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    ‘Another season we won’t be ready for’ – Man Utd fans fume as stars will take 15-hour flight for ‘money-making exercise’

    MANCHESTER UNITED will jet to Asia straight after their final Premier League game for two post-season friendlies.Ruben Amorim’s side will make a 15-hour, 6,600 mile trip to Malaysia after concluding their Prem campaign on May 25.Ruben Amorim will take his side to Asia in MayCredit: RexThe Red Devils have announced that they will play an ASEAN All Stars side in Kuala Lumpur on May 28.United stars will then jet 1,500 miles to Hong Kong for a match against their national team just two days later.It’s believed that the trip will make the club around £8million.Red Devils CEO Omar Berrada said: “We appreciate the amazing level of support that Manchester United enjoys around the world and this summer we are delighted to deliver a schedule that provides our fans in Asia, Scandinavia and the United States the opportunity to connect with the club and watch the men’s first team play live in local settings.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Importantly, tour fixtures drive significant additional revenue which help make the club stronger, allowing us to keep investing in success on the pitch.”They also create unique opportunities for us to collaborate with our valued commercial partners, and to deepen relationships with our fans in regions such as Asia and the US.”Man Utd stars will report for international duty following the conclusion of their post-season tour, with England in action against Andorra on June 7.Tottenham and Newcastle were both criticised for playing each other in Hong Kong three days after the end of the 2023-24 season.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMan Utd have already confirmed that they will travel to the US for a pre-season tour this summer.The Red Devils will participate in the Premier League Summer Series, playing West Ham in New Jersey, Bournemouth in Chicago and Everton in Atlanta.Amorim says Man Utd ‘need to be better’ after 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest Fans on social media have slammed United’s post-season plans.One fumed: “Another season we won’t be ready for. How many injuries will we pick up here …then off to America with no new signings. The last 12 years on repeat”While a second reasoned: “I get why do they do it, but this summer in particular I feel the footballing side would benefit from sticking around closer to home.”A third raged: “It’s all about the cash imagine the back lash if Bruno gets a 12 month injury as a result.”And another added: “They will be knackered before they even start the season.” More

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    Lionel Messi and ex-Man Utd flop could BLOCK Kevin De Bruyne from joining David Beckham’s Inter Miami

    INTER MIAMI will move for Kevin De Bruyne when he leaves Manchester City in the summer.But a deal to MLS could be scuppered by ex-United winger Angel Di Maria – and Lionel Messi.Inter Miami are targeting a move for Kevin De BruyneCredit: GettyStar man Lionel Messi wants David Beckham and Co to sign a different playerCredit: GettyMessi wants the club to go for Angel Di Maria insteadCredit: GettyDavid Beckham’s club want a superstar signing and are interested in talking to free agent KDB, 33.But Messi will try to persuade the owners to sign his Argentina team-mate winger Di Maria, 37, from Benfica.Di Maria, who endured one awful season as a Manchester United player, will become a free agent in the summer.Miami may only be able to afford one of them during the next window.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club already have Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez on their books.Belgian midfielder KDB has been linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia and USA.De Bruyne confirmed his exit from Man City last Friday with a heartfelt statement.It read: “Dear Manchester. Seeing this, you’ll probably realise where this is heading.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”So I’ll get straight to it and let you know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player.”Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes.Lionel Messi finally puts ‘cold Tuesday night in Stoke’ theory to bed by running the show in -17 degrees temperatures “That day is here – and you deserve to hear it from me first. Football led me to all of you – and to this city.”Chasing my dream, not knowing this period would change my life. This city, this club, these people… gave me EVERYTHING.”I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back! And guess what – we won EVERYTHING.”Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye. Suri Rome, Mason, Michele and I are beyond grateful for what this place has meant to our family.”Manchester will forever be home on our kids’ passports – and more importantly, in each of our hearts. This will always be our HOME.”We cannot thank the city, club staff, team-mates, friends and family enough for this ten-year ride. Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter.”Pep Guardiola revealed that he and the club made the decision not to renew the midfielder’s contract. More

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    Frank Lampard tipped for job with Premier League club as Chelsea legend’s work at Coventry earns new plaudits

    CHELSEA legend Frank Lampard is being targeted by a Premier League club amid his stunning work at Coventry.Lampard, 46, returned to management in November to take over the Sky Blues, almost a year and a half after a hapless second spell as the Blues’ caretaker boss which succeeded a failed spell at Everton.Chelsea legend Frank Lampard is being targeted by Southampton amid his stunning work at CoventryCredit: RexLampard transformed Coventry from relegation strugglers to promotion contendersCredit: PAHowever, the legendary midfielder turned the tide on his coaching career as he quickly transformed the Championship outfit from relegation strugglers to promotion contenders.The Chelsea great’s team has rocketed up the table from 17th and currently sit in the playoff places.And according to talkSPORT, Southampton are keeping tabs on Lampard after sacking manager Ivan Juric.Juric was axed less than 24 hours after Sunday’s 3-1 loss at Tottenham confirmed Saints’ relegation to the Championship.Read More on ChelseaHowever, Lampard is now focused on the ongoing Premier League push with Coventry.Southampton have drawn up a list with other targets for next season in the second division.That includes Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl, Strasbourg’s Liam Rosenior and ex-Premier League boss David Wagner.And it’s Rohl as well as Rosenior who appear to be at the top of Saints’ list.Most read in FootballThe Sheffield Wednesday boss saved his team from relegation to League One last season before leading them to play-off contention this term.Rosenior, on the other hand, has done a fantastic job at Strasbourg, who finished 13th in Ligue 1 last season, as he has led them to fourth place which leads to Champions League qualification.Ivan Juric leaves Southampton after woeful relegation from Premier League with club on track to make unwanted history First team coach Simon Rusk will be in charge of Southampton until the end of the season with Adam Lallana as his assistant. More

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    Arsenal fans fume club is being ‘frozen in time’ while owner Stan Kroenke pumps almost £8BILLION into Los Angeles Rams

    ARSENAL owner Stan Kroenke is set to invest a huge £8billion – into a different sports team.The 77-year-old has unveiled plans to build a new 52-acre “village” for his NFL franchise.Stan Kroenke is set to invest £8bn into the LA RamsCredit: GettyHe will fund a 52-acre ‘village’ for the NFL sideCredit: LA RamsIt will include a state of the art training complexCredit: LA RamsThe project is also set to include residential areasCredit: LA RamsIt will include a new, state-of-the-art training complex and headquarters for the LA Rams alongside a new indoor entertainment venue.Located in Woodland Hills, California, the development will also include a hotel, retail village, grocery store and parklands.The entire project – named ‘Rams Village’ – could take up to 10 years to complete and will cost up to £8bn.Kroenke said: “As we embark on our 10th season back in Los Angeles, we remain committed to helping shape the future of this great city.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”Rams Village at Warner Center will continue to transform Woodland Hills by providing a vibrant gathering place for the community through publicly accessible open spaces, new entertainment venues, a retail village, and residential offerings.”This is a tremendous opportunity to develop a dynamic destination and create the Rams permanent headquarters within the City of Los Angeles and we look forward to working with the City to turn this vision into a reality.”The LA Rams’ new training facility will feature two full-sized grass fields as well as an additional 150,000 square foot indoor practice field that could seat up to 2,500 spectators.While the new development is set to be hugely beneficial for the NFL side, the announcement has not been well-received by Arsenal fans.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesA new indoor entertainment venue is among the plansCredit: LA RamsSome believe that London Colney, the club’s training ground, is in greater need of a revamp given it opened 26 years ago.One person took to X to write: “As KSE pumps billions into the Rams’ futuristic facilities, Arsenal’s London Colney training ground—frozen in time with its 20th-century infrastructure—still awaits the investment it desperately needs.”‘He’s got a sense of humour’ – Sky Sports panel in stitches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s stunt in live TV interviewWhile another said: “KSE is investing $10B in a state-of-the-art Rams complex while London Colney remains stuck with outdated, concrete-like pitches. The priorities?!”It was revealed last month that Arsenal have been exploring ways to increase the capacity of the Emirates Stadium.Talks are reportedly at an early stage, with a number of potential options being considered. The Gunners are also set to spend big this summer, with a striker, winger and midfielder all understood to be in the plans.Viktor Gyokeres and Nico Williams have both been linked with a move to North London.Martin Zubimendi is also expected to make the switch.Arsenal’s London Colney training ground was opened in 1999Credit: Getty More

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    ‘Should be illegal to charge that’ – Fans just realising price of Champions League final tickets after huge price hike

    FOOTIE fans have branded Uefa a “total disgrace” after spotting a huge price hike in Champions League final tickets.This season’s showdown on May 31 will be held at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena – and some tickets will cost a fortune with the best seats priced at a whopping £816.Uefa has unveiled the cost of tickets for this season’s Champions League final in MunichBut footie fans have immediately hit backThis season’s showdown will be held at Bayern Munich’s Allianz ArenaCredit: GettyThere has also been a slight annual increase in Europa League and Europa Conference League final tickets. Gold dust ticket sales for all three men’s finals have already started via Uefa’s website and will run until 10am UK time on April 11.  Both clubs who make the final will each be allocated a total of 18,000 seats in Bayern’s 64,500 capacity stadium, with 38,700 going to fans or the general public.Using a ‘Fans First’ policy, Uefa has announced that fans of the two clubs involved in the final will be offered tickets at a frozen cost of £60, via a lottery system.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut spectators hoping to secure premium seats will have to fork out significantly more.The price of tickets in Category 1, the most expensive section, has boomed by 33 per cent to €950 (£816), up from €713 (£612). While, Category 2 seats come in at €650 (£558), 30 per cent higher than the €500 (£429) price from last season.In Category 3, tickets have decreased slightly to €180 (£154) from €186 (£160).Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesAnd, of course, as always, hotels are also expected to see a massive hike in their nightly rates, while flights alone are often costly enough.But social media users have accused Uefa of trying to “rip people off”.Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka in heated confrontation with Bayer Leverkusen ultras after humiliating defeatOne wrote: “It should be illegal to charge that much, regardless of the occasion.”A second said: “Surely not? That’s absolutely mental. How will anyone afford it?”While another added: “How can those prices be justified. It’s a total disgrace 😫.”And one more wrote: “It’s nothing more than pure greed!”The Premier League has two teams left in Europe’s most elite competition: Arsenal and Aston Villa.Arsenal will be hoping to make a strong start against Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final at the Emirates on Tuesday.While Aston Villa take on Liverpool conquerors Paris Saint-German in Paris on Wednesday.Bayern, Inter Milan, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund are the other four teams fighting for a place in this year’s final on May 31.As for the Europa League, which takes place on May 21 at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, a total of 41,000 of 49,600 tickets will be available for fans and the general public.’Fans First’ tickets are priced at €40 (£34), while Category 1, 2 and 3 come in at €240 (£206), €160 (£137) and €65 (£55) respectively.The Europa League presents a last chance of silverware for both Manchester United and Tottenham this season.Ruben Amorim’s side play Lyon next and Spurs take on Eintracht Frankfurt in their quarter-final.Read More on The SunWhile Chelsea are favourites to win the Europa Conference League final at Wroclaw Stadium in Poland on May 28.And ‘Fans First’ tickets are €25 (£21), Category 1 is priced at €190 (£163), Category 2 is €140 (£120) and Category 3 is €45 (£38). More

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    Race for Champions League football and who has hardest run-in as Chelsea, Man City, Newcastle and Villa fight for top 5

    THE race for Champions League qualification is heating up as the Premier League nears its dramatic conclusion.With Liverpool having virtually sewn up the title and the bottom three all looking doomed, all eyes are on the battle for Europe.The fight for Champions League football is set to be a fierce oneCredit: GettyAs English sides currently top Uefa’s 2024-25 club co-efficients, the Premier League is in line to receive a fifth Champions League spot.Arne Slot’s champions-elect Liverpool, and Arsenal, can feel very assured that they will be playing Champions League football next season.But this leaves the seven below them all jostling for position as the race goes down to the wire.With seven games remaining, SunSport ranks each European-battling teams’ run-ins from easiest to hardest.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMAN CITY – 6TH, 52 POINTSReigning champions Manchester City have had an off-year, but may feel quietly content should they qualify for the Champions League and win the FA Cup.Pep Guardiola’s side host Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in upcoming weeks, with a potentially tricky trip to Everton in between.Should they come through that run still in the mix, City will feel good going into a run of Wolves at home, relegated Southampton away and Bournemouth at home.They will then hope that their final day trip to Fulham is a dead rubber for the Cottagers.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKPep Guardiola will be desperate to guide his team into next season’s Champions LeagueCredit: GettyNOTTINGHAM FOREST – 3RD, 57 POINTSNuno Espirito Santo’s side are in pole position to qualify for the Champions League, and they will feel confident going into their run-in.Forest have lost just twice at the City Ground this season and will fancy their chances in upcoming home games against Everton, Brentford and doomed Leicester.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be missing four defensive starters for a mammoth Champions League quarter final The Tricky Trees have also been strong on the road and will not be daunted by trips to Tottenham, Crystal Palace and West Ham.On the final day they host Chelsea in a potentially mouthwatering encounter, particularly if Enzo Maresca’s side can narrow the current four-point gap between the two sides.Chris Wood has been sensational for Forest this seasonCredit: GettyBRIGHTON – 9TH, 47 POINTSThe Seagulls have plenty of work to do as they currently sit six points behind fifth-placed Newcastle.Maximum points from presentable-looking games against Leicester at home, Brentford away and West Ham at home could see them climb into the mix, before they host Eddie Howe’s Carabao Cup winners on May 4.Brighton will then go to Wolves, who will likely be on the beach, before hosting Liverpool, who may well have already long won the title.Fabian Hurzeler’s side will then finish with a trip to under-performing Tottenham.Brighton are just about still in the mixCredit: RexASTON VILLA – 7TH, 51 POINTSVilla are still competing on multiple fronts, with a Champions League quarter-final and FA Cup semi to look forward to.Their league campaign could yet be a special one too, as they only sit two points off Newcastle going into their trip to lowly Southampton this weekend.Unai Emery’s men then have crucial games at home to Newcastle and away to Manchester City, which could play a huge part in the race for Europe.Villa then host Fulham, travel to Bournemouth, play Tottenham at home and travel to Manchester United.Marcus Rashford has begun to hit his stride at Aston VillaCredit: RexFULHAM – 8TH, 48 POINTSMarco Silva’s side are five points off the pace and, barring a trip to Southampton on April 26, have one of the more difficult run-ins.This weekend they travel to Bournemouth, who sit only one place below them, before hosting Chelsea the following weekend.After the game at Saints they will go to Aston Villa ahead of a home match with Everton.The Cottagers will then finish with a West London derby at Brentford and a home clash with Man City.Fulham have had a brilliant season this termCredit: GettyNEWCASTLE – 5TH, 53 POINTSThe Toon currently occupy the last Champions League spot, but will need to keep up their impressive recent form to stay there.Newcastle host Man Utd and Crystal Palace in their next two matches, before a tricky trip to Aston Villa.A presentable home match with Ipswich will follow, before away games at Brighton and Arsenal sandwiching a home clash with Chelsea.The Magpies will host Everton at St James’ Park on the final day of the season.Newcastle are enjoying a historic season under Eddie HoweCredit: GettyCHELSEA – 4TH, 53 POINTSThe Blues have wobbled of late, scoring just two goals in their last four Prem matches.Following this weekend’s home match with Ipswich, the Blues have a nightmare run-in, beginning with a derby match at Fulham on April 20.Read More on The SunThey will then host Merseyside pair Everton and Liverpool back to back, before travelling to in-form Newcastle.Chelsea will finish their league campaign by hosting Man Utd and travelling to high-flying Nottingham Forest.Chelsea have been less than convincing in recent weeksCredit: Getty More

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    Underrated Jacob Murphy leads timely Newcastle returns ahead of double Gameweek 31

    ALL eyes were on Alexander Isak (£6.2m) at the King Power on Monday night but it was Jacob Murphy (£3.8m) who starred for Newcastle in their win over Leicester.While the Swedish striker, who features in 35.4% of teams, had to settle for just two points, the Toon’s long-serving winger bagged a brace to pocket a cool 16 points.Murphy has contributed 19 goal involvements in all competitions this seasonCredit: Dream TeamMurphy’s goals came from two predatory finishes, the likes of which fans would expect from Isak.The 30-year-old was well positioned at the back post to convert a wicked Tino Livramento (£2.9m) cross from close range inside the first two minutes.Then in the 11th minute, he followed up an audacious long-range effort from Fabian Schar (£2.9m) and was perfectly placed when the ball cannoned back off the bar to gift him an unmissable chance with the home side’s defenders in a different postcode.Harvey Barnes (£2.6m) inflicted further pain on his former club in the 34th minute as Newcastle essentially completed the job with an hour to spare.It was another miserable night for the Foxes, who have now lost eight league games in a row without scoring a single goal in response!Newcastle made light work of Leicester at the King PowerCredit: GettyMurphy’s 16-point haul has only been bettered by Brennan Johnson (£2.8m) in Gameweek 30 thus far but that may change as there are five European fixtures still to come.The aforementioned Livramento, Schar and Barnes also notched double-digit hauls and Dream Team managers would do well to consider Eddie Howe’s troops ahead of Gameweek 31.Newcastle are among the select group of seven clubs set to pull double duty next Gameweek and one of just two teams (Chelsea being the other) with the luxury of two home fixtures.Most read in FootballThe Carabao Cup winners welcome Manchester United and Crystal Palace to St James’ Park as they continue their quest for Champions League qualification.Newcastle are fifth in the table with a game in hand on those around themCredit: ReutersMurphy has to be considered a viable differential option for this double header as he currently features in just 1.1% of teams.He has registered ten goal involvements in 16 games since the turn of the year.In fact, Murphy is statistically the fourth-most in-form midfielder in the game right now with only Morgan Rogers (£4.2m), Eberechi Eze (£4.7m) and Bruno Fernandes (£7m) having taken more points from their last three outings.Naturally, gaffers inclined to target Newcastle’s fixtures in Gameweek 31 will consider Isak first and foremost.The prolific 25-year-old was a doubt prior to kick-off on Monday night having complained of a groin niggle against Brentford last time out but he was fit enough to start against Leicester.Howe declared Isak 100% fit after the final whistle on Monday nightCredit: GettyWhile Isak wasn’t able to capitalise on Ruud van Nistelrooy’s beleaguered troops, Howe provided a positive update on his condition after the final whistle.”I think he’s 100% fit,” Newcastle’s head coach said of his star striker. “I wouldn’t have taken any risks with him tonight if he wasn’t. “I don’t think we’ll have to manage him from this point onwards, fingers crossed he’ll be fine.”Read More on The SunExperienced Dream Team bosses will know to take Howe’s availability updates with a pinch of salt but it seems as if Isak will get two proper run outs in Gameweek 31.This is big news in the world of Dream Team as Isak is currently the most transferred-out player ahead of Saturday’s deadline.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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    I’ve had the same seat at Old Trafford for 45 years but now I’m being booted out – Man Utd are hanging us out to dry

    A LOYAL Manchester United fan has been forced to give up his Old Trafford seat of 45 years to make way for corporate hospitality.Michael Carney, 81, has followed United through thick and thin – from the Busby Babes and the Holy Trinity of George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law to the 1999 Treble and today’s lows.A loyal Manchester United fan has been forced to give up his Old Trafford seatCredit: PAMichael Carney has held his Man Utd seat for 45 years at Old TraffordCredit: PAHowever, the club are taking the longtime fan’s seat away and are forcing him to move from his spot in the lower section of the Sir Bobby Charlton stand.Carney was among the die-hard Man Utd fans who received a season ticket renewal letter that informed them their seats will be converted to hospitality sectors this summer.It read: “We have identified a small number of general admission tickets directly adjacent to the home and away dugouts that will be converted to hospitality seats this summer.”This reflects the high value of this unique location and will help to raise hospitality revenue to keep general admission Season Ticket prices lower. Read More on Man Utd”Your current seat is included within this block, and we will therefore need to find you an alternative seat for next season.”And Carney made his feelings known by aiming a powerful placard at the Red Devils’ hierarchy during Sunday’s goalless derby against Manchester City.The sign read on one side: “I was sat here before you were born!”And the other side read: “74 years of loyal support – for what?”Most read in FootballCarney, who still keeps newspapers from the Munich air disaster and Best’s phenomenal performance at Benfica in 1966, feels his beloved club is hanging him out to dry.He told the BBC: “It is very sad after all these years. They could put you anywhere and I don’t think you will be able to argue much. If you don’t like it, clear off.Paul Scholes lays into Sir Jim Ratcliffe for ‘having the cheek’ to introduce ‘ridiculous’ Man Utd’s ticket prices “They are brilliant seats. Mine is smack on the halfway line, midway between the dug-outs and the directors’ box.”One way of looking at it is that we have been fortunate to be sitting there for all those years – but you get used to it.”It has been happening on an individual basis for some time now. Before every game, you get an email saying if you can’t make the game, let them know and they will give you your money back. “If you have not been, the lads around will ask whoever is in the seat how much they paid for it. Very often it would be £250-£300. Fan protests”That is a good way of seeing what they want to do now, taking everyone out en-bloc.”Man Utd have been making a lot of controversial changes, which include brutal cuts, under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos, who are in charge of sporting operations.The club told season ticket holders who are sat right behind the dugouts at Old Trafford will have to move to make way for a VIP hospitality area.This situation led to another protest after the Manchester derby with hundreds of fans venting their frustrations over next season ticket price rises, the cutting of concessions and the amount of money paid to service United’s £1billion debt.Some seniors will see the cost of their season tickets rise by 57 per cent – a situation branded “shameful” when it emerges last month.A wider “sit-in” protest was also arranged by the 1958 fan group.However, it is expected that the conversion of these seats will allow the club to generate significant additional revenue, which would help minimise increases to season ticket prices.Other Premier League clubs have followed the same formula for the seats located over the dugouts.Read More on The SunChelsea are charging an extraordinary £12,500 for one ticket for their final two home games of the season against Liverpool and Man Utd at Stamford Bridge.The staggering prices for the Blues’ VIP dugout experience are a new record for the Prem – and will cost punters £139 for every minute of action on the pitch. More