‘aura’ about him but made the kid feel at ease straight awayCredit: APGreenhalgh impressed the Inter scouts to win out of 20,000 entrantsCredit: SKY 1Jamie Redknapp presented the one-off Sky TV showCredit: SKY 1Greenhalgh would love to see another similar seriesCredit: SKY 1But the winger would not trade the Inter memories, winning the Champions League and training under the Special One.Greenhalgh, who had Inter kits growing up, said: “It’s pretty surreal given just how monumental Inter Milan are as a football club.“Meeting Jose was very nerve-wracking.“He had an unbelievable aura, he was the best manager in the world then.“He was so respectful to me and put me at ease straight away.“Suddenly, I was thrown into training with Lucio, Quaresma, Mario Balotelli, Wesley Sneijder, Diego Milito, Samuel Eto’o, Javier Zanetti made everything look effortless at 39.“I nutmegged Patrick Vieira but it didn’t make the show!”But Greenhalgh’s opening training session at Inter was not his first time rubbing shoulders with footballing stardom.Because aged just 16, he got a gig as Ronaldo’s body double through a football choreographer friend who worked on Nike and adidas adverts.Greenhalgh also played the likes of fellow left-footers Mesut Ozil, Robin van Persie and Gareth Bale, protecting the players from going into tackles and risking injury.I nutmegged Patrick Vieira but it didn’t make the show!Ben GreenhalghGreenhalgh said: “Cristiano was my idol. No one could shock me as much. It was crazy, he’d just won the Champions League at Manchester United.“We had a couple of funny moments.“The media got hold we were in a gym shooting an advert and suddenly about 100 cameramen hovered outside.“I was dressed as Ronaldo so I ran down the street under an umbrella. All the journalists followed and Ronaldo slipped out the back door unnoticed.“Doing Ozil was probably the best one because we’re similar creative players and used to have kickabouts between sets.”Greenhalgh, though, had to give up his job as ‘Ronaldo’ because he couldn’t abandon training to fly from Milan to Madrid to film more adverts.In the end, he stayed at Inter for 18 months, which included a fruitful loan stint at Como, scoring eight goals in 12 games.Como wanted to make a deal permanent when his extended Inter contract expired in 2011 but Italian football’s financial disarray meant the club could not afford to pay him.So he returned to England, joining Brighton in League One.Greenhalgh is still playing 50 games per season at 33Credit: MARGATE FCHe had an 18-month stint as a PGA professional golfer alongside non-league footballCredit: INSTAGRAM @bengreenhalgh17He got down to a scratch handicap while dropped out of the Inverness teamCredit: INSTAGRAM @bengreenhalgh17The winger spent 18 months with the Italian giantsCredit: Inter MilanGreenhalgh wants to keep playing until he turns 40, just like RonaldoCredit: INSTAGRAM @margatefc_He is hoping to climb the managerial ladder in the long runCredit: INSTAGRAM @margatefc_The Seagulls were flying on their progression through the leagues and he could not break into the team and suffered a similar struggle at Birmingham.That saw Greenhalgh drop back into non-league, returning to where it all started at Welling, still only 19.It was a stint at Inverness, though, that ironically launched Greenhalgh into a pro career in a different sport.He added: “I haven’t got John Hughes to thank for much at Inverness for dropping me… but he made me a very good golfer.“I was on the course every day. I went to Scotland a six handicapper and got down to scratch.“Back in England, I passed my playing ability test to become a PGA professional.“I did it for 18 months, won one pro competition, breaking the course record at Addington, which I can cling on to.“But I couldn’t play the big tournaments because of my football matches at the weekend. I was a footballer playing golf.”CAN’T JAV ITNow settled as coach of Dartford’s academy and “building something” as player-manager at Margate – who lost in England’s eighth-tier play-offs last month – Greenhalgh wants to keep playing like his body double Ronaldo until he is 40 before climbing up the ladder as a gaffer.But whatever else Greenhalgh achieves – whether as a footballer, coach or golfer – he will always have that Champions League medal, even if an Inter legend comes calling again.Greenhalgh explained: “Zanetti’s partner messaged me five years ago asking if he could buy my Champions League medal off me for the Inter museum.“I might have made money but I knew I’m obviously never again going to top it so it’d be hard to part with it.“The Libertines sponsor Margate’s kit and this year we’ve gone Inter Milan style because of my links.Read More on The Sun“I want to try and get Zanetti a Margate shirt to put it up in his restaurant.“Hopefully, it’s a good year for Inter Milan and hopefully it’s a good year for Margate.”Greenhalgh’s final predictionFORMER Inter Milan Champions League winner Ben Greenhalgh believes his old side will be crowned Kings of Europe again.Ex-Inter man and Football’s Next Star winner Greenhalgh was sat behind the Bernabeu dugouts as Diego Milito scored twice for Jose Mourinho’s side against Bayern Munich to secure a 2-0 victory in the 2010 final.And the Margate player-manager reckons fans are in for a treat on Saturday night.Greenhalgh said: “It’s going to be a really good game of football, a top game.“If PSG don’t score early on, and Inter show the defensive manner in which they play, and how well they are well-packed and well-organised, I think it will frustrate PSG.“Inter are a team that definitely jump at teams when they’re frustrated. They play in that manner and they’ve got that brilliant fighting spirit.“If they can antagonise them in that way, which as a fan is good to watch, it’s good to watch how well Inter seem to wind other teams up.“I think if they can manage to let the game go in that manner and stop the attack and threats that PSG have early on, then I think they’ll grow in confidence in the game.“But if they let PSG get too much confidence, I think they’ll be tough to come back and beat.”Greenhalgh, though, is confident his old side will come out on top against PSG in Munich.He added: “I’m going to go for 2-1 Inter Milan in extra time. I think Inter Milan will score first then PSG will need to go on the front foot for the final 15-20 minutes.“Then I think Inter Milan will do them in extra time.“Lautaro Martinez has been such a good leader. He reminds me of Diego Milito leading that front line.“Martinez will be the matchwinner.“Inter as a club need to win the Champions League to get them back to the good days.” More

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    Meet the Champions League final WAGs from PSG ace dating fellow player to Inter pair caught in bizarre cheating scandal

    IT’S the most glamorous fixture on the football calendar – but the glitziest stars will be the ones cheering on from the sidelines.As Paris Saint-Germain prepare to take on Inter this evening, the players’ stunning WAGs will be getting dressed up to the nines as their partners prepare for potential Champions League glory.Kleofina Pnishi, 30, is engaged to Inter star Benjamin Pavard, 29Credit: Instagram/@kleofinaPortuguese television and film star Madalena Aragão, 19, with her PSG boyfriend João Neves, 20Credit: gettyNitsa Tavadze, 23, wife of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, 24, studied medicine at uniCredit: instagram/@nitsatavadzeNitsa and Kvaratskhelia tied the knot on October 16, 2023Credit: Instagram/@nitsatavadze/While PSG’s roster has included superstars including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar in recent years, this year’s team is full of young, hungry talents ready to make their own names on the world stage.The likes of Ousmane Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi will be testing themselves at the Allianz Arena in Munich against Inter’s equally impressive side, which boasts stars including Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram.But away from the pitch, which of these names are scoring in their love lives too?From doctors to lawyers and even fellow players – as well as a dramatic cheating scandal – we reveal all about PSG and Inter’s top WAGs.READ MORE IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUEParis Saint-Germain F.C.Nitsa Tavadze and Khvicha KvaratskheliaBrainy Nitsa Tavadze, 23, wife of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, 24, studied medicine while her relationship with the Georgian star blossomed.In 2023, they tied the knot at the historic Samtavro Monastery in Mtskheta, celebrating with Georgian traditions, attire, and customs. Although the couple were introduced by a mutual friend in 2021 sparks didn’t fly until a month later.Due to Nitsa’s demanding studies, the pair would write to and call each other, and would meet up during their time off or when Kvaratskhelia was on an international break.Most read in FootballWhen Nitsa didn’t have lectures to attend, she would go to Naples and attend matches at his former team, Napoli.They made their first appearance at a basketball game between Italy and Georgia and by 2022 they were official. Now, they share a son, Damian, one.Golf Wag Jena Sims ‘test drives her bikinis for summer’ with fans unable to pick between skimpy outfitsOcéane Toussaint and Warren Zaire-EmeryOcéane Toussaint, 21, girlfriend of Warren Zaire Emery, 19, is a professional goalkeeper for PSGCredit: INSTAGRAMThe young couple have been dating since 2024Credit: INSTAGRAMFrench goalie Océane Toussaint, 21, has been in a relationship with her fellow PSG star Warren Zaire-Emery, 19, since 2024.They were first papped together at a Louis Vuitton event in January and later confirmed their relationship at a gala in May.Océane was the first goalkeeper to win the Titi d’Or – a fan award for PSG’s most promising academy player – in 2023 and took to social media to share her success with fans.She wrote: “Very proud to be the first Titi gold keeper, thank you again for all your messages.”During their short time together so far, Océane and Warren have already jetted off for glamorous holidays and were seen visiting Zoomarine in the Algarve.Madalena Aragão and João Neves Madalena Aragão, girlfriend of João Neves is a Portuguese TV and film starCredit: InstagramThe young actress has moved countries to be with her boyfriendCredit: instagramThe couple have made the most of life in ItalyCredit: instagram/@madalena_aragao_Portuguese television and film star Madalena Aragão, 19, has been in a relationship with João Neves, 20, since 2024.Madalena made her acting debut in 2016 when she was just 10 years old in the soap opera Rainha das Flores.The talented actress is also a popular blogger and creator of a YouTube channel, where she shares her thoughts on teenage life and growing up. Since embarking on her new relationship with João it’s been go go go. She even moved to Paris to be with him after his move from Benfica to the French giants.The pair have also been quite active on social media, sharing several adorable pics together.In response to one of Madalena’s recent Instagram posts, Portuguese actor and model Diogo Amaral replied: “My favourite couple.”Carol Cabrino and MarquinhosBrazilian Instagram star Carol Cabrino, 32, is married to Marquinhos, 31Credit: InstagramThe couple share three children but recently suffered a heartbreaking miscarriageCredit: gettyInfluencer Carol Cabrino, 32, carved out a successful singing career before her marriage to Brazilian centre back Marquinhos, 31.After he proposed to her underneath the Eiffel Tower, the pair had a civil wedding in June 2016. Together they share three children – Maria, eight, Enrico, six, and Martina, 3 – but tragically, Carol recently opened up about losing her fourth child after suffering a miscarriage.Taking to Instagram to share the distressing news in March, she said: “I’m going to talk about something that is not very good.“But I’ve accepted what happened to me and I’ve come to share it with you.”I can’t get on with my life if I don’t come here and explain to you a little of the things that have been happening in my life for a while now.”Alessia Elefante and Gianluigi DonnarummaAlessia Elefante, 27, fiance of Gianluigi Donnarumma, 26, was born in Naples, ItlayCredit: InstagramThe couple share a son Leo, one, and a dog CocoCredit: InstagramA little known fact about Alessia is that she has a twin sister, DanielaCredit: InstagramItalian bombshell Alessia Elefante, 27, is the fiancée of Gianluigi Donnarumma, 26, and the couple have been together for over seven years.Alessia is an interior designer and mum to one-year-old Leo, whom she shares with Gianluigi. The Italian pro footballer proposed to her a month after their son was born.They also share a dog named Coco that Alessia has referred to via her Instagram as her “favourite baby boy” and “a prince” – before her son was born, of course!Alessia also stands 39cm shorter than her partner who reaches a whopping 6ft5inches.Despite such a significant height difference, the couple seem super loved up and often share photos together on social media.Another little known fact about Alessia is that she’s a twin. On May 27, 2024, she took to Instagram to share a birthday pic with her sister Daniela.The caption wrote: “Since 1998. Love you.”Shocked fans were quick to spot the similarities between the pair. One person wrote: “I thought there was a mirror in the 1st pic.”Inter MilanAgustina Gandolfo and Lautaro MartinezArgentinian Agustina Gandolfo, 29, is the wife of Lautaro Martinez, 27Credit: InstagramThe entrepreneur and wellness advocate met her match in 2016Credit: instagram/@agus.gandolfo/)Model Agustina, 29, has two children with Inter’s star striker Lautaro, 27, Nina, four and Theo, two.Agus has developed a career as a mumfluencer in recent years, with her candid posts about the realities of motherhood.Alongside her personal updates, she has launched her own lifestyle brand, Coraje, as well as partnering with trendy fashion and fitness labels like Cloter Official and Tropical Sweat.She met her Argentine husband around 2016 when he was playing for local club Racing, at a party hosted by fellow stars Mauro Icardi and Wanda Nara.They were initially pals but later fell in love. They had their first child, a daughter named Nina, in 2021 and had a son in 2023.The pair had a lavish wedding in Villa d’Este on Lake Como Italy in 2023 with 120 guests.Agus has three tattoos: one of birds flying on her upper back, a heart on her arm and a quote on her ribs.She also made headlines in 2021 after claiming a Milan restaurant had handed her a menu that didn’t have any prices on during a romantic meal out with her man.She claimed on her Instagram story that the practice is sexist – because it assumes the man is going to pay for the meal, not the woman.Kleofina Pnishi and Benjamin Pavard Bombshell Kleofina Pnishi is married to Benjamin PavardCredit: Instagram/@kleofinaBenjamin proposed to her on the coast of Saranda in a beautiful romantic atmosphere with flowers and candlesCredit: InstagramKosovo-born actress and model Kleofina, 30, was elected Miss Provence 2017 and ran in the Miss France competition the following year.But life hasn’t always been easy. When she was just five years old, her family fled their homeland due to the war and arrived in France in 1999.She graduated from the School of Journalism and Communication of Aix-Marseille, before meeting Benjamin Pavard, 29, with the pair getting engaged in July last year.Benjamin got down on one knee on the coast of Saranda, Albania, in a beautiful, romantic proposal made special with flowers and candles. Federica Schievenin and Nicolò Barella Federica Schievenin, 35, wife of Nicolò Barella, 28, is a sports scientistCredit: instagram/@fede_schieveninThe blonde beauty is also a model and certified personal trainerCredit: instagram/@fede_schieveninStunning sports scientist Federica Schievenin, 35, met childhood sweetheart Nicolò, 28, over a decade ago.Like her beau, she has had a passion for sports since a young age thanks to thanks to her dad, who was into motocross.She earned a PT CFT3 certification from the International Sports Scientists Association in 2019 and is now said to be studying nutraceuticals and naturopathy.The pair tied the knot in 2018 and are now parents to four children: daughters Rebecca, eight, Lavinia, five, Matilde, four and a baby son, Romeo.Federica keeps her children’s faces hidden on social media, usually with an emoji.Claudia Scarpari and Francesco Acerbi Claudia Scarpari, 38, wife of Francesco Acerbi, 37, has never missed a matchCredit: InstagramThe pair met in early 2020 and went public with the relationship later that yearCredit: Instagram @claudiascarpClaudia Scarpari, 38, is the wife of defender Francesco Acerbi, 37, who she met in early 2020.Speaking of their early romance, the glamorous lawyer said she found it “enchanting” to watch him play, but admitted she didn’t follow football before they met. However, since falling in love with the defender, Claudia has revealed she had never missed a match, and will always be cheering on her partner.  Claudia already has a daughter and a son from a previous relationship, and has had more children with Francesco.  Their daughters are named Vittoria, four and Nala, two.On top of being a supportive WAG, Claudia is a successful lawyer and has spoken of the similarities between the couple’s careers, explaining they are both “defending and protecting what we believe in”.The couple married in early 2025 in Cassina Rizzardi, Italy.Sinem Gündoğdu and Hakan ÇalhanoğluSinem Gündoğdu, 30, and Hakan Çalhanoğlu, 31, grew up together in Turkey before falling in love and tying the knot in 2017Credit: instagramThe couple made headlines in 2018 after Hakan filed for divorceCredit: gettyHakan Çalhanoğlu, 31, and Sinem, 30, grew up together in Turkey before tying the knot in 2017, but their relationship has not always been plain sailing. In 2018, the midfielder sensationally announced the decision to divorce his wife after a “very serious and unforgivable situation occurred”.Sinem’s response was speedy, and came with another bombshell, as she announced: “I never cheated on you. By the way, I’m pregnant.”Read More on The SunFortunately, the couple appear to have resolved their issues and now seem better than ever. Together they have three children: Liya, six, born in 2019, Ayaz, four, born in 2021 and Asil Can, two, born in 2023. More

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    Former Premier League giants ‘fail to pay wages on time for second time in three months’ as fans blast ‘worst run club’

    FORMER Premier League side Sheffield Wednesday have reportedly failed to pay players and staff for the second time in three months.The Owls have recently experienced chaos in the club hierarchy under owner Dejphon Chansiri.Sheffield Wednesday have reportedly failed to pay staff and playersCredit: GettyAnd the Championship outfit are now at risk of a THREE transfer window embargo.The latest round of payments had been due to go out on Friday. However, players, coaching staff and also general club staff have been hit by a lack of wages being paid out.According to the Sheffield Star, this has affected staff by varying degrees, with some receiving full payments, others only receiving part of their payment and some getting nothing at all.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA letter sent to players and staff allegedly told them they would not be paid until at least Monday.If everyone at the club is not paid in full by the end of next week then a sanction from the EFL will be forthcoming as they sit on the brink of a 30-day default.That would see them banned from signing players.The letter sent to club staff says: “We anticipate outstanding payments will be made in full during the course of this Monday and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused.Most read in Football”We understand that such delays create financial pressure and want to reassure our staff that the club is here to support you and ensure that no one suffers any financial hardship… “If you are facing any immediate financial difficulties as a result of this delay, please don’t hesitate to contact your Line Manager or Department Head, who will aid the access of emergency funding we have in place.”Former Championship club win promotion to National League as fans go wild after nightmare decadeWhen the same issue occurred in March, payment was eventually made on April 7.The club is in the situation it is in due to debts owed to the owner, who has been at the club for a decade.Reacting to the news on social media, fans blasted the club as the “worst run club in football league”.The team’s Supporters Trust was also fuming in a statement, which read: “We are once again appalled to hear reports that employees of Sheffield Wednesday Football Club, have reportedly not been paid again.”If these reports are accurate, this is simply unacceptable. We demand that the club immediately provides a clear and transparent explanation of the situation. “Silence and ambiguity are no longer tolerable.”We reiterate our firm belief that Dejphon Chansiri must sell the club without further delay. “His continued ownership is proving catastrophic for Sheffield Wednesday and everyone connected with it.”Protests against Chansiri have gathered pace in the last year as he seeks to sell the club.A second bid to buy the club was reportedly made by an American consortium recently.Read More on The SunWednesday finished 12th in the second tier this season under manager Danny Rohl.Despite being a founding member of the Premier League in 1992, they last appeared in the top flight in 2000. More

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    Ruben Amorim ‘demands Man Utd sign ANOTHER attacking midfielder after Matheus Cunha’ in hint Bruno Fernandes will quit

    RUBEN AMORIM has told the Manchester United board to sign another attacking midfielder this summer after Matheus Cunha, reports suggest.The Red Devils look set to land Cunha, 26, after agreeing terms on a payment structure for the Wolves star’s £62.5million release clause.Ruben Amorim has told Man Utd transfer chiefs to sign another attacking midfielderCredit: GettyBruno Fernandes could be leaving this summerCredit: GettyMatheus Cunha is set to join for £62.5mCredit: PABryan Mbeumo has also been linked with a stunning transferCredit: GettyHowever, with Bruno Fernandes mulling over whether to leave the club amid interest and a £100m offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, Amorim has urged club chiefs to sign another attacker.Fernandes, 30, was the Red Devils’ top scorer and creator, with 19 goals and 20 assists in all competitions.Man Utd desperately struggled to score goals despite the Portuguese’s exploits, and more firepower is at the top of the agenda this summer.That led them to buying 26-year-old Cunha from Wolves after his 15-goal Premier League season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut according to sport journalist Ben Jacobs, speaking on the United Stand, Amorim has made it clear to transfer chiefs Christopher Vivell and Jason Wilcox that signing just one new recruit is not enough.Amorim has demanded that ANOTHER attack-minded midfielder – whether that be an advanced central midfielder or No10 – be signed in addition to the Brazilian.Jacobs then said that Man Utd are in the chase to land Brentford ace Bryan Mbeumo, but will need to fend off rival interest from Newcastle.He said: “Newcastle and Man United, I’m told are the main suitors for Bryan Mbeumo… Another 10 [as well as Cunha] could be possible.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKEarlier this week reports suggested the Bees had set a £50m price tag on the 25-year-old, who contributed 27 goals and assists to the Bees Prem campaign.Thomas Frank has hinted he is up for sale, but will only go for a “nice amount”.Matheus Cunha gifts Wolves team-mates Joao Gomes and Andre a Rolex ahead of Man Utd transferFrank told Viaplay: “It is clear that if he is to be sold, it must be for a nice, nice amount. It is a lot. Mucho. Really a lot.”Then it is clear that it is impossible to replace him one for one. It cannot be done. There is a reason why he costs X number of million pounds, and we do not have X number of million pounds to buy for.“I would say that I would be surprised if a lot of big clubs don’t look at him. I would be surprised with what he has to offer. How many wingers score 20 goals for a mid-table club?”And then with seven assists plus his work ethic. And his character. All these things mean that he has a lot, so he is a good player.”Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordTransfers this summer will be led by Jason WilcoxCredit: AlamyBrentford boss Thomas Frank has admitted Mbeumo is up for saleCredit: Getty More

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    When is the Super Cup 2025? Kick-off time, TV channel, live stream and teams for thrilling showpiece in Udine

    EUROPA LEAGUE champions Tottenham are all set to take on the winners of this season’s Champions League final in a scintillating Super Cup clash – and the date has been revealed!Brenan Johnson’s scrappy goal ended Spurs’ 17-year trophy drought at the expense of a woeful Manchester United.Ange Postecoglou led Tottenham to a huge Europa League trophy winCredit: AFPAnd it was a result that has potentially saved Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou from getting sacked as Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League table.Life could get even better for Postecoglou too as his Spurs side have the chance to lift more silverware when they play in the Super Cup.But they’ll have to beat the winners of French champions PSG and Italian icons Inter Milan, who are set to contest in a thrilling Champions League final.When is the Super Cup 2025?The 2025 Super Cup will take place on Wednesday, August 13.It is scheduled to kick off at 8pm BST – 9pm local time.Stadio Fruili in Udine, Italy is the chosen venue for this huge match and it can host approximately 25,132 fans.Real Madrid beat Atalanta 2-0 in the 2024 Super Cup clash.Read more on Super CupWhat TV channel is the Super Cup 2025 on and can it be live streamed?Details of how to watch the Super Cup is yet to be announced.However, it is likely to be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports.Should this be the case, fans will be able to stream the action on discovery+Previous Super Cup winners1973: Ajax 6-1 AC Milan (0-1, 6-0)1975: Dynamo Kyiv 3-0 Bayern München (1-0, 2-0)1976: Anderlecht 5-3 Bayern München (1-2, 4-1)1977: Liverpool 7-1 Hamburg (1-1, 6-0)1978: Anderlecht 4-3 Liverpool (3-1,1-2)1979: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Barcelona (1-0, 1-1)1980: Valencia 2-2 Nottingham Forest (1-2, 1-0 Valencia won on away goals)1982: Aston Villa 3-1 Barcelona (0-1, 3-0aet)1983: Aberdeen 2-0 Hamburg (0-0, 2-0)1984: Juventus 2-0 Liverpool1986: Steaua București 1-0 Dynamo Kyiv1987: Porto 2-0 Ajax (1-0, 1-0)1988: Mechelen 3-1 PSV Eindhoven (3-0, 0-1)1989: AC Milan 2-1 Barcelona (1-1, 1-0)1990: AC Milan 3-1 Sampdoria (1-1, 2-0)1991: Manchester United 1-0 Crvena zvezda1992: Barcelona 3-2 Werder Bremen (1-1, 2-1)1993: Parma 2-1 AC Milan (0-1, 2-0aet)1994: AC Milan 2-0 Arsenal (0-0, 2-0)1995: Ajax 5-1 Zaragoza (1-1, 4-0)1996: Juventus 9-2 Paris Saint-Germain (6-1, 3-1)1997: Barcelona 3-1 Borussia Dortmund (2-0, 1-1)1998: Chelsea 1-0 Real Madrid1999: Lazio 1-0 Manchester United2000: Galatasaray 2-1 Real Madrid (aet, golden goal)2001: Liverpool 3-2 Bayern München2002: Real Madrid 3-1 Feyenoord2003: AC Milan 1-0 Porto2004: Valencia 2-1 Porto2005: Liverpool 3-1 CSKA Moskva (aet)2006: Sevilla 3-0 Barcelona2007: AC Milan 3-1 Sevilla2008: Zenit 2-1 Manchester United2009: Barcelona 1-0 Shakhtar Donetsk (aet)2010: Atlético de Madrid 2-0 Internazionale2011: Barcelona 2-0 Porto2012: Atlético de Madrid 4-1 Chelsea2013: Bayern München 2-2 Chelsea (aet, 5-4 pens)2014: Real Madrid 2-0 Sevilla2015: Barcelona 5-4 Sevilla (aet)2016: Real Madrid 3-2 Sevilla (aet)2017: Real Madrid 2-1 Manchester United2018: Atlético de Madrid 4-2 Real Madrid (aet)2019: Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea (aet, 5-4 pens)2020: Bayern München 2-1 Sevilla (aet)2021: Chelsea 1-1 Villarreal (aet, 6-5 pens)2022: Real Madrid 2-0 Eintracht Frankfurt2023: Manchester City 1-1 Sevilla (5-4 pens)2024: Real Madrid 2-0 Atalanta More

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    How ex-Man Utd and Arsenal flop Mkhitaryan can make history in Champions League final as Inter Milan take on PSG

    HE bombed without trace at two of the Premier League’s biggest clubs and he was the often-forgotten makeweight in one of most disastrous transfers in the top-flight’s recent history.But at the age of 36, Henrikh Mkhitaryan can make European football history by helping Inter Milan to the Champions League crown against Paris Saint-Germain.Henrikh Mkhitaryan can become the first player to win all three European competitionsCredit: GettyHe already has the Europa and Conference Leagues to his nameCredit: GettyWhen Alexis Sanchez switched from Arsenal to Old Trafford in January 2018 — a move announced by an infamous social-media video of the Chilean tickling the ivories with ‘Glory, Glory Man Utd’ — Mkhitaryan moved the other way.And while Sanchez became one of United’s greatest flops, Mkhitaryan did not fare much better in north London. The Armenian midfield man was Arsene Wenger’s penultimate Arsenal signing — and certainly not among his better ones. Mkhitaryan’s two years at Arsenal were frustrating.And they were perhaps best summed up helping Unai Emery’s Gunners to the 2019 Europa League final against Chelsea in Baku, but he could not get a visa and missed the match because of political tensions between Armenia and host nation Azerbaijan.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet if Inter claim the Champions League – Mkhitaryan will become the first player to play an active role in winning the finals of all three existing European club competitions.He both lifted the Europa League and Conference League under Jose Mourinho — with United in 2017 and Roma in 2022 — even though The Special One ditched him in that Sanchez swap deal.The feeling was Mkhitaryan was too lightweight and passive for the Premier League.And while United fans enjoyed his occasional moments of flair, Mourinho took against him.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSYet at Inter his experience and nous make him a key member of Simone Inzaghi’s side which ­narrowly missed out on the ­Scudetto as well as losing this season’s Italian Cup final.They are desperate to avoid a hat-trick of runners-up medals by winning in Munich.Mkhitaryan said: “I hope experience will count in the final. It’s not just me, I have a lot of experienced team-mates.”He is not kidding. In Serie A, they certainly value a good veteran.Mkhitaryan, his fellow former Man Utd player Matteo Darmian, keeper Yann Sommer and defender Francesco Acerbi were all born in the 1980s, which — terrifyingly — makes them old.But Inter defeated Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich in the quarter- finals before coming through their epic semi-final goalfest with Barcelona — 7-6 on aggregate.And the bookies are struggling to separate them from a far more youthful PSG side.Henrikh Mkhitaryan is one of many experienced Inter playersCredit: AlamyFor Inzaghi — whose Inter side ran Pep Guardiola’s City close as rank underdogs in this fixture two years ago — tonight is likely to prove his swansong after four years at the San Siro. On the eve of the final, he did little to dampen down rumours of an impending, ­money-spinning move to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal.Inzaghi, 49, said: “I will meet the club’s senior management and have a chat next week in a very relaxed manner.“Our decision will have the best interests of Inter at heart.“But it’s hugely exciting before a Champions League final.”The long road to the final began with a 0-0 draw against old foes City in the league stage.Inzaghi added: “We’ve shown a great desire ever since matchday one in the group phase at City and against some top opposition like Bayer ­Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.“Now we are just one step shy. We deserve to be here. “Two years ago we played against Pep’s City — who were the best team in the world at that time — and we possibly deserved more.“We have learned from that and we will use that experience.“PSG are a high-quality team and they have the best ball ­possession statistics in the ­Champions League.“But we have the most possession in Serie A this season.“We must keep the ball and use our hard running, desire and experience if we are to bring home the trophy.”Flanked by captain Lautaro Martinez — a World Cup winner with Argentina — and Italy midfielder Nicolo Barella, Inzaghi said: “I am here with two players who bleed black and blue. They are hugely important players. I have blind faith in both of them.“I am asking them all for concentration and determination — but not obsession because we need cool heads and free minds.“We have Champions League and World Cup winners in the squad and we have learned a lot over our four years together.”Martinez, who has netted nine times in this season’s Champions League, says the players will dedicate the trophy to Inzaghi if they beat PSG.The striker, 27, said: “We’re pretty relaxed about the rumour, we hear them day in and day out about our players and coach.Read More on The Sun“We want to dedicate this trophy to the coach as well as the fans and our families who are with us every day.“Everything we have achieved is down to the hard work, ­sacrifice and humility of the team unit.”Simone Inzaghi says his side have learned from final heartbreak two years agoCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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    in Motorsport

    Fernando Alonso overheard taking sarcastic swipe at old rival Lewis Hamilton after blunder ahead of Spanish Grand Prix

    FERNANDO ALONSO took a sarcastic swipe at Lewis Hamilton in Spanish Grand Prix practice.The Aston Martin star was left raging in Friday’s second practice session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.Fernando Alonso was wound-up after being overtaken by Lewis HamiltonCredit: XThe Aston Martin driver made a sarcastic comment about his rivalCredit: GettyLewis Hamilton was dubbed ‘the hero’ by AlonsoCredit: PAAlonso was ahead of Lance Stroll and Hamilton as they whizzed around the track.The Spaniard and the Brit were both preparing for fast laps as, meanwhile, Stroll was on a fast lap of his own.Alonso saw his team-mate coming and allowed him to pass.Hamilton saw this and used the chance to overtake the 43-year-old without a point this season on the outside.READ MORE IN F1The seven-time world champion’s move angered Alonso and he was heard saying over the team radio: “We have the hero of the day in front of us.”The good thing is that the weekend is very long, even the championship is very long.”Alonso and Hamilton have a long-standing rivalry that dates back to when they were team-mates at McLaren in 2007.Both were involved in confrontations on and off the track, with Alonso opening up about their relationship last year.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe told the DAZN documentary, ‘Fernando. Revealed’: “We were in the same team, the same garage, we travelled together many times, we were in the meetings and we began to notice that there was this friction, there was tension.”There were many things that broke the relationship harmony of that year. One of F1’s most recognisable voices reveals Leclerc and Hamilton moments that will live with him forever”We were young, immature, I was the first, and we had many clashes.”Now there is another type of rivalry, I don’t think we will be friends in the future or that we will ever have… I think we don’t share many things.” More

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    in Soccer

    Jurgen Klopp’s former Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders set for shock move to become Pep Guardiola’s new No2

    JURGEN KLOPP’S former assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders is set to become Pep Guardiola’s new No2 at Manchester City.Lijnders, 42, has been out of work since being sacked as RB Salzburg boss last December.Pepijn Lijnders was axed as RB Salzburg boss last DecemberCredit: AFPLijnders, 42, worked as Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool assistant across several yearsCredit: GettyThe Dutchman had accepted the gig after leaving Liverpool at the same time as pal Klopp.Lijnders had worked as the German’s assistant over two spells across nine years.He coached the Reds for many seasons as they battled with Guardiola’s City for the Prem title.According to The Times, Lijnders is now set to join his former rivals’ coaching staff.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey claim that he will work closely with Guardiola following the exits of a trio of the Spaniard’s backroom team.Juanma Lillo and Inigo Dominguez have both left City, while Carlos Vicens has departed to take charge of Portuguese Europa League outfit SC Braga.Lijnders was considered for the vacant Norwich City head coaching job earlier this month.The Canaries sacked Johannes Hoff Thorup, and opted not to give the gig to caretaker boss Jack Wilshere full time.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKCarlos Vicens is among the coaches to have left Pep Guardiola’s coaching teamCredit: GettyLijnders was interviewed for the position, only for Norwich chiefs to choose Bristol City boss Liam Manning instead.The former Anfield assistant is set to join up with City for next month’s Club World Cup.’I will quit’ – Pep Guardiola gives Man City ultimatum over squad issue that is ‘impossible for my soul’Ex-City centre-back Kolo Toure was also considered for the role.The Ivorian has been working with the club’s Under-18s.Toure, 44, has experience as a first team coach under Brendan Rodgers at Celtic and Leicester.While he was also briefly in charge of Wigan Athletic.Kolo Toure has been working with City’s academyCredit: Alamy More