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    ‘Who sanctioned that’ fumes Arsenal legend as he rips into Man Utd’s ‘bag of Revels’ transfer failures and £80m flop

    PAUL MERSON has launched a scathing attack on Manchester United’s transfer business under Erik ten Hag.The Arsenal legend was flabbergasted with United’s pursuit of Antony after ripping into the Brazilian’s £85.5m move.Paul Merson has slammed United’s recruitment business under Erik ten HagCredit: GettyThe Arsenal legend singled out Antony’s move to Old Trafford in particularCredit: GettyErik ten Hag’s future is in the balance after the Red Devils recorded their worst ever start to a Premier League season.United sit 14th after picking up eight points from seven games and have scored ONE goal at Old Trafford in the Prem this season – on the opening day 1-0 win over Fulham.The Dutchman’s future was discussed by club executives on Tuesday but there has been no communication on the outcomes of that near seven-hour meeting.Despite a £180m summer outlay on Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee, Merson took aim at the transfer strategy.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSky Sports presenter Rob Jones asked Merson: “If United have been a bag of Revels for two years now, that’s surely evidence that Ten Hag is not the man to take them forward?”This sparked a classic Merson rant: “Man Utd have to be patient. And the only way to be patient is having a plan. And the plan is going to take time.”I mean Man Utd have to start walking again before they can start running and they definitely can’t start sprinting yet. And this is what everybody thinks. “The one thing that would worry me more than anything is who has come into that club and you’ve gone ‘wow he was a major success’.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I mean Antony was £80m, have you picked up yet? Or have you fallen over?”I thought you’d fall over when I said £80m. I mean that just sums it all up. “I’m looking at the players they’ve bought like the boy Rasmus Hojlund. I like Hojlund, the centre-forward, but he’s a young kid.Roy Keane blasts ‘don’t bloody say it you fool’ in furious rant at Eriksen after Man Utd star’s controversial comment “You can’t put a young kid into Man Utd up front in a struggling team and say ‘go on mate go and get me 20 goals a season’.”You can’t do it. For me it’s so wrong. And that’s me sitting on the outside. I just don’t know what they’ve done.””I mean £80m – who sanctioned that?”And I don’t want to be horrible, I watched him in Holland, he goes down the wing, he cuts in and bends it into the far corner. He done it every week in Holland.”You come to the Premier League and every single full-back is an international. And they work you out and won’t show you on that foot.” “United can’t even say ‘do you what we will swallow one here and get £40m for him – they won’t even get that.”In the midst of his passionate display, Merson also claimed that United legend Gary Neville would be perfect to bring in to oversee recruitment.He added: “Gary has been at that club all his career, and he knows football from the inside out.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You put someone like him in charge, even Rio Ferdinand, someone like that or even both of them together, and you go ‘right, we want to build this club- what players should we be bringing in?’”The Red Devils admitted that they overpaid for Antony, 24, who joined from Ajax in 2022. More

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    Stunning Wag claims Mauro Icardi warned her that Wanda Nara was having an affair with her footie husband

    SIMONA GUATIERI has claimed that she was warned by Mauro Icardi that her husband was having an affair with his ex-wife.The Italian model and television personality was married to former Lazio star Keita Balde but they split earlier this year.Simona Guatieri was married to footballer Keita BaldeCredit: INSTAGRAMTheir marriage ended earlier this yearCredit: INSTAGRAMSimona claimed that Balde had an affair with Wanda NaraCredit: INSTAGRAM @wanda_naraMauro Icardi warned her of the affairCredit: Instagram @wanda_naraThe couple first started dating in 2017 before tying the knot in 2022 while Balde was at Spartak Moscow.Simona has spoken out since their breakup in which she insisted she is “happy” with the decision despite having help from a psychologist.She claimed that Icardi warned her that Balde, 29, and his ex-wife Wanda Nara, 37, had a “secret meeting” in Dubai while he was contracted to the Russian club.She told Fanpage: “I should have returned to Moscow, but I didn’t go back because I found out about the meeting.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIcardi, 31, admitted that he warned Simona in an interview with Spanish paparazzi.He said: “You keep posting photos from when you got married and he invites Wanda to Dubai.”I’m sorry to see you posting everything like this, I’m telling you from the bottom of my heart.”I just informed a poor, conscious cuckold that her husband hasn’t stopped writing to my wife (we’re not divorced) for a while now.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I also have the messages, photos and everything he has sent her in private Instagram messages because my own wife sent them to me.”Icardi and Balde had crossed paths during their careers as they both played for Inter Milan during the 2018/19 campaign.Wanda Nara flaunts curves in tiny black bikini as she shows off new short hair and fans call her ‘too perfect’Simona is an Italian model and television personalityCredit: Instagram @simonaguatieriShe has 184K followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @simonaguatieriSimona released a message directed at Balde in which she stated that he had “destroyed” a family.She said: “You left with the wife of someone who played with you, you did the worst you could and you left.”For me the marriage is over. I will always have a bad taste in my mouth. It is a family that has been destroyed.”It was necessary to maintain the balance for the children’s growth. I say with presumption that I did not deserve all this.”She continued: “I dedicated myself to him, I was honest.”I always thought about the home, about the children. I stopped working for him.”Balde has tried to reconcile with Simona but she refused.She added: “I don’t know if he did it out of fear of the consequences or if he realized he had done something stupid.”But something inside me had broken. I think he has the wrong people around him.”Icardi and Wanda were married for ten years before their marriage officially ended in 2023.Balde was once one of the most promising footballers in Italy as he broke through in Rome.During his time at Lazio he was linked with moves to Manchester United in a mooted £26million move 2017.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe spent time in Barcelona during his youth career but was kicked out of La Masia for a practical joke in which he put an ice cube in a teammate’s bed.During his loan spell at Inter, he reportedly suffered an injury while filming a satirical TV show in a prank that went wrong.Balde was highly-rated when he broke through at LazioCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Inter MilanCredit: AFP More

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    Wayne Rooney reveals Mikel Arteta is COPYING his set-piece tactics as he exposes Arsenal scoring identical goal to Derby

    WAYNE ROONEY revealed Mikel Arteta is COPYING his set pieces.Arsenal have been hailed for their potent approach to dead-ball situations. Wayne Rooney reckons Mikel Arteta could be nicking his set-piece tacticsCredit: YouTubeArsenal boss Arteta is reaping the rewards of Nicolas Jover’s inputCredit: GettyIn fact, no team can match the Gunners’ tally of 23 goals from set pieces and 16 from corners in the Premier League since the beginning of last season. But Rooney hinted Arteta could be nicking his tactics – after exposing Arsenal for scoring an identical goal to his Derby side nearly four years ago. Speaking on the Stick To Football podcast about the importance of set pieces, Plymouth boss Rooney said: “Set pieces are so important, the amount of matches won or lost by them is huge. “One of the coaches does it then I come in with some weird ideas.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The Arsenal one they scored with, I did that four years ago against Middlesbrough and we scored from it.”Rooney was likely referencing Gabriel Magalhaes’ header against Manchester City.At the Etihad last month, a cluster of Arsenal players started beyond the back post and flooded the six-yard box, allowing the defender to storm in from the penalty spot and nod into the back of the net.But the positioning of the players struck a familiar chord for Rooney.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBecause when managing Derby, the Rams found the net in very similar fashion at home to Middlesbrough in a 2-1 win in February 2021. Again, at an inswinging corner from the right, the attacking side positioned a host of players way out at the back edge of the area.Roy Keane reveals he has ‘given up’ with Man Utd as he, Rooney and Neville lay into Ten Hag’s ‘disgusting’ flops And as Martyn Waghorn gave the signal, the Derby men split and four of the five ran at different angles towards the goal, causing chaos for the Boro backline. Defender Lee Buchanan made the first contact at the back post.Although unlike Gabriel, he teed the ball up across the goal as team-mate Lee Gregory headed in. Arsenal have employed Nicolas Jover as their set-piece coach and are reaping the rewards of a dedicated member of staff for a crucial part of football – both offensively and defensively.It did not work out so well at Wolves, though, who sacked their first set-piece coach Jack Wilson this week following the 5-3 defeat at Brentford.Since his summer arrival from Manchester City, winless Wolves have conceded from dead-ball situations in five of their seven Premier League matches and scored from one as they sit rooted to the bottom of the table. Rooney also referenced another of his custom set pieces, where he got a player to stand on the four corners of the penalty area and three in the D and all charged towards the mixer. READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd he suggested it nearly paid off with a goal last weekend when Plymouth beat Blackburn in dramatic fashion. But then Morgan Whittacker grabbed a 97th-minute winner as the Pilgrims picked up their third victory of the season to sit 14th in the Championship table. Gabriel scored from a corner at the EtihadCredit: GettyArsenal set up for the dead-ball situation by overloading the back postCredit: YouTubeIt is virtually identical to the way Derby scored against Middlesbrough in February 2021Credit: dcfc.co.ukLee Gregory nodded in after the ball was headed back across the face of goalCredit: dcfc.co.uk More

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    Everton fans say ‘I feel sick just looking at it’ as new pictures of Bramley Moore Dock stadium go viral

    A FRESH video of Everton’s new stadium has emerged on social media, leaving some fans with one key concern.The Toffees are set to move into the new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock next summer.A new video of Everton’s stadium has been revealedCredit: X/EvertonStadiumIt showed the steepness of the standsCredit: X/EvertonStadiumSome fans have suggested it seems too highCredit: X/EvertonStadiumIt will host 52,888 fans on a match day when finally completed.But after seeing a new clip of the ground on social media, some have expressed one potential concern.The height and steepness of the stands has become a topic of conversation among some supporters.One person took to social media to write: “Don’t think I wanna be that high up.”Read More in FootballAnother commented: “I feel sick just looking at how high it is. Wonder if they provide binoculars.”A third joked: “My nose is bleeding just looking at it 😂.”While a fourth wrote: “Looks like a nice steep incline – great for atmosphere. Bad for vertigo!”The new stadium is estimated to cost a whopping £760million.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRecently, a commemorative fan wall was announced as part of the ambitious project.Dubbed ‘The Originals’, it will pay tribute to legends of the club and those who have captured the spirit of the Toffees on and off the pitch.Everton’s £760million new stadium close to completion as incredible new video of ground is revealed More

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    Inside Man Utd’s showdown talks as ‘one chief argues for Ten Hag to be SACKED and most likely successor is revealed’

    ERIK TEN HAG remains under immense pressure at Manchester United with one club chief reportedly wanting him SACKED.The Red Devils have stumbled to their worst start to a Premier League season under the Dutchman this term.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been in talks with Manchester United chiefs over the clubCredit: PAErik ten Hag’s future is still in questionCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel is one candidate to replace Ten HagCredit: GettyOld Trafford chiefs were locked in crisis talks on Tuesday in London over the manager’s future.It is believed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has requested the club’s hierarchy to put forward all potential scenarios for Ten Hag’s future.This includes who would replace the coach should the axe swing and he be removed from his post.Ratcliffe was joined in the meeting by co-owner Joel Glazer, chief executive Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth, technical director Jason Wilcox and director Sir Dave Brailsford.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe Independent has reported that one put forward a strong argument for Ten Hag to be sacked.However, the claim was countered by a couple of arguments.One is believed to be that Ten Hag’s era is still viewed to be in its early stages.Another argument was that the disruption of sacking him could further hurt his performance.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan United chiefs were also concerned about the potential candidates that would replace Ten Hag should he leave.Should Ten Hag be axed, it would cost the club £17.5million due to the extension he signed in June.Roy Keane blasts ‘don’t bloody say it you fool’ in furious rant at Eriksen after Man Utd star’s controversial comment The report suggested that one question that they face is hiring a temporary boss or a permanent coach on a longer-term contract.One candidate is Thomas Tuchel, who was heavily linked to the hotseat at Old Trafford towards the end of last term.It is claimed that he has been spoken about as the most likely successor to the Dutchman.However, it is thought that there has been no contact between the club and the former Chelsea manager.Talks at the meeting at the London office also reached details of the squad’s suitabilities.This apparently included admitting that Ten Hag’s current players are more suited to a back four than a back three.Meanwhile, the club has been slammed by former players Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney.READ MORE SUN STORIESKeane claimed that he has “given up” on the club, and Neville insisted it has become a graveyard for “good people and players”.Rooney himself hit out at the performance during the 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at Old Trafford as the “worst he has ever seen”. More

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    Kobbie Mainoo goes out for stroll with Love Island star brother after Man Utd ace pulls out of England duty

    KOBBIE MAINOO stretched his legs as he looks to recover from a knock picked up against Aston Villa at the weekend.The Manchester United star was forced to withdraw from the England squad after struggling with a hamstring issue.Kobbie Mainoo took a stroll with Love Island star brother Jordan HamesCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeMainoo has been forced to pull out of the England squad with injuryCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe Manchester United midfielder has been struggling with a hamstring problemCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeMainoo managed to get out and stretch his legs amid the injury concernsCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe brothers were snapped walking around ManchesterCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe pair left in an AudiCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeMainoo took a calm stroll with his Love Island star brother Jordan Hames as he rests up with hopes to return to action after the international break.The pair were pictured chatting away as they walked around Manchester.The brothers have both managed to make a name for themselves with Mainoo a top Premier League star and Hames a top model and social media sensation after his start on reality TV.The duo looked stylish on their plod as they both opted for comfort in baggy trousers and jumpers.READ MORE ON MAN UTDMainoo misses out on the chance to earn his 11th England cap this evening as Lee Carsley’s Three Lions take on Greece in the Nations League at Wembley.He was joined on the England absentee list by Morgan Gibbs-White and Ezri Konsa, who were both forced to withdraw from the squad with injury too.While Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento have been drafted into the team in their place.Man Utd supporters will be hoping that Mainoo will be back in the fold in time for the Red Devils’ clash with Brentford after the break.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSErik ten Hag is already juggling a number of injury issues with Alejandro Garnacho and Noussiar Mazraoui also staying behind at Carrington over joining their national team with issues.And things got even more bleak for the under pressure boss when Harry Maguire revealed he would out of action for “a few weeks” after being substituted with an injury at half-time of the Villa game.Lee Carsley’s England train at St George’s Park ahead of Nations League matches Full-back duo Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw also remain out of action with long-term problems.There was some good news for Ten Hag and the Old Trafford faithful, however.This summer’s £52million arrival Leny Yoro appears to have stepped up his rehab following his pre-season injury, taking to social media to share a video of him running on an anti-gravity treadmill alongside the caption: “On the way back”.Mainoo left the pitch with an injury during Man Utd’s goalless draw against Aston VillaCredit: PA More

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    Man Utd star Mazraoui undergoes procedure after experiencing heart palpitations as he’s ruled out for weeks

    NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI has undergone a procedure after experiencing heart palpitations. Mazraoui withdrew from the Morocco squad after being replaced by Victor Lindelof at half-time against Aston Villa.Noussair Mazraoui has undergone a procedure after experiencing heart palpitationsCredit: GettyIt has since emerged that the right-back – signed this summer from Bayern Munich – has been experiencing palpitations. And he has had successful surgery but is expected to be ruled out of action for some weeks.Team-mate Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch during the Euros in 2021. The Danish international was fitted with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator device after being rushed to hospital. READ MORE ON MAN UTDLess than one year later, Eriksen made his return to football with Brentford before signing for United in the summer of 2022.Meanwhile Mazraoui joined Matthijs de Ligt in a double transfer this summer. He has made ten appearances this season in replace of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who left for West Ham. But Mazraoui was taken off at the break against Villa in the game that ended 0-0. Most read in FootballAnd Garnacho then followed with the Argentina winger feeling the effects of 90 minutes against Unai Emery’s side.He joined Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho in pulling out of international duty.Roy Keane reveals he has ‘given up’ with Man Utd as he, Rooney and Neville lay into Ten Hag’s ‘disgusting’ flops Mainoo had already ruled himself out of the England squad due to a fitness issue after he was replaced by Casemiro at Villa Park. The away point leaves United in 14th and manager Erik ten Hag still under huge pressure. But he survived the sack after SEVEN HOURS worth of showdown talks in London with Red Devils co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Ratcliffe – who was joined by Sir Dave Brailsford and sporting director Dan Ashworth – arrived at around 9:30am and left at 4:45pm.It comes after United fell to their worst ever return from the opening seven Premier League games, picking up just eight points.Without a win in five matches in all competitions, Ten Hag remains under-fire but not yet fired.Erik ten Hag remains under pressureCredit: Getty More

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    Meet Saffie Khan: Model who is expecting a baby with England and Liverpool star Curtis Jones

    SAFFIE KHAN is a model and social media influencer who’s in a relationship with rising Liverpool star Curtis Jones.The couple made headlines with the joyous announcement in May 2024 that they are expecting their first child.Saffie Khan and her partner Curtis Jones, who stars for Liverpool and EnglandCredit: instagram @saffiekhan_Who is Saffie Khan?Saffie Khan has built a substantial following on social media platforms.As of October 10, 2024, she has almost 70k followers on Instagram, where she regularly shares glimpses of her life and modelling work.Her striking looks and fashionable posts have garnered her a dedicated fan base, contributing to her status as an influencer. Saffie is signed to M Models Management and has appeared in various fashion shoots.read more on curtis jonesRelationship with Curtis JonesSaffe and Liverpool and England ace Curtis Jones began dating in 2019, but until recently kept their romance private on social media.Curtis has been a rising star in football since his youth, joining Liverpool’s youth academy in 2010, before being promoted to the first team in 2018 at the age of 17.Jones was a bit-part player when Liverpool won the Premier League in 2020 and the FA Cup in 2022, but has become an important part of the squad in the last two years.His fine form was rewarded with an England call up by Lee Carsley in October 2024, who previously coached Jones when he helped England Under-21s win the U21 Euros in 2023.Most read in FootballJones and Saffie’s romance has become a point of interest for football fans and celebrity-watchers alike.Pregnancy announcementOn May 15, 2024, Saffie and Curtis shared the exciting news of her pregnancy through a joint Instagram post.Fans and players old and new were quick to congratulate the happy couple.Liverpool’s Owen Beck wrote “Congrats to both of you”, while Daniel Sturrage posted “Congrats bro”.Liverpool ace Curtis Jones aims sly dig at Arsenal for ‘stealing their stuff’ after wild celebrations following huge winOther Reds legends who shared their good wishes with the happy couple include Ryan Gravenberch, Bobby Clark, Stefan Bajcetic, Tyler Morton, Rhian Brewster, Rhys Williams and Neco Williams.In October 2024, Saffie shared a pregnancy update on Instagram.She said: “Ready for my autumn baby.”One follower commented: “What a perfect time of year to have a baby too, so much indoor bonding time! You look gorgeous! So excited for you.” Saffie and Curtis revealed they are expecting in an Insta postCredit: instagram @saffiekhan_Another gushed: “Gorgeous lady, so excited for you.” A third added: “So stunning.”Saffie has used Instagram to keep her followers updated on her pregnancy journey.Her openness about the experience has further endeared her to fans.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs they navigate this new phase of their lives, it seems likely that Saffie will continue to share updates and insights through her social media accounts.And her profile is likely to continue rising — both as a model, and as a partner to one of England’s top young footballers. More