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    ‘Not to be horrible’ – Bale sends message to Man Utd fans and reveals Sir Alex Ferguson problem after failed transfer

    GARETH BALE sent a message to Manchester United fans as he opened up over his failed transfer.The Wales icon, 35, became one of the game’s top stars during a six-year stint at Spurs.Gareth Bale has sent a message to Man Utd fans over his failed transferCredit: AFPBale has lifted the lid on the impact of Sir Alex Ferguson in his transferCredit: AlamyBale’s stunning final season form, which saw him net 26 goals while being crowned Player of the Year, secured a then-record £89million move to Real Madrid in 2013.And he saw his trophy cabinet finally fill up with three LaLiga titles and FIVE Champions Leagues in eight campaigns.But things could have gone differently had Bale ended up at Manchester United instead.The forward was first linked with a Red Devils switch in 2007 when he was still at Southampton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBale ended up moving to Tottenham instead, and once again was linked with United when he departed for Real in 2013.Now, the ace has opened up on why he never moved to Old Trafford.Speaking ahead of United’s Europa League final against former club Tottenham, Bale explained that Sir Alex Ferguson’s exit played a big role in his decision to join Real instead.And he has no regrets, telling talkSPORT: “It was a couple of times I was close to joining but it never quite materialised.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford“I think the closest was when I actually joined Madrid. It was between United and Real, and at the time Fergie had left, so it didn’t quite have that aura.“I think the team was ageing a little bit so I felt like I’d always had my heart set on Madrid anyway.Man Utd & Spurs supporters party all day in Bilbao’s fan zones ahead of Europa League finalMAN UTD VS TOTTENHAM – EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL LIVELatest betting odds, offers and predictions “I feel like I made the right decision in the end, not to be horrible to Man Utd fans, I feel I made the right choice.Bale, who retired in January 2023 after a stint with MLS side LAFC, added: “I think it would have definitely been a bigger factor (if Fergie had stayed). “Having such a legendary manager, somebody with that kind of pedigree who you kind of trust with your career.”It definitely would have made the decision a lot harder but ultimately he wasn’t (staying), so it was more of a simple decision for me.”Bale was crowned Player of the Year during his final season at SpursCredit: GettyHe went on to win FIVE Champions Leagues at Real MadridCredit: AP More

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    Tottenham’s Europa League parade plans revealed just hours before Man Utd spectacle

    TOTTENHAM have informed local residents of their plans to host a Europa League trophy parade should they get the better of Manchester United tonight.Spurs take on United in an all-English final in Bilbao as both teams look to save their dismal domestic campaigns with European glory.Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham have revealed plans for a trophy parade should they win the Europa LeagueCredit: GettySon Heung-Min and his Spurs teammates takes on Man Utd in Bilbao for the Europa League finalCredit: GettyMAN UTD VS TOTTENHAM – EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL LIVELatest betting odds, offers and predictions For Tottenham, a victory would be their first trophy in over 17 YEARS – an achievement worth celebrating.And it appears plans are already in place for a party after local residents were informed by the club of a planned trophy parade on Friday.Locals have received letter that read: “Dear Neighbour, we hope this finds you well.”As you may be aware, Tottenham Hotspur will face Manchester United in the Uefa Europa League final in Bilbao on Wednesday 21st May. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We should like to make residents, schools and businesses aware that, if we are successful and bring the trophy home to Tottenham, our first team squad will take part in an open-top bus victory parade through the local area on Friday 23rd May, as is customary.”The letter then goes on to reveal exactly what route the parade will take. Adding: “Should the historic celebratory event go ahead, residents, please take note of the following information:”The parade will begin at Edmonton Green at 3pm and proceed south down Fore Street and the High Road past the stadium.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Before turning left at Lansdowne Road, along Willoughby Lane and Northumberland Park, finishing at approximately 4.30pm.”Our players will present the trophy to crowds gathered from a staging area outside the Stadium on the High Road at approximately 5pm.”Man Utd & Spurs supporters party all day in Bilbao’s fan zones ahead of Europa League finalTottenham will be hoping their pre-emptive planning won’t be in vain as they look to beat Man Utd for a fourth time this season.Despite a better head-to-head record than their opponents, Spurs are sat 17th in the Premier League table having lost 21 league games this season.United are just one point ahead of them, losing 18 of their Prem games this term.However, domestic form counts for nothing in a European final as Spurs look to put an end to their trophy drought and the Red Devils try and secure a lucrative return to the Champions League to ease their financial woes.Man Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: LIVE BLOG for Bilbao clash More

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    Why is Lisandro Martinez not playing in the Man Utd vs Tottenham Europa League final?

    MANCHESTER United’s Lisandro Martinez will miss tonight’s Europa League final against Tottenham.The Red Devils are heading for their worst ever points tally in the Prem, with all hopes for salvaging the season hanging on winning Europe’s second-biggest club cup.Lisandro Martinez was stretchered off against Crystal Palace in FebruaryWhy is Lisandro Martinez not playing in Europa League final?Lisandro Martinez has been recovering from a long-term injury and will not be fit for the final.He has been absent since the start of February 2025, when he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the Red Devils’ 2-0 defeat to FA Cup winner Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.While he underwent successful surgery soon afterwards and is well underway with his recovery, he will not feature again this season.Man Utd haven’t put a specific timeframe on how long he is expected to be out for, but ACL injuries usually take around six months to fully recover from.read more on man uThe Argentine will likely return at the start of next season.How to watch Man Utd vs Tottenham FREETNT Sports has made this season’s Europa League final available to watch for FREE through its Discovery Plus app/website.This will also be the case for the two other mouthwatering Uefa finals as TNT are repeating last season’s model.It means the all-Prem Europa showdown between Manchester United and Tottenham, Chelsea’s Conference League climax with Real Betis and Inter’s Champions League final against PSG can all be watched without a TNT Sports subscription.Most read in Europa LeagueTNT Sports subscription holders won’t have to pay a penny more either as all three games are part of their deal. More

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    ‘Lack of consistency has blown my mind’ – Fans stunned at glaring Liverpool gaffe on Premier League trophy

    STUNNED eagle-eyed football fans were left baffled at an apparent gaffe on the Premier League trophy.Liverpool will get their hands on the famous piece of silverware on Sunday afternoon.The Premier League trophy has been updated for 2024-25Credit: GettyThe silverware was engraved with ‘Liverpool F.C.’Credit: GettyThe new addition caused controversy onlineCredit: GettyVirgil van Dijk looks set to lift the trophy at Anfield following the Reds’ clash with Crystal Palace.It is the second time Liverpool have won the Premier League since its inception in 1992.Their previous title came in the Covid-hit 2019-20 season as Jordan Henderson was forced to lead the celebrations in an empty stadium. But now the engraving has been done for the 2024-25 season with Liverpool crowned champions again.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, supporters immediately spotted a strange quirk when the Premier League tweeted a photo of the base of the trophy. In 2019-20, the winners’ name is etched into the silver as “Liverpool”.But in 2024-25, it is “Liverpool F.C.”.At first it was unclear whether the image the Premier League tweeted was an AI-generated picture or not – especially as the two fonts and spacing from 2019-20 and 2024-25 appear to be ever so slightly different.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, a series of photographs were released on Wednesday seemingly of the trophy engraving taking place at jewellers Asprey London.And SunSport understands the engraver did add “F.C.” to the 2019-20 “Liverpool” after doing the 2024-25 version. Confusingly, various photos from previous years appear to show both “Liverpool” and “Liverpool FC” on the base of the trophy.And in yet another video from 2020, Liverpool’s name is at the bottom of a column, rather than top – although there may be multiple replicas.Either way, fans flooded social media with comments about the strange disparity.One said: “The lack of consistency in ‘Liverpool’ and ‘Liverpool FC’ has blown my mind here.”Another wrote: “Can you put ‘FC’ next to the 2019/20 winners to match 2024/25, as that’s doing my OCD no favours lads.”A third added: “Get him to add the FC up there too.”Read More on The SunA fourth commented: “Congratulations to Liverpool and Liverpool F.C. on their respective wins.”And a final user replied: “Why FC on that one but no FC on 2019/20? It’s doing my head in.”Jordan Henderson lifted the trophy in an empty Anfield in 2020Credit: GettyOne photo shows the 2019-20 winners as ‘Liverpool F.C.’Credit: GettyThis version of the trophy shows ‘Liverpool’Credit: Getty More

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    Premier League target Florian Wirtz went viral for Cole Palmer ‘chippy chips’ moment by revealing bizarre favourite food

    FLORIAN WIRTZ’S future is in the melting pot – as Liverpool hover for the Bayer Leverkusen attacker.But the German is already rivalling one Premier League icon in a tasty manner he never expected.Florian Wirtz sprung to online fame with his verdict on spudsCredit: GettyChelsea’s Cole Palmer became a viral hit for a similar reasonCredit: GettyWirtz and Cole Palmer both went viral over their eating habits.And despite their silky skills on the pitch, it’s the way the two exciting talents kept it simple online that caught the eye.Chelsea hero Palmer sent his appeal with fans soaring after a quirky “chippy chips” line when revealing his favourite post-match meals.And Wirtz, 22, arguably surpassed that with his studious efforts while listing his top-ten foods.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Bayern Munich target outlined his preferences with the confidence of a food critic.But like Palmer, it was one stunning assessment in particular that earned him TikTok fame.Wirtz said: “Normal potatoes… I would say are No1.”That succinct statement contrasted with Palmer’s more detailed analysis when the England playmaker listed his faves to the BBC.Most read in FootballWirtz likes to keep it simple with his eatingBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe 23-year-old said: “Salt and pepper chicken, rice, not salt and pepper chips. Too much that.”You know chippy chips? They have to be them chips, or you don’t get them. Curry sauce, noodles.” Chelsea star Cole Palmer admits he threw up in the pool on holiday and got his hand stuck in a Pringles tubePalmer topped it all off with a satisfied nod to his interviewer.And he later posted a photo of his Panenka penalty against Tottenham last December with the caption “Chippy chips”.But Wirtz’s puff piece for potatoes eclipsed Palmer’s hip chip clip.The video became one of Germany’s biggest memes, as fans covered his face in potato images, while it was also used on summer dance tracks.  However, Wirtz is far from amused – even if some supporters might think his reaction suggests he’s got a skin thinner than a potato’s.He told Kicker: “I don’t find it entertaining that I have become one of Germany’s biggest meme. “Especially those who know me – and myself – don’t understand why that blew up.”However, Wirtz did add: “People made fun of the way I said it but it’s not a bad thing.”I don’t regret saying plain potatoes are my favorite. But it gets to a point where it’s not funny any more.”  Read More on The SunIt comes as Manchester City decided the reported cost of signing Wirtz was also not a laughing matter.The 29-cap star could fetch a package of around £252milion in transfer fee and salary. More

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    Roy Keane launches passionate rant about why he hates BARBECUES in long list of things Man Utd legend can’t stand

    ROY KEANE has added BARBECUES to his list of pet hates after launching into a passionate rant.The Manchester United legend let rip at the idea of grilling outside on the latest episode of the Overlap.Roy Keane has launched in a huge rant against barbecuesKeane famously dislikes many popular things, ranging from prawn sandwiches and ABBA to players swapping shirts.But the latest item to end up in his crosshairs is barbecue.With Brits enjoying good weather throughout spring, many have been turning to an al fresco-way of dining.From sizzling sausages to chargrilled chicken and burnt burgers, everyone loves barbecue smells.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEven Keane’s beloved United are getting into the habit, with the club forgoing a traditional trophy parade in favour of a barbecue at Carrington if they beat Spurs in tonight’s Europa League final.However, Keane showed he was not having any of it as he took aim at BBQs – leaving fellow stars Ian Wright, Jill Scott, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher in stitches.Keane raged on the Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet: “Barbecues are overrated though, aren’t they? ******* barbecues!“They’re the worst ever, honestly. Smoke everywhere, honestly, barbecues…Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“Queuing up for food that’s been there 20 minutes, buns and ****, forget it.“Worst ever. I like a burger but not a barbecue.”Man Utd & Spurs supporters party all day in Bilbao’s fan zones ahead of Europa League finalMAN UTD VS TOTTENHAM – EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL LIVELatest betting odds, offers and predictions Turning to Ian Wright, Keane then quipped: “Are Arsenal having a parade for finishing second?”Fans found Keane’s comments hilarious as they reacted on social media.One said: “Roy makes this show.”Another declared: “Nothing better than a good BBQ!”One noted: “Wise up Roy.”Another added: “100% correct.” More

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    Will the winner of the Europa League qualify for the Champions League next season?

    THE Europa League final will see TWO English sides battle it out for a European trophy.Manchester United will take on Tottenham in Bilbao, after knocking Athletic Club out of the competition.Man Utd currently sit in the bottom half of the Premier League tableCredit: GettyTottenham are also lingering in the Premier League’s bottom halfCredit: GettyThe final offers Ruben Amorim and Ange Postecoglou a chance to take a positive from a negative season for both clubs.United and Spurs are currently both sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League table, but could end the season with a trophy. Amorim’s side are looking to bring home a first Europa League trophy since 2017, while Postecoglou looks to win Spurs a trophy for the first time since 2008.SunSport can confirm whether or not the winner of the Europa League will qualify for the Champions League.Read more Europa LeagueMAN UTD VS TOTTENHAM – EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL LIVELatest betting odds, offers and predictions Will the Europa League winner qualify for the Champions League?Yes, the winner of the Europa League will qualify for the Champions League.This will give Tottenham or Man Utd the chance to play with Europe’s elite next season, despite the fact they have both finished in the bottom half of the Premier League.Champions League qualification is worth an estimated £100million, which will heavily impact the winning club’s power to spend this summer.When is the Europa League final 2025?The 2025 Europa League final will take place on Wednesday, May 21.Kick off will be at 8pm BST.Estadio de San Mames stadium – the home of Athletic Bilbao will host the thrilling final.Most read in Europa LeagueWhat TV channel will the Europa League final 2025 be on and can it be live streamed?The 2025 Europa League final will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1.Last year, the Europa League final was available to live stream for FREE via the discovery+ app/website.And it will be the same for this season’s mouthwatering showpiece match.SunSport’s live blog will bring you minute-by-minute coverage of the Europa League final. More

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    England fans face paying THOUSANDS per World Cup 2026 match as Fifa consider controversial Oasis-style ticketing system

    ENGLAND fans heading to next summer’s World Cup could be fleeced for THOUSANDS per match under Fifa plans to use a “dynamic pricing” strategy.Average costs of around £305 per match had previously been reported.Fifa are set to use dynamic ticket pricing at the World CupCredit: APPrices could sky-rocket for the biggest games like the final at the MetLife StadiumCredit: GettyBut now Fifa chiefs are looking at the same demand-based pricing arrangements that saw this summer’s Oasis reunion concerts plunged into controversy.And that could see ticket prices for the biggest games sky-rocketing with supply not being able to keep up with demand despite stadiums having capacities of 70,000-plus.A similar system being used in this summer’s Club World Cup – which includes Chelsea and Manchester City – saw prices fall to as low as £29 for games in the group stage.But that is unlikely to be the situation at the World Cup, despite the expansion to a 48-team tournament which will see a record 104 games played.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Fifa model will NOT apply to fans supporting the three host countries – the USA, Canada and Mexico.But visiting supporters will be exposed to the system, which could see top price tickets for knockout games going for £5,000 or more.Official fan groups supplied with tickets by their home associations are also likely to pay a lower price, although allocations are unlikely to exceed 6,000 for any matches.The measure, if confirmed, is likely to see Fifa accused of exploiting supporters and seeking to maximise their own income.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSUnlike previous World Cups, which have been overseen by a Fifa-delegated local organising committee, 2026 will be run by the Zurich-based body.The greater the revenue from the estimated 6.5m tickets available, the more Fifa will make from the tournament.Fifa confirm 12 stadiums for new-look Club World Cup including TWO £1.2BILLION NFL grounds and 88,500-seat Olympic venueFifa’s argument is that dynamic pricing is a standard practice for major events in the USA – although that is not the case in the other co-host nations.The successful three-country bid, which won the right in 2018 to stage next year’s World Cup, suggested that a projected £1.35bn in ticket sales would be a “conservative” estimate.That appears to be an understatement, although a Fifa spokesman declined to confirm the plans.The spokesman said: “Ticket sales for the Fifa World Cup 2026 are expected to begin in Q3 of 2025 via the Fifa website. Further details will follow in due course.”Fifa are projected to make £1.35bn in ticket salesCredit: AFP More