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    Man Utd have splurged £1.6BILLION on transfers since Sir Alex Ferguson left as Big Six’s eye-watering spends revealed

    MANCHESTER UNITED have splurged a staggering £1.6BILLION on transfers since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.And despite their enormous outlay, they have never felt so far away from competing for the Premier League title.Mason Mount has played just 237 minutes of Prem football this seasonCredit: GettyRasmus Hojlund has scored two goals this termCredit: GettyCasemiro remains under contract until June 2026Credit: GettyRuben Amorim’s lowly flops are 15th in the Prem table, with the Portuguese boss even suggesting that his players are partially to blame for mass job cuts behind the scenes at Old Trafford.Throughout the post-Ferguson era, the Red Devils have attempted to throw money at their problems – forking out huge transfer fees and wages every summer.But having never previously addressed their football structure behind the scenes, United’s scatter-gun strategy has consistently yielded disastrous results.Amorim’s current crop includes £60m Casemiro, £64m Rasmus Hojlund, £55m Mason Mount and £85m Harry Maguire, to name just a few.READ MORE ON MAN UTDFollowing a decent first season, Casemiro’s form has dropped off a cliff, yet United remain liable for his eye-watering £350,000 a week salary until June 2026.Hojlund, meanwhile, has managed just two Premier League goals this season, and Mount just 237 minutes of game time amid constant injury woes.Maguire’s form has also fluctuated wildly, with the Red Devils having previously tried to flog him to West Ham.United misfits Antony and Jadon Sancho are both out on loan, having cost nearly £160m in transfer fees and £450,000 per week in wages between them.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAntony struggled throughout his Old Trafford stayCredit: ReutersJadon Sancho never delivered on his price tagCredit: GettyLiverpool and Arsenal, the Premier League’s top two, have spent £1.12bn and £1.26bn on transfer fees since Ferguson’s retirement – significantly less than Man Utd.Yet they find themselves streets ahead, despite also having smaller wage bills than the Red Devils, per FBref.Erik ten Hag reveals he HAS returned to work and may never go back to management after Man Utd sackingOnly Manchester City, winners of six of the last seven Prem titles, have a higher wage bill than United.Pep Guardiola’s men have spent £1.74bn since Fergie’s United departure, but have the silverware to show for it.In the same period Chelsea, who judging by last night’s fan protests have problems of their own, have spent £2.37bn on transfers, while Tottenham have forked out £1.21bn.United’s current crop includes plenty of high-profile flops, but such a phenomenon is nothing new.A then-world record £89m was spent on Paul Pogba, £35m on Donny van de Beek, £75m on Romelu Lukaku, £59.7m on Angel Di Maria…The list could go on and on.In the first post-Ferguson season, United chiefs handed David Moyes £65m to spend on Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata.Since that campaign, the Red Devils have only spent less than £119m in a season twice – forking out an average of £140m on new players per year.READ MORE SUN STORIESSince his arrival 12 months ago, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been on a controversial cost-cutting drive that has seen hundreds lose their jobs – but the football side of the business continues to cost fortunes without the returns to show for it.It has been 12 years since Man Utd’s last Premier League title and if they do not improve their recruitment, it is hard to see when their next one will come.Paul Pogba cost a then-world record £89million from JuventusCredit: Rex FeaturesDonny van de Beek never hit the heights at Old TraffordCredit: PA More

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    Most transferred-out player this week a strong option for Gameweek 26 — transfers can be reversed!

    CONSIDER this a timely reminder that Dream Team managers can reverse their transfers any time before the deadline.Morgan Rogers (£3.8m) is currently the most transferred-out player this week despite the fact he appears to be a strong option for Gameweek 26.Rogers is not injured, far from it…Credit: Dream TeamThe Aston Villa midfielder picked up a minor injury against Chelsea last weekend and was considered a doubt for his side’s trip to Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.However, not only was Rogers named in the starting line-up at Selhurst Park, he scored a classy goal as part of a 10-point return.It was a sobering night for the Villains as they succumbed to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Oliver Glasner’s side but a 12th goal of the season for their skilful No27 should prompt thousands of overzealous Dream Team bosses to rethink their strategy for the upcoming Gameweek.There’s no doubt Rogers’ availability question mark was a significant factor in his popularity drop but Tuesday night’s events have changed the outlook dramatically.Rogers is in line to start against Club BruggeCredit: GettyFar from a player to ditch ahead of Gameweek 26, the 22-year-old appears to be an easy hold.Unai Emery’s side are one of only two teams (Manchester United being the other) set to play twice this coming Gameweek, although rotation is to be expected against Cardiff in Friday night’s FA Cup fifth round fixture.Even if Rogers doesn’t feature at all against the Bluebirds, he is virtually guaranteed to start against Club Brugge in the Champions League on Tuesday night.And given five teams will blank in Gameweek 26 around some unpredictable fixtures in the FA Cup, keeping hold of Dream Team’s sixth-best midfielder seems sensible.Most read in FootballLooking further ahead, Villa are one of just six teams with two fixtures in Gameweek 27: Brentford (a) and Club Brugge (h).Villa have two fixtures to fulfil in Gameweek 26Credit: RexHaving been a bit-part player in the second half of 2023/24 following his arrival from Middlesbrough, Rogers has become one of Emery’s most trusted regulars this season.Among outfield players, only Youri Tielemans (£4m) has played more minutes for Villa in the Premier League at this stage of the campaign.Rogers has amassed 215 points via 19 goal involvements.He’s also registered more successful dribbles (83) than any other player in the game, his main source of bonus points.His disciplinary record is a worry as only Crystal Palace’s Will Hughes (£3m) has received more yellow cards this season but his strengths far outweigh his weaknesses.Rogers shouldn’t even be among the top five most transferred-out players for Gameweek 26, let alone number one. More

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    Liverpool boss Arne Slot BANNED over Merseyside derby chaos as he’s set to miss crunch Premier League matches

    LIVERPOOL boss Arne Slot has been handed a two-match touchline ban following his Merseyside derby red card earlier this month.The Dutchman, 46, was sent off by referee Michael Oliver after the final whistle following a frenetic 2-2 draw with Everton at Goodison Park.Arne Slot was sent off at the end of the Merseyside derbyCredit: ReutersThe Dutchman had spoken to Michael Oliver at the end of the gameCredit: GettySlot subsequently admitted he had let “emotions get the better of me” after what was understood to be a four-letter blast at both officials following Everton’s stoppage-time equaliser and suggested he would act “differently” in future.And after admitting a charge of “improper conduct” at an independent FA disciplinary hearing Slot has now been given the two match suspension and fined £70,000.Assistant Sipke Hulshoff has also accepted a similar charge and will serve a two-match touchline ban alongside Slot, beginning tonight.Slot has continued to be on the touchline for Liverpool’s subsequent games against Wolves, Aston Villa and Manchester City, due to the FA taking time to examine the referee’s report.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut he will now begin his ban for this evening’s Anfield clash with Newcastle.Slot will return to the touchline for the Champions League match-up with Paris Saint-Germain next Wednesday, due to it being a Uefa competition and thus not being included in the FA’s suspension.He and Hulshoff will then serve the second game of their touchline bans for Liverpool’s home match with Southampton on March 8.While Reds boss has been fined £70k, Hulshoff will have to pay £7,000.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSFormer Everton star Johnny Heitinga will take charge of LiverpoolCredit: PA:Empics SportAn FA spokesman added: “The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for these sanctions will be published in due course.”Should the decision have been delayed a further 24 hours, Slot’s two-match ban would have seen him missing the Carabao Cup final.Liverpool boss Arne Slot breaks silence on red card controversy and mystery over ban His first Prem game back on the touchline will be the Reds’ homne reverse fixture against Everton.In Slot and Hulshoff’s temporary absence, former Everton star Johnny Heitinga, who is now a first team coach at Anfield, will take charge of Liverpool’s next two Prem games.Slot’s red card followed a chaotic ending to the last Merseyside derby to be played at Goodison Park.James Tarkowski dramatically thumped home a 98th minute equaliser.Following the final whistle, Curtis Jones took issue with Doucoure celebrating in front of the Liverpool supporters.The midfielder angrily confronted Doucoure, yanking his shirt before Ashley Young and Carlos Alcaraz attempted to intervene.Darwin Nunez and Alexis Mac Allister then stepped in, before several more players and even policemen got involved.Jones and Doucoure both received red cards for their roles in the ruckus from referee Oliver.Liverpool have been fined £50,000 for failing to control their players, with Everton made to pay £65,000 for the same offence.Since the incident, Liverpool have taken huge strides towards the title.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey subsequently beat Wolves 2-1, before grabbing a 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.On Sunday they defeated defending champions Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad, profiting on Arsenal’s home loss to West Ham to move 11 points clear at the top.Curtis Jones furiously clashed with Abdoulaye DoucoureCredit: ReutersThe incident sparked a huge ruckusCredit: PA More

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    ‘It’s like being punched in the stomach’ – Beresford still haunted by Newcastle’s 4-3 defeat to Liverpool 29 years on

    IT took a decade before John Beresford could stomach a re-watch — and 29 years on it still ‘haunts’ him.The Newcastle legend, 58, will be at Anfield tonight to see his former side face leaders Liverpool.John Beresford was part of the Newcastle side that finished second in 1996Credit: GettyStan Collymore scored a stoppage time winner in Liverpool’s 4-3 classic vs NewcastleCredit: ReutersAnd one-time left-back Beresford enjoyed many memorable moments in the black and white as part of Kevin Keegan’s Entertainers.Yet despite some famous wins — such as a 5-0 triumph over Manchester United — there is one defeat in particular he gets asked about most.Keegan’s Magpies were ten points clear at Christmas in 1995 but blew the title after surrendering their lead to Sir Alex Ferguson’s Red Devils.A pivotal moment in that slump occurred on April 3, 1996 when they went toe-to-toe with Liverpool in a match decided in the final seconds by Stan Collymore.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTo this day, that 4-3 Anfield defeat makes Beresford feel “horrible”, even if it was voted the Premier League’s greatest match.Speaking exclusively to SunSport via BetSelect, the Toon fan favourite said: “I still get haunted by it.“It’s a bittersweet thing as I’m reminded about it so many times.“People used to say to me it got voted the best game in the Premier League and I was just like, ‘Whatever’.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“About ten years after I retired I was in a gym and it came up on Sky Sports Gold — and I thought, ‘I’m gonna watch it’.“I got on an exercise bike, then couldn’t take my eyes off it but it was just horrible.Newcastle’s Alexander Isak talks to Alan Shearer about Champions League desires “It was interesting to watch it from the outside. It was hypnotic. But, I have to admit, it got to the last minute and I just couldn’t watch.”Robbie Fowler fired Liverpool into the lead after two minutes before Les Ferdinand and David Ginola put Newcastle 2-1 up. Fowler equalised early in the second half but Faustino Asprilla restored Toon’s advantage.Collymore drew Liverpool level as this thriller looked set to end with honours even — until the former England striker struck a killer blow deep in stoppage time.Beresford said: “I remember the goal clearly. I remember falling over. I tripped when John Barnes goes through and, as I get up, he rolls it to Collymore who smashes it in.“I felt sick and just couldn’t believe what had happened. It’s like being punched in the stomach.“It was the weirdest sensation as it’s the only time in a game where I thought, ‘That just doesn’t seem right’. How did we get beat? We had actually played really well.“Les even had a couple of great chances towards the end to go for us, you know, for when we went 3-2 up. I knew what the gaffer was like when he was in that mood.“Most managers would shut up shop and get people behind the ball but we just didn’t have those players.“Kevin just wouldn’t do it that way. You keep going and you score.“Even people who usually could slow it down with professional fouls couldn’t, it was that open.“There would be a shot, the keeper would save it… and then there would be a breakaway again.”Beresford continued: “Because of the Liverpool history of Kevin Keegan and Terry McDermott, there was always a buzz when we went to them and we’d always done OK.“Kevin just went beforehand, ‘Right, come on boys, this is where we can show everybody what we are’.“He never liked long Churchillian speeches. It was always just a little comment here and there and this was like, ‘We’re going for it’.”However, even Keegan was lost for words at the end of this one as their title dreams faded away.Beresford said: “It was the weirdest thing I had ever come across afterwards in the dressing room.“It was silence — absolute silence. I’m thinking that Kevin was going  to flip, because he could, he could give you a right b******ing.“But he didn’t say anything. It was the first time he’d been like that. I don’t think he knew what to say and was as distraught as we were.”United went on to lift the title as Newcastle finished second and a few months later Keegan had resigned.Beresford revealed: “A couple of years later, I bumped into Jamie Redknapp and he said Liverpool were devastated they beat us because they hated Manchester United.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Looking back, am I devastated we lost the league? Absolutely. Honestly, it still hurts now thinking about it.”But the part of it that I love is not that we came second — but we’re still talking about it now.”Beresford admitted the defeat still hurts nowCredit: Getty More

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    Awkward moment Villa keeper refuses to move out of net and let kids take penalties at half-time of Palace clash

    ROBIN OLSEN awkwardly refused to leave his goal and let kids take penalties at Selhurst Park.The Aston Villa goalkeeper headed on to the pitch at half-time against Crystal Palace for a warm-up.Robin Olsen refused to move out of the way during his warm-upCredit: GettyThe Aston Villa goalkeeper was preparing to come on at half-timeCredit: XKids were waiting to take their shot at goalCredit: XRude Olsen completely ignored the Palace staff memberCredit: XAs he went through his catching drills, a group of youngsters were lining up for their special moment to try and score at a Premier League ground.But the group of kids – including both Palace and Villa fans – had to traipse their way up to the other end of the stadium and use the other goal. Olsen, 35, was readying himself to replace regular No1 Emi Martinez at the break as the Argentine struggled with an injury. So he was quite within his rights to make all the necessary preparations to come on in the Premier League clash – especially with the game in the balance at 1-0.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe clearly spotted the Palace staff member trying to grab his attention but totally ignored him to continue his exercises. And that prompted a chorus of boos and X-rated chants from the home fans in the Whitehorse Lane Stand.But the travelling Villa fans responded with songs of: “We shall not be moved.”Palace shared a video out of the incident on Wednesday morning, revealing the one-way conversation between the Eagles co-ordinator and Olsen.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe polite Palace bloke said: “Sorry we’re using the goal.”I feel like I’m at school. I’m really sorry.Jean-Philippe Mateta celebrates after 4-1 win vs Aston Villa”This has never happened before.”He then walked up to Olsen waving and continued: “Hello? “Sorry, we need the goal. No?”Can I play with the goal? “We’re using the goal. We….”But with Olsen – who was assaulted on the Etihad pitch by fans in 2022 – completely blanking him to carry on catching crosses, the Palace employee walked back to the edge of the area.A Villa coach appeared to remonstrate with him and insist Olsen needed the goal before the organiser added: “I’m really sorry.”This is the first time this has ever happened. Shall we go down the Holmesdale [Road Stand]?”Palace fans, I genuinely don’t know what to say. “Right, kids, let’s leg it down the other end because Villa clearly don’t want to play.”So the group headed down the field to complete the fun and games. Olsen, meanwhile, finished off his warm-up.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut it clearly did not have the desired effect as he conceded three second-half goals in a 4-1 defeat. SunSport have contacted Aston Villa for comment. A Villa coach appeared to explain the situationCredit: XThe Palace employee took the game to the other endCredit: XOlsen conceded three times in the second halfCredit: Getty More

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    Embarrassed Kate Abdo covers face on live TV as she says Arsenal legend was her celebrity crush

    KATE ABDO was left red faced after revealing her childhood celebrity crush as none other than Arsenal legend Ian Wright.The presenter was hosting the broadcaster’s Champions League coverage alongside Micah Richards, Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher.Kate Abdo was left red faced after revealing her childhood celebrity crushCredit: CBSCarragher, Henry and Richards were all left shocked with Abdo’s revelationCredit: CBSThe latest clip to come off the CBS production line shows the pundits each discussing their old celebrity crushes.As ever, the much-loved quartet had provided some unexpected, but hilarious, answers.Carragher, Henry and Richards pressed Abdo for her puppy love, before she blurted: “I already said, Ian Wright!”The trio of former footballers were left genuinely shocked, causing Abdo to squirm in her chair and hide away behind her cards in embarrassment.READ MORE ON ARSENALAn animated Richards kept repeating: “You didn’t say that! Hold on.”Carragher added: “Wait. I thought he was your favourite pundit.”While Henry – who fans have long joked has a crush on Abdo – simply gasped: “Wow. Now we know”.The pick of the bunch from the three pundits came from Carragher.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Liverpool legend’s answer of Sheila Grant from 80s TV show Brookside was met with a fit of laughter from others in the studio.Richards went with American actress Jessica Alba and said he might dive into her DMs now that she’s split from husband Cash Warren.Watch Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s hilarious reaction after being called out by boxing champ Oleksandr UsykArsenal legend Ian Wright was Abdo’s celebrity crushCredit: GettyHenry picked Daisy Duke, who is a fictional character, played by Catherine Bach, from the US series The Dukes of Hazzard.Abdo tied the knot with former pro US boxer Malik Scott in an intimate wedding ceremony last September.Last year, Carragher’s awkward “loyalty” joke caused carnage.The incident occurred during coverage of Arsenal’s Champions League clash against Porto at the Emirates in March 2024.In a skit involving a Gunners shirt, Abdo stated that she wouldn’t wear it because she is “loyal” to Manchester United.Carragher then made a quip about her Scott, saying “not to Malik”, prompting her to ask: “Why would you even ask that?”Fans cringed and hit out at the former Liverpool defender for his ‘unfunny’ comment which uncomfortably missed the mark.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Abdo patched things up soon after and accepted Carragher’s apology after initially “feeling hurt” by it.Abdo subsequently addressed the incident live on TV 24 hours later, delivering an hilarious ‘brotherly’ put-down to Carragher.Sheila Corkhill (second right) is a fictional character from British soap opera Brookside, played by Sue Johnston More

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    Cole Palmer sends 10-word message over slump in form as Chelsea star struggles against Southampton

    COLE PALMER has sent a ten-word message to fans after his struggles continued against Southampton.The Blues ran out 4-0 winners over the Premier League basement club at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening.Cole Palmer shared a 10-word statement after Chelsea’s win over SouthamptonCredit: RexThe midfielder drew another blank on the pitchCredit: ReutersEnzo Maresca’s side outclassed the Saints as Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella all scored.But is was yet another outing that drew a blank from Palmer as his form continues to falter.Palmer, 22, has failed to score or assist in any of his last seven outings in all competitions.He looked dejected at full-time following the win over Southampton despite the big win.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe attacking midfielder has insisted that he “will be back” in a social media post after the match.He wrote: “Well done lads, +3. Don’t worry, I will be back.”Fans have backed Palmer to return to the scintillating form that he has previously shown.One posted: “Cold Palmer as always.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA second wrote: “He has been working hard and doing a lot of things correctly, the goals and assists will come soon.”A third commented: “He will be back as his best.”Enzo Maresca urges Chelsea fans to show trust after BlueCo protest A fourth said: “We really want to see Palmer back.”Another added: “You got this, Cole!”The dip comes despite Palmer becoming one of the most impressive players in the Premier League.Since joining Chelsea from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, he has scored 39 goals and added 21 assists.Maresca has insisted that Palmer’s slump is perfectly normal as players can not be on top form every game.He said: “It is quite easy. All of them, they went through some bad moments, it is normal.”You cannot expect every season or game, it is normal. He is a human being.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He misses goals, he misses some things, it is about how you react I was telling him it’s OK.”Despite Palmer’s recent struggles on the pitch, he is still the club’s top scorer and top assister in the Premier League this season.Chelsea ratings vs Southampton as Cole Palmer STILL can’t score or assist… and gets a horror grade More

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    Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand ‘storms off set’ live on TNT Sports and says ‘that’s out of order’ after ‘rubbish’ comment

    RIO FERDINAND jokingly stormed off set after being asked for his thoughts on a “rubbish” comment.The TNT Sports team of Joe Cole, Peter Crouch, Ally McCoist and Ferdinand were answering questions from fans before Chelsea’s 4-0 win over Southampton last night.Rio Ferdinand stormed off the TNT Sports set after Man Utd were brought upCredit: TNT sportsHis fellow pundits were left in hystericsCredit: TNT SPORTSOne viewer wrote in to say that Manchester United will not win the title for 30 years.As the tweet was read out by host Lynsey Hipgrave, Ferdinand hilariously walked off camera.As he stormed off, the former defender shouted with a smile: “You are out of order. That is out of order. We are not even playing tonight.”That is a load of rubbish, who was that? Who sent that in?”READ MORE ON MAN UTDAsked how long it will take before the glory days return to Old Trafford, Cole said: “30 years is a long time, you would say no chance but the way things are going up there.”I certainly can’t see it in ten years. I would be comfortable saying ten years. They won’t win the title for ten years.”McCoist crunched the numbers, adding: “The last time they won it, that was 12 years. So if you are talking ten that is 22 years.”Ferdinand was again having none of it, hitting back: “Alright, Al. You’ve come alive, doing the maths.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSCrouch said: “I can’t see them winning anything in five years.”Man Utd last lifted the Premier League title at the end of the 2012/13 season when Ferdinand was still part of the squad. ‘He’s got a pair of b——s,’ says Rio Ferdinand as he hits back at Roy Keane’s criticism of Man Utd star GarnachoThe club are currently on course for their worst ever season as they languish 15th in the table.With just 30 points after 26 games, they are a whopping 34 behind league leaders Liverpool.Ferdinand ripped into the Ruben Amorim’s side after their 2-2 draw to Everton on Saturday, saying: “I don’t know if I have seen a United team this bad. “It has been embarrassing in all different facets of the game.“Yes, we can talk about quality, you talk about talent, but one thing which is unforgivable is a lack of desire.“There’s instances in this game where Man Utd need to look at this Everton team and take examples from it. It’s embarrassing to sit here and watch it.“I hope [Amorim] went absolutely ballistic at the players. They were out-run, out-fought, out-jumped, every single department of the game. They were second best.” More