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    Man Utd legend and ex-Man City boss Mark Hughes lands shock new job with worst team in English professional football

    MARK HUGHES has been announced as the new manager of Carlisle United.The former Manchester United legend joins with the club currently bottom of League Two. Mark Hughes has been appointed manager of CarlisleCredit: GettyThe ex-Wales boss is tasked with keeping the Cumbrians in the EFLCredit: RexHughes has been out of work since leaving Bradford City in 2023. Carlisle Sporting director Rob Clarkson said: “I’m delighted that Mark has agreed to join Carlisle United. “His experience and stature in the game speaks for itself. He is someone who will instantly command respect from all staff and players and I am really excited to work with him. “The players we have here will suit the way he wants to play and I’m sure our fans will really get behind him and the team in our remaining 18 games.”A two-time Prem winner during his illustrious playing career, Hughes began his coaching journey in 1999.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe took charge of the Welsh national team for five years, before joining Blackburn Rovers in 2004. Hughes has gone on to manage over 500 games in the Premier League.He has enjoyed spells with Rovers, Manchester City, Fulham, QPR, Stoke City and Southampton. The 61-year-old unexpectedly dropped down the divisions in February 2022 to take over at Bradford.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut he was unable to lift the Bantams out of the bottom tier – and lost out to Carlisle in the 2022/23 playoffs. The Cumbrian side are currently 92nd in the football pyramid.Carlisle boss Mike Williamson talks about his teams defeat to Swindon Town They were relegated from League One last season and appointed Mike Williamson to turn around a sinking ship. The club signed 12 players in the January window – but sacked Williamson earlier this week after falling five points adrift at the bottom of the league.Hughes will be partnered at Brunton Park by assistant coach Glyn Hodges.The pair have penned rolling contracts until the summer as Carlisle look to avoid dropping into the National League.Hughes’ first game will be on Saturday as Carlisle take on playoff contenders Grimsby Town. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    ‘Call the season off’ say fans as Man Utd confirm worst-case Lisandro Martinez news with star out potentially until 2026

    MANCHESTER UNITED defender Lisandro Martinez could be out of action until 2026 – and fans are in despair.The Argentine has suffered a serious ACL injury during United’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday, the club have confirmed today.Lisandro Martinez was stretchered off against Crystal Palace on SundayThe defender landed awkwardly while attempting to make a tackle on SarrThe Argentine was seen in floods of tears as the medical team carried him off the turfMan Utd have since confirmed Martinez’s Anterior cruciate ligament injuryThe 27-year-old was stretchered off in the late stages at Old Trafford after injuring his knee.While attempting to win the ball from Ismaila Sarr, Martinez lunged forward before his left knee buckled.He immediately fell to the floor clutching his leg and signalled over to the bench to be substituted.The Argentina international – who scored two important goals last month – then broke down in tears as he was carried off the pitch.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWhile reports suggested an ACL tear on his left knee, fans were hoping for more positive news.But United have since announced the worst-case scenario ahead of Friday’s FA Cup fourth-round home clash against Leicester.The club statement read: “We can confirm that Licha suffered an injury to his cruciate ligament in Sunday’s game against Palace. “Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the appropriate course of treatment and the timescale for his rehabilitation.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Everyone at United wishes Martinez strength for a successful recovery and we will be supporting him every step of the way.”An ACL tear recovery time is generally nine to 10 months, though some players may recover in six months.Manchester United player ratings against Crystal PalaceThe worst-case scenario would see Martinez – who needs surgery – out until next February.It took Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings 473 days to recover from his ACL tear in 2023 before his return this season.While sidelined, the 18-time capped England international suffered from a condition known as muscle atrophy, which is the decrease in the size of muscle tissue due to a lack of physical activity.United fans were left bitterly disappointed after the announcement.One raged on X: “Just call this season off!”A second said: “When you think things can’t get any worse 😪.”A third quizzed: “Why can’t we ever have anything nice?”While another added: “Absolutely gutted about this. Wish Licha a speedy recovery ❤.”One more said: “See ya need year lad 💪.”Martinez has been plagued by injury problems since joining the Red Devils in July 2022.He missed the end of his debut season with a metatarsal fracture before foot, calf and knee problems hampered the 2023-24 campaign.The Red Devils went on to lose 2-0 to Oliver Glasner’s side at the weekend – their 11th defeat of their dismal campaign.READ MORE SUN STORIESMatthijs de Ligt was brought on as Martinez’s replacement but United were undone on their left flank as Daniel Munoz burst through before squaring to Jean-Philippe Mateta to poke home.Mateta scored a brace for the visitors to secure the three points and move about Ruben Amorim’s side to 12th in the Prem.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Man Utd player ratings vs Crystal PalaceMANCHESTER UNITED’S mini-revival under Ruben Amorim came to an abrupt end as Crystal Palace ran out 2-0 winners at Old Trafford.Here’s how the Red Devils stars rated on a disappointing day.Andre Onana – 5Was left vulnerable by a shaky back-line and beaten by Lacroix’s looping header, which came off the crossbar into Mateta’s path.But he couldn’t do much about the second goal.Leny Yoro – 5Came in for De Ligt, who was benched. Was inches away from scoring his first United goal early on.Did well to block Mitchell after a Mazraoui error, but his positioning was a problem later in the game.Harry Maguire – 3Lost his battle with centre forward Mateta, who held the ball up well and got in behind every time, and was left stranded for the Frenchman’s first goal.Hasn’t connected with Yoro. Palace, namely Sarr, opened them both up with ease and should’ve buried some chances through Mateta.Lisandro Martinez – 6Was stretchered off after jarring his knee in the 79th minute.The Argentine has been scoring the goals recently, but blazed a centre-back’s shot over the bar on the brink of half-time.Noussair Mazraoui – 5He was okay in the right wing-back role again but it is obviously not his best position.Struggled with the dual threat of Mitchell and Daichi Kamada down Palace’s left side.Diogo Dalot – 4Awful link-up play with a horrible blind pass inside the Palace box in a promising team position before the break. He’s not a left winger and it’s clear why Patrick Dorgu has been signed.Manuel Ugarte – 6Missing in the middle when Mateta’s stunning 80-yard run. Missed half a chance in the second-half.Bruno Fernandes – 5Restricted. Couldn’t get forward much and was unlucky not to score from his usual 20-yard territory after being denied by Henderson.Was one of three United players booked.Amad Diallo – 6Great individual runs, on and off the ball. Dropped to wing-back after Mainoo came off and was involved in anything good creatively.Alejandro Garnacho – 5Predictable build-up. But worked hard tracking back as one of the two 10s.Was quieter in the second half and struggled to step up when the going got tough.Kobbie Mainoo – 4Huge experiment by Amorim to have Mainoo lead the line, albeit falsely. It didn’t pay off, but it wasn’t all his fault.He didn’t get the service or have the hold up play required to be effective.SUBSHojlund (’70 for Mainoo) – 5Came on for the last 20 minutes and ran around a bit without doing much of note.Zirkzee (’70 for Mazraoui) – 5As above, not a great deal to write home about despite trying to make things happen. More

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    Inside Man Utd star Alejandro Garnacho’s incredible home gym with murals of Cristiano Ronaldo AND Lionel Messi

    ALEJANDRO GARNACHO has been putting in extra work in a bid to stay in Manchester United’s starting XI.The Argentina international returned for the 2024/25 season looking like he’d hit the weights and had eaten all his vegetables over the summer.Alejandro Garnacho has been putting extra work in at his state-of-the-art home gymCredit: INSTAGRAM@GARNACHO7Garnacho’s gym includes a boatload of BLX BOX fitness equipment, including a rack worth nearly £5000Credit: INSTAGRAM@GARNACHO7His gym features an incredible mural of some of the greatest sports stars to have ever livedCredit: INSTAGRAM@GARNACHO7And his bulkier frame has seemingly been forged by extra training sessions in his state-of-the-art home gym.Garnacho has been beefing himself up in an epic personal gym kitted out with BLK BOX equipment.It features a dual adjustable pulley machine with a pull-up bar worth a whopping £4,850 as well as dumbbells galore.Garnacho’s pulley cable machine and rack are red and black, in keeping with the room’s colour theme.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut the incredible bit of kit, which has homage to his stunning overhead kick against Everton in November 2023, isn’t the centre-piece.The gym’s piste-de resistance is its incredible mural of iconic sports stars.Wrapped around the room is a spray-painted tribute to the late Muhammad Ali, basketball legend Michael Jordan and footie legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.Garnacho, however, made sure to include himself in the cool piece of artwork, having an image of himself put between Ronaldo and countryman Messi.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe 20-year-old has also paid homage to himself in his gymCredit: INSTAGRAM@GARNACHO7Garancho’s future at Old Trafford was up in the air shortly after Ruben Amorim’s appointment as manager.He was dropped from the squad along with Marcus Rashford before the Manchester derby last December but has forced his way back into his new manager’s plans.’That is so disrespectful’ says fans as Alejandro Garnacho snaps back in altercation with Man Utd fanAmorim was full of praise for the 20-year-old after United’s Europa League win over Steaua Bucharest last month, saying: “I think he’s not improving under me [because of me].”He changed right away from that game [against] City.”The way he understands things and understands that I just want to help him, I just want to win games.”He changed in everything, the approach when I talk with him, the way he recovers.”He understands sometimes that I’m a different coach, that I’m demanding in my way, sometimes it’s hard the first impact.”It’s a different kind of coach and he understands that it’s never in a bad way.”It’s always for him, but I’m a different person.”I think all the merit is from Garnacho and he is improving.”And we want to continue to improve with Garnacho. “I think he’s improving a lot.”READ MORE SUN STORIESGarnacho has made 36 appearances for Manchester United in all competitions this season, scoring eight goals and providing six assists.The Argentine and his United team-mates will be back in action on Friday night, welcoming Leicester City to Old Trafford for their FA Cup fourth-round clash. More

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    Premier League stadium set for major redevelopment with entire stand DEMOLISHED to increase capacity

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST are set to DEMOLISH an entire stand as part of a major stadium expansion.The new development will see an increased capacity by 10,000 to a total of 40,000 seats.Nottingham Forest are set to demolish an entire stand as part of a major stadium expansionCredit: AFPCapacity at the City Ground is set to increase by 10,000Credit: GettyThe project – part of a multi-million pound investment – will see The Peter Taylor Stand knocked down and made bigger.That particular grandstand is the oldest section of the 127-year-old footie ground.Capacity at the City Ground has gone above the 30,000 mark this season after the opening of a new ‘corner box’.The Reds have added two new hospitality areas made out of modified shipping containers at the corners of the Trent End.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe gaps between the stand, which backs onto the River Trent, and the Brian Clough and Peter Taylor have been filled with 20 private hospitality pods.But the latter will ultimately be torn down and rebuilt amid the growing ticket demand during Forest’s unbelievable Premier League campaign.Alongside Bournemouth, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have been the surprise package of the Prem this year and are pushing for Champions League qualification via a top-four finish. And if successful in their bid to make Europe for the first time in 30 years, the money that comes along with qualifying will come in handy.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAccording to Uefa: “Each of the 36 clubs that qualify for the league phase can expect to receive a league phase allocation of £15.5m.”Although there has been no official announcement of the demolition, the redevelopment has been pencilled in for the summer of 2026.Premier League giants give update on £300m, 60,000-plus-capacity stadium expansion with area turned into building siteForest have already installed a temporary ‘stand ‘corner box’ at the City GroundThe shipping container stand is between the Trent End and Brian Clough StandThe FA is reportedly planning for England to play a friendly against Senegal at the City ground on June 10 – three days after Thomas Tuchel’s side play an away fixture against Andorra as part of their World Cup qualifying programme.Senegal were among England’s opponents in the last World Cup, with goals from Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka sealing a 3-0 win for Southgate’s team to take them into the quarter-finals.Forest fans have urged the club to consider every possibility to remain at the City Ground.Club owner Evangelos Marinakis recently paid for the club’s multi-million-pound training ground renovation.The wider City Ground redevelopment project was given permission by Rushcliffe Borough Council in the summer of 2022.The stadium has been expanded several times, including in 1957, 1965, 1980, 1992–1993, and 1994–1996. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe City Ground hasn’t hosted an England international since 1909, excluding wartime games.Forest’s home was used in Euro 1996, hosting games involving Turkey, Croatia and Portugal.The stadium was opened in 1898Credit: Rex More

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    Man Utd send scouts to watch ‘best player to come out of the Championship since Jude Bellingham’ in huge Derby Day win

    MANCHESTER UNITED sent scouts to run fresh checks on Chris Rigg during Sunderland’s dramatic derby win at Middlesbrough.The Red Devils expressed interest in the young midfielder as early as November 2024 and planned to go for him in the January window.Man Utd sent scouts to watch Chris Rigg during Sunderland’s derby winCredit: GettyThe Black Cats mounted an extraordinary comeback to move fourth in the ChampionshipCredit: RexRigg only signed his first professional contract on Wearside last summer and committed himself to the club until 2027.But United’s interest has not gone away, after Old Trafford talent spotters were sent to watch the wonderkid play again.It is understood that scouts surveyed Rigg’s performance during Sunderland’s last-gasp 3-2 win over Boro on Monday, which was deadline day.A late Ryan Giles own goal saw the Black Cats, who also boast Jobe Bellingham in their ranks, snatch victory and keep themselves right in the race automatic promotion.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWhile Rigg didn’t score or assist and came off after 72 minutes this time around, he provided a stunning finish in the reverse fixture in September.The 17-year-old is regarded as the best player to come out of the Championship since former Birmingham midfielder Jude Bellingham.The teenager, who considers himself a “traditional attacking midfielder”, has impressed for the promotion chasers, bagging four goals and one assist in 28 games.With United balancing delicate PSR issues, Rigg is seen by Ineos as a young player available for a reasonable price with future sell-on potential.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSeveral United stars are out of contract in the summer and Rigg’s estimated market value is in the region of £25million.But the Red Devils are among a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing Rigg, who turns 18 in June.’Leeds fans better than Sunderland’ plus bust ups and bug pranks | Jack Grimmer – What the EFL?!Rigg and Wilson Isidor celebrating Sunderland’s crucial Tees-Wear derby winCredit: GettyLiverpool, Crystal Palace and Chelsea have also watched him play several times this season, while Real Madrid were reportedly admirers.Rigg – who starts as a No 10 – impressed for England under-18s over the summer following his breakthrough campaign.He made 21 appearances last term and has been with the Black Cats since he was at primary school.The Tyneside- born star became the second youngest player in the club’s history while still at school last January, behind Derek Foster.Sunderland have been the surprise package of the Championship season so far under new French manager Regis Le Bris.After enjoying a long spell at the top of the table a few months ago, the club sit fourth and are fighting for promotion to the Prem, after finishing 16th last term.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Red and White army were relegated from the English top-flight in the 2016-2017 campaign and dropped to League One for four seasons in between now and then.Failure to win promotion this season however could lead to Sunderland seeking to cash in on Rigg next summer, when he will have just two years left on his deal.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    ‘I don’t want to talk about that’ – Frank Lampard shuts down question on gesture to Leeds fans after Coventry defeat

    FRANK LAMPARD has refused to comment after reportedly making a gesture towards Leeds fans on Wednesday night. The Coventry boss watched his side fall to a 2-0 home defeat to the Championship leaders.Frank Lampard’s Coventry fell to a first loss in ten games on Wednesday against LeedsCredit: RexLampard refused to comment after the game after reportedly making a gesture towards the away supportCredit: PAFirst-half goals from Joel Piroe and full-back Jayden Bogle gave Leeds a comfortable three points at the Coventry Building Society Arena. It was Coventry’s first defeat in ten matches and just the third since Lampard replaced Mark Robins at the end of November.The ex-Chelsea star has history with Leeds from his time as Derby County boss.Lampard led the Rams to a memorable 4-2 play-off victory at Elland Road in 2019, booking a place at Wembley.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt came among a Spygate controversy between the two sides, with Derby furious that then-Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa had allegedly sent a coach to snoop on their training sessions. Lampard got plenty of stick from the Leeds faithful following Wednesday’s loss, which sent Daniel Farke’s men five points clear of second-place Burnley. The 46-year-old appeared to make a gesture towards the jubilant away end following the final whistle. According to LeedsLive, Lampard cupped his ears to the away end and outstretched his fist.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile some fans on social media believed Lampard had referenced the Derby result with a “4-2 gesture”.When asked about the incident post-match, Lampard shut down the question and replied: “I don’t want to talk about that.”Inside Frank Lampard’s superstitious routine as new Coventry boss’ success could depend on Chelsea legend’s DOGSince leaving Derby in 2019, Lampard has enjoyed two spells with Chelsea and an ill-fated tenure at Everton. The former England midfielder took 18 months away from the game after getting the axe at Goodison Park in January 2023. He has since hit the ground running with the Sky Blues, reigniting their play-off push after a poor start to the season.Wednesday’s defeat ended a run of four-straight wins, which has propelled Coventry into the top half of the table.They currently sit 11th, but are just three points behind West Brom in the final play-off spot.Lampard heaped praise on Leeds after the 2-0 defeat, adding: “They’re a strong team. They’re top of the league for a reason.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Lots of talent, lots of speed, well coached, good team, Premier League experience and I’m really impressed with them. “Sometimes you have to praise a team that comes here and does well. There’s other teams up there but they’re in with a great chance.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Lampard and his Derby staff celebrated wildly after a 4-2 win at Elland Road in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    Laura Woods gives Adam Collard a telling off as they watch Newcastle vs Arsenal and reveal who their baby is supporting

    LAURA WOODS gave boyfriend Adam Collard a telling-off during the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg between Newcastle and Arsenal.Arsenal looked to overturn a 2-0 deficit at St. James’ Park on Wednesday night to reach the final of the tournament.Avid Arsenal fan Laura Woods was taunted by her Newcastle supporting partner Adam CollardCredit: INSTAGRAM@ADAMCOLLARDArsenal were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Newcastle on Wednesday nightCredit: REXBut Mikel Arteta’s troops ended up suffering a 2-0 defeat on the night, losing the tie 4-0 on aggregate.TNT Sports presenter Woods and her former Love Island star partner Collard once again put aside their love for one another for 90 minutes to support the Gunners and the Magpies respectively.During the match, Collard posted a video of himself celebrating as he sat next to Woods – who was holding their newborn son Leo – to his Instagram story.And the brief clip, in which Woods wagged her finger at Collard in response to his taunting, seemingly revealed which team Leo will grow up supporting.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe tiny tot – who was welcomed into the world last month – was wearing a Newcastle babygrow with “Toon Army” emblazoned across it as he lay on a cushion on top of his mum’s legs.Collard revealed to the world that he’ll raise Leo as a Newcastle fan before the first leg of the semi-final.He did so by sharing an adorable snap of him lying down in a baby grow which had “mini magpie” written on it.Woods, an avid Arsenal fan, was far from happy.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe couple’s newborn baby will seemingly be raised a Newcastle fanCredit: INSTAGRAM@ADAMCOLLARDLaura Wood and Adam Collard started dating in October 2023Credit: Insagram / @adamcollardThe couple have been the picture of happiness ever sinceCredit: InstagramShe reshared Collard’s story to her own and jokingly wrote “fuming” at the bottom of the photo.Gunners boss Arteta was similarly fuming at his troops’ exit from the competition.Arsenal vs NewcastleThe Spaniard said: “We had so many expectations to believe that we could turn it around.”We didn’t generate momentum, especially in the first half, the game started in the first action almost with them scoring and then the goal being denied.”Then we had the moment, two big moments, with Martin [Odegaard].”We didn’t capitalise and in the next action, they scored the goal and, obviously, the game shifted and then you need to stay cool to score a goal as early as possible.”We didn’t manage to do that in the first half, had another big chance, and then in the second half, we started to struggle as the game went by.”We didn’t generate enough situations in the final third and the game started to get away from us.”ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS: Saliba will be having nightmares about Isak as Lewis-Skelly is only Gunners star to show upARSENAL were humbled by Newcastle at St James’ Park as the Magpies beat them 2-0 to secure a spot in the League Cup final.The North Londoners knew they needed to take an early advantage if they were to overturn the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates.But Jacob Murphy was on hand to put the Magpies a goal ahead after Alexander Isak’s shot rebounded off of the post and out to him.Shortly after the break, Anthony Gordon doubled the lead to all but confirm a second League Cup final in three years for Eddie Howe.Here’s how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the Gunners.David Raya – 5Stitched Declan Rice right up for the second goal.And that absolutely killed this as a contest for his side.Jurrien Timber – 6Tried to get forward and support the attack early but soon found himself dropping deeper to avoid being caught on the counter.Tough night for the Dutchman up against Gordon in front of the red-hot home crowd.William Saliba – 4Let frustration get the better of him when he got himself booked for grabbing Anthony Gordon’s shirt.And the winger almost embarrassed him again at the start of the second period when he caught the defender sleeping, nicked the ball from him, but could only shoot wide.The usually assured star will be having nightmares of Gordon and Isak.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Another who struggled to contain Toon’s two pacey attacking threats but did fair slightly better than his usually formidable partner.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Another assured performance from the full-back in a raucous atmosphere.Could not be faulted for any of the goals and showed flashes off his potential despite the humbling.Martin Odegaard – 6Everything Arsenal did try came through the skipper.Although he loses a mark as things could have been a very different story if he had finished his first half effort had hit the inside rather than outside of the post.Thomas Partey – 6Plenty of running about but very little to show or product for his efforts.Declan Rice – 6Looked to take a knock late in the first half and continued to struggle on after the restart.Was hung out to dry by his goalie for the second goal and he did keep pushing until the very end.But it was a disappointing night for the England star and his partner Partey as they came up short against Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.Gabriel Martinelli – 5Struggled to get past big Dan Burn during his brief time on the pitch.And his night was brought to an abrupt end when he limped off before the break.Kai Havertz – 4Outmuscled, outbattled and outthought but Svan Botman and Fabian Schar.Produced zilch on an evening when he and his team-mates lacked creativity and ideas.Leandro Trossard – 5Many will have been fancying him to cause some problems for the 34-year-old Kieran Trippier but the veteran had him in his pocket all night.Arteta had seen enough by the hour mark and opted to let Raheem Sterling have a go instead.Subs usedEthan Nwaneri (37 mins for Martinelli) – 6Desperately tried to inject some pace and threat into the faltering Arsenal attack but the task proved too much for the young Gunn.He should have plenty more big occasions to look forward to though in his career.Mikel Merino (70 mins for Odegaard) – 5The game was already done and dusted when he entered the fray for battle.Some nice touches, but like those before him, he couldn’t produce anything for the visitors.Raheem Sterling (61 mins for Trossard) – 4Got half an hour to try and get at Trippier but, just like Trossard before him, he was not given an ounce of joy.Riccardo Calafiori (78 mins for Timber) – 4Was brought on simply to get some minutes in his legs.Jorginho (78 mins for Partey) – 4See above. Little chance to make an impact with the game well and truly over. More

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    Former Premier League club planning to build TUNNEL under city to get fans to new £3billion stadium

    BIRMINGHAM CITY chairman Tom Wagner has announced plans to build a TUNNEL under the city to help fans get to a proposed £3BILLION stadium complex.Wagner, who acquired a hefty stake in Birmingham City back in 2023, has claimed it’s part of his “dream” to revitalise East Birmingham with a new complex and stadium in the future.Birmingham City chairman Tom Wagner wants to build a tunnel under the cityCredit: RexThe tunnel would help get fans to Birmingham’s proposed new stadium complexCredit: TwitterThe ambitious plans would mean the 1.5-mile tunnel could bring supporters to Birmingham’s planned Sports QuarterCredit: TwitterThe League One club have already acquired 60 acres of land in the east side of Birmingham with plans to build an incredible Sports Quarter, containing a state-of-the-art stadium, new training facilities and more.While Wagner has called on the government to support his plans for the city.The US hedge fund exec is part of the Knightshead Capital Management group that owns the Blues alongside NFL legend Tom Brady.Now Wagner and Knightshead are looking to build a 1.5-mile long tunnel to transport fans from Birmingham New Street station to the planned new stadium in Bordesley Green.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWagner told a meeting: “Subways are very expensive and complicated to develop.”We thought of an idea to simply tunnel under the existing rail lines and connect New Street station to the sports quarter and use electric buses running underground.”It could transport thousands of people an hour. We think it would cost roughly £20m.”Wagner also told that he would prefer to extend the city’s existing tram network, but is hoping that his tunnel idea is given proper consideration.Most read in FootballWagner is joined by NFL legend Tom Brady at the Knightshead Capital ManagementCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe also claimed that “local and regional authorities are in favour” of the proposal, but still needs to get the government on side to provide the necessary funding for the project.Adding: “I’m the ‘crazy American’ talking about this, but we need more local voices with the right accent talking about why this is a good idea. Tom Brady in hilarious reaction after getting X-rated welcome from Wrexham fans for Birmingham clash”The funds are there nationally, and it’s a tiny percentage of those funds that we’re asking for.”Birmingham are hoping to return to their peak once again under the guidance of Wagner with the Blues now out of the Premier League for almost 15 years.But it’s not just success on the pitch that Wagner and his team are looking for, but growth as a brand and as a club in general too.Their proposed Sports Quarter is their most ambitious project, a project Wagner has claimed he wants to see completed in five years time.The focal point of the development would be a 62,000 capacity stadium that has been likened to a “spaceship” by Wagner himself.Alongside the huge new ground, which would dwarf St Andrews’ current 29,409 capacity, would be office spaces, social hubs and restaurants for the surrounding community.While a hotel and a new fan park are also expected to be part of the ambitious plans.Birmingham are currently top of League One after being relegated from the Championship last season.Wagner and Knightshead haven’t just been investing in the club’s infrastructure, but also the squad.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Blues smashed the record fee for a League One transfer when they spent £15m with £5m in potential add-ons on Fulham striker Jay Stansfield in the summer.Prior to that deal, the League One record transfer stood at just £3.4m for Will Grigg’s 2022 move from Wigan to Sunderland.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.The club are planning to build a new stadium as part of the complexWagner likened the possible design of the stadium to a ‘spaceship’Fans have been given a glimpse of what the food and drink options could look like in the new stadiumSupporters will have plenty of choices when it comes to having a drinkThe project is expected to create 3,000 jobs for the area More