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      Man Utd to slash salaries of Bryan Robson and club legends in latest brutal Ratcliffe cuts after Sir Alex Ferguson axe

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      MANCHESTER UNITED co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has club legends in his sights during another round of brutal pay cuts. United ambassadors – including greats Bryan Robson and Andy Cole – are set to see their salaries slashed. Bryan Robson is set to see his salary cut at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyIt comes as Sir Jim Ratcliffe increased his cost-cutting spree at the clubCredit: AlamyThe move comes just months after Sir Alex Ferguson was axed from his ambassador role with the club he managed for 26 years.Ratcliffe has previously cancelled senior staff’s private cars, scrapped the annual Christmas party, and reduced lunch privileges on match days.Job cuts at Old Trafford have also seen 250 personnel leave.Sir Alex was removed from his £2million-a-year ambassadorial position in October. READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe will still serve as a non-executive director and is welcome at matches.According to talkSPORT, more United legends acting as ambassadors have now seen their salaries slashed.Robson has been an official Global Ambassador for the Red Devils since 2011. The longest-serving captain in the club’s history, Robson’s role sees him promote United around the globe.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS1999 treble winners Cole and Dennis Irwin are among those to see their pay slashed.The fee for matchday ambassadorial duties can range from £500 to £1,000, per the report.Man Utd’s owners will have ‘very strong word’ with Ruben Amorim over ‘bizarre and ridiculous’ claim, says Carragher Many of the former stars rely on the cash having missed out on huge wages during their playing career.Ratcliffe – who is worth £23.5billion – has recently raised ticket prices despite on-field turmoil at United.SunSport exclusively revealed last month the Red Devils owner is slashing funding for a charity helping out former players.The club previously gave £40,000 a year to the Association of Former Manchester United Players, which fears it will fold without the cash.On the field, the Red Devils are languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League.Ex-United forward Andy Cole is among those who will be affectedCredit: GettySir 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 charityAnd new boss Ruben Amorim recently slammed his flops as “the worst team in Man Utd’s history.”Following a 3-1 home loss to Brighton, Amorim raged: “We are being the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United.”I know you want headlines but I am saying that because we have to acknowledge that and change that. So there you go, your headline.”In ten games in the Premier League we won two, I know that. Imagine this for a fan of Manchester United, imagine this for me.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You are getting a new coach who is losing more than the last coach. Imagine that. We need to survive this moment. I know that.”According to the talkSPORT report, United “declined to comment on contractual arrangements with their ambassadors and legends.” More

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      I’m a football agent – I offered Zinedine Zidane to Newcastle but manager said he was barely Championship level

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      A FOOTBALL agent has revealed how he offered Zinedine Zidane to Newcastle – only for Toon to brand the Frenchman a barely Championship-level player.Barry Silkman is a former footballer who turned out for clubs including Manchester City, Brentford and Crystal Palace.Newcastle turned down a move for Zinedine Zidane in 1996Credit: GettyHe was offered to Toon by super agent Barry SilkmanCredit: PASilkman lifted the lid on the tale in his book, ‘The No-So Secret Football Agent’He went on to become one of the beautiful game’s top transfer gurus, facilitating moves for numerous big names.Silkman worked with aces including Jaap Stam, Micah Richards, Tomas Soucek and Yakubu during a glittering career.But he also came close to sealing one of the biggest transfers in history.In 1996, Silkman fell head over heels for midfield playmaker Zidane – then at French side Bordeaux.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ace would go on to become a superstar for Juventus and Real Madrid, winning three titles and a Champions League while also leading France to World Cup glory in 1998.At the time, Silkman had a good relationship with Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan and offered Zidane to the Magpies’ manager.However, he was left stunned when Keegan turned down the opportunity to sign Zidane for a bargain £1.2MILLION.The Newcastle gaffer had been informed by his chief scout that Zizou was hardly good enough for Wolves – who were bottom of the Championship at the time.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut years later, Keegan admitted to Silkman that he should have listened after seeing Zidane blossom into an all-time great.Writing in his book, ‘The Not-So Secret Football Agent’, Silkman said: “I was alerted to the talent of a 24-year-old attacking midfielder at Bordeaux and I went along to watch him.I’m a former Newcastle striker who filled ex-England star’s car with rotten fish as revenge for him cutting up my clothes Kevin Keegan’s chief scout claimed Zidane was barely at Championship levelCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdJust two years later Zizou was winning the World Cup with FranceCredit: AP“His name was Zinedine Zidane, and it took me about five minutes to decide that this guy was going to be something very special.“I had brought a number of good players to Newcastle United under Kevin Keegan’s reign and every one of them was a success, so Zidane felt like the perfect fit for a Keegan team.“It was 7 January, 1996, and I told Kevin he could sign Zidane for £1.2million – it was a steal.“I begged Kevin to sign him, but in the end he told me his chief scout thought he wasn’t good enough and years later, Kevin told me he should have listened to me instead of his scout.“Zidane eventually signed for Juventus and the rest is history.“More than 20 years later, Kevin would tell me I was the best agent he ever came across – the only good one in his opinion.“Nice words from a top man who I always got along really well with over the years.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I wish I’d kept the fax that was sent to me from Newcastle United where the chief scout stated, ‘Silky has grossly overrated the player. At best he is good enough for Wolves, who are bottom of the Championship at present’.“I think Zidane was slightly better than the players in struggling Wolves team!” More

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      ‘World’s most beautiful footballer’ reveals why she ‘hates football’ as she breaks down in tears in video

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      ANA MARIA MARKOVIC issued a tearful video stating that she “hates” football sometimes.Markovic, 25, plays for Braga and has been dubbed by some as the “world’s most beautiful footballer”.Ana Maria Markovic declared she ‘hates’ football sometimesMarkovic is a top footballer who has a legion of fans on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @anamxrkovicMarkovic said goodbye to her boyfriend Tomas Ribeiro at the airportAnd Markovic filmed herself breaking down in tearsHowever, it appears the beautiful game takes a toll on the forward on occasion. The Croatia international took to TikTok where she filmed herself saying goodbye to her boyfriend and fellow footballer Tomas Ribeiro, who recently signed for Farense, at the airportMarkovic issued the following caption: “Sometimes I just hate football.”She also filmed herself crying on camera for her followers.Read More on FootballThe Croatian moved to Braga last August from Grasshoppers when Ribeiro was playing for Vitoria Guimaraes, which is nearby.However, the centre-back signed for Farense this month which means he will be based in the other end of the country.Markovic also wrote: “Good luck bubi, you will do amazing and I can’t wait to see your games.”Fans stormed the comments section to reach out to their favourite footballer.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesOne fan posted: “The sacrifice is emotionally demanding.”Another commented: “Majority of people don’t understand the struggle of playing football and having to do long distance relationships..”‘World’s most beautiful footballer’ Ana Maria Markovic drives fans wild as she stuns in see-through outfitA third wrote: “Hopefully he shines at he’s new club.”This fan said: “I’m crying with you.”And that one stated: “You’ve got this.”Scroll down for more from Ana Maria MarkovicMarkovic pictured in a pink bikiniCredit: Instagram @anamxrkovicMarkovic has been dubbed the ‘world’s most beautiful footballer’Credit: Instagram @anamxrkovicThe 25-year-old regularly posts stunning snapsMarkovic is also a Croatia InternationalShe plays for Braga after a stint with GrasshoppersCredit: AlamyMarkovic donned a white dress for dinnerCredit: Instagram @anamxrkovicShe has millions of followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @anamxrkovic More

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      Real Madrid vs Salzburg: Get £40 in free bets and bonuses to spend with BetMGM

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      REAL MADRID return to Champions League action needing a win over strugglers Salzburg to keep their top eight hopes alive.Bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the European showdown.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsReal Madrid vs Salzburg: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Real Madrid vs Salzburg: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      Iliman Ndiaye primed to become unlikely secret weapon for Dream Team bosses in coming weeks

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      MOST Dream Team managers would flinch at the mere suggestion of relying on an Everton player for points.The Toffees have endured a largely joyless campaign thus far having won just four of their 21 Premier League games to this point.At the time of writing, only the three promoted teams and Wolves are below Everton in the table with relegation-bound Southampton being the only side to have scored fewer goals.Despite all this, Iliman Ndiaye (£3.9m) might be an effective secret weapon for gaffers in the near future.Hear us out…Credit: Dream TeamThe 24 year-old winger features in just 0.3% of teams right now, due to the aforementioned negatives, but he boasts an impressive average of 5.9 points-per-game.For context, Dejan Kulusevski (£4.3m), Morgan Rogers (£3.7m), Kevin De Bruyne (£5.7m) and many other notable midfielders rank below Ndiaye in the same metric.The Senegal international has scored six goals this season and supplements his returns with plenty of bonus points, 31 to be exact.MOST BONUS POINTS THIS SEASON:35 – Ryan Gravenberch34 – James Maddison32 – Youri Tielemans31 – Iliman Ndiaye30 – Eberechi Eze30 – Declan Rice29 – Anthony Gordon29 – Antonee Robinson29 – Savinho27 – Bruno GuimaraesThe Goodison Park faithful won’t be surprised to learn that their No10’s dribbling ability is the main reason he ranks so highly for bonus points.Most read in FootballNdiaye has already completed 60 successful dribbles in 2024/25.Only Morgan Rogers (£3.7m) has registered more at this stage and that’s mainly because the Aston Villa midfielder has played four more games.Ndiaye shined bright against SpursCredit: GettyNdiaye earned three well deserved bonus points to go alongside his goal against Tottenham on Sunday for a return of 13 points – his best haul of the campaign to date.It’s all well and good being a rare shining light in an otherwise struggling team but it takes more than a few mazy dribbles to convince Dream Team bosses a player is worthy of a place in a competitive XI.Aside from their poor form, one of the things limiting Everton’s viability in Dream Team is their comparatively restricted schedule (no European or Carabao Cup commitments).However, there appears to be a short window in which the balance shifts favour of the Merseyside outfit.New manager bounce?Credit: PADavid Moyes’ side are due to face hapless Leicester in Gameweek 22 before a rare double header against Bournemouth and Liverpool in Gameweek 23.The rearranged Merseyside derby means Everton have three fixtures to fulfil across two Gameweeks when 15 other top flight clubs will play twice (or just once in the case of West Ham and Brentford).This means Ndiaye will be on the right side of a fixture imbalance for once, with a favourable match-up against the Foxes sweetening the deal.It should go without saying that Liverpool assets are the top priority for Gameweeks 22 and 23, when Arne Slot’s troops will be action FOUR times.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Ndiaye is a tempting option to accompany Mohamed Salah (£8m) and friends for gaffers planning to target the imminent scheduling quirk.There’s no need to make a rash decision this week as Everton are due to face Brighton away in Gameweek 21 when six other clubs have double headers (because of Champions League and Europa League commitments) but there’s no harm in mapping out a strategy for the next few weeks.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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      Moment goalkeeper steps up to take penalty before fuming opposition players BLOCK him… and striker goes on to miss it

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      A GOALKEEPER was bizarrely stopped from taking a penalty by the opposition – only for the striker to see his spot-kick saved.The chaotic scenes unfolded between Trabzonspor and Sivasspor in the Turkish Super Lig.Goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir wanted to take a penalty for TrabzonsporCredit: GettyThe club legend put the ball on the spot and wanted to score to mark a special occasionCredit: GettyBut angry Sivasspor players blocked him from taking itCredit: GettyTrabzonspor were leading 3-0 just after half-time when the referee pointed to the spot for a foul on Edin Visca.Forward Simon Banza held the ball underneath his shirt as the decision was confirmed by VAR until goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir took it and walked towards the spot.But the No1 was blocked from taking the penalty by fuming Sivasspor players.Rey Manaj and Uros Radakovic led the complaints as they pushed Cakir away from the spot, seemingly unhappy about apparent disrespect shown.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTrabzonspor manager Senol Gunes also looked strongly against the idea, shaking his head on the touchline.Goalkeeper Cakir did not argue back and calmly handed the ball back to usual taker Banza to end the chaos.But the striker saw his effort brilliantly saved by the legs of Sivasspor stopper Djordje Nikolic.Trabzonspor supporters have wanted their star man and captain Cakir to take a penalty for some time and they often chant about it during games.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe club legend, who has played 245 times for the club, had just become a father for a second time in the build-up to the match against Sivasspor.Cakir wanted to score and dedicate the first goal of his career to his new baby.Eight bizarre football rules you may not knowManager Gunes said after the game: “The fans’ wishes are important to us. But if we disrupt some things, we will get hurt. Let’s not be slaves to our emotions. “I congratulate Ugurcan, he had his second child.”They wanted to make a gesture to Ugurcan but this idea is not right to do this in such matches. “It is not right for the opponent, it is not right for us, it is not right for Ugurcan, it is not right for Banza. “Banza missed, Ugurcan could have missed the same thing. “In other words, we are doing a serious job. Also think about it, would he have taken it if it was 0-0?”Trabzonspor went on to win the game 4-0. More

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      AC Milan ‘could turn transfer attention to two Man Utd stars’ after being blocked from Marcus Rashford pursuit

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      AC MILAN could now target TWO Manchester United stars after being blocked from signing teammate Marcus Rashford.The 27-year-old is facing a January exit after being axed by Ruben Amorim while simultaneously declaring his desire for a fresh start.The forward has been linked to some of Europe’s top clubs this month, with Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain both interested.Barcelona have also been tipped to make a move if they can scrape some funds together.While SunSport understands that French outfit Monaco are ready to make an ambitious loan bid before deadline day.However, fellow suitors AC Milan are now said to be out of the running.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLESPN claims the Italians have effectively been blocked from signing Rashford as they tie up a deal for England pal and Man City misfit Kyle Walker instead.Milan could only sign one of them due to Serie A rules over foreign non-EU signings.And with Walker the preferred choice, Milan are now targeting fresh options as they look to bolster their forward line for a top four charge.Chelsea ace Joao Felix, who only returned to Stamford Bridge on a permanent deal in the summer, is on their radar.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHowever, Milan could now look to move for one of Rashford’s teammates.Strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have both failed to settle in England.’Best for the team’ – Ruben Amorim gives blunt explanation on Marcus Rashford absence as Man Utd outcast seeks transferThe duo have each enjoyed previous spells in Italy, with Hojlund shining at Atalanta and Zirkzee starring at Bologna.And United could be open to striking a deal, with Juventus also interested in both players.Hojlund and Zirkzee have just five goals between them in the league this season.And they could fancy a return to Serie A should an offer come in, More

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      Sky Sports host David Jones apologises after Emmanuel Petit accidentally claimed Arsenal icon is dead on live TV

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      SKY SPORTS were forced to apologise after former Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit mistakenly claimed that Pat Rice is dead.Petit, 54, played for the Gunners for three years under Arsene Wenger and the Frenchman’s No2 Rice.Emmanuel Petit appeared on Monday Night Football alongside Jamie CarragherCredit: Sky SportsPat Rice worked at Arsenal across several roles for many yearsCredit: PA:Empics SportAppearing as a guest on Monday Night Football, the former midfielder recounted his days at Highbury.While doing so, Petit said: “He had some fights with Pat Rice as well, rest in peace Pat.”Presenter David Jones went on to correct Petit, clarifying: “I’ve got some good news, Pat Rice sends his best.”He’s not actually no longer with us. He’s alive and kicking.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPundit Jamie Carragher laughed at Petit’s mistake, with the former France international looking embarrassed.He said: “I’m sorry! Sorry Pat. I’m confused. I’m so sorry Pat. Pat, I made a mistake, sorry.”Rice, 75, remains a popular figure at Arsenal.He played for the Gunners as a right-back between 1967 and 1980.Most read in FootballDuring his playing career he won a First Division title and two FA Cups.He went on to coach in Arsenal’s academy, guiding their Under-18s to two FA Youth Cup successes.Fans love Emmanuel Petit’s ‘Game of Thrones meets Lord of the Rings’ outfit on MNF as Arsenal icon says: ‘I pity Spurs’In 1996 he was promoted to Wenger’s first team staff, acting as his No2.He helped the Gunners to three Premier League titles as Wenger’s assistant, in addition to four FA Cups.Rice held the position until stepping down in 2012, being replaced by fellow former Arsenal player Steve Bould.Even after retiring from coaching, Rice continued to work as a scout for the Gunners until being let go in August 2020.Rice, 75, has served Arsenal as a player, academy coach, assistant manager and scoutCredit: Getty More