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    Man Utd set ambitious target for next season after worst Premier League campaign of all time

    MANCHESTER UNITED chiefs have set an ambitious target for next season.The Red Devils are currently enduring their worst ever Premier League campaign and sit 16th with just two matches to go.Man Utd want to finish in the top six next seasonCredit: RexYesterday’s 2-0 home defeat to West Ham was their record-equalling ninth Old Trafford loss this term.And failure to beat Chelsea on Friday night would see Ruben Amorim become the club’s first boss in Prem history to go eight games without a win.United are already guaranteed to finish in their lowest place since relegation from the top-flight in 1974.But despite all of their troubles, chiefs have set a bold target ahead of next season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManchester Evening News report that the aim is to finish in the top six in a year’s time.That is if they win the Europa League and subsequently qualify for the Champions League or not.It is described as an “acceptable” target made by the United’s “power brokers”.It comes after Amorim hinted at quitting should he not turn things around.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe said: “I don’t want to talk about the players. I’m talking about myself and the culture in the club and the culture in the team. I have that feeling.“We need to change that and we need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave.’I lived at the training ground’ – Former Man Utd transfer chief lifts lid on most expensive window in club history”Because we cannot have a season like this next year. If the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different persons.”So it’s a big problem that we have here at the club. It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club. We need to address that.”We are losing the feeling that we are a massive club and the feeling that it’s not the biggest thing in the world losing a game at home.”We don’t have that fear anymore and that is the most dangerous thing that a big club can have.”I think it’s a concern. It’s not the players’ fault. It’s my fault, I’m responsible.”If we cannot change that really fast we should give our place to different persons.Read More on The Sun”If you look at the goals that we suffer, we can avoid these goals. The lack of energy, of urgency. That is the most dangerous things in this club.”You can feel it at the beginning of the game. Between our box and opponent’s box there is a lack of urgency. That is something we have to change in this club.”Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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    Man Utd vs Tottenham Europa League final referee served six-month ban for match-fixing after accepting bribe

    THE REFEREE taking charge of Manchester United’s Europa League final showdown with Tottenham served a six-month ban for match fixing.Felix Zwayer, 43, is the man in the middle of the all-English affair on May 21 as both sides eye season-saving silverware and Champions League qualification.Man Utd’s referee against Spurs previously served a six-month ban for match fixingCredit: GettyThe German is one of Uefa’s top-ranked referees and took charge of England’s semi-final win over the Netherlands at last summer’s Euros.And he took charge of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final second leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes last Wednesday.Zwayer came under-fire from Arsenal fans after handing PSG a penalty for a controversial handball call against Myles Lewis-Skelly.He now faces another major night in Bilbao as Man Utd look to go unbeaten in Europe, despite their embarrassing Premier League form.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut Zwayer, who has overseen more than 700 games and is highly rated by Uefa, has a tainted history.In 2005, he was punished for accepting a bribe from fellow ref Robert Hoyzer.Zwayer was a linesman at the time and took £250 to fix a second division match in Germany.An investigation revealed that Hoyzer had been accepting money from a Croatian gambling syndicate connected to an organised crime group.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHoyzer was banned from football for life while also receiving a prison sentence of two years and five months.As for Zwayer, he was suspended from football for six months before returning to eventually become a Bundesliga ref in 2009.Ruben Amorim vows to QUIT Man Utd if horror slump continues as dejected boss identifies ‘most dangerous thing’ at clubFormer Dortmund star Jude Bellingham called Zwayer out in 2021His bribery scandal has not gone unnoticed though, with Jude Bellingham calling him out after Borussia Dortmund drew with rivals Bayern Munich in 2021.Bellingham was slapped with a £34,000 fine for blasting Zwayer’s chequered past while complaining about a penalty incident.The England star said: “You give a referee, that has match fixed before, the biggest game in Germany. What do you expect?” Zwayer last refereed Man Utd during their 2-2 draw with Sevilla in the Europa League in 2023.The Red Devils are unbeaten in all four games that Zwayer has officiated, which have ended in two wins and two draws.And the last time he called the shots in a Tottenham game was during their 4-2 loss in Barcelona in 2018.Zwayer has been an international ref since 2012 and will officiate his second Uefa final after the 2023 Nations League meeting between Croatia and Spain.Read More on The SunCompatriots Robert Kempter and Christian Dietz have been named as his assistants in Bilbao.Italy’s Maurizio Mariani is the fourth official and Bastian Dankert will serve as VAR. More

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    Real Madrid targeting Tottenham star Cristian Romero in summer transfer to rebuild defence for Xabi Alonso

    REAL MADRID will target Cristian Romero this summer – as they look to build a new back-line.The Spanish giants are set to welcome Trent Alexander-Arnold as one of their marquee signings.Real Madrid are targeting a move for Cristian RomeroCredit: GettyBut SunSport can reveal that Real’s business is far from over.Incoming boss Xabi Alonso is believed to be a huge fan of Romero and thinks he could be the perfect addition to help Real win silverware next season.Reports last year suggested that Madrid made an ambitious move to land Romero last summer but Spurs had no interest in doing business.However, after a miserable season which could see the Lilywhites finish 17th in the Premier League table, they may now have little option but to let Romero go this time around.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpurs know they will find it especially difficult to persuade him to stay if they fail to beat Manchester United in the Europa League final and qualify for the Champions League.Real Madrid’s defence has been highlighted in Spain as one of the main reasons for their failure to win La Liga or the Champions League this season.And although the impending arrival of Alexander-Arnold will excite fans, the club know he alone will not be enough.Question marks also exist around Alexander-Arnold’s defensive skills which has made a centre-back an even bigger priority for the club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBy pairing Romero with the likes of Antonio Rudiger, Los Blancos chiefs believe they could create a strong base from which to go and win the biggest trophies.Alonso also prefers to play with a back three and if he continues with that formation at the Bernabeu it would make signing a new centre-back a priority.Jamie Carragher ‘shocked’ by Alexander-Arnold boos as he admits ‘most Liverpool players want to play for Real Madrid’Losing Romero would be a disaster for Spurs.He’s a hugely popular player among supporters and his absence this season through injury has hit the team hard. More

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    Evangelos Marinakis erupts in tunnel in even more explosive rant after Nottingham Forest owner confronted Nuno on pitch

    RAGING Evangelos Marinakis erupted again in the Nottingham Forest tunnel in an even more shocking repeat of his on-pitch rant.The Nottingham Forest owner confronted boss Nuno Espirito Santo following their 2-2 draw with relegated Leicester on Sunday.Evangelos Marinakis confronted Nuno Espirito Santo on the pitch following Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 draw with Leicester CityCredit: AFPThe pair were seen arguing on the pitchCredit: Sky SportsMarinakis was furious with the handling of Taiwo Awoniyi’s injury, who was cleared to continue after colliding with the post but did not look fit to play.Nuno put the outburst down to Marinakis’ “passion”, though SunSport can reveal his temper flared further in the tunnel at the City Ground.Eyewitnesses saw the Greek businessman lose his rag once more with Nuno, before also venting his frustration at Awoniyi himself and the medical staff.Those who witnessed the incident felt it went far beyond what fans and TV cameras witnessed on the pitch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA win would have moved Forest into the Champions League places once again.The owner is often spotted in the tunnel after victories to celebrate with his players.Marinakis later issued a statement celebrating Forest qualifying for Europe, but also calling out the medical staff for their error.He said: “Everybody – coaching staff, players, supporters and including myself – we were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff’s misjudgement on Taiwo’s ability to continue the game.Most read in FootballMarinakis released a statement following the incidentCredit: AFPCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“This is natural, this is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club. Let’s all be grateful, passionate and keep on dreaming!”Boss Nuno said: “It was disappointing for everyone.”It was too painful for Taiwo to push and help the team and it was a misunderstanding between the coaching staff and the medical department.”It’s because of the owner and his passion that we are growing as a club.”He pushes us and wants us to be better. I have been in football so many years. As a club, we owe a lot to the Marinakis family.”It is not the first time Marinakis, who also owns Olympiakos and Portuguese side Rio Ave, has become the focus at Forest.Last year he was slapped with a five match stadium ban after spitting towards match officials in the tunnel following a 1-0 loss to Fulham.Last month, Marinakis officially relinquished day-to-day control of Forest by placing his shares in a blind trust – a pre-emptive move to avoid any issues should they be in the Champions League alongside Olympiakos next season.Marinakis was fuming with how Taiwo Awoniyi’s injury was handledCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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    Colin Booth dead at 90: Two-time Wolves title winner who scored four in one game vs Arsenal passes away

    FORMER Wolves star Colin Booth has died at the age of 90.The former striker won two Division One titles with the club in the 1950s.Colin Booth has passed awayCredit: AlamyHe won the First Division title twice during his time at WolvesCredit: RexBooth’s death was confirmed by Wolves as the club released a statement.It read: “Colin Booth, who twice won the First Division title with Wolves during the 1950s, has sadly passed away at the age of 90.”The thoughts of all at Wolves are with Colin’s family and friends at this sad time.”While the Wolves Former Players Association also paid its respects.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt posted: “All at Wolves FPA send their sincere condolences to the family and friends of former player Colin Booth, who has passed away at the age of 90.”He started his career at Wolves as an apprentice and went on to score 27 goals in 83 appearances.He famously scored four times against Arsenal in one game during the club’s 1957/58 title-winning campaign.The performance came in a brilliant 5-2 win at the Molineux while he also notched a hat-trick against Portsmouth and Sheffield United.Most read in FootballBooth was also a part of the club that won the title again in 1959.He left Wolves that year and joined Tottenham Hotspur before moving to Nottingham Forest.He had spells at Doncaster Rovers, Oxford United and Cambridge United before retiring at Cheltenham Town.Tributes have been made to the former England U21S star on social media by fans.One posted: “Sad news. Rest in peace, Colin Booth. My condolences to his loved ones.”A second wrote: “Rest easy Colin.”A third commented: “Rest in peace.” More

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    Tony Pulis set for shock new job in Egypt five years since Stoke legend’s last role at Sheff Weds

    STOKE management legend Tony Pulis is poised to swap the Potters for the pyramids by taking charge of Egypt’s biggest club.The Welshman had six Premier League seasons at the bet365 Stadium, plus two as Crystal Palace boss.Tony Pulis could be returning to management with Eygptian club ZamalekCredit: GettyPulis, 67, left his last management job at Sheffield Wednesday in 2020.But he has now reportedly begun talks with Cairo club Zamalek about becoming their director of football.The 14-time national champions and winners of 13 African titles are currently fifth in the Egyptian Premier League.Pulis has flown to Cairo after an invite from ex-Tottenham star Mido, who is a Zamalek board member.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer Zamalek president Mamdouh Abbas hailed the veteran manager’s arrival, acclaiming him as “one of the most prominent coaches in the history of the Premier League.”Abbas wrote on social media: “The purpose of Pulis’ visit is to study Zamalek’s football infrastructure, and to assess the potential for development in line with international standards.”Football is huge in Egypt, with Zamalek playing at the 75,000-capacity Cairo International Stadium.Premier League stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush are national icons in the north African country.Most read in FootballFormer Wigan and Spurs star Mido is a Zamalek board memberCredit: PA:Empics SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPulis has a wealth of management experience since first taking charge of Bournemouth in 1992.He had two spells as Stoke boss, totalling 10 years, where his team built a reputation for a no-nonsense style of play that featured lethal long throws from Rory Delap.He also led Gillingham, Bristol City, Portsmouth, Plymouth, West Brom and Middlesbrough.Tony Pulis’ managerial careerA glimpse at Pulis’ time as a manager…1992-1994 – Bournemouth1995-1999 – Gillingham1999-2000 – Bristol City2000 – Portsmouth2002-2005 – Stoke City2005-2006 – Plymouth Argyle2006-2013 – Stoke City2013-2014 – Crystal Palace2015-2017 – West Brom2017-2019 – Middlesbrough2020 – Sheffield Wednesday More

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    Man Utd and Tottenham are playing for two completely different prizes when they meet in the Europa League final

    RUBEN AMORIM plunged his own Manchester United future into doubt after the latest Old Trafford debacle.The Portuguese manager’s admission that he is struggling to find a solution for his team’s shocking season was a clear sign of the uncertainty at the heart of the club.Ruben Amorim has admitted that he is strugging to turn Man Utd’s fortunes aroundCredit: GettyThe Red Devils must win the Europa League to salvage their seasonCredit: PAThey also have to win the competitions for financial reasonsCredit: GettyBut the bigger question marks will only be resolved in Bilbao next week.A Europa League Final win for United over Spurs will mean far more than just the trophy and a silver sheen to cleanse many of the black clouds of despair.But defeat in the Basque country will have ramifications to last far beyond the summer.For Spurs, ending their 17-year trophy drought will mean everything to the fans who crave silverware more than any financial consideration.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt would also make Ange Postecoglou’s promise that he would win a trophy in his second season into a reality, even if it probably would not be enough to save his job.But for United, in simple terms, it is about cold, hard cash.The reality is that winning the Europa League will ensure a looming black hole is filled.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordMan Utd will face Tottenham in the Europa League finalCredit: GettyIt will also be another trophy added to the five won since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson 12 years ago.Most read in FootballIf United do not triumph in San Mames, the immediate cost will be clear.Casemiro STAYING at Man Utd? Amorim’s Shock U-Turn Explained!A £10m cut in sponsorship revenue, as part of the contract with kit suppliers adidas.No European football at all, meaning they will miss out on around £49m up front through Uefa’s complicated revenue distribution system plus the £20m-plus in gate receipts from the minimum four home games.And if, as now seems likely, they do finish 16th in the Prem table, that will mean £23.8m less in TV-related prize money than for last term’s eighth-placed finish.That all adds up to more than £100m, before the prize money for progress through the Champions League – up to a further potential £95m or so – is taken into account.Man Utd ratings vs West Ham as Ugarte awful and Mainoo invisible in latest horror showMANCHESTER UNITED dropped to 16th in the Premier League after suffering an embarrassing 2-0 defeat to West Ham at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim named a strong team for United’s return to domestic duty, but not even Amad Diallo could save the day.United gave fans a lively start, but reverted back to factory settings after the visitors took the lead inside 27 minutes.West Ham picked off United against the run of play, before former Man Utd star Aaron Wan-Bissaka came back to haunt his old club.The full-back fed a clever ball through to Mohammed Kudus, who thrashed a low cross into the six yard box for Tomas Soucek to tap home.United got caught cold again and were the masters of their own undoing, after Kudus pounced on Manuel Ugarte’s mess up to set up Jarrod Bowen, who doubled West Ham’s lead in the 58th minute.Apart from some bright moments from Amad, this was another awful performance from the home side, as West Ham became the SIXTH team to the double over United this season.The Red Devils haven’t haven’t won a Prem game since their 3-0 win at Leicester on March 16, which incidentally was the last team West Ham beat in February.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated every Man Utd star’s performance at Old Trafford…Less income equals less money to spend.And that at a club where owners Ineos and chief executive Omar Berrada have also confirmed 450 staff job cuts already.What the past nine months have proven, under both Amorim and before him Erik ten Hag, is that this United squad is simply not good enough.But without the extra financial wriggle room offered by a Champions League campaign, transforming that squad is far, far harder – a situation made even more difficult by the decision of the 20 Prem clubs to extend the current Profitability and Sustainability Rules regime by a further 12 months.No Europe means United would not have to meet Uefa’s new threshold of limiting wages and transfer fees to 70 per cent of club income – although qualification would make that an easy hurdle to cross.But the precipitous income drop, combined with a wage bill that hit £479m in 2023-24 and the amount still “owed” on transfer fees for players whom Amorim might wish to lose point to significant PSR issues looming.United need to agree fees of £28m on Andre Onana, £34m on Antony, £38m on Rasmus Hojlund, £29m on Joshua Zirkzee, £33m on Manuel Ugarte and £15m on Casemiro to break even on any of their sales.Fees less than that will be book value “losses” on the PSR balance sheet.And, in truth, it is hard to make arguments that United, as effectively distressed sellers, would be able to realise those sort of bottom line prices for too many of them.By contrast, any fees generated by the departure of Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, Diogo Dalot or even skipper Bruno Fernandes can be lodged at the full price.It means that cold, hard decisions might be required, even the sales of players Amorim and the club might otherwise be aiming to keep at Old Trafford.Read More on The SunAmorim suggested that a win in Bilbao would not solve the issues he and the club face.He is right in that. Yet losing will make them even harder to deal with. That is the scale of the importance of the match. More

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    Liam Delap ‘has preferred club’ out of Man Utd and Chelsea with Ipswich striker set for £30million transfer

    LIAM DELAP reportedly has a “preferred club” out of Manchester United and Chelsea.The Ipswich Town striker is likely to be on the move this summer following his side’s relegation to the Championship.Liam Delap has made his choice between Man Utd and ChelseaCredit: AlamyDelap struck 12 Premier League goals after joining the Tractor Boys from Manchester City for £20million last summer.And it’s reckoned Delap now has a release clause worth £30m, attracting serious interest from several sides.United and Chelsea are thought to be the biggest hitters in the race, with both teams seeking firepower.However, Delap is now said to favour one side over the other.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to talkSPORT, the 22-year-old would prefer to join United.It’s reckoned Delap has no qualms about pulling on the red jersey despite spending five years at rivals City, where he scored once in six appearances.And he would love to return to his previous surroundings in the north west.It remains to be seen if United come forward with a serious offer though.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Red Devils already have Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee on the books, with one needing to leave to accommodate Delap’s arrival.As for Chelsea, they remain confident of pulling off a deal after boss Enzo Maresca managed Delap in City’s youth sides.Liam Delap tipped to snub Man Utd and Chelsea for EVERTON transfer after fans spot gesture following match vs ToffeesIt would also see the hitman link up with Cole Palmer once again.While Romeo Lavia also played alongside Delap at the Etihad.Chelsea boss Maresca has not been shy praising the forward.Speaking ahead of last month’s 2-2 draw between the Blues and Ipswich, he said: “In terms of numbers, he’s doing fantastic. It’s not just in terms of his numbers. The way he plays and fights and is always ‘there’. But he’s an Ipswich player.”He’s an enemy on Sunday because we need to beat them, and then after the game I wish him all the best for the future.” More