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      How Man Utd could line up in the CHAMPIONSHIP with top stars sold as Rio Ferdinand fears they won’t win another game

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      MANCHESTER UNITED may have to oversee a huge clearout and start afresh if they are relegated this season.The Red Devils have suffered their worst campaign since 1973-74 – the last time they were relegated.There could be big changes at Old Trafford if Man Utd are relegatedCredit: GettyAcademy stars like Jack Fletcher could be given a chance to impressCredit: GettyYoung players signed for big bucks like Rasmus Hojlund could stick aroundCredit: ReutersNew signing Ayden Heaven could get a chance to shineCredit: GettyAnd Rio Ferdinand thinks the drop is a real possibility as he can only see his former side getting a result in one of the 13 Prem fixtures they have left – against bottom three side Leicester.Ferdinand said: “Do you realise we’re that close? Someone said we need 11 points just to stay up.“I’ve got the fixture list: Everton away, Ipswich at home, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest away.“Before hosting Man City, and going to Newcastle away, and then Wolves, Bournemouth, Brentford, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Leicester.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“The only place I see us getting anything — and I’m not even saying a win — is Leicester. I’m not seeing wins. That’s the problem.”Relegation would likely mean a huge change at the club with high earners shipped out and young players brought in.Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton will likely leave no matter the season outcome as they are all out of contract in the summer.United could look to cash in on Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford, just as they did in January, as well as the underperforming Andre Onana, which could mean a chance for Altay Bayindir.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOther big earners Casemiro, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraouri and Joshua Zirkzee would likely want to leave too, as would Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes.That would mean an entire rebuild with only a few faces remaining – stalwart Harry Maguire, Rasmus Hojlund and academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo.‘Both teams have the same problem’ says Arsene Wenger as Arsenal legend tears into old rivals Tottenham and Man Utd The Red Devils would be keen to hang onto Leny Yoro having shelled out a big fee as an investment in the youngster last summer.Amad is also a key asset and only signed a new five-year contract last month, tripling his wages in the process.Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven are new additions and long-term investments having arrived last month – part of Ineos’ transfer strategy to bring in young players with room for potential.Amorim had to name a substitutes bench consisting of all but one academy player against Tottenham on the weekend – the likes of Jack Fletcher, Jack Lee Moorhouse, and forgotten summer signing Sekou Kone could be given a chance in the Championship. More

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      I talk to my dead mother before every match – I truly believe it helps us, admits Champions  League manager

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      NICKY HAYEN has revealed he speaks to his deceased mother before every game – and it’s a pre-match ritual which appears to be paying off.The Club Brugge boss, 44, is preparing to face Atalanta in Tuesday’s vital Champions League playoff. Club Brugge head coach Nicky Hayen has enjoyed immense success since taking overCredit: RexThe former Haverfordwest coach has said he talks to his deceased mother before each gameCredit: RexHayen was thrust into the Brugge job last March, initially on an interim basis.The 44-year-old guided the team to a Belgian championship and penned a permanent deal in the summer.Club Brugge beat Atalanta 2-1 in the first leg of the playoff tie last week.Hayen is confident his fearless side can come away from Bergamo with a famous win.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut prior to kick-off, he revealed an emotional ritual which he holds before every game. He explained: “Before the match I always talk to my mother, who passed away four years ago.”It was much too early.”Last year before the [Belgian league] playoffs I told her we wanted to do something crazy, and in the end winning the title was the result.Most read in Football”Am I deeply religious? No, but I do feel that it is something for me. I must believe there is something.”Hayen spent the majority of his playing career in Belgium’s top divisions, first at Sint-Truiden and then RBC Roosendaal.AC Milan manager walks out of Champions League press conference after just one question He hung up his boots in 2014, embarking on several coaching roles to learn the ropes.Just three years ago, Hayen coached at Haverfordwest County in the Welsh semi-pro Cymru Premier.He is now a Champions League manager – and catching the eye of scouts around Europe. Brugge are playing in their fifth consecutive Champions League season.And Hayen admits it could be a “difficult evening” ahead in Italy, despite his side arriving with an aggregate lead. He continued: “Atalanta will definitely play more attacking. At home they also want to be more dominant. “They also have the team for that, so we expect a difficult evening.”We have to play our own game and especially show the tactical discipline of last week.”My plan for the match hasn’t changed because it was 2-1 last week. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We did very well, because Atalanta is a very strong team. I believe in my squad. “We play with a lot of guts in this Champions League, but that mustn’t turn into naivety.” More

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      ‘He’s not Messi or Ronaldo’ – Man Utd and Arsenal target warned to keep his head down under ‘strict’ Prem manager

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      MATHEUS CUNHA has been told to stay out of trouble and keep proving his worth at Wolves because he is not “Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo”.The Brazilian striker was linked with a move away in January – and appeared to have his head turned by Arsenal before signing a new deal until June 2029 on February 1 with a £62.5m release clause.Matheus Cunha has been told to keep his head down amid links with top clubsCredit: GettyCunha has been warned he is not in the same league as stars like Lionel MessiCredit: GettyWolves boss Vitor Pereira has had run-ins with Cunha since replacing the sacked Gary O’Neil in late December, previously criticising the 25-year-old forward’s body language and suitability as captain.That looks to be in the past now with Cunha scoring in Wolves’ last three games in all competitions – including a beautiful strike in last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield to take this season’s tally to 13 goals and four assists.Centre back Abdoulaye Ba, 34 – now at Saudi second tier side Al-Faisaly – played under Pereira at Porto from 2011 to 2013 where he lifted the Portuguese top flight in 2012/13.And Senegalese defender Ba told SunSport: “Pereira is very strict with discipline and his game plan. I remember he would often tell our Porto side: ‘I have two hands, one to give and the other to receive’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He acted like a father or a protector when the players gave their all without limits and raised the level of the team.“Cunha is not Messi or Ronaldo or even Neymar, so it does not surprise me that they have worked together to find the best way to help the team.”Cunha was berated by Pereira for allegedly refusing to acknowledge the away fans in a 3-1 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last month, having been banned under O’Neil for two games by the FA for an on-field scuffle with Ipswich security just before Christmas.Pereira, 56, who has managed in Greece, Turkey, Germany, China, Brazil and Saudi Arabia during his varied managerial career to date, also played hard-ball with want-away midfielder and then-captain Mario Lemina, 31, before the Gabon international was sold to Galatasaray in the winter window.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBa continued: “Under Pereira, I became more mature with tactical discipline and respected the game plan, and above all, trusted my team-mates in difficult situations.“He always prioritised teamwork and the group. In his speeches, he would say that optimism is a magnet of happiness.Wolves players and staff clashing with one another after full-timeVitor Pereira has been backed to revitalise WolvesCredit: GettyAbdoulaye Ba won a title playing under Pereira at PortoCredit: Getty“While he was a coach in the Porto youth team, he convinced me to sign in 2008 as a teenager with an inspiring video call. He knew how to find the right words to convince and motivate me.“He has the sense to explain and talk with you. He says titles are won with discipline and attitude.”Pereira was linked with the Everton job in 2013 to replace David Moyes, and again in December 2019 to replace compatriot Marco Silva but turned it down to stay with Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai SIPG.He was then tipped to take over at Goodison in January 2022 after Rafa Benitez was axed, only for Frank Lampard to be hired following protests from Toffees supporters.Wolves have won five of 11 matches with Pereira in charge at Molineux, three those in the Prem.Should Wolves avoid relegation – currently two points off the bottom three with 13 games remaining – the Portuguese coach could be a wanted man again in the summer.Ba added: “To follow managers like Jose Mourinho and Andre Villas Boas at Porto, he must have the same stuff and DNA as them. He has the confidence and the ability.READ MORE SUN STORIES“His office door was never closed and he wanted communication. He is a humble person and a true leader. His loyalty to all players was incredible.“He has already shown a lot of good things in different countries. The results, the numbers, the evidence is there. He is very stubborn and has all the abilities to succeed in the Premier League.” More

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      Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly moves closer to shock England debut after just EIGHT Premier League starts

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      ARSENAL defender Myles Lewis-Skelly is moving closer to landing a shock England debut despite having made just eight Premier League starts.New England boss Thomas Tuchel, preparing for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, has been impressed by the form of the teenage sensation who has starred at left-back for Mikel Arteta this term.New England boss Thomas Tuchel is eyeing up Myles Lewis-Skelly for a surprise call-upCredit: PAThe Arsenal teenager has only made eight Premier League startsCredit: RexEngland are desperately short in that area with both Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell having suffered numerous injury issues.Newcastle’s Lewis Hall featured twice for England under interim manager Lee Carsley in November.While Rico Lewis, Kyle Walker and Levi Colwill have also played at left-back for the Three Lions.Tottenham’s Djed Spence has also been in decent form for Tottenham at left-back even though he is right-sided.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLYet Tuchel will prefer players featuring in their natural positions and Lewis-Skelly, 18, already looks at home in that left-back spot.Incredibly, he has yet to feature for the under-21s and only made his under-19s debut in Croatia in September.Previously, Arsenal team-mate Declan Rice said: “This kid is just special, very special. He can go to the top.”For an 18-year-old to be that good, that comfortable, that strong, it was like he was built in a lab. I said that to him the other day.Most read in Football”It’s just ridiculous how good he is, but he has a long way to go. “He’s so level-headed, he’s got a great family around him.”Thomas Tuchel’s first day at St. George’s Park as he meets England staff and coaches In Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Leicester on Saturday, Lewis-Skelly delivered a goal-saving intervention with the score at 0-0.Tuchel meanwhile, is also likely to hand first call-ups to other players.Ipswich’s in-form striker Liam Delap is another player in the frame.Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel.The former Man City ace has netted 10 times since joining the Tractor Boys last summer. England face Albania at Wembley on March 21 and then entertain Latvia three days later. More

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      Arsenal hero Olivier Giroud has £400k of jewellery stolen in home raid after stars including Travis Kelce were burgled

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      THIEVES stole jewellery worth £400,000 in a raid on Premier League legend Olivier Giroud’s home.The former Arsenal and Chelsea striker is living in the US after joining Los Angeles FC last year.Giroud purchased his house with real estate agent Amandine Ferla in SeptemberCredit: INSTAGRAMHe is currently playing for LAFCCredit: RexGiroud spent six years at ArsenalCredit: AFP or LicensorsThe striker won the Champions League at ChelseaCredit: Ryan Browne-The TimesGiroud, 38, has become the latest target in a string of high-profile names who have been hit by burglars.He has followed the likes of Kansas City Chiefs stars Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes.News outlet TMZ Sports have reported that the break-in occurred earlier this month.The police have revealed that Giroud’s wife, Jennifer reported the break-in on February 5.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLShe made the call after discovering a broken window on the property.The police have noted that multiple high-value items have been stolen.Among the list of missing items are ten men’s watches.It is believed that the total value of stolen items is estimated to be £400k. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThere are yet to be any arrests made in connection to the incident.The Los Angeles Police Department are continuing to investigate the crime.Olivier Giroud gives new meaning to the term when fashion meets footballGiroud’s wife Jennifer made the discovery of the break-inCredit: Getty – ContributorGiroud and Jennifer purchased the house in September 2024.The FBI sent a warning out in December to American professional sports leagues over the threat of organised burglaries.Chiefs quarterback Mahomes was the victim of a break-in on October 6.Just two days later, the home of Kelce was also targeted.Meanwhile, since moving across the Atlantic, Giroud has tried his hand at baseball.He has made 19 appearances for LAFC since joining the club but has only scored twice.Giroud’s career by numbersHere is a look at Oliver Giroud’s career…Grenoble, 2005–2008Appearances – 26Goals – 2Istres, 2007–2008 loanAppearances – 34Goals – 14Tours, 2008–2010 and 2010 loanAppearances – 69Goals – 38Montpellier, 2010–2012Appearances – 85Goals – 39Arsenal, 2012–2018Appearances – 253Goals – 105Chelsea, 2018–2021Appearances – 119Goals – 39AC Milan – 2021–2024Appearances – 132Goals – 49Los Angeles FCAppearances – 19Goals – 2Honours:Ligue 1 x1, FA Cup x4, Champions League x1, Europa League x1, Serie A x1, US Open Cup x1, Fifa World Cup x1, More

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      Newcastle star Jacob Murphy, 29, approached over shock switch of international allegiance from England

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      JACOB MURPHY has reportedly been approached about switching his international allegiance.The 29-year-old winger is enjoying an impressive season for Newcastle in the Premier League. Jacob Murphy has enjoyed a strong season at St James ParkCredit: GettyThe Toon winger has already registered 9 assists this seasonCredit: GettyMurphy has scored five times for the Toon so far in 2024/25.He also leads the club’s assists charts with nine, already a career-high tally with three months of the season to go. There have been suggestions England manager Thomas Tuchel should call up Murphy for his first Three Lions squad.Murphy played for England across four youth age groups, with his last involvement in the under-21 Euros in 2017. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut, according to reports in Nigeria, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has “made contact” in a bid to get Murphy to switch allegiance.The former Norwich star qualifies to play for Nigeria through his father. Nigeria have endured a tough start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles had been expected to cruise through a group that features South Africa, Rwanda, Benin, Lesotho and Zimbabwe.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut three draws and a defeat from their opening 4 games have made things tough for the African country, who have reached six of the last seven World Cups.As well as Nigeria, Murphy is eligible to represent Ireland through his mother.The Sun’s Charlie Wyett reacts to World Cup 2026 qualifying draw as Thomas Tuchel’s England are placed in group full of controversyMurphy has proved to be an unsung hero this season at St James Park.Newcastle are chasing the European places, with striker Alexander Isak stealing the plaudits thanks to a remarkable run of form.Boss Eddie Howe has come out to praise Murphy – and claims Isak’s heroics are in part down to the winger.Howe said: “He’s been very, very important and probably more than people realise.Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle reportedly wants to tempt Murphy to switch international allegianceCredit: AFP”We ask a lot of Jacob in lots of different ways, he plays an important role.”Of course, everyone plays an important role in our pressing with the ball.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He’s been brilliant and the assists and the goals that he’s got in the last few weeks.”Isak probably owes him the majority of his goals with his crossing ability which has always been very strong.” More

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      Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon’s son, 17, named in rival nation’s squad and could face England within days

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      THE SON of Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon has received his first international call-up… for another country.Louis Buffon, 17, is a midfielder plying his trade in Italy for Pisa’s youth side.Louis Buffon has received his first international call-up… but it’s not for ItalyCredit: RexThe Pisa winger is the son of Italy and Juventus legend Gianluigi BuffonCredit: Getty – ContributorBut he is best known as the son of iconic former goalkeeper Gigi Buffon, who made over 1,000 professional appearances during his glittering career.The 47-year-old played for Parma, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain over the course of 28 years before retiring in 2023.And now his son Louis is hoping to continue his family legacy in Italian football with Serie B side Pisa.The winger is yet to make a senior appearance for the club but has impressed with four goals in 19 youth outings this term.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs a reward, Louis has now been handed his first-ever U18 international call-up.But he has NOT been selected by Italy.Dad Buffon played 176 times for his country before retiring in 2018, helping them win the World Cup in 2006.However, Louis’ mother Alena Seredova hails from the Czech Republic.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSShe and Buffon Snr were together for nine years before they parted ways in 2014.And as a result of his mother’s nationality, Louis is a dual citizen of Italy and Czechia.Gianluigi Buffon makes world-class save aged 43 for Parma as Juventus legend proves he’s still got it Louis’ mother is Czech model Alena SeredovaCredit: AFPShe and Buffon were together for nine years before they split in 2014Credit: GettyNow, the latter have called him up to their U18s squad for the first time.Louis would still be available to eventually play for Italy, with only senior competitive caps cementing a national team position for a footballer’s entire career.But his decision to accept the nod indicates Louis plans on eventually representing his mother’s country over his father’s.The teen could now make his debut against England next month.The two sides meet on March 21 in a friendly, although the venue is yet to be confirmed.Yet Louis will have to have some career to match his father’s achievements, with Buffon Snr also playing 975 club games on top of his mega international record.Buffon started at Parma in 1995 and won an Italian Cup, Italian Super Cup and Uefa Cup before joining Juventus in 2001.He made 656 appearances for the Bianconeri, winning nine Serie A titles, a Serie B title, five Italian Cups and six Italian Super Cups.Buffon then made a surprise move to Paris Saint-Germain for the 2018/19 campaign, playing 25 times and winning the Ligue 1 title before returning to Juventus.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe made a further 29 appearances in Turin while winning a tenth Serie A title before rejoining Parma in 2021.And after 45 games in Serie B for his boyhood club, Buffon called it a day nearly two years ago. More

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      ‘That’s where they went wrong’ – Ex-Man Utd coach says Harry Kane was their no1 target but chiefs insisted on Hojlund

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      FORMER Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy has revealed why the club signed Rasmus Hojlund over Harry Kane.Back in the summer of 2023, then-United manager Erik ten Hag made it his priority to sign a new striker.Man Utd were set on signing Harry Kane before instead going for Rasmus HojlundCredit: GettyHoljund has managed 69 FEWER goal contributions than Kane in the same number of appearancesCredit: ReutersThe Red Devils quickly became heavily linked with Kane amid ongoing doubts surrounding his future at Tottenham.However, they could not reach an agreement with Spurs and instead chose to sign Hojlund in a £72million transfer from Atalanta.Just days later, Kane completed a stunning £104m move to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.Since joining Bayern, the England captain has scored 73 goals and provided 22 assists in 75 appearances.Read More on Man UtdMeanwhile, Hojlund has amassed just 26 goal contributions in the same number of outings.Ex-coach McCarthy, who left United in June last year, admitted the club made the wrong decision by focusing on the Dane.Speaking at the launch of Ladrokes’ Gaffer of all Accas, McCarthy said: “In the summer of 2023, Harry Kane was our No1 target.”Kane was the prime target, but obviously the price tag was an issue. Because he would have been leaving Spurs for United, a few extra million pounds were added on to the price tag, which, you know, for a 30-year-old wasn’t seen to be wise. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBenni McCarthy has revealed why United chose to sign HojlundCredit: Getty”But for £100 million, if you look at it now, you’d say that it would have been well worth it because he’s gone to Bayern and he’s still producing, he’s still scoring.”We should have just bitten the bullet and got Harry Kane and then also tried to invest in Rasmus Hojlund. That would have been the best thing for Rasmus if he had someone like Harry Kane involved.Harry Kane scores from a distance in Bayern Munich training “So yeah, Harry Kane was Erik’s No1 target. Erik really wanted him. Randal Kolo Muani was also very high on that list. Victor Osimhen was also on that list.”But I felt that if you’re going to want to spend that kind of money – £100 million plus – then you want to complete package. And Harry Kane, for me, was the complete package.”Unfortunately, the club didn’t see it that way. They looked at it as Rasmus Hojlund, in the long run, would be a more prized asset than investing in both Rasmus and Harry Kane.”So we stopped pursuing Kane, and we ended up getting just Rasmus.”Man Utd currently sit 15th in the Premier League table with just 27 points from 25 games. More