Philippa Kaur

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    Transfer deadline given shock new time as Premier League and EFL strike landmark agreement

    THE summer transfer window will close four hours earlier than usual.But fears that Prem clubs could be exposed to losing players after incoming business ends appear to have been eased.Dominic Solanke joined Tottenham on deadline day last yearCredit: RexRaheem Sterling was a very late loan addition for ArsenalCredit: GettyPrem and EFL chiefs, with the agreement of clubs in both leagues, have agreed that signings or paperwork will have to be lodged by 7pm on September 1.Clubs who send a notice to register players will still have two hours to complete any deals between English clubs and allow them to play for their new sides.For signing from overseas, there will be an additional two hours to complete all the paperwork.The move from the 11pm closure is viewed as a way of preventing club staff and administrators having to burn the midnight oil well into the early hours when late-agreed deals are pushed through.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSome clubs voiced concerns that it could leave them open to the risk of losing players to major European clubs in the time frame between the English window shutting and the closure of the markets elsewhere.But it is understood that discussion about “harmonisation” across major leagues has been productive.The European Leagues umbrella group, which represents the majority of domestic competitions throughout the continent, is keen to get alignment.European Leagues would ideally see the markets close BEFORE the start of the season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAlthough it is accepted that such an agreement, while preferable in the future,  is not feasible at this stage.Another argument in favour of the early closure is that Fifa have already allowed the window to open early.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersThere is a 10-day transfer opportunity between June 1 and June 10 ahead of this summer’s Club World Cup.The formal window will then close again until it reopens on June 16, shutting on September 1, while the winter window will run from January 1 to February 2. More

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    Amorim and Ratcliffe’s reputations have been minced by a rotten, stinking Man Utd – who’d blame them for walking away

    THEY brought in the second-richest man in Great Britain and the hottest young coach in Europe.And yet, as the fans mourned the 20th anniversary of the Glazer family’s takeover yesterday, Manchester United are worse than ever.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has endured a nightmare first 16 months at Man UtdCredit: PARuben Amorim looks like a broken man at Old TraffordCredit: GettyAnd United fans are at the end of their tether with it allCredit: GettyIt is easy to forget, after Ruben Amorim laid bare United’s desolate  soul in his latest brutally honest press conference, what a coup it had been to land him in the first place.How Amorim had been hailed as a cross between a young Jose Mourinho and Jesus Christ, when he oversaw a 4-1 Champions League demolition of Manchester City in his final home match  in charge of Sporting Lisbon just six months ago.Sporting boasted a 100 per cent record in the Portuguese league and Amorim was a charismatic tactical mastermind who was going to transform Old Trafford.And what a game-changer it was supposed to have been when Sir Jim Ratcliffe took control of United’s footballing operation just 16 months ago.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThis ruthlessly brilliant businessman, this local-boy-made-good, was going to lead the Red Devils back to the place he once held in the Forbes Rich List.Now Ratcliffe’s ruthlessness is regarded as hateful penny-pinching, that business acumen has not translated into football  — and United are two places above the  relegation zone.This rotten, stinking football club minces the reputations of the best of men. As Amorim seems to have realised, according to his extraordinary round of media interviews in the wake of Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat by West Ham.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordWords which left you seriously wondering whether Amorim wants out this summer.The 40-year-old offered up the idea that if United could not change things “really fast, we should give our places to different people”.Ruben Amorim vows to QUIT Man Utd if horror slump continues as dejected boss identifies ‘most dangerous thing’ at clubAfter all, the trend is clear: leave United and start enjoying football again.Aaron Wan-Bissaka, instrumental in both Hammers goals, has been voted West Ham’s player of the season by a landslide and is just one of many players to have left Old Trafford and thrived.Scott McTominay is a key figure in table-topping Napoli’s bid for the Serie A title, Antony has inspired Real Betis to the Conference League final and Dean Henderson is heading for an FA Cup final with Crystal Palace.You can list a composite starting XI of players who left United, either permanently or on loan, in the last two years — all of them considered either dead wood or wrong ’uns — which would probably beat Amorim’s team on current form.The group includes: Henderson (Crystal Palace); Wan-Bissaka (West Ham), Willy Kambwala and Eric Bailly (both Villarreal), Tyrell Malacia (PSV Eindhoven); McFred (Napoli and Fenerbahce); Antony (Real Betis), Mason Greenwood  (Marseille), Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa), Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest).United have become a vast footballer recycling centre which buys good players and makes them bad, before selling bad players who become good again.Aaron Wan-Bissaka was instrumental in both West Ham goals on SundayCredit: GettyLike Ralf Rangnick and Erik ten Hag before him, Amorim has identified a kind of concrete cancer at United which feels incurable once you have been inside the place for any length of time.Win next week’s ‘Hell Clasico’ Europa League final against Tottenham in Bilbao and Amorim will have something to build upon.Champions League qualification would significantly increase the budget, as well as the desirability of moving to United this summer.Lose it and Ratcliffe is in the same ­position as last summer — wondering whether to back a manager who is failing badly in the Premier League.Having erroneously handed Ten Hag a new deal and a hefty transfer kitty last year, would he dare do the same again?Amorim is bright enough to realise this predicament, describing it as “a decisive moment in the history of the club.”Like all good managers, he had the ego to believe he could turn around United.Once inside, however, he realised the full scale of that task was beyond him. Perhaps beyond anyone.Man Utd suffered their 17th Prem defeat of the season on SundayCredit: PAAnd Amorim hinted that he’s prepared to QUIT if he can’t turn things aroundCredit: ReutersUnder the ruinous Glazers, so many things have been wrong at United for so long that nobody even knows where to start when it comes to putting things right.Dan Ashworth, one of the finest sporting directors in the game, was in and out of Old Trafford within months. Amorim may well follow suit.Amorim was correct to suggest that United’s players have been turning it on for Europa League matches on Thursday nights and tossing it off in the Premier League on Sundays.He was also bang-on when he identified that United players are no longer scared of losing and that not possessing “that fear” is “the most dangerous thing a big club can have”.What does the idea of ‘bigness’ actually mean when home defeats in the Premier League have become so routine that everyone knows they can beat you?Since the start of last season, United have lost domestic matches at Old Trafford to Brighton, Crystal Palace (twice), Manchester City, Newcastle (twice), Bournemouth (twice), Fulham (twice), Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, Wolves and West Ham.When Aston Villa win at Old Trafford on Sunday week it will mean that, of the 16 clubs United have faced in the Premier League both this season and last, only Chelsea, Everton and Brentford won’t have won at Old Trafford.And only Everton will have failed to beat United either home or away.United have been consistently terrible in the Premier League for two years now.Read More on The SunShould they fail to win the Europa League and should any one of the promoted clubs show any serious ambition, United will be genuine relegation candidates next term.So we should not blame Amorim if he doesn’t fancy being around to oversee it.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… More

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    Man Utd to hold BARBECUE rather than bus parade if Ruben Amorim’s flops beat Tottenham in Europa League final

    MANCHESTER UNITED will swap a bus-top parade for a barbecue if they beat Tottenham in the Europa League final.The Red Devils already face being grilled after a dire season in the Premier League.Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd would struggle to squeeze in celebrationsCredit: GettyMason Mount and Co were jubilant after beating Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate to set up a Europa League final with TottenhamCredit: PAHarry Maguire and his team-mates could become Man Chew-nitedCredit: GettyBut they are still preparing to have a sizzling finale in one sense – by ditching lavish open-top bus celebrations in favour of a modest meal at their Carrington training ground, should they triumph on May 21.Ruben Amorim’s men are fifth bottom in the Prem, one place above Spurs, ahead of a Bilbao battle between the top-flight’s two most under-achieving squads.Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou might be more used to barbies – given he’s from Down Under.But United chiefs – or chefs – are reportedly planning a BBQ for one of the most low-key ways a footballing giant has ever marked winning silverware.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL However, it’s partly due to the club’s incredibly hectic end to the month.After next Wednesday’s final, the Red Devils finish their Prem campaign at home to Aston Villa on Sunday week.Then comes a gruelling 15-hour flight to Asia for money-spinning tour games in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong on May 28 and 30.And if United do get the opportunity to rejoice in Europa League glory, the BBQ could be even less glamorous than it sounds – as major building work is taking place at Carrington.Most read in Europa LeagueUnited and Spurs will fight it out for the Europa League trophyCredit: Shutterstock EditorialMinority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has led surprise changes at old TraffordCredit: PABEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt’s understood the event – for players, staff and their families – would be the day after the final.So United will have to wait longer for another open-top bus parade – having not held one since 2013.That special occasion heralded the Red Devils’ 20th Prem title and the retirement of manager Sir Alex Ferguson after his golden reign of 27 years.Bruno Fernandes and Co face a hectic end to MayCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAmorim and his squad face a gruelling end to the season next week, with the final, the last Prem game and then two games in AsiaCredit: Alamy More

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    Don’t criticise Marinakis’ antics after Nottingham Forest owner erupted in tunnel – it’s what football needs

    HERE’S to going to the football and whingeing and whining and booing and hollering.Here’s to losing your rag, chucking your toys out of the pram and going completely apes**t.Nuno Espirito Santo was on the end of some heated words from Evangelos MarinakisCredit: AFPMarinakis was criticised for his actions after the draw with Leicester CityCredit: AFPThe incident occurred due to confusion over Taiwo Awoniyi’s injuryCredit: AFPHere’s to Nottingham Forest’s owner Evangelos Marinakis storming on to the City Ground pitch and throwing a wobbler at manager Nuno Espirito Santo.Here’s to Liverpool fans jeering Trent Alexander-Arnold for being a Scouser and having the temerity to want to play for someone else.Here’s to Ruben Amorim ranting at Manchester United players, who play like princes on Thursday nights and clowns on Sunday afternoons.Because what is football without passion? What is it all about if nobody really cares?READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhat sort of escapism is it if we can’t scream our hearts out and lose all reason?And so why are many people claiming Nuno should quit over Marinakis’ little tantrum?Why are so many berating Liverpool supporters for booing Alexander-Arnold?And why is Amorim criticised for speaking the glaringly obvious truth that his players pick and choose which matches to turn up for?Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMarinakis, the larger-than-life Greek shipping magnate who has hauled Forest from the Championship into Europe, is a controversial and often unloveable figure.This Hellenic Captain Pugwash spent like a drunken sailor after promotion, sailed close to the wind of PSR and has been forced to walk the plank on more than one occasion because of his behaviour towards referees. Andy Robertson pays tribute to ‘best friend’ Trent Alexander-Arnold after he is booed by Liverpool fansTrent Alexander-Arnold will leave Liverpool at the end of the seasonCredit: AlamyHe was booed by Liverpool fans against ArsenalCredit: ReutersBut what would you prefer from an owner?Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who cuts costs and has a heart of ice, or Marinakis, who splashes out and clearly cares?On Sunday, Marinakis confronted Nuno after the 2-2 draw with Leicester City — which simultaneously confirmed European football for Forest after a 30-year absence and seriously dented the club’s hopes of reaching the Champions League.Marinakis was fuming about an amateur-hour episode which meant Forest briefly playing with ten men.This was due to a communication breakdown between Nuno and the medical staff over whether Taiwo Awoniyi was fit to carry on.The striker collided with a goalpost after a linesman hadn’t flagged for an obvious offside in another glorious triumph for VAR protocols.Sure, Nuno could have done without a public dressing-down out on the pitch.But he is a well-paid big boy with the placid temperament needed to work for a volcanic owner.The Portuguese has done an outstanding job but a top-five finish was on the cards all season.West Ham compounded Manchester United to another Prem defeatCredit: ReutersRuben Amorim has often been critical of the teamCredit: GettyAnd since Leicester are both local rivals and completely hopeless, Forest’s inability to beat them at home was cause for understandable frustration.Later in the afternoon, there was an outcry over an outcry at Anfield, when Alexander-Arnold arrived as a sub against Arsenal and was subjected to resounding boos for having agreed to join Real Madrid.Now, Real are the one club in the world which clearly represents an upgrade on Liverpool.The England right-back clearly fancies a pay rise, some sunshine, a new adventure and a superior chance of winning another European Cup.But equally, Liverpool supporters cherish having a local lad in their side. Every football fan does.When that local lad doesn’t swallow the club propaganda that ‘This Means More’, there will be indignation from many supporters.Because, as a Scouser, Alexander-Arnold did mean more to them and they believe that Liverpool should mean more to him.And so they booed — even after the title had been secured and ‘rivals’ Arsenal had given their team a little clap on to the pitch, because even when the entire Premier League season has pretty much flatlined, this thing still matters.For the vast majority of football supporters, our default setting is misery, anger and frustration.And if we don’t have our match-going release, we would end up being permanently miserable, angry and frustrated about important things in life.Arne Slot did not have a problem with the fans’ opinionsCredit: APAndy Robertson said it was ‘not nice’ to see his team-mate’s receptionCredit: GettyOn Saturday, I went with my son to watch our team, Fulham, after a very difficult week for our family.We thought they might cheer us up a bit by beating Everton and keeping our hopes alive of reaching the Conference League.And we really did hope for that because my boy has never watched Fulham play in Europe and it would have been fun.But Fulham tossed away a lead for the umpteenth time this season, conceding three shocking goals, as what had promised to be an excellent season fizzles out into a pretty average one.We howled and raged during the match, then scowled and sulked on the way home.Because ranting and raging about something so unimportant is actually good for us.And even when your team is half-decent, what’s wrong with dreaming for a little bit more?Why shouldn’t Marinakis be annoyed about missing out on the Champions League?Why shouldn’t Liverpool fans want a Scouser in their team?Read More on The SunWhy shouldn’t Amorim tell the truth about the attitude and application of his players?Criticise them and you fundamentally fail to understand why football matters. 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    Ex-Chelsea defender Sam Hutchinson undergoes heart surgery after suffering health complications in League Two clash

    AFC Wimbledon star Sam Hutchinson had heart surgery after suffering complications following a League Two clash against Grimsby.The ex-Chelsea man was taken to hospital after scoring the goal that clinched the Wombles’ place in the play-offs on May 3.Sam Hutchinson had a tight chest during AFC Wimbledon’s 1-0 win over GrimsbyCredit: RexFormer Chelsea star had heart surgery after suffering complicationsThe 35-year-old defensive midfielder played the full 90 minutes of AFC Wimbledon’s 1-0 win at fellow play-off chasers Grimsby.And his close range effort in the 52nd minute secured fifth in the table and a first round promotion play-off clash with Notts County.But Hutchinson was forced to miss the Dons’ first leg 1-0 win on Saturday at Meadow Lane after having heart surgery in London.The former Cobham star complained of chest problems in his post-match interview at Blundell Park.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe said: “To be fair, I felt like rubbish during the game for some reason. I had a really tight chest.”I wanted to come off in the first six minutes but I had to battle on like an old warhorse.”Hutchinson was taken to hospital on the journey back where he was treated and assessed in Queens Medical Centre and City Hospital in Nottingham.A club statement read: “Sam then had a successful procedure at the end of last week in London and he now has a clear return to play plan in place. Most read in FootballHutchinson and Ryan Bertrand on the way to the Chelsea victory parade following their UEFA Champions League and FA Cup victories in May 2012Credit: Getty”Everyone at Wimbledon extends their best wishes to Sam who is now recovering at home with his family. “Hutchinson has played a key part of the team’s success this season.”Whilst he is recovering, Sam continues to have an impact on the squad and we are hopeful we can end the season positively for Sam. “The club would like to place on record their sincere thanks for the support and care provided at Queens Medical Centre and City Hospital in Nottingham, as well as Cleveland Hospital in London.”After coming through the ranks at Chelsea, Hutchinson made just five appearances for the first team between 2007 and 2014.He was loaned out to Nottingham Forest and Vitesse Arnhem during that time before permanently joining Sheffield Wednesday. Hutchinson has had a turbulent career that saw him forced to retire in 2010 after severe knee problems troubled his formative years.Playing as a defender for Chelsea back then, Hutchinson called time on his career at just 21 years old.Read More on The SunBut some 18-months later the former England youth prospect returned to Stamford Bridge following extensive rehab.After eight years at Wednesday, Hutchinson joined Reading where he spent the last two seasons. More

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    How Eddie Howe’s tactical mystery helped Newcastle bamboozle Chelsea in race for Champions League

    NEWCASTLE boosted their Champions League hopes with victory over Chelsea thanks to Eddie Howe’s tactical bamboozle.Howe insisted that his side’s first half performance was “electric” as they went into half time a goal and a man up.Eddie Howe masterminded Newcastle’s win over ChelseaCredit: EPAThe Toon finished with a 2-0 win to boost their Champions League credentialsCredit: AFPSandro Tonali fired the Toon ahead before Nicolas Jackson lost his head and was sent off before the break.Bruno Guimaraes settled the tie with a 90th-minute goal to earn his side three huge points.Despite the scoreline being a modest 2-0, there was plenty to show that Newcastle were far superior.1. Quick SandSandro Tonali’s pressing led to Newcastle’s opening goalHe and midfielder Bruno Guimaraes were able to act as strikersSandro Tonali embodied Newcastle’s high work ethic against the Blues.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe showed incredible stamina and pace to cover ground in order to press the opposition and put them under pressure.This helped other press from the front and as a result increased the numbers in the box.This was evident in Tonali’s goal after the ball was won up the pitch.He and Bruno Guimaraes were then able to act as strikers and get into the box and threaten the goal, from which the Italian scored.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS2. Botman and Rob himChelsea found themselves down to ten men after Nicolas Jackson was sent off for an elbow on Sven Botman.The visitors’ front three were up against Newcastle’s changed defensive line, which was made up of five players.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsThe full-backs Jacob Murphy and Tino Livramento were charged with marking wingers Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto.Newcastle’s defenders were allowed to push up the pitch to mark Chelsea’s midfieldDan Burn pressed Cole Palmer deep in the visitors’ halfSven Botman was able to jump up to deal with Nicolas JacksonWhile the three centre-backs Botman, Dan Burn and Fabian Schar could go man for man with Jackson and midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer.Burn and Schar were allowed to move up the pitch to mark the midfielders in turn, knowing that there would still be a back four behind them.Botman was marking Jackson, and when he would go, Burn and Schar would become the two central defenders.Chelsea could not work it out and it was as if the Toon had an extra player on the pitch.The trigger for the defenders to make their move appeared to be when Chelsea players would put their foot on the ball.This stopped Enzo Maresca’s player from being able to get a foothold in the match.Newcastle deployed a back five against the BluesBurn could move up to press PalmerFabian Schar was able to do the same to Enzo FernandezBotman could do the same with his team-mates forming a back four behind him3. Break the boxChelsea have been playing with a box midfield all season and the Toon were able to break it down.The tactic uses players such as Palmer who can control the ball and then play it out wide while sucking in the opposition.Howe’s side got into their back five and put three of the midfielders into Chelsea’s box.This would see the likes of Guimaraes and Tonali be joined by one of Harvey Barnes or Anthony Gordon, making it tough for the Blues to progress the ball.And with the back-five so deep it meant that any longer or more direct ball would be collected by goalkeeper Nick Pope.The defence was so well connected that it made it almost impossible for Palmer to influence the game.Newcastle disrupted Chelsea’s box midfield by flooding it with playersThe back five stayed firm and did not allow the Blues to get the ball into spaceWingers Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon would move into the box4. Change that ToonThe second half showed how Eddie Howe was able to react to Enzo Maresca’s changes.Nick Pope was called into action on a couple of occasions to preserve the Toon’s lead.Chelsea abolished the box shape and went for a line of three, which meant they could dominate possession as Newcastle still had a back five.Chelsea abandoned the box midfield in the second halfHowe changed to a back four to counter the change and return controlHe had to change again to contain the changed role of Moises CaicedoHowe changed this by moving the formation to a four at the back and a more natural 4-2-3-1 shape.Maresca countered back by using Moises Caicedo as a midfielder and full-back which saw them return to dominate.But Howe was able to change the tide again by calling on Emil Kraft and Lewis Miley which bolstered the midfield and stop Caicedo.5. Palmed offNewcastle did a great job of squeezing Cole Palmer away from the goal.They were able to palm him off and keep him at a safe distance.If he were to have had a shot, it would have likely been from 35 yards and at that point, they backed Nick Pope to deal with the effort.Read More on The SunPalmer also suffered from the change in tactics as he is more limited than some of Chelsea’s other players.He continued to try to find space in the match but was often stuck in his own half and facing his own goal. More

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    Harry Maguire gets over Man Utd woes with trip to watch former club in Championship play-off clash

    HARRY MAGUIRE took some time away from his Manchester United problems with a trip to watch former club Sheffield United.The Blades booked a place in the play-off final after taking a 3-0 lead over Bristol City back to Bramall Lane before winning 6-0 on aggregate.Harry Maguire took some time away from Man UtdThe defender was spotted at his former ground Bramall LaneMaguire looked in high spirits before watching Sheffield United take on Bristol City in the Championship play-offsAnd Maguire returned back to his roots for some much needed downtime to cheer on his beloved childhood club.The United star looked in high spirits while walking through the rows leading to the director’s box, with Chris Kamara also present. After playing the last 40 minutes of United’s embarrassing 2-0 defeat to West Ham, the defender took the chance to unwind.Sunday marked another humiliating day for Maguire as United suffered a 17th Premier League defeat of the season and slipped to 16th in the table.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMaguire was initially rested and benched for West Ham’s visit ahead of United’s Europa League final against fellow strugglers Tottenham next Wednesday.But the 32-year-old was forced on to replace Leny Yoro, who limped off in tears with a foot injury.Jarrod Bowen doubled West Ham’s lead within minutes of Maguire coming on, as Mohammed Kudus breezed past him to feed Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s assist.The England international has personally endured topsy-turvy season, after saving United’s skin with several late goals – including the incredible last-gasp header in the comeback against Lyon.Most read in FootballBut Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg at Old Trafford showed Maguire’s still prone to defensive mistakes, as his wayward pass saw Athletic Bilbao go 1-0 up in the first half.Maguire played the last 40 minutes of United’s embarrassing 2-0 defeat to West HamCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMaguire came through the ranks at Sheffield United and broke into their first team when the club was relegated to League One in 2011.The then 18-year-old was thrown in at the deep end against uncompromising, physical forwards and thrived.Harry Kane finally gets his hands on first career trophy as Bayern Munich win Bundesliga in styleMaguire had played over 100 times for the Blades before his 20th birthday.And League One proved the launchpad that took him into the Prem with Hull City, on to Leicester City and then Man United.Maguire was spotted in the crowd at Bramall Lane More

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    ‘The situation is grim’ – Iconic EFL club facing financial oblivion after major issues ‘effectively shut us down’

    ACCRINGTON STANLEY have confirmed they are facing a “grim” future amid serious financial problems.Stanley finished the season 21st in League Two – just two places above relegation.Accrington Stanley confirmed they are facing a “grim” futureAccrington Stanley are dealing with a dire financial situationBut even though Accrington remained in the EFL, they are still facing some dire economic issues that forced them to close their academy last week.The club also lost its stadium’s live music licence – except on matchdays due to repeated noise complaints.Now the Reds’ chief executive Warren Eastham has issued a serious warning about the cub’s situation and accused the council of providing nothing but “empty words of support”.This comes after Stanley owner Andy Holt announced he would be stepping down last month.Read More on FootballHolt also accused the authority of a “vendetta” due to a long-running row over the club’s hospitality suites built in contravention of planning permission.This situation puts the iconic club, who rose prominence thanks to an unforgettable milk advert in 1989, in a situation where they face financial oblivion.Eastham’s statement to the Local Democracy Reporting Service read: “Since joining the club in August last year, I have been in ongoing discussions with the council.“I’ve made numerous phone calls, attended meetings, sent emails, and submitted countless support requests to both the council and their officers. Yet, despite all this, nothing meaningful has come of it. Most read in Football“I will, of course, gladly accept the meeting—one I’ve both requested and attended many times before. I’ve done my best to bring reason to the table, but all I’ve received in return are empty words of support.“What we need now is action, not platitudes. I’ve warned repeatedly about the risks of Andrew Holt walking away, and now what do we have – a letter.“I’ve been given a year to make the club sustainable but this cannot be achieved with temporary fixes. We need real, lasting change. This is a club that lost £1 million in the 2023/24 season, a deficit covered entirely by Andrew Holt.“The 2024/25 season was only balanced thanks to the Liverpool FA Cup draw, but that money is now gone and the mounting costs from the summer remain. The situation is grim: the academy’s March figures revealed a significant financial loss.’Broken promises’“April shows no improvement, worsened by steep increases in National Insurance and the minimum wage across the club, including the players. Right now, Accrington Stanley has no revenue stream until July.“The ongoing issues with planning, noise abatement, and licensing have effectively shut us down.“Now, with the council’s statement out in the public domain, I truly hope this marks the beginning of meaningful collaboration to safeguard the future of this fantastic club.“Let me be clear: the closure of the academy is down to one thing only – a lack of income and mounting financial losses. Andy’s position is clear: he will fund the club to a £250,000 loss next season, but no further.Read More on The Sun“After years of broken promises and a lack of appreciation for the £6million he has invested in this club over the past decade, he has reached his limit. This club belongs to the town and its fans. I will work tirelessly to ensure its future is secure.“Accrington needs Accrington Stanley, and I am determined to see us through this challenging time.” More