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    in Soccer

    Mendy ‘thought he could act irresponsibly as he’d like, break rules & STILL keep £6m Man City salary after rape arrest’

    EX-MANCHESTER City star Benjamin Mendy thought he could behave “as irresponsibly as he liked” and still be paid his £6million-a-year salary, an employment tribunal heard.The French World Cup winner, 30, is claiming £11m in back pay which the Premier League champions withheld after he was charged in August 2021 with four rapes and one sexual assault.Benjamin Mendy celebrating with the Premier League trophy in May 2021Credit: GettyMendy leaving Chester Crown Court on July 14, 2023Credit: AFPThe offences were alleged to have been carried out during Covid lockdown parties at his £4.6m mansion in Prestbury, Cheshire.But Mendy was cleared after two trials in January and June 2023.A month after he was charged, City bosses wrote to the player – bought for £52m in 2017 from Monaco – and told him they were stopping his £500,000-a-month salary.They said he was “not presently ready and able to perform” the obligations of his contract, namely to train and play games.Read more footballHe had also been suspended by the Football Association from taking part in “footballing activity”.Sean Jones KC, for Man City, also outlined a number of times where Mendy breached Covid rules by hosting house parties, some of which resulted in him being remanded in custody for breach of bail.He told the hearing in Manchester today/yesterday(TUES): “The essence of the submission by Mr Mendy is that his contract creates a moral hazard.”He says ‘I can behave as irresponsibly as I like, I can ignore all the rules, both legal, of the club and common sense to the point where my behaviour results in prison.’ Most read in Football”He is trying to make a moral hazard into a virtue.“He says ‘It should in no way affect my entitlement to pay. There should be no consequences to my behaviour.'”As Mendy listened in via video link, Mr Jones told Employment Judge Joanne Dunlop: “The contract of employment is at its heart a work/wage bargain. “He should be able to play and he could no neither because of his behaviour.”We are not here saying he committed rapes and assaults and it was not assumed that he was guilty. “It is not the allegations per se, it was the way he behaved under police bail which made custody inevitable.”The culpability is very clear. He had, in whole or in part, contributed to the state of affairs where he was unable to perform his duties.”The question about whether his salary was payable is not about discipline.”The reason is not because he was subject to disciplinary sanction but because he was unable to perform his duties.”Mr Jones said there were four periods to consider – from September 2021 until January 2022 when he was in prison on remand for breach of bail conditions; from January 2022 to December 2022 when he was released on bail with restrictive conditions; from December 2022 to January 2023 when he was again in custody on remand and from January 2023 to Juine 2023 when his contract was terminated.He said that Mendy’s arguments that he was not doing anything different to five other City players who went to parties was “a red herring” because the other players were still “ready, able and willing” to play and train.In documents submitted to the hearing, Mendy suggested teammates who attended the parties were Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker, Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling and John Stones. None are accused of any wrongdoing.The tribunal was also told Mendy’s bail conditions included reporting requirements and travel restrictions which meant that he would not be able to get to any of City’s fixtures.Jenny Wiltshire, a solicitor who represented Mendy during his two rape and sexual assault trials, admitted the footballer had not tried to change the bail conditions to allow him to train and play because she knew that he was subject to an Interim Suspension Order from the Football Association which prevented him from taking part in any footballing activities.She said: “We couldn’t specifically ask for conditions that allowed him to work when he was suspended. “If the club was happy for him to work or to train, we would have applied to amend any bail conditions so that he could do so.”The purpose of the bail conditions was never to prevent him working. It was just the fact that the reality at the time was he was not working.” Mendy, now at the French club Lorient, was cleared of seven rapes and two sexual assaults after two trials at Chester crown court in January and June 2023.He has brought a claim for unauthorised deductions from wages, saying under the terms of his contract, the club had the right to stop his wages only for six weeks.Mendy also revealed he was lent money by teammates Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez as cash dried up after his arrest.Man City deny breaching employment law and say Mendy violated his contract by bringing the club into disrepute and indulging in behaviour which prevented him from playing or training.On Monday City’s then chief football operations officer Omar Berrada – now in the top job at Man United – denied telling Mendy’s agent the player would receive his salary in full if and when he was cleared.READ MORE SUN STORIESDuring his time at City, the tribunal heard, Mendy received around £25m in salary but missed 123 of 240 games.Employment Judge Dunlop will issue a verdict at a later date.Mendy is trying to reclaim wages from Manchester CityCredit: GettyLONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 15: Benjamin Mendy of Manchester City runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 15, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)Credit: Getty More

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    Rio Ferdinand has conspiracy theory about Man Utd’s ruthless ‘axing’ of Sir Alex Ferguson

    RIO FERDINAND has hinted that Manchester United could be sending a message with their decision to slash Sir Alex Ferguson off their wage bill.It was revealed today that legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson was being “axed” from the United wage bill having previously held an ambassadorial role with the club.Sir Alex Ferguson will step away from his £2.16m-per-year ambassadorial role at Man UtdCredit: GettyRio Ferdinand has suggested why the former Man Utd boss may have been ‘axed’Credit: GettyThe decision, believed to be fuelled by Ineos’ new cost-cutting measures, saw the 13-time Premier League winning manager lose his £2.16MILLION-PER-YEAR salary with the Manchester giants.That hefty pay packet is understood to be more than what FIVE United first team players currently earn – including England international Kobbie Mainoo.However, many fans and pundits think that Ferguson’s ambassadorial salary was justifiable given his impact on the club during his 26-year stint in the dugout. And former Man Utd star Rio Ferdinand – who won six Premier League titles under Ferguson – has suggested that his former gaffer’s status could be one of the motivating factors behind taking him off the payroll.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHinting that the decision to “axe” a name like Fergie could send a message to everyone at Man Utd that nobody is safe under the new regime. Taking to social media, Ferdinand wrote: “If Sir Alex can be taken out, then NO ONE IS SAFE at Man Utd – anyone can get it now. “Ineos sending a message to ANYONE at the club?!?”Ferguson, who turns 83 in December, will not receive payments from the club beyond the end of the season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSir Alex Fergsuon’s Man Utd trophy haulAll the trophies Sir Alex Ferguson won as Manchester United manager:Premier League x13FA Cup x5League Cup x4Champions League x2European Cuper Winners’ CupEuropean Super CupIntercontinental CupClub World CupBut the Scot will still continue to be employed as a non-executive director – and he will always be welcome at matches.The decision was understood to have been amicably accepted.Sir Alex Ferguson steps away from ambassador duties at Manchester UnitedIneos have embarked upon a thorough financial review after taking a 27.7 per cent stake in the club in February, and Ferguson is just one of many cost-cutting measures taken by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team.Last month, it was revealed that Man Utd would be letting go of 250 employees at the club.While Ineos’ methods have also seen private chauffeurs and company credit cards axed.Staff and the players’ Wags even had to pay for their own transport to the FA Cup final win over rivals Manchester City in May.And other perks like lunch, accommodation, extra tickets and a post-match party were also scrapped.Reports even suggest there will be no Christmas party this year.The cost-cutting measures come amid news that United’s losses over the last five years have totalled more than £370m.Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos team have spearheaded a cost-cutting campaign at Old TraffordCredit: PA More

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    in Soccer

    She lived with us for 9 wonderful years – Luis Enrique opens up on death of his daughter in heartbreaking interview

    LUIS ENRIQUE has opened up about the heartbreaking death of his daughter Xana.The Paris Saint-Germain manager’s beloved daughter tragically passed away at the age of nine in 2019.Luis Enrique has spoken beautifully about keeping daughter Xana’s ‘memory alive’Less than a year after taking over as Spain manager, Enrique would step away from the role in June 2019 for personal reasons.Two months later, Enrique shared the news of Xana’s death after her five-month battle with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer.The former Barcelona and Real Madrid midfielder has again paid a heartfelt tribute to his youngest daughter.Enrique opened up about her passing in a profoundly moving segment in the third episode of his documentary You Haven’t Got a Clue.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe said: “Can I consider myself fortunate or unfortunate? I consider myself fortunate, very fortunate.”My daughter Xana came to live with us for nine wonderful years. We have a thousand memories of her, videos, incredible things.”My mother couldn’t keep photos of Xana. “Until I came home and asked, ‘Why are there no photos of Xana, Mom?’ ‘I can’t, I can’t, she used to say. Most read in Football”‘Mom, you have to put up photos of Xana, Xana is alive,’ I replied.”Enrique added: “Physically, she may not be here, but spiritually she is. Barcelona legend, 32, breaks down in tears as he leaves after 18 years and 25 trophies with Spanish giants”Because every day we talk about her, we laugh, and we remember because I think Xana still sees us.”The images of Xana that accompanied his words reflect the happiness she radiated, which Enrique vowed to keep alive in his memory.The Champions League winning manager with Barca returned to his Spain job to replace interim coach Robert Moreno ahead of Euro 2020.He lost on penalties to eventual champs Italy in the semi-finals and stepped down after Spain lost another shootout to Morocco in the Round of 16 in the Qatar World Cup. Back in November 2022, after his Spain side drew 1-1 with Germany in the group stage in Qatar, Enrique paid tribute to Xana ahead of what would have been her 13th birthday.He said: “It was a special day for me and my family.”Obviously we don’t have our daughter with us physically anymore, but she is still present every day.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We remember her a lot, we laugh and think about how she would act in each situation that we experience.”Enrique also thanked the medical team who treated his daughter “for their dedication and treatment”.Xana Enrique passed away following a battle with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer in 2019 More

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    in Soccer

    Bloodied Zlatan Ibrahimovic shows off gruesome head injury but Andy Carroll tells him ‘I’ve had worse from the missus’

    ANDY CARROLL gave a hilarious response to Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s post showing off a bloody injury.The Swedish legend posted a picture of his scalp, which had suffered a nasty cut.Zlatan Ibrahimovic showed off a gruesome injury on InstagramCredit: Instagram @iamzlatanibrahimovicAndy Carroll had a hilarious responseCredit: AFPIbrahimovic, 43, shared the snaps on social media with the caption “part of the game”.He also added a trigger warning for people who may be squeamish to gore.Plenty of his 64.3million followers share their sympathy for the former AC Milan and Manchester United star.However, Andy Carroll also joined in the many comments as he gave a funny response.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe joked: “Grow up, I’ve had worse from the missus.”Fans found the joke funny as they commented on Carroll’s post.One wrote: “The legend has spoken.”A second commented: “Lotta time for that comment.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third said: “Big Andy’s not messing.”Another added: “Hahaha amazing.”Watch Andy Carroll score twice in a ‘PARK’ and celebrate wildly as he tears up fourth tier of French football Ibrahimovic retired from football in 2023Credit: GettyIbrahimovic retired from professional football in 2023 after his second stint at AC Milan.Carroll, 35, however, is still playing and, in the summer, joined French fourth-division side Bordeaux.The striker has already become a cult hero at the club, having dropped down to help the club climb back up the divisions.He was recently spotted in Mallorca on holiday with his new girlfriend Lou Teasdale.He was previously married to Billy Mucklow, but their 11-year relationship came to an end earlier this year.Carroll starred for the likes of Newcastle, Liverpool and West Ham before he left England in 2023 for France.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    England should use 3-3-3-1 formation to get best out of star trio and to help confused Rice shine

    ENGLAND should play an entirely new formation to get the best out of their major stars.The Three Lions crashed to a 2-1 defeat to Greece before a much improved performance saw them beat Finland 3-1 over the international break.Lee Carsley’s bold tactics made their mark in the wrong wayCredit: GettyDeclan Rice ‘personified confusion’ within the England systemCredit: GettySunSport tactics guru Dean Scoggins broke down what went wrong and how it can be fixedCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportHowever, the two games made one thing painfully obvious, Lee Carsley does not know how to get the best out of his stars.His three-pronged false-nine experiment with Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden against Greece failed to make the most of the trio.Meanwhile, flaws in the build-up structure left Declan Rice and the defence exposed.But SunSport’s own tactics guru Dean Scoggins has broken down what interim boss Carsley can do to remedy these problems before next month’s final Nations League group fixtures.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCole, Jude and Phil problemWith Harry Kane unavailable for the game against Greece, Carsley, 50, boldly decided to play the attacking trio of Palmer, Bellingham and Foden as his attacking force.However, despite all their talents, the trio proved largely ineffective. The Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden experiment did not workCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportEngland’s 2-3-5 shape left them exposed in transitionCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportPalmer, 22, in particular was out of sorts as he dropped too deep to pick up the ball and found himself away from the favoured spaces around the penalty area where he has become such a force for Chelsea.The formation England used – a 2-3-5 in possession – failed to maximise their abilities due to a lack of help out wide as the team played too narrow with both full-backs inverting.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPalmer played too deep against GreeceCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportAt Chelsea he prefers being in and around the penalty area, where he is most effectiveCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportThis allowed Greece to remain compact and shut down the space England tried to operate in, with the aforementioned trio also treading on one another’s toes throughout.That being said, there is a way to get the best out of them, but it will unfortunately involve sacrificing one for the benefit of the others.The inverted position of Trent Alexander-Arnold did not help matters and it clogged up spaceCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportCarsley’s side were guilty of playing too narrowCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportHow to cure England’s Bellingham, Foden and Palmer headacheThat bold decision should be to drop Foden, 24, from the team in favour of a wide player such as Jack Grealish, Noni Madueke or Bukayo Saka, who are all comfortable keeping their width on the touchline.This move would serve to allow one player to hold width, therefore opening up the inside channel spaces that Bellingham, 21, and Palmer like to operate in.Unfortunately Foden should be dropped from the trio in favour of a star who can stay wideCredit: RexThis sacrifice should help free up more space for Palmer and Bellingham to operate inCredit: GettyBellingham has played his best stuff at Real Madrid as a left-sided No8, while Palmer’s best work comes in the right half-space.However, there is another player who is key for this to work as intended.Harry Kane undroppableThat player is captain Kane, whose presence was sorely missed against Greece.The Bayern Munich star is undroppable in both an attacking and defensive sense.Harry Kane’s unselfish runs help England play through the linesCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportHis movement opened space for Angel Gomes to pass to Jack Grealish before he scored against FinlandCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportHis unselfish movement helps to drag defenders out of position and open up space for team-mates to move and pass into – exemplified by Grealish’s goal against Finland which was cleverly assisted by Angel Gomes.Kane, 31, managed to occupy a defender before making a movement to the left and dragging them with him, allowing for Gomes to get some room and thread a pass into Grealish before he netted the opener.The former Tottenham ace is also instrumental defensively as he knows when to lead the press or when to drop off. His ability to clear the ball at the front post from corners is also important yet understated.Defensive solutionA change of formation could make the difference for EnglandCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportSwitching to a 3-3-3-1 in possession could solve the three-headed problemCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportBut while tweaks to the role of individual players can be impactful, meaningful changes will only come with a change of team shape.The Greece game saw England not defending as a unit and being killed in transition.John Stones and Rico Lewis were exposed, Trent Alexander-Arnold was caught upfield and Levi Colwill was caught in behind.Rice, 25, was one player in particular who “personified” the confusion and blurring of lines between roles, as he gave 100 per cent but often in the wrong areas.How England might look with the attacking three in there with two playing as No8/10sThe Arsenal star is doing too much on his own, and should have his role simplified to maximise both his and his team-mates output and effectiveness.At this stage it is well known that his strength does not lie in passing the ball through the lines, but rather as a ball-carrier and protector.And one method to help fix all three of these problems comes down to a simple change in build-up.Rather than a 2-3-5, England should move to a 3-3-3-1 with Alexander-Arnold, 26, inverting as seen against Finland. This would serve three uses.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe first covers the exposed defence problem by leaving an extra player to defend. The second serves to get the best out of Rice, while the third enables Palmer and Bellingham to be at their best.With that in mind, the three key spine points of the team should maximise and protect Stones, Rice and Kane through each of the thirds.Rice’s role needs refining to get the best out of him and the teamCredit: GettyEngland’s job advert for new bossThe FA’s seven requirements to succeed Gareth Southgate:Will hold a Uefa Pro License.Will have significant experience of English football, with a strong track record delivering results in the Premier League and/or leading international competitions.Will be an exceptional leader who understands and will enjoy the international football environment.Will be experienced in successfully identifying, managing and developing English qualified players.Will be highly resilient and comfortable in a very high-profile role with intense public scrutiny.Will have a track record of creating a high performing, positive team culture and environment.Will have strong personal values and integrity and understand and embrace the role that the England Men’s Senior Team Head Coach has inspiring the nation. More

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    in Motorsport

    Lando Norris won’t win F1 title due to ‘mental weaknesses’ as Helmut Marko slams Brit’s pre-race ‘rituals’

    LANDO NORRIS will not win the Formula One Drivers’ Championship because he has “mental weaknesses”, according to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko.With six rounds of the season to go, McLaren star Norris sits 52 points behind reigning champion Max Verstappen.Lando Norris will not win the F1 championship, according to Helmut MarkoCredit: GettyNorris is 52 points behind leader Max Verstappen with six rounds to goCredit: RexBut Helmut Marko has said Norris’ pre-race rituals show ‘mental weaknesses’Credit: GettyThe Brit will be hoping to close the gap at this weekend’s US Grand Prix, having won two of the last four races.However, Red Bull advisor Marko has started the mind games in an effort to throw the 24-year-old off his game as the championship reaches crunch time.Speaking to Motor Sport Magazine, the 81-year-old backed Verstappen to win his fourth title this year.He said: “Verstappen [will win the championship].READ MORE IN F1″He is the best, he’s the fastest and, above all, he has the mental strength to theoretically fight for the world championship more than Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris. “We know Norris has some mental weaknesses. “I’ve read about some of the rituals he needs to do to perform well on race day.”Back in 2022, Norris revealed one of these pre-race rituals.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe told Vanity Fair: “I always call my parents…”Still my mum wants to hear my voice before I go race.”Max Verstappen threatens to quit F1 after being forced to do ‘community service’ in bizarre punishment for swearing Despite putting their lives on the line and racing at break-neck speeds every race weekend, F1 stars are a superstitious bunch.Michael Schumacher famously got into his car from the left, always carried an amulet with the initials of his family members and had a preference to wear odd numbers after winning all seven of his titles with odd numbers.Lewis Hamilton also revealed that Schumacher used to pee in his racesuit before every race, a practice also followed by Nico Rosberg.Four-time champion Sebastian Vettel dressed his racesuit with small trinkets ranging from a metal pig to a one-cent coin and placing two shining pieces of lucky silver on his race boots.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁The legendary Alberto Ascari had a range of quirks ranging from avoiding black cats, staying away from unlucky numbers and not allowing anyone else to handle the case that had his lucky blue helmet – cruelly ironic given that he was killed in a testing accident while wearing Eugenio Castellotti’s white helmet rather than his own.On the current grid, Sergio Perez personalises his car by carrying a picture of the late Pope John Paul II on the inside of his cockpit.Charles Leclerc likes to sit next to his car in his bubble, Pierre Gasly has an espresso and naps for 30 mins, while Fernando Alonso jumps in on the right side of his car before the race.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Alex Albon meticulously sticks to his pre-race routine, from eating 90 minutes before a race, changing into his gear 30 minutes before setting up a cubby for his equipment.And despite Marko’s comments about Norris’ pre-race rituals, Verstappen has his own rituals, where he plays video games the night before a race to help get him in the zone. More

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    Man Utd fans left raging as Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘sacks’ Sir Alex Ferguson before under-fire Erik ten Hag

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans have slammed Ineos’ decision to “sack” Sir Alex Ferguson before under-fire boss Erik ten Hag.Ferguson’s multi-million pound salary has been ended by the new Ineos regime who are devoted to cutting costs amid high losses.Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassadorial contract has been ripped upSir Jim Ratcliffe and his team have sought ways to cut costs at Old Trafford since their arrival earlier this yearFans have been left reeling with some even slamming the decision to ‘sack’ Fergie before Erik ten HagJust five months after retiring in 2013, Ferguson signed a deal to become a global ambassador worth £2.16m per year.But now that decade-long contract has been torn up by Sir Jim Ratcliffe as Ferguson steps away from several time-consuming ambassadorial duties.It is claimed Ratcliffe met with the legendary boss in person to inform him that he will no longer receive his seven-figure salary.Fergie, 82, is understood to have received the decision amicably and with no ill feeling.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt has emerged the legendary boss was earning more than five members of Erik ten Hag’s squad as a Man United ambassador.But United fans haven’t been so calm about it.A group of supporters who want Ten Hag sacked have launched scathing attacks on the decision to “axe” Fergie before the Dutchman.Taking to X, one raging fan wrote: “I can’t believe they’ve sacked Sir Alex Ferguson before Ten Hag.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile another said: “Everything great about Man Utd is because of Sir Alex Ferguson. He deserves to be paid for every breath he takes.A third added: “This is just plain stupid and disrespectful. The greatest manager in Prem history and they can’t be bothered with it.”A fourth replied: “Obviously he won’t starve but pretty disgusting he’s literally bigger than the club.”A day in the life of workaholic Ten Hag revealed by ex-Man Utd coach who jokes ‘his wife is on verge of divorcing him’Before another rival fan doubled down: “Did they really just sack Fergie before Ten Hag 😂?”One more wrote: “What???? That’s very disrespectful to Sir Alex!”Ten Hag returned to Carrington on Monday to prepare for Saturday’s Premier League game against Brentford at Old Trafford.After that, it is a Europa League trip to a Fenerbahce side managed by former United boss Jose Mourinho, with many fans believing the Dutchman could lose his job after that.There’s been huge speculation about his future after United recorded their worst ever Prem start, before chiefs held a seven-hour board meeting in central London last Tuesday.Ferguson, who turns 83 in December, will not receive payments from the club beyond the end of the season.The former Aberdeen manager was earning more than five members of Erik ten Hag’s squad, as per Capology.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmong them were Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and reserve keeper Altay Bayindir.Fergie still act as a non-executive member of the board and will always be welcome at matches, after most recently attending Ten Hag’s 0-0 crunch clash away at Aston Villa.Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

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    How Mikel Arteta is using morale boosting training drills to give Arsenal stars the edge over rivals

    MIKEL ARTETA has completely transformed Arsenal in the past few seasons – taking them to the brink of title glory.The Spaniard’s success in the transfer market and his tactical genius has been credited for their incredible turnaround.Mike Arteta is revolutionising Arsenal’s training drills at the Sobha Realty Training CentreCredit: GettyHowever, there are a lot more subtle reasons for their recent success. Recently released training ground footage has laid bare how the former Gunners player is using morale boosting training drills as he looks to get one over his rivals.Below, we detail the subtle things the 42-year-old is doing that he hopes will fire them to glory this season.SQUAD MORALE DRILLSMany drills in Arsenal training are designed for the sole purpose of improving squad morale rather than honing technical ability.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe effects of this on the pitch are being seen, with the Gunners building a reputation as “mentality monsters” who cope well in high-pressure situations.Take their 2-2 draw with Man City earlier this season, where despite going down to 10-men before half-time, they defended like their life depended on it. It was their fourth match vs their biggest rivals without tasting defeat.While Arteta is putting a huge focus on mentality, he’s built a team of imposing physicality too. Declan Rice, Ben White, Gabriel, William Saliba, Thomas Partey, Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino all measure in above six-feet-tall.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThis combination of dominant mentality and physicality might just be what gets Arsenal over the line in the title race.COACH INVOLVEMENTArteta and his fellow coaches can be seen throwing themselves into the drills such as the rondo.This can be used to boost the relationships between players and coaches, and shows that the coaches have a commitment and passion for their job and the club.It helps feed into the ‘family’ like atmosphere that Arteta is desperate to build. Arsenal’s head of sports medicine and performance Dr Zafar Iqbal said on Twitter: “I think Mikel is just a very special guy. He makes everybody secure… He’s very demanding, but he creates such a healthy environment. From top down, everybody is fighting for him.”Arteta and other Arsenal coach get involved in the drillsCredit: PAArteta shows his love for his playersCredit: AlamyRELAXED ATMOSPHEREAll the players and coaches appear very relaxed. This helps the less experienced academy players to avoid anxiety and fear when interacting with the first team stars – which in turn can lead to better results on the pitch.Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, made a late appearance in the recent Champions League match vs PSG and thrived, while Ethan Nwaneri, just 17, has been coming off the bench in the Premier League this season and immediately looked comfortable alongside more established players.When given a start in the Carabao Cup against Bolton, Nwaneri scored twice. Speaking after that game, Arteta said of the teenager: “Ethan was really good. A really strong performance. He feels part of us and is playing with that confidence and belief.”Arsenal wages 2024-25 revealedRELATIONSHIPSArsenal players always warm up with someone different which shows a strong team bond and encourages relationships across the entire playing staff.This helps to avoid potentially toxic cliques and boosts chemistry on and off the pitch.Arteta is clearly focused on improving relationships within the team. One of his ideologies is that “winning brings togetherness and, when you have beautiful experiences together and you win trophies, then those experiences stay within that group.”TRUST AND INCLUSIONArteta is open to allowing many academy youngsters to take part in training, even before big matches like against PSG.It is a show of Arteta’s trust in the ability of his players and helps increase a player’s confidence knowing they have the boss’s backing.In the video above, the more experienced Arsenal players are including academy prospects, such as Declan Rice who can be seen taking part in a drill with 19-year-old Maldini Kacurri.This training method then leads to results on the pitch.In the 5-1 win over Bolton this season, starting in goal was 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter – the club’s youngest ever player to start a match.Speaking on Porter’s inclusion, Arteta said: “It was a big step for Jack. He was over the moon. His family were nervous. But he coped really well. What a way to break a record.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He’s been training with us. We thought he was ready. We believe he was the right choice. It’s a very positive night. We gave the opportunity to a lot of academy players and they responded really well. To see their faces, their reaction, a great night.”If Arteta’s unique training methods continue to have results on the pitch then many more great nights could be in store this season.Myles Lewis-Skelly made a first Champions League appearance vs PSGCredit: ReutersHale End youngsters were trusted in the Carabao Cup fixture against Bolton – and rewarded Arteta with a 5-1 winCredit: GettyDeclan Rice seen training with Maldini Macurri – a show of Arteta’s policy of experience and youth integrating in trainingCredit: Getty More