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      Premier League LIVE SCORES: Leicester vs Southampton DELAYED, Everton leading Ipswich, Arsenal up NEXT – updates

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      SATURDAY’S Premier League action features four huge matches!The early kick off saw two teams with European ambitions, Aston Villa and Fulham, face off in the West Midlands, with Youri Tielemans scoring the only goal in a Villa win.Two 3pm fixtures see Everton welcome already-relegated Ipswich Town and Leicester City host Southampton in a basement clash.Saturday’s action concludes with Arsenal welcoming Bournemouth to the Emirates at 5.30pm.Kick off times: 12.30pm/3pm/5.30pmCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…From Phil Thomas at GoodisonA day of nostalgia and tradition in the penultimate game at Goodison……so how fitting that Everton are maintaining their time-served custom of being consistently inconsistent to the end.Two up and cruising against a relegated side which looked ready to crumble, only to blow it and having to settle for a point.Well I did say if a fourth goal was coming, Ipswich were favourites to get it…Copy linkCopiedFrom Dan King at the Emirates StadiumWhen it comes to injuries, you can have sympathy with Arsenal.This time they leave full back Jurrien Timber out as a precaution and in comes Ben White for only his third start since November.But in terms of the alleged refereeing plot against the Gunners, ask Bournemouth how they feel.They were set fair for a win over Manchester United that would have kept them right in the hunt for European football until Evanilson was sent off, a decision that was overturned on appeal Could it be that there was a cock-up instead of a conspiracy and that incompetence is dealt out at random?Mikel Arteta’s side were not quite on it when they drew with Brentford in between their quarter final clashes with Real Madrid.After Liverpool sealed the title, this is another test of Arsenal’s will not to come third in a two-horse race.Copy linkCopiedFull time – Leicester 2-0 SouthamptonThe Foxes come out on top in the battle of the bottom two and record a rare win.Southampton still have work to do to not be remembered as the joint-worst Premier League team of all time.Copy linkCopiedFull time – Everton 2-2 IpswichAn entertaining game comes to an end at Goodison.Copy linkCopiedEverton 2-2 Ipswich90. Six minutes of stoppage time has just been signalled at Goodison……and that has lifted Ipswich.Kieran McKenna’s relegated outfit believe they can win this!Copy linkCopiedFrom Graham Hill at the King PowerThings have calmed down after an incident-packed first half.If anything, Southampton have looked the most likely to score.They had a goal disallowed after 55 minutes when Matty Fernandes put the ball in the net, after sub Paul Onuachu’s header was saved superbly by Jacob Stolarczyk. But it was ruled out for offside.The travelling Saints fans let interim boss Simon Rusk know what they thought of his decision to sub Fernandes moments later.They sang ‘You don’t know what you’re doing’ and followed it up with a lengthy rendition of ‘Matty, Matty Fernandes’.Leicester have brought on 15-year-old Jeremy Monga – but can Vardy score again for his 200th Leicester goal?Copy linkCopiedEverton 2-2 Ipswich79. From 2-0 down, Ipswich have clawed their way level.It’s substitute George Hirst who has bagged the equaliser, following in his father’s footsteps with an instinctive header at the far post.The striker took advantage of some good fortune when a cross from the left looped up off Idrissa Gueye, but he was alert and showed bravery to dart in and head down past Jordan Pickford.They may be heading back to the Championship, but Ipswich have something to celebrate here.Copy linkCopiedEqualiser!Copy linkCopiedLeicester 2-0 Southampton71. And yet somehow this game makes the game at Goodison Park look action-packed.There’s just been one shot on target in the second half at the King Power, and I can’t even remember who had it.Copy linkCopiedEverton 2-1 Ipswich68. It has been 30 minutes since Everton last attempted a shot in this game.Dominic Calvert-Lewin is back on the bench today. Maybe it’s up to him to put that right.Copy linkCopiedFrom Phil Thomas at Goodison ParkOn easy street with half-time in sight… now scrapping like street fighters to keep their noses in front.At least Everton are consistent to the end – they’ve always been in a league of their own when it comes to making things hard for themselves.If there’s a fourth goal in this, you sense Ipswich will be the ones who score it.Copy linkCopiedEverton 2-1 Ipswich56. Ipswich scorer Julio Enciso picked up a knock at the start of the second period but he appears to have shaken it off.And now he’s eyeing up Jordan Pickford goal again with another long range effort, but this time the Everton keeper comes out on top to comfortably save.Copy linkCopiedTeam news from the EmiratesArsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Trossard, MartinelliBournemouth (4-2-3-1): Kepa; Araujo, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Cook, Adams; Tavernier, Kluivert, Ouattara; EvanilsonCredit: @Arsenal on XCredit: @afcbournemouth on XCopy linkCopiedBack on it for the second halfWe are underway again at Goodison and the King Power, although the latter is a little behind following that first half stoppage.Can Southampton find a way back in? Will Everton start their farewells to Goodison in style? It’s time to find out.Copy linkCopiedFrom Graham Hill at the King PowerAfter 12 minutes of stoppage time here – and an eventful first half – Leicester are in uncharted territory as far as 2025 goes.Ruud van Nistelrooy called on his relegated team to play with freedom – and they have. The Foxes are 2-0 up at half time with goals from skipper Jamie Vardy and a 43rd minute strike from Jordan Ayew who saw his free-kick hit the Saints wall before scoring from the rebound.But ref David Webb went down injured midway through the half and had to come off. There was a delay of almost 12 minutes before play could resume – with fourth official Sam Barrott stepping up to take the whistle, and a referees’ coach Phil Sharp, taking over on the touchline.As if that wasn’t enough, a fans’ protest banner aimed at the owner, Top Srivaddhanaprabha and director of football Jon Rudkin, was mistakenly shown on the stadium’s big screen. Leicester use the broadcast feed for match action and swiftly took down the banner shot.But Southampton still look a long way from that magic 12 point mark.Copy linkCopiedHalf-time – Leicester 2-0 SouthamptonThe Foxes lead the battle of the bottom two at the King Power.Jamie Vardy and Jordan Ayew helped themselves to a couple of smart finishes but the first half was marred by a scare for referee David Webb.The official collided with Ayew, and was eventually replaced with a suspected concussion, leading to lengthy stoppage time.Copy linkCopiedFrom Phil Thomas at Goodison ParkWhere did that come from? Nearly half an hour of pretty much nothing, then 20 minutes of blood and thunder…and a couple of worldies.Beto’s headed opener, Liam Delap’s come-and-have-a-go to anyone in sight – and then two rub-your-eyes, Roberto Carlos-style swerving strikes from Dwight McNeil and Julio Enciso.Bring on the second half!Copy linkCopiedHalf-time – Everton 2-1 IpswichThe Toffees lead at the break, but not as convincingly as they would have liked.Goals from Beto and McNeil had them in total charge, but a stunner from Julio Enciso means this one has all to play for.Copy linkCopiedLeicester 2-0 Southampton44. Jordan Ayew rockets Leicester into a two-goal lead!The Ghanian appeared to have passed up his opportunity by chipping a 20-yard free-kick into the wall.But the forward readjusted himself quickly to take on the rebound, and promptly drilled it low into the bottom corner before the Southampton defence could react.Copy linkCopiedBelter!Copy linkCopiedEverton 2-0 Ipswich41. One of the goals of the season by Julio Enciso has Ipswich back in the contest!There appears no danger when the Paraguayan picks up the ball just inside the Everton half.But with a drop of the shoulder, he skips inside his marker and bursts forward.Thirty yards out, he takes aim with a strike that dips wickedly as it passes Jordan Pickford and crashes in off the bar.Copy linkCopiedWhat a goal!Copy linkCopiedLeicester 1-0 Southampton38. The game is back underway at the King Power, but has taken some time to pick up pace following that lengthy stoppage.Expect injury time aplenty at the end of the first half.Copy linkCopiedEverton 2-0 Ipswich35. On his 100th appearance for the club, Dwight McNeil doubles Everton’s lead!The winger is revelling back in the side after injury, and his strike here deceives Alex Palmer by swerving all over the shop.As a result, the Ipswich goalkeeper barely moves to keep out McNeil’s 25-yarder and it promptly thumps into the back of the net.Copy linkCopiedIt’s two!Copy linkCopied More

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      Aston Villa 1 Fulham 0: Early Tielemans goal fires Villans level on points with Chelsea in race for Champions League

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      YOURI TIELEMANS’ bullet header was just enough to see off a Fulham side who fired blanks – as Aston Villa made it 17 home games without defeat.That equalled a club record set by Unai Emery’s team between March and December 2023 and kept them on course for a potential Champions League berth.Aston Villa earned a hard fought 1-0 win against Fulham at Villa ParkCredit: ReutersYouri Tielemans opened the scoring in the 12th minute at Villa ParkCredit: GettyRyan Sessegnon’s second-half strike was ruled out for handball five minutes into the second halfCredit: GettyIt also maintained the Spaniard’s remarkable record against the Cottagers, who he has now beaten in all seven encounters against them – the best record of his managerial career against any club.This won’t go down as one of his better performances but at this stage of the season that doesn’t matter.Villa’s players had suffered two absolute sledgehammer blows ahead of this crucial game.Losing to a stoppage time goal at Manchester City was painful enough.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut being spanked 3-0 by Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi final at Wembley really piled on the agony for Emery’s men.However this was no time to feel sorry for themselves, with the Premier League’s finishing tape in sight.In his programme notes Emery stressed the importance of putting the past behind them.”During the week, we kicked out from our mind any distraction, regret or fear,” he wrote.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”No past and no future, football only knows about the present.”Do we want Villa in the top level of football again? YES.Emery ripped up his own transfer handbook to sign Villa sensation Morgan Rogers, who says HE invented Palmer celebration”Are we aware of how important the Fulham match is? YES.” Fortunately for him Tielemans got the memo!The little Belgian has been the beating heart of this Villa side all season.Incredibly this was the 27-year-old’s 52nd consecutive start of the season. That made him the first player to clock up that many starts for the club since Earl Barrett and Kevin Richardson way back in 1994.And he celebrated the milestone with the goal which turned out to be the winner, after 12 minutes.Fulham will be kicking themselves at the ease with which the Belgian scored.John McGinn flighted in a corner from the right and Tielemans timed his run to perfection to burst between Kenny Tete and Harry Wilson and head beyond Bernd Leno.Although the German goalie managed to get a glove on the ball there was no chance of him keeping that particular bullet out.It was the midfielder’s fifth goal of the season – and Villa’s 15th set-piece goal – and Tielemans went on to produce a man of the match performance.It’s still hard to believe Emery snapped him up on a free from Leicester City two seasons ago.He was at the heart of everything that was good about Villa as he ran the show with his accurate passing.In an often frantic game, he seemed to play the game at his own pace, as he covered every blade of grass on Villa Park.In truth this was a slow burner however as both forward lines failed to find the spark needed to ignite the contest.Ollie Watkins was trying desperately to break Gabby Agbonlahor’s 74-goal haul to become Villa’s top Premier goalscorer of all time.But he headed wide following a short corner in seven minutes as Marco Asensio’s cross was just a centimetre or two too high for him.And that set the tone for another frustrating afternoon for the England striker who has now gone three games without a goal.In fact the only real other moment of note during a dreadful first half came from Tielemans again.He looked set to score a screamer of a second until Bernd Leno got his fingertips to prevent his 25 yarder finding the top bin!However none of the dozy officials spotted his brilliant save, which brought a wry smile to Leno’s face.And a dreary half ended when Martinez plucked an Alex Iwobi effort out from under his crossbar, with impressive ease.Fortunately things livened up after the break.Watkins just failed to get on the end of a teasing Cash cross before Fulham thought they had equalised.The ball struck Sessegnon’s hand on the way down to the shotCredit: GettyRyan Sessegnon tried to tame Antonee Robinson’s lay-off by taking the ball down on his chest.But the ball brushed his hand before he lashed a screamer beyond Martinez and into the far corner.Referee Rob Jones spotted the handball and VAR agreed with the official that any handball in the run-up to a goal is a no, no as Fulham cursed their luck.Meanwhile, Emery cursed Ezri Konsa for losing the ball in midfield, leading to another Fulham chance which Harry Wilson just failed to take.The Spaniard was a flurry of arms as he vented his anger several times at Konsa who tried to argue back – which didn’t help the situation!Leno then denied Watkins, using his foot to divert the striker’s shot before Pau Torres missed a snip at the far post.Nerves frayed as the clock ticked down and Cash bravely blocked Joachim Andersen at the back post as Fulham pushed for an equaliser.Adama Traore then slashed a volley wide before Villa sub Donyell Malen almost killed off the Cottagers.Read More on The SunHe sprinted through onto Jacob Ramsey’s pass but smashed the ball off the underside of Leno crossbar.However Villa were relieved to leave with three hard-earned points, with on-loan forward Marcus Rashford set to miss the rest of the season through hamstring injury. 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      Chelsea to build 1,400 luxury football-themed £1m apartments in Dubai’s beachfront with a branded pitch on the ROOF

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      CHELSEA’S new partners will build 1,400 luxury football-themed apartments in Dubai – with a Blues-branded pitch on the ROOF.The West London club signed a deal with Dubai-based property company Damac.Chelsea’s new sponsors Damac are set to build 1,400 luxury apartmentsCredit: YouTube / DAMAC PropertiesThe stunning complex will feature a Chelsea-branded pitch on the roofCredit: YouTube / DAMAC PropertiesPrices will range from £430,000 to £1mCredit: YouTube / DAMAC PropertiesThe long-term sponsorship sees the Middle East firm become a global partner of Chelsea.They will also see their logo splashed across the front of the team’s shirts for the few remaining games of the season – having been blank since the start of the campaign.But now Damac have confirmed they have designed the first-ever branded residence in collaboration with the Premier League club.The Chelsea Residences is set to be erected in Dubai’s Maritime City and “merges luxury lifestyle with world-class sporting heritage”. READ MORE ON CHELSEAArchitects Gensler have designed the stunning £1million flats with a range of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments all featuring floor-to-ceiling glass and boasting superb sea views. Damac say: “This landmark development features over 1,400 sea-facing units and a lifestyle that rivals match-day energy. “Expect bold design, breathtaking views, and amenities inspired by the spirit of champions.”The interiors exude modern sophistication with high-end finishes, state-of-the-art materials, and subtle Chelsea branding throughout.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Residents will enjoy a rooftop football pitch, grand lion statues, and exclusive waterfront experiences such as an infinity sand pool, aqua gym, and a starlit spa.”This is just the first half.”How Enzo Maresca can transform Chelsea to challenge for Premier League titleThere will even be a ‘Chelsea football simulation room’, ‘Chelsea Lion beach’ and the Blues badge on the rooftop pitch – making it the perfect home for any Blues fans based in the UAE.Jason Gannon, President and COO of Chelsea Football Club, said, “Damac are world renowned in building luxury properties, and we are thrilled to be working with the industry leader to bring to market a first of its kind branded Chelsea FC residence in Dubai.“With the club located in the heart of London, the collaboration will bring SW6 to life in Dubai, supporting our continued growth on the global stage. “We can’t wait to see Chelsea Residences take its place in the Dubai skyline.”The complex will be just 20 minutes from Dubai International Airport.But they will not come cheap.Prices start from £430,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.Read More on The SunBut the most expensive homes will set buyers back a whopping £1m.It is not the first time Damac have collaborated with big brands – with their other projects including a Roberto Cavalli Tower and Paramount Hotel in Dubai – plus the Versace Tower in Nine Elms, London. Fans can expect lots of ‘subtle Chelsea branding’Credit: YouTube / DAMAC PropertiesThe apartments are 20 minutes from Dubai International AirportCredit: YouTube / DAMAC PropertiesOwners can expect a ‘Chelsea football simulation room’Credit: YouTube / DAMAC PropertiesAll 1,400 flats will have a sea viewCredit: YouTube / DAMAC PropertiesDamac debuted their logo on the Chelsea shirt on ThursdayCredit: Reuters More

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      Steven Gerrard spotted declaring ‘I f****** love Rangers’ on boozy night out in expletive-laden message for Celtic fan

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      STEVEN GERRARD bought into life as a Rangers manager big style as he delivered the league title which stopped Celtic recording ten Premiership titles in a row. And some followers of the Ibrox club are clearly keen for him to return as part of the brave new world which will begin this summer under the stewardship of Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises. Gerrard records the video messageHe’s among the favourites to return to Ibrox as next permanent bossSteven Gerrard pictured in BahrainCredit: GettyWhether that includes Gerrard remains to be seen but the England legend leaves nothing to the imagination in regards his love for the club in a widely-shared video of him taken on a boozy night out.It’s unclear exactly when all of this takes place but Gerrard has clearly been asked by a Celtic fan to record a short message for another supporter and offers an x-rated response, although it’s all good natured fun.In the clip, he says: “Listen Debbie, this f****** mushroom is a Celtic fan.”We f****** love Rangers. F*** Debbie I love Rangers.”The video surfaced at the same time as a clip showing him in the company of a woman who sings ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ with Gerrard saying ‘Up the Teddy Bears’.Gerrard has crammed plenty oof highs AND lows into his mangerial career, having followed up his Ibrox exploits with the sack in short order from Aston Villa. He’s currently out of work after leaving his lucrative post in Saudi Arabia at Al-Ettifaq in July 2023.He departed with his side five points above the relegation zone, having won five of 17 matches this season with a boss at the Saudi club saying he sacrficed a cool £10m with the move.Most read in FootballHe’s already been made one of the outright favourites for the role of next permanent Gers manager, even though one pundit in David Prutton reckons he would be better served by following the Frank Lampard route back into the UK game in the Championship.Liverpool fans work out where guard of honour could be with Steven Gerrard humiliation in line to be avenged a decade onHe said: “Another stellar player that I would say, if you want to be a manager for 25, 30 years then he’s still kind of working his way to that rhythm, having worked all over the world.“Maybe he’d have taken heed or inspiration from what Frank Lampard’s experienced at Coventry City, and obviously Derby before that.Gerrard shouts ‘Up the Teddy Bears’ over You’ll Never Walk Alone“The Championship is a very smart way to get a decent body of work in to show people what you can do.“And West Brom, yes there might be a bit of turnover of players, take a look at what the ownership are expecting going into next season, but yes the profile works.“It is just whether that works then with regards to the players involved.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka’s Wag Tolami Benson steals show wearing plunging all-black outfit

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      TOLAMI BENSON stole the show as she attended a concert.Benson, who is dating Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka, was seen in a stunning all-black outfit complete with leather trousers for the occasion.Tolami Benson stole the show as she attended a concertCredit: https://www.instagram.com/tolami_benson/Benson stole the show as she wore leather trousers for the occasionCredit: https://www.instagram.com/tolami_benson/She was also all smiles as she was seen cuddling a cute dogCredit: https://www.instagram.com/tolami_benson/Benson and Saka have kept their relationship out of the public eyeCredit: PAShe is often seen supporting her man from the standsCredit: InstagramBenson was a regular feature in the stands at Euro 2024Credit: PAShe shared pictures of her mesmerising look seemingly at a Central Cee performance.The award-winning rapper performed at the O2 Arena in London as part of his Can’t Rush Greatness World Tour in late April, when the photos appear to have been taken.Benson shared snaps of herself cuddling a cute dog before posing for pictures in a lounge area and by a wall-side counter. She also posted a snap from her seat during the performance for her 206,000 followers. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans gushed over her look in the comments of the post.One Instagram follower said: “Stunning.”A second said: “Star girl.”Another said: “Gorgeous.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesA fourth added: “Sensationallllll.”While a fifth added: “Ok baddie, in awe of you forever.”Crocked Real Madrid star Dani Carvajal pulled away from Bukayo Saka after confronting Arsenal star at half-timeBenson and Saka keep their relationship super under wraps and do not follow each other on social media.But that has not stopped her from jetting around to support her boyfriend.She was famously seen at Euro 2024 as part of England’s Wag contingent at the tournament in Germany.More recently, Benson was seen cheering on Saka and Co during last month’s Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.Saka missed a penalty early on during that game before he went on to score the opening goal of the game in the second half as the Gunners won the match 2-1 to secure their spot in the semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.Arsenal played the first leg of that tie on Tuesday, losing 1-0 off of an early Ousmane Dembele goal.However, on Wednesday, Saka will lead his team-mates out at the Parc des Princes in the hopes of overturning the first leg defeat and securing a first spot in the final of the Champions League for Arsenal since 2006.Read More on The SunArsenal have never won Europe’s most coveted club competition before, having lost in the 2006 final to Barcelona.Benson, who Saka is rumoured to have been dating since 2020, will almost certainly be there to support him.Benson was seen at the Bernabeu when Arsenal played Real Madrid last monthCredit: INSTAGRAM @laurahlvnThe stunner has more than 200,000 followers on InstagramCredit: GettyShe is rumoured to have been dating Saka since 2020Credit: Instagram/@tolami_benson More

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      Man Utd ‘axe longest-serving worker after 47 years’ service’ as part of 550 job losses in Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting blitz

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have axed their longest-serving worker after 47 years as part of the latest wave of job losses at the club, according to reports. The club announced in February that up to 200 MORE jobs would be lost as part of a further cost-cutting initiative started last summer, which saw 250 staff made redundant.Man Utd are set to sack their longest-serving staff memberCredit: GettyIt comes as part of the latest wave of job cuts announced in FebruaryCredit: PAA statement at the time said the cuts were to help “transform” the “corporate structure as part of a series of additional measures to improve the club’s financial sustainability and enhance operational efficiency.”However, the decision to make the club’s longest-serving employee, Marie Marron, redundant has left staff “shaken” at Old Trafford and Carrington.According to The Times, Marron was told in a face-to-face meeting that a decision had been made to relieve her of her duties at the end of the season.It is a decision which is said to have left her “devastated”, having worked for Man Utd since 1978.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut she travelled ahead of the team, as she always has done, for their Europa League semi-final clash against Athletic Bilbao in Spain, which Ruben Amorim’s side won 3-0.Marron originally started out as the personal assistant to the club secretary at the time, Ken Merrett.She eventually became a key figure with first-team logistics, acting as the club liaison to Uefa, the Premier League, the FA and opposing teams before matches. Marron was also the chief co-ordinator for United’s historic Treble in 1999 and was one of five staff specially honoured by club sponsors in 2013 for “exceptional dedication and commitment” to the team.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordHowever, sources are said to have told the Daily Mail that the decision is provisional and the start of a process.Marron’s long service to the club is only eclipsed by much-loved receptionist, Kath Phipps, who worked at the club for over 55 years before passing away in December.Ruben Amorim blames results on the pitch for Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal Man Utd cuts Other long-serving staff members to be given the boot as part of the brutal cuts include club writer and best-selling author, Wayne Barton, and former comms officer John Allen – SunSport revealed how club captain Bruno Fernandes took Allen out for a meal last month.An annual payment of £2million to legendary former manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, was also among the cuts made by the club.Ineos chairman and minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, claimed Man Utd would be facing bankruptcy without the cuts, which have also stretched to stripping back staff perks and canteen lunches.A fresh report from France earlier this week claims the British billionaire is willing to listen to offers for Ligue 1 outfit Nice, with Suadi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund – who also own Newcastle – “seriously considering” an offer.SunSport understands that any potential cash raised from a sale of Nice would fall well short of that needed to fund a full Ineos takeover of Man Utd.The petrochemicals company now owns 28.94 per cent of the club after an injection of £79.3m last year, with the much-maligned Glazer family still owning the majority of the shares.With the team on the pitch bringing in the worst season in the club’s Premier League history, United are facing a £100m blackhole if they fail to win the Europa League in Bilbao on May 21.Winning the competition will be worth £50m on its own through Champions League qualification and £25m in gate receipts for four home games in the league phase of the competition.There is also an additional £30m in bonus and prize money if they can reach the last 16, and a £10m bonus they will receive from kit sponsors, Adidas, which is taken away if they do not qualify for Europe’s premier competition.Their likely opponents for the final currently look set to be Tottenham, who have a 3-1 advantage following a home win over Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt.Read More on The SunThe second legs of the Europa League clashes take place next Thursday, with Spurs travelling to Bodo’s artificial pitch at the Aspmyra Stadion and United taking on Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford.Fans have already been drawing up travel plans, but it will cost a small fortune for both accommodation and travel following a huge surge in demand and prices.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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      Reading confirm club’s £30m sale to former Wycombe Wanderers American owner Rob Couhig

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      READING has finally been sold which spells the end of Dai Yongge’s controversial ownership.The Royals confirmed in a long-awaited statement on Saturday morning that a deal was finally agreed.Reading’s sale has finally been completedCredit: GettyEx-Wycombe owner Rob Couhig will take overCredit: PAYongge became majority shareholder in 2017 but was given a latest deadline of May 8 by the EFL to divest his shareholding. Redwood Holdings Limited will become the new legal owners of the League One outfit under their parent company Dogwood Football LLC.A Reading statement said: “Reading Football Club is pleased to announce the sale in principle of the club to Redwood Holdings Limited.”The takeover includes the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park Training Ground.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”The formal completion of the transaction is subject to final legal technicalities but is fully expected to be completed shortly.”Based on the agreement between the parties, the EFL has agreed to extend its deadline for the divestment of Mr Dai Yongge’s shareholding until its next Board Meeting on 8 May.”Redwood Holdings Ltd is a subsidiary of Dogwood Football LLC, which is owned by Rob Couhig and Todd Trosclair of New Orleans, Louisiana.”Couhig – former owner of Wycombe Wanderers – tried to buy Reading for £30million before the deal collapsed in September 2024.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother unnamed potential buyer had come in to try and secure Reading, even entering a period of exclusivity.However, the time period elapsed on April 9, allowing Couhig to re-enter the race, as revealed by SunSport. How Arsenal can beat PSG and reach the Champions League final Yongge had attempted to secure an injunction against Couhig, alleging the American had blocked his attempts to sell Reading.Couhig denied the allegations and the case was thrown out. The EFL gave Yongge an April 4 deadline to sell up after he was disqualified by failing the EFL’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test. Reading were deducted six points for financial rule breaches last season and finished 17th in League One.They are seventh this season going into the final game of the season with a chance of nicking the final play-off spot. Couhig is expected to be in the 24,000-seater stadium for this afternoon’s clash against Barnsley. The Royals’ women’s team, meanwhile, were playing in the Women’s Super League in 2022-23 – but had to pull out of the Championship in June amid the monetary woes and now compete in the fifth tier. ‘SOLD BEFORE WE DAI’D’Reading fan group Sell Before We Dai welcomed the news of the club’s sale and Yongge’s exit – and hope the arrival of Redwood Holdings Limited will bring a period of stability in Berkshire. The protest group said: “We are incredibly relieved and happy that Reading Football Club are finally under new ownership. “It’s a day which we thought, at times, may never happen.”In the eight years of the Dai Yongge era, every single element of our club went backwards. “The first team were relegated, the women’s team were essentially folded and staff were made redundant as every operational element of the club was cut back to the bare bones. “Those who remained were forced to work with tight budgets and under immense pressure. “Sometimes they weren’t even sure if they’d be paid at the end of the month.”Today is a day for celebration and that starts by welcoming Rob Couhig. Read More on The Sun”Thank you for not giving up on us, thank you for saving our 153-year-old club from oblivion.”We’ve been sold before we Dai’d.”Fans have repeatedly protested against the controversial Dai YonggeCredit: Alamy More

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      Marc Cucurella wipes away tears as Chelsea star and Wag Claudia Rodriguez reveal emotional strain of son Mateo’s autism

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      MARC CUCURELLA wiped away tears as he revealed the emotional strain of his son’s autism.Cucurella and partner Claudia Rodriguez opened up in series two of Amazon Prime’s Married To The Game.Marc Cucurella broke down in tears discussing his son’s autismCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosportCucurella and partner Claudia Rodriguez spoke on Married To The GameCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosportThe Chelsea left-back, 26, has three children with his long-term girlfriend – Mateo, Rio and Claudia. Mateo was diagnosed with autism soon after Cucurella completed his £65million transfer from Brighton to Stamford Bridge in 2022. Now the Spanish couple have bravely shared how their son’s neurodevelopmental condition impacts family life. Autism – especially in children – can make it difficult to process emotions and deal with changes, often prompting inconsolable tears.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe spectrum of symptoms also includes being over- or under-sensitive to senses, having repetitive behaviours or struggling socially. Rodriguez said: “We saw that some things were different from the other kids. “We didn’t find too much help from the school and we had our worst months.”Every day we went together to drop Mateo off – I was pregnant with Rio as well – and we went back home every day crying.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAs she said that, Cucurella broke down in tears.Cucurella said: “Okay, your kid is autistic, but the parents are not ready with this so we need to learn a lot. ‘I played five minutes and it was my fault’ – Chelsea star opens up on horror season after big money transfer What is autism?Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an incurable, lifelong developmental condition that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others.It affects around one in 100 people in the UK and is three to four times more common in boys than in girls.Many people with ASD find it hard to understand other people’s feelings and emotions, and they may have difficulty holding conversations.When they are young, their language development may take longer and they can struggle to use facial expressions, using gestures to communicate instead.They may also find it hard to connect with other people and to hold eye contact with unfamiliar individuals.Many children with ASD like to follow a routine, and changes to this can cause distress.High functioning autism is an informal term some people use to describe those on the autism spectrum disorder.”When we speak about Mateo we always…” before choking up and added: “Ask Claudia now, I will come back soon.”Rodriguez encouraged her boyfriend as “really sensitive” about the whole situation. Speaking on holiday, Rodriguez explained: “It’s a lot of changes in the same week.”It’s difficult to be in other places, on another timetable, eating other food, on other plans with no school and no therapy. It’s hard for him.”You have to think about Mateo all the time. Sometimes you want to do some things but we can’t because it’s not good for Mateo.”Holidays is always difficult.”Key characteristics of autismThese are some features of autism that many people with it experience. Autism is a spectrum, so everyone shows symptoms differently.Sensitive to sensesAutistic people can be much more or less sensitive than non-autistic people to the five main senses (sight, sound, touch, taste and smell).This also extends to senses for balance, movement, spatial awareness and awareness of internal states, such as hunger and temperature.Social differencesPeople with autism may find social interactions harder because they have difficulty; interpratiting social cues; facial expressions; maintaining eye contact; recognising sarcasm.They may find tehy prefer to spend time alone because social interactions can be confusing. Autism can be verbal (someone who uses communication) or non-verbal (they use other means to communicate). People can flit between the two.Repetitive behaviours‘Restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests’ is often listed as a trait of autism, but the National Autistic Society says many people with the condition actually find these behaviours as positive and helpful.It is also sometimes referred to as stimming or self-regulatory behaviour.Examples include having a strong passion or interest in a hobby, repeated behaviours like hair twirling or rocking, and preference for routine or rules to be followed. Emotional dysregulationPeople with autism may struggle to manage feelings such as frustration, anxiety, or sadness, which could lead to a ‘meltdown’ (extreme or intense outburst of emotions) or ‘shutdown’ (withdrawal).Source: National Autistic SocietyThe emotional video ends with Rodriguez consoling and hugging Cururella as he continues to cry while holding her hand. The video – shared by Amazon Prime Video Sport – prompted a wave of classy replies from fans.One said: “This was so beautiful to watch, Cucurella and his partner Claudia are great parents.”Another wrote: “Cucu is a strong man!”A third added: “Mad respect man, love him even more now.”A fourth typed: “Respect. You’re a truly extraordinary father. You’ re doing great.”And a final user commented: “I hope football fans are more empathetic to footballers going forward when they have a bad form. They are human beings too and they could be going through personal challenges at home.”Read More on The SunCucurella has enjoyed a superb season under Enzo Maresca for Chelsea.After helping Spain win Euro 2024, he has proven himself to be a brilliant inverted full-back – chipping in with six goals and four assists. Mateo can struggle with changes which makes holidays trickyCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosportThe couple have three children togetherCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosportClaudia comforted Cucurella as the emotions poured outCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosport More