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    I’m a football fan – I’ve spent £5,000 building a six-seater stand in my garden to watch my favourite team

    FOOTIE fan Ian Nutter built a £5,000 six-seater stand in his back garden to watch his favourite team over the fence — even though tickets are £7.Ian, 64, launched the six-week project when he saw a grandson straining to get a better view of Barnoldswick Town in action.Ian Nutter built a £5,000 six-seater stand in his back garden to watch his favourite team over the fenceCredit: Mark Tattersall Commissioned by The SunIan went viral during Barnoldswick Town’s 4-1 defeat to Bury, pictured in front of his homemade standCredit: Mark Tattersall Commissioned by The SunHe said: “There’s a 12ft drop [over the fence] so I decided to build a structure where he could watch safely.”Ian has a bit of experience — he owns an architectural metalwork company whose customers have included Manchester United.He went on: “I started off by just building a platform but then I put my engineering head on. It’s got a steel sub-frame, wooden deck floor, panelled sides, a roof and toughened glass on the front.”And he and his family can now watch North West Counties League Premier Division games from seats he sourced from Burnley FC when the Championship club had an upgrade.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIan added: “Most people don’t see me sat there but some of the away supporters sometimes look at me in bewilderment. It’s a great position to watch football.”The fan, whose company until recently sponsored one Barnoldswick FC’s stands, asked the club’s chairman before building the stand.This week a photograph of Ian sitting in his stand during Town’s 4-1 defeat to Bury went viral.Fan Mat Anderson posted: “Welcome to non-league football. Bloke with his own stand in his back garden at Barnoldswick.”Most read in FootballBarnoldswick Town currently sit 15th in the North West Counties League Premier Division, where admission to home games is £7 and a season ticket costs £90.Ian and his company Metalcraft Engineering have experience helping build football stadiums, with his firm previously working on Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground and will soon begin installing architectural metalwork at Everton’s new £800m stadium.tunning apartment inside Arsenal’s former Highbury stadium listed up for sale with sleek kitchen and nod to former gloryIan’s view of the pitchCredit: Mark Tattersall Commissioned by The Sun More

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    ‘Joke of a club’ rant Man Utd fans as 100s of Rangers fans swarm into home end for Battle of Britain Europa League clash

    FANS have brandished Manchester United as a “joke of a club” after hundreds of Rangers supporters swarmed the home end.The two clubs faced off in a Battle of Britain Europa League clash at Old Trafford which the hosts edged to a 2-1 victory.Rangers fans managed to get into the home sections at Old TraffordCredit: GettyHundreds were singing in the concourse of the stadiumCredit: xMan United fans were left fuming on social mediaCredit: xFootage emerged on social media of Rangers fans chanting for their team in the home sections of the stadium’s concourse.One clip showed Red Devils fans trying to get past a large group of away supporters singing together.Fans have reacted furiously on social media at Man United for allowing the error to happen.One posted: “Rangers Fans in Man United sections. F*****g pathetic from the club.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA second wrote: “This is what you call home invasion.”A third commented: “Man United is just crumbling day by day.”A fourth said: “Such a joke of a club.”Another added: “It never ends with this institution.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJack Butland started the match for Rangers on his return to Old Trafford.It was his first appearance since being hospitalised for a “serious internal bleed” earlier this month.Man Utd player ratings: Bruno Fernandes captain fantastic in last-gasp win but Harry Maguire asleep in dreadful cameoMarcus Rashford watched the game from the stands as he continues to be left out the squad by manager Ruben Amorim.An own-goal from Butland gave the hosts the lead in the second half as he punched the ball into his own net.Cyriel Dessers fired in a brilliant equaliser, which looked to have earned Rangers a well-fought point.However, Bruno Fernandes scored a dramatic winner to hand a crucial three points to Amorim’s side.Meanwhile, the club has also admitted that it is at risk of breaching PSR rules.Man United penned a shock letter to fan groups and insisted on cost-cutting, which could lead to ticket prices increasing.United at risk of breaching PSRHere is the letter sent to fan groups admitting that Manchester United is at risk of breaching PSR…“As previously communicated, we are, however, currently making a significant loss each year – totalling over £300 million in the past three years.”This is not sustainable and if we do not act now we are in danger of failing to comply with PSR/FFP [financial fair play] requirements in future years and significantly impacting our ability to compete on the pitch.“We will get back to a cash positive position as soon as possible and we will have to make some difficult choices to get there.”That has included a significant reduction to our workforce as well as cuts across many areas of spend across our club.“None of this has been easy, but we believe it is essential to restoring financial sustainability to the club which will underpin us as we work to get back to the top of English and European football.“We do not expect fans to make up all the current shortfall – but we do need to look at our ticketing strategy to ensure we are charging the right amount, and offering the right discounts, across our products for our fans.” More

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    Jack Butland in Rangers XI to face ex-club Man Utd for first time since being hospitalised with ‘serious internal bleed’

    JACK BUTLAND returned to the Rangers line-up to face his former club Manchester United for the first time since suffering an internal bleed.The goalkeeper has spent the last few weeks on the sidelines and has missed the last six games.Jack Butland returned to start against Man Utd after weeks out injuredCredit: GettyButland played with some medical covering on his thighCredit: GettyBut he returned to play for Rangers for their trip to Old Trafford – but was on the wrong end of a 2-1 defeat.Butland was also at fault for United’s opener when he punched the ball into his own net.It is the first time Butland has played against United since leaving the club in 2023.Butland, 31, was rushed to hospital on New Year’s Day after suffering an internal bleed in his thigh.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was kept in overnight for observation before being released the next day.The keeper returned to training last week wearing protective padding on his right thigh.The Rangers doctor kept a close eye on him during his warm up but there didn’t seem to be any causes for concern.He was then passed fit to play at Old Trafford with Rangers bidding to qualify from the first phase of the Europa League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Scottish side began the day just inside the automatic qualification spots but a win for Tottenham and FCSB, and their own defeat, meant they dropped out.Man Utd are still yet to lose in the competition this season.Why Glazers ‘feared a mutiny from Man Utd stars’ as reason club never visits US city on pre-season tour revealed Last time out in Europe Rangers drew 2-2 at home with Tottenham. More

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    ‘Ref has forgotten about VAR!’ says Hoddle as penalty against Spurs overturned seconds before kick in bizarre scenes

    GLENN HODDLE says the referee “forgot about VAR” before he overturned a penalty in Tottenham’s Europa League clash against Hoffenheim.Morten Krogh awarded the Germans a 64th minute spot-kick after he deemed Spurs stopper Brandon Austin to have fouled Max Moerstedt.Spurs stopper Brandon Austin was judged to have fouled Hoffenheim’s Max Moerstedt in their Europa League clashCredit: REUTERSReplays showed the keeper touched the ball before he made contact with MoerstedtCredit: APReferee Morten Krogh initially didn’t consult with VAR but eventually overturned the penaltyCredit: REXHoffenheim hitman Andrej Kramaric was all lined up to take the pen before VAR told the ref to review the incidentSpurs legend Glenn Hoddle claimed the referee had forgotten about VAR prior to overturning the spotkickCredit: GETTYThe Danish official gave a pen as he judged Austin to have struck Moerstedt in the face as he tried to intercept Kevin Akpoguma’s deflected cross.Hoffenheim hitman Andrej Kramaric was all set to take the resulting spot kick until the VAR instructed Krogh to review the incident on the monitor.That prompted TNT Sports pundit and Spurs legend Hoddle to say: “As the ball springs over the top Brandon Austin has the right to dive, there’s contact.”But I’m not sure what the goalkeeper is supposed to do. I think it’s a 50-50.”READ MORE ON SPURSHe continued: “The referee has forgot about VAR for a moment.”Brandon Austin just gets a little touch on it, which might be his saving grace.”After seeing Austin touched the ball before his hand hit Moerstedt, Krogh reversed his decision and the booking he dished out.Hoddle said of the call: “I think that’s the right decision. Plus he doesn’t get the booking. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTottenham ended up running out 3-2 winners over the German outfitCredit: REX”The booking’s been taken off Austin as well.”A relieved Austin tried to shake hands with the ref after the decision was overturned.Ange Postecoglou’s press conference interrupted by coughing fit amid Tottenham crisis But he was snubbed by the official, much to the enjoyment of Hoddle.He said: “He thought he was gonna shake his hands there.”The referee went for the ball and he went to shake hands for the referee.”Tottenham narrowly escaped the PreZero Arena with all three points, running out 3-2 winners in their penultimate group match. More

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    Hoffenheim 2 Tottenham 3: Spurs take giant step to avoiding dreaded play-off but leave fans biting their nails at end

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU began his big week well enough, thanks to an explosive start and a rocket from skipper Son Heung-min.Despite being woken up at 2am by fireworks let off outside their hotel by cheeky home fans, Spurs raced into a two-goal lead through James Maddison and Son.James Maddison opened the scoring for SpursCredit: ReutersMaddison has been in and out of the side in recent weeksCredit: ReutersSon Heung-min netted the second goal of the matchCredit: EPAAnton Stach grabbed one back for the hosts in the second halfCredit: GettyThe spark started to fizzle out though with hosts Hoffenheim missing a number of big chances, and having a penalty overturned, before netting through Anton Stach.At that point you feared another collapse from confidence-sapped Spurs.But then up stepped Son to crash home a blistering drive into the far corner.Sub David Mokwa did ensure a nervy finish with a late header but the visitors hung on.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt put Tottenham, who were missing FOURTEEN players through injury and ineligibility, on the brink of automatic qualification for the knockouts.A point at home to Swedish side Elfsborg should be enough to secure a top-eight spot and avoid a pesky play-off in February.But more importantly it kicked off a pivotal seven days for under-pressure Postecoglou, whose injury-hit side have slumped to 15th in the league and are pinning all their hopes on the cups.Spurs were so short of players that they only named eight out of a possible 12 subs, including two goalkeepers and six teenagers.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThey were 1-0 up inside two minutes when Maddison cleverly controlled Pedro Porro’s high ball with one touch and dispatched in past keeper Oliver Baumann with the other.Son, Porro and Richarlison, making just his second start this term due to his own personal injury woe, went close with shots.Ange Postecoglou’s press conference interrupted by coughing fit amid Tottenham crisis Son grabbed his second of the night in the second halfCredit: GettyDavid Mokwa scored late on for HoffenheimCredit: GettyThen on 22 minutes, the former doubled the lead to give Spurs some breathing room.Once again Maddison was involved, clipping a ball through which Son controlled on his chest, just about, before firing a shot which looped up off Pavel Kaderbek and bounced into the net.It was the most comfortable Tottenham had looked in ages as they bossed the opening 25 minutes – though Hoffenheim were poor.But this would not be Spurs this season without some jeopardy and they were lucky when their hosts squandered three good chances before the break.Two fell to striker Max Moerstedt but he could not beat Europa League debutant Brandon Austin, who also saved well from Bayern Munich-bound Tom Bischof.The hosts piled on the pressure after the break, with ex-Leicester man Andrej Kramaric heading onto the crossbar.Veteran Kramaric then thought he was about to take a penalty after one was given when Austin appeared to clatter Moerstedt with his fist when trying to punch away a cross.But as the Croat waited to take the spot-kick, ref Morten Krogh was called to his touchline monitor to have a second look – and found that Austin had made contact with the ball first.Hoffenheim shook off the disappointment and within minutes did have a goal back as Stach turned home David Jurasek’s cross.Son looked to have killed it off with a vintage strike, going round Kevin Akpoguma with a drop of the shoulder and belting the ball into the far corner.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut nothing is coming easy for Spurs right now.And when Mokwa headed home with two minutes to go, it was a matter of hanging on, which they just about did, much to Postecoglou’s relief. More

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    Man Utd ‘admit they ARE at risk of PSR breach and ask FANS to foot the bill amid £300m black hole in shock letter’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have admitted they are at risk of breaching PSR in a shock letter written to their fan groups.The club posted losses before tax of £312.9million over the last three years.Man Utd have admitted they are in danger of breaching PSR rulesCredit: PASir Jim Ratcliffe has since implemented cost-cutting measures including reducing the salaries of club ambassadors Denis Irwin, Andy Cole and Bryan Robson.The club state in a letter to The 1958 fan group that the current level of losses is not sustainable – with PSR (profit and sustainability rules) limiting clubs to a total loss of £120m across three years.United are seeking ways to avoid a breach which could mean selling an academy graduate as they guarantee pure profit – Alejandro Garnacho has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea this month.And they have now written to fans’ groups after they voiced concerns that the need to cut losses could result in ticket prices increasing.READ MORE ON MAN UTDEarlier this season United introduced a flat rate ticket for members costing £66, without consulting fans.A letter sent to The 1958 and FC58 Coalition read: “As previously communicated, we are however currently making a significant loss each year – totalling over £300 million in the past three years. “This is not sustainable and if we do not act now we are in danger of failing to comply with PSR/FFP [financial fair play] requirements in future years and significantly impacting our ability to compete on the pitch.“We will get back to a cash positive position as soon as possible and we will have to make some difficult choices to get there.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMan Utd squad transfer verdictSunSport gives its verdict on what Man Utd stars should stay or go in the first phase of Ruben Amorim’s squad rebuild:Andre Onana – StayDespite being guilty of some erratic performances, Andre Onana remains a world-class goalkeeper and United would struggle to find better in the market.The defence has begun to look more solid in recent weeks now Amorim has had time to coach the structure into the team, and hopefully, that will be converted into clean sheets going forward.Noussair Mazraoui – StayThe best signing from the summer window so far, Noussair Mazraoui has proven to be everything Man Utd needed and more.Versatile, reliable and passionate no matter whether he plays at wing-back or centre-back, it is a no-brainer to keep the Moroccan.Leny Yoro – StayAfter a pre-season injury, Leny Yoro has taken some time to bed in but he has shown some superb moments in a Man Utd shirt already like his lung-busting run to block a Liverpool shot in the 2-2 draw at Anfield earlier this month.At the age of 19 he will only get better and while too much expectation should not be thrust on him just yet, the early signs suggest he could be a mainstay in defence for years to come.Harry Maguire – GoThe last time we did this list Harry Maguire was one of our main defensive options to be sold, but since Amorim has come with the back three the England international has barely put a foot wrong.The issue with Maguire is that while he is perfectly suited to a back three, he will be 32 in the summer and has just one year left on his contract, so if a serious offer comes in he should regrettably be sold.Matthijs de Ligt – StayMatthijs de Ligt has been very hit or miss since arriving in the summer. Capable of heroic last-ditch tackles like he did at Arsenal and also capable of some very silly passages of play like his handball against Liverpool.In many ways, the Dutchman seems like a younger version of Maguire and given some more time to bed in he should improve even more.Lisandro Martinez – StayHas really started to grow into the Amorim system in recent games after a very sticky patch of form.He is one of the team’s best progressive passers in the build-up phase and has the dogged mentality this team will need to improve and claw its way up the table.Luke Shaw – GoIt’s been said that one of the best abilities is availability, and that rings incredibly true for Luke Shaw.World class on his day and is clearly still capable of finding those levels, as seen at less than full fitness with England at the Euros. But he is simply not available often enough to warrant keeping.Tyrell Malacia – GoTyrell Malacia is still recovering his match sharpness from his two-year injury layoff, so it is a bit harsh to make a verdict on him so soon.The current concern is that United will need to aggressively recruit specialist left wing-backs in the summer, and Malacia so far has not looked totally comfortable playing there.Manuel Ugarte – StayQuestion marks were being raised about him after his first few games. But under Amorim, Manuel Ugarte has once again become the lynchpin of his midfield.He knows the system inside out and is one of the Premier League’s most proficient ball winners. It would be madness to consider his sale next summer.Kobbie Mainoo – StayDespite reports that Chelsea and Bayern Munich want to sign the 19-year-old, Kobbie Mainoo should be one of the few genuinely untouchable stars at the club and his contract situation needs sorting ASAP.He has quality and aspects to his game not possessed by many other midfielders, and with improvements to the stars around him, he and Ugarte should be able to form an effective partnership for many years to come.Casemiro – GoCasemiro unfortunately seemed to lose his legs going into his second season at Man Utd. And with the 3-4-3 system demanding even more running from him, it is clear he simply does not fit the bill for what the club need going forward.It would also help the club’s financial goals to see him sold due to his massive £375,000-a-week wages being taken off the books.Bruno Fernandes – StayThe club captain, Bruno Fernandes has faced a lot of criticism since taking the armband for his erratic decisions and losing his temper.Yet he remains the best player in the squad by some distance and shows the mentality the squad needs to improve. Besides it’s not like United’s most famous captain of the Premier League era, Roy Keane, was exactly cool-headed.Antony – GoThere’s a definite case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history, with games too often passing him by and lacking quality when he is involved.That being said, he has improved in a number of brief cameos when featuring as a wing-back under Amorim. But unless there is a plan for him to learn the position and become a specialist he should be moved on.Marcus Rashford – GoIt was not supposed to end like this. Once the darling of Old Trafford and Carrington, Marcus Rashford’s comments admitting he wanted a new challenge were probably the final nail in the coffin for his Man Utd future.There is a classy player in there if he can find the motivation to love his football again. A sale to a rival should be ruled out for fear of exactly that, while a sale overseas should be targeted and pushed by the club.Amad Diallo – StayHas taken a real liking to his role as either the right No.10 in the 3-4-3 or as the right wing-back.Amad Diallo has been one of the team’s best players this season and was rewarded with a new deal as a result.Alejandro Garnacho – GoArguably the trickiest star on the list, Alejandro Garnacho has bags of raw talent to elevate him to being world-class. But recent off-field issues and poor form have doubt cast on his future.If, as reports suggest, a major bid of £60m from the likes of Napoli comes in there will be a tough decision to make. Though it may be the financial situation of the club which ultimately tips the scale.Joshua Zirkzee – GoJoshua Zirkzee has certainly been hit-and-miss at United so far. He has had some games and moments where he has looked very impressive, and others where he is simply not good enough.He has a very unique profile which makes him top drawer in the right system, it is just United will probably never play the right way for him to truly excel.Read our verdict on the full Man Utd squad here.”That has included a significant reduction to our workforce as well as cuts across many areas of spend across our club.“None of this has been easy, but we believe it is essential to restoring financial sustainability to the club which will underpin us as we work to get back to the top of English and European football.Which Manchester United stars should stay and go?“We do not expect fans to make up all the current shortfall – but we do need to look at our ticketing strategy to ensure we are charging the right amount, and offering the right discounts, across our products for our fans.” More

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    Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe SPLITS UP with Olympic legend Sir Ben Ainslie… but Ineos chief won’t quit sailing

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has SPLIT UP with an Olympic legend in his sailing team.Sir Ben Ainslie has left Ineos Britannia America’s Cup sailing team.Sir Ben Ainslie has left Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos sailing teamCredit: GettyThe four-time Olympic champion is reported to have had a strained relationship with Ratcliffe.It is claimed that the two did not see eye-to-eye on the plans for the next America’s Cup.Ineos released a statement that claimed that Ainslie and the team could not agree on terms following the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona.However, it has insisted that the team will continue to compete in the America’s Cup under the ‘Britannia’ name.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRatcliffe has not addressed the exit of Ainslie but did add his own statement to the news.The Manchester United co-owner was adamant that he was “proud” of developing British sailing and that he has no plans to quit sailing.He said: “I am enormously proud of what we achieved in Barcelona in developing a British boat that was truly competitive for the first time in decades.”It set new benchmarks for British sailing, including winning the Louis Vuitton Cup for the first time, and taking races off the Defender in the finals for the first time in 90 years.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”We will now build upon this for the 38th America’s Cup through the INEOS challenge and already have 100 scientists and engineers working on the design of our AC38 yacht.”Ainslie won medals at five Olympic games from 1996 onwards.Fury as Sir Jim Ratcliffe cuts ties with charity helping Man Utd legendsIneos statement in fullIneos will enter a challenge for the 38th America’s Cup under the team name INEOS Britannia after parting ways with Sir Ben Ainslie.Unfortunately, INEOS Britannia and Sir Ben could not find agreement on terms to move forward following the conclusion of the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona.INEOS Britannia has appointed Dave Endean as CEO, who brings immense experience in sailing and the America’s Cup. INEOS will also continue to leverage the design and technology expertise of the Mercedes F1 Team under the guidance of Technical Director, James Allison.Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Chairman of INEOS said: “I am enormously proud of what we achieved in Barcelona in developing a British boat that was truly competitive for the first time in decades.”It set new benchmarks for British sailing, including winning the Louis Vuitton Cup for the first time, and taking races off the Defender in the finals for the first time in 90 years.”We will now build upon this for the 38th America’s Cup through the INEOS challenge and already have 100 scientists and engineers working on the design of our AC38 yacht.”More details on the INEOS Britannia challenge will follow in due course.He claimed gold at four consecutive names between 2000 and 2012.Since his victory at London 2012 he has been aiming to win the America’s Cup for Great Britain in a British boat.However, all of his attempts have ended without coming first.Last year’s event in Barcelona was won by New Zealand as they retained the trophy. More

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    ‘Everything in this club is failing’ – Eagle-eyed Man Utd fans spot something very wrong with Amad Diallo’s training kit

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans made jokes at their club’s expense after taking a look at Amad’s dodgy training kit.United have had troubles on and off the pitch this season.Amad Diallo’s training top featured an upside-down crestCredit: ReutersThey are 13th in the Premier League table having lost 10 of their 22 league games, with Ruben Amorim even smashing a TV following their defeat to Brighton at the weekend.Off the pitch Sir Jim Ratcliffe has attracted criticism for his cost-cutting measures, which has led some to poke fun at the latest mishap.Players gathered for training as normal but there was one anomaly – Amad’s training top.That is because the United crest on the jacket was upside down.READ MORE ON MAN UTDFans joked that it has epitomised the state of the club in recent weeks.One reacted saying: “If you want to realise the depths of broke we are, Amadis wearing a tracky top off DH Gate”The club, and crest, is truly upside down.”Another added: “Lmfao what on earth.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA third wrote: “As bad as being 13th in the league table 🙃🤡”And another commented: “We’re that broke huh?”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer destroys La Liga giants in first game with Besiktas as Man Utd fans work out exactly how he did it More