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    Paul Pogba’s brother sentenced to three-year prison term for shocking £11m blackmail plot against ex-Man Utd ace

    PAUL POGBA’S brother has been sentenced to a three-year prison term for his role in an £11million blackmail plot against the former Manchester United star.Mathias Pogba will not spend time behind bars. Instead he will serve one year of his sentence with an electronic bracelet, with the other two were suspended.Mathias Pogba has been handed a three-year prison term over an £11m blackmail plotCredit: ReutersHe was found guilty of trying to extort his own brother, ex-Man Utd star Paul PogbaCredit: AFPHe was also fined £16,500 by a Paris court on Thursday.Mathias, 34, was first held by police in September 2022 after attempting to extort £11m from his brother.Ex-Red Devils and Juventus midfielder Pogba, 31, told authorities a group of childhood friends, which included his older sibling, had requested money for “protection services” stretching back 13 years.A judicial investigation was opened to look into the allegations of extortion with a weapon, kidnapping or kidnapping in an organised gang, and participation in a criminal association.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMathias turned himself in to authorities investigating the case before being placed in custody.And he remained in prison until December 2022, with the terms of his release banning him from contacting Pogba and their mother.Now, the former Crawley Town, Wrexham and Crewe star has been handed a three-year prison sentence.Mathias was found guilty of attempted extortion, which saw him put pressure on Pogba, his family and business contacts to obtain an £11m payment.Most read in FootballTwo years of his sentence have been suspended.While the remaining one will be served with an electronic tag.’I take responsibility but…’ – Paul Pogba breaks silence as ex-Man Utd star gives first interview since doping banMeanwhile, five other defendants were found guilty of extortion, kidnapping and detention, as well as participating in a criminal association.They were all childhood friends or acquaintances of French World Cup winner Pogba.And they have been sentenced to prison terms of up to eight years, while also receiving fines between £16,500 and £33,000.Pogba is now a free agent after having his Juventus contract ripped up following a positive test result for doping.He was banned for 18 months in August 2023 and is now looking to secure a new club ahead of his return to football in March. More

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    Meet new Wolves boss Vitor Pereira, the fiery journeyman who fans blocked from getting job with Premier League rivals

    VITOR PEREIRA is the latest in a long line of Jorge Mendes’ clients to be handed the top job at Wolves.The notoriously hotheaded Portuguese boss was announced Gary O’Neil’s replacement at Molineux on Thursday afternoon, on an 18-month contract.Vitor Pereira has been announced as the new boss of WolvesCredit: GettyThe journeyman coach almost took charge of Everton in 2022Credit: AFPThe Portuguese takes over from Gary O’Neil who was sacked earlier this monthCredit: PAAnd anyone expecting Pereira to tow the party line at Wanderers should check out how he responded to an attempted press conference muzzling in Saudi Arabia.Pereira, when boss of Al Ahli in the 2013-14 campaign, began a rant castigating a player as “a bad professional” when the press officer conducting the media briefing cut him off.The manager was told not to focus on individuals, prompting a furious tirade from an incensed Pereira who raged: “My friend, I talk about what I want. This is the first time in my life that someone tells me what I can say!”If Wolves’ pressers are anything like as animated under the 56-year-old, then they could well be compelling viewing for the rest of the season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLO’Neil – and in so doing, gone back to Mendes.The Portuguese super agent, who famously managed the careers of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho, was the man behind the appointments of Walter Zenga, Nuno Espirito Santo, Bruno Lage and Julen Lopetegui.Fosun had gone in a different direction with O’Neil but have seemingly reverted to type with the club in serious danger of relegation.On the face of it, Pereira is the most journeyman of journeyman managers, with Wolves his ELEVENTH post since succeeding Andre Villas-Boas as Porto boss in 2011.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis globe-trotting has seen him coach clubs in Portugal, Greece, Turkey, China, Brazil, Germany, Saudi and now England.But his statistics and silverware count are relatively impressive, with a win ratio of 53 per cent, a goals-per-game ratio of 1.8 and a trophy count of eight.’Serious problems at PGMOL’ Ex-Prem ref blasts VAR after baffling decisions at Liverpool and WolvesHowever, half of those came at Porto where he was promoted from his role of assistant to AVB.His side, which had stars like James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho, struggled in Europe but won back-to-back league titles.Porto’s dominance ended after he left, with Benfica crowned champions for the following four seasons, which explains why Pereira is still so highly regarded in his homeland.The former lower-league midfielder has had mixed fortunes since then.He won the double with Olympiacos in 2015 and Shanghai’s first-ever Chinese Super League title three years later.But he suffered relegation to the third tier of German football with 1860 Munich and pulled up few trees at Fenerbahce, Corinthians, Flamengo and Al Shabab in the last four years.Everton fans’ graffiti on Goodison Park made clear their feeling about PeireraCredit: Twitter @EvertonNewsFeedToffees supporters railed against the club’s ownership before Frank Lampard’s appointment two years agoCredit: PAPereira’s dream has been a Premier League role for some time and in 2022, he came close to realising it with Everton as Rafa Benitez’s successor before Frank Lampard got it.But fans protested the possible appointment, with graffiti sprayed on Goodison Park demanding “Pereira out Lampard in”, leading to the England centurion being appointed.Wolves have taken the plunge two years on after paying the £800,000 release clause in his contract at Al-Shabab, where he bossed ex-Wanderers midfielder Daniel Podence.Pereira, who will sign a one-and-a-half-year contract, faces a huge challenge with 19th-placed Wanderers five points from safety and as leaky as a sieve at the back.Wolves’ VAR complaintsWolves have listed nine negative repercussions from the introduction of VAR in their complaint.Impact on goal celebrations and the spontaneous passion that makes football specialFrustration and confusion inside stadiums due to lengthy VAR checks and poor communicationA more hostile atmosphere with protests, booing of the Premier League anthem and chants against VAROverreach of VAR’s original purpose to correct clear and obvious mistakes, now overanalysing subjective decisions and compromising the game’s fluidity and integrityDiminished accountability of on-field officials, due to the safety net of VAR, leading to an erosion of authority on the pitchContinued errors despite VAR, with supporters unable to accept human error after multiple views and replays, damaging confidence in officiating standardsDisruption of the Premier League’s fast pace with lengthy VAR checks and more added time, causing matches to run excessively longConstant discourse about VAR decisions often overshadowing the match itself, and tarnishing the reputation of the leagueErosion of trust and reputation, with VAR fuelling completely nonsensical allegations of corruptionTheir 40 goals shipped is four more than next-worst Southampton and was the problem O’Neil could not fix.Pereira has proved himself to be a shrewd tactician defensively, with an average goals conceded per game of 1.1 since 2011, and will target signing a new centre-back next month.The disciplinarian has another headache with star man Matheus Cunha in jeopardy of a lengthy ban for his bust-up with an opposition staff-member after Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Ipswich that did for his predecessor.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt all points to an uphill battle to save Wolves from the drop.But Pereira will certainly have something to say about that. 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    Arsenal wonderkid Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, names unlikely player he is modelling his game on

    ARSENAL’S teenage sensation Myles Lewis-Skelly has opened up on his bid to emulate a departing Gunners star.The starlet, 18, is striving to win trophies on all fronts this season after helping his side complete a 3-2 win against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup.Myles Lewis-Skelly has burst into the first-team picture this seasonCredit: GettyThe 18-year-old is on the trophy hunt – and modelling himself on a departing teammateCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly is establishing himself as a regular in Mikel Arteta’s first team squad at left back, despite starring in The Hale End academy as a central midfielder.And on the day it came out that Kieran Tierney is free to leave the Gunners, he opened up on what he’s learned from the Scottish full-back.He said: “I tried to mirror [myself on] Kieran Tierney.”Be strong in my duels, help the team out defensively and just be secure.READ MORE ON ARSENAL“He’s a great defender. His recovery runs are top so I tell him all the time that I take bits from his game.”His crosses into the box are exceptional because he’s a natural left back.”I’ve learnt a lot from him.”Lewis-Skelly made his first Champions League start against Monaco last week.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd he was rewarded with his full Premier League debut against Everton – helping the Gunners to clean sheets in both games.He progresses the ball brilliantly from left-back and shows maturity developed during his time growing up as a midfielder. ‘Tell me Arteta didn’t say that,’ says Piers Morgan after Arsenal manager’s ’embarrassing’ trophy claim He continued: “[I’m strong] on the ball, ball retention and keeping the play simple.”I’ve taken the basics from midfield to left back so it’s helped me.No doubt it’s been a lot for a young man to take on his shoulders, having so much faith put in him by Arteta.But he believes that by the end of the season, Arsenal will still be competing for trophies.Kieran Tierney is set to leave the Emirates on a free transferCredit: GettyArsenal player ratings vs EvertonARSENAL wasted their chance to capitalise on Liverpool dropping points as they were left frustrated by a resilient Everton.Here’s how the players ratedDAVID RAYA – 6/10No save to make. Could have lounged in the dressing room for the majority of the 90 minutes.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 7Started where he left off in mid-week in the Champions League, picking up great pockets of space in midfield and linking defence to attack with pace and precision.GABRIEL – 6Incredible recovery tackle to deny Doucoure with Saliba down injured. Well marked at corners with Everton doubling up on the Brazilian.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Lucky not to see Everton take the lead when he was down and out of position, but other than that was fairly untroubled.JURRIEN TIMBER – 5Tried his best to insert some pace and urgency down the right-hand side but lacking in attacking areas.DECLAN RICE – 5A rare anonymous showing from the England international. Did not do enough to impose himself but for a few decent tackles. No shock to see him hooked after 62 minutes.MIKEL MERINO – 6Showed glimpses, but still needs to get up to speed with pace Arsenal want to play at through the middle.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6Blazed over and dragged wide from two good early chances – missing his shooting boots in the first half just like against Monaco – and looked generally off it.It was still a surprise to see him subbed off just after the hour mark for Nwaneri.BUKAYO SAKA – 7Had a field day up against Mykolenko as Everton struggled to contain his brilliant movement and strength on the ball, yet Pickford made save after save.Got in the way of a free Havertz header towards the end.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Lively, especially because he had the beating of Young with some darting runs that kept the 39-year-old busy and was denied by Pickford from a tight angle.But yet again, was taken off for Trossard.KAI HAVERTZ – 6Lacked a serious goal threat but created Arsenal’s best chance with a delicious flick around the corner for Saka.SUBS:ETHAN NWANERI (ODEGAARD, 62) – 6A few nice touches and turns, looking for that trademark left-footed curling finish.JORGINHO (RICE, 62) – 6Got on the ball as Arsenal’s primary dictator from deep.THOMAS PARTEY (LEWIS-SKELLY, 68) – 5Offered very little.GABRIEL JESUS (MERINO, 68) – 5One dangerous cross easily claimed by Pickford was about it.LEANDRO TROSSARD (MARTINELLI, 74) – 6A bright spark. A few good crosses as Young tired on the left.The promising youngster added: “We aim to be winning trophies this season.”That’s our goal, we want to strive to win and you have to be in competition to win, so we’re happy about that.”For Tierney, he will leave the club on a free after a stint with the Gunners beset by injury. READ MORE SUN STORIESTierney made his first appearance in six months against Palace on Wednesday, but was again forced from the field with a knock late on.Arsenal have decided against triggering the Scot’s one-year extension, with his contract set to expire in the summer. More

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    Gianluigi Donnarumma update as full extent of PSG star’s gruesome injuries revealed after horror challenge

    MONACO star Wilfried Singo has insisted his sickening on-field collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma was an accident. The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper suffered gruesome facial injuries after a boot to the face from the Monaco defender on Wednesday. Gianluigi Donnarumma was left with a gaping wound in his cheek during Wednesday’s game with MonacoCredit: ReutersThe PSG goalkeeper was caught in the face by Monaco defender Wilfried SingoCredit: AFPThe Italian required a number of staples in his face following the brutal collisionCredit: AFPDonnarumma was forced off in the 22nd minute of PSG’s Ligue 1 contest at Stade Louis II.The 25-year-old dived at the feet of Singo during the top-of-the-table clash. Despite the brave stop, Donnarumma came off second best as Singo’s boot planted firmly into his cheek.The Italian required lengthy treatment with a huge gash pouring blood down his face.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAccording to French outlet RMC Sport, he later needed 10 staples to treat the deep cuts on his right cheek.PSG confirmed in a statement that Donnarumma had suffered “a facial trauma with multiple cuts.”Donnarumma remonstrated with referee Francois Letexier at half-time after Singo wasn’t booked for the challenge.The defender was already on a yellow card at the time, with the collision deemed accidental by the officials. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFollowing the game, Singo took to social media and penned messages in both French and Italian.He wrote: “My gesture was obviously not intentional, but I was able to see afterwards that he had a significant injury to his face.Gianluigi Donnarumma trolls England by singing It’s Coming Home in dressing room after Italy’s Euro 2020 win”I wish you a good recovery.”Donnarumma later updated concerned fans via his Instagram page.Sporting bandages and cuddling his pet dog, the Italian gave a thumbs up to the camera as he lounged on his sofa.Following Donnarumma’s injury, PSG battled back from 2-1 down to record an impressive 4-2 victory. A brace from Ousmane Dembele helped turn the game on its head after Monaco had come out firing after the break. The win extends their lead at the top of Ligue 1 over Marseille to ten points, with Monaco back in third. Donnarumma was fuming Slingo was not yellow-carded after the incidentCredit: AFPThe 25-year-old required lengthy treatment before being subbedCredit: AFPDonnarumma joined PSG in 2021 after starting his career at AC Milan.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe took the No. 1 jersey at the San Siro as a teenager, making over 200 appearances for the Rossoneri. This season, the Italian has played in 15 games for the Ligue 1 champions, keeping four clean sheets. The stopper posted an update on Instagram showing him with a bandage across his faceCredit: Instagram @donnarumma More

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    Sir Jim Ratcliffe changes ownership stake in Man Utd as he injects millions more but it won’t help Amorim

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has increased his ownership stake in Manchester United after injecting an extra £79million into the club.The Ineos chief previously owned 27.7 per cent of the Red Devils after paying the Glazers £1.2billion earlier this year.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has increased his stake in Man UtdCredit: PARatcliffe’s deal saw him promise to invest a further £237m.And a final payment of £79m has now been confirmed after being listed on the US Securities and Exchange Commission.It means Ratcliffe’s stake in United has increased to 28.94 per cent.Some of those shares have also been transferred from the chief to Ineos itself.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Ruben Amorim will not be seeing any of the extra cash.United’s new boss is hoping to reshape his squad in January with several signings.Amorim wants to sign a new left-back and could also look to strengthen in midfield.But the Mail claims Ratcliffe’s £79m will not be added to the transfer coffers.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSInstead, it will be used to boost infrastructure across the club in a variety of areas.The latest cash injection comes as Ratcliffe and Ineos look to cut costs on and off the pitch.Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd transfer bombshell about wanting ‘new challenge’ A whopping 250 members of staff have been let go – including sporting director Dan Ashworth.While players like Marcus Rashford are up for sale amid links with Arsenal.Ratcliffe has also come under fire for raising the price of match-day tickets with zero concessions for children or pensioners.Man Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its headAMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…Andre Onana – 6He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.Wasn’t tested that much however.Lisandro Martinez – 7Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.Harry Maguire – 8Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.Diogo Dalot – 5Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.Bruno Fernandes – 8Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equaliseManuel Ugarte – 7Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.Mason Mount 13′ – 6Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.Amad Diallo 90′ – 9The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.SubsKobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forwardJoshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.Antony 78′ – 6Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.Leny Yoro 78′ – 6Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6No time to have any influence on the game. 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    Alex Greenwood has ‘successful’ surgery following knee injury on Champions League duty with Manchester City

    ALEX GREENWOOD has undergone an operation on a knee injury she suffered during Manchester City’s Champions League defeat of St Polten.However the 96-capped England defender is set for lengthy spell out of action after having her medial collateral ligament (MCL) repaired.Man City say their medical team will work closely with Greenwood who sustained a knee injury this monthCredit: ReutersThe Man City skipper was stretchered off during the first half of her team’s defeat of Austrian side St Polten in the Women’s Champions League group stageCredit: ReutersMan City finished second in their Champions League group after falling to a 3-0 loss to Barcelona on December 18Credit: AFPGreenwood sustained her injury in the first half of her side’s 2-0 home win against their Austrian opponents in Europe on December 12.  The Man City captain appeared to be in discomfort after going to ground following a collision with St Polten forward Melanie Brunnthaler.She was later stretchered off in the 32nd minute. There were initial worries the defender, who has made nine WSL appearances so far this term, had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture.Read More Football Stories However this morning her club confirmed she damaged her MCL – which is the tissue connecting the thigh bone to the shin bone.While this usually involves a shorter period in recovery than an ACL injury it remains to be seen whether Greenwood will be fit ahead of England’s next set of international fixtures. In February Sarina Wiegman’s side are due to face Portugal and Spain in the Nations League as part of their build-up to next summer’s European Championship. And supporters will hope that Greenwood, who was part of the England squad that won the Women’s Euros two years ago, will be fit before the 2025 tournament in Switzerland. Most read in FootballMan City’s update follows their WSL team falling to a 3-0 loss to Barcelona on Wednesday. Goals from Claudia Pina, Aitana Bonmati and Barca captain Alexia Puttellas resulted in the Catalan giants finishing top of Group D with City in second spot. The Cityzens’ second place finish means they could potentially face Arsenal, Chelsea or Lyon in the competition’s quarter-finals next year. The team, who are currently second in the WSL and six points off leaders, Chelsea will find out who their opponents will be after the draw on February 7. City are contending with a swathe of injuries with forwards Khadija Shaw, Lauren Hemp and Vivianne Miedema currently sidelined. Vivianne Miedema hopes to be “fully recharged” and ready to make her Man City return in the new yearCredit: GettyAnd forward Chloe Kelly, who has faced a battle for minutes this term, was absent from the squad that faced Barcelona. City chief Gareth Taylor said this was due to “on-going symptoms” concerning concussion she sustained whilst on England duty in November. The Euros-winning Lioness star, whose current City contract runs until next summer, has started once in six top-flight appearances so far this season.  More

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    Three ways Arsenal could line up with Marcus Rashford as wantaway Man Utd ace is tipped for sensational transfer

    ARSENAL could be able to line up in three unique ways if they sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.The England forward has revealed he is ready for a “new challenge” after falling down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim.Arsenal could fit Marcus Rashford into three different systems if he joins them from Man UtdCredit: PAUnited’s new boss insists he wants to keep Rashford at Old Trafford.But the versatile winger is on an eye-watering £325,000-a-week package.And with Sir Jim Ratcliffe making no secret of his desire to cut back on spending, Rashford could be heading off sooner rather than later.There are sure to be plenty of suitors available depending on United’s asking price.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLParis Saint-Germain are among foreign teams who have long-term interest in Rashford.But should he stay in the Premier League, Arsenal could end up being his ideal home.Mikel Arteta has transformed the Gunners from has-beens into title contenders.Their resilient style of play relies on moments of magic from superstars like Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka – something Rashford has in spades.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd should the 27-year-old make the move to north London, Arsenal could be able to fit him into three systems.The Gunners tend to play a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Kai Havertz leading the line while being supported by Odegaard and Saka.Gary Neville hits out at ‘Moping’ Rashford and Garnacho and has heated argument with Micah Richards live on Sky Sports Arteta currently has a number of options to fill the final attacking spot on the left, including Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Chelsea loanee Raheem Sterling.But the position would likely open up immediately for Rashford should he join Arsenal.The 2022/23 campaign saw him slam home 30 goals from that position.And should he rediscover that form at the Emirates, it would surely be a game-changer for the recently goal-shy Gunners.A variation of that system could also see Rashford slot in as a striker.Arteta sometimes prefers a technical dribbler like Martinelli or Trossard out wide.And Rashford’s speed could make him a preferable option to the rangier Havertz through the middle.Arsenal are also no strangers to an all-out attack when they are in desperate search of a goal.READ MORE SUN STORIESA 4-2-4 formation has occasionally been used when chasing a game.And that could see Rashford take up a position as the left-central forward, giving him support to the left as well as two options on the right.Why Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fitBy Martin LiptonMARCUS RASHFORD is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Rashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.Even so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.The facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee, even next month.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by La Liga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert.Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.Rashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time. 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    Football stadium set to look unrecognisable with enormous BEACH after 100 tonnes of sand is dumped in

    A FOOTBALL team are trucking in 100 TONNES of sand to create a huge beach at their stadium.Auckland FC are trying to lure fans into their home games on December 21, January 1 and January 18 with the promise of cocktails, an inflatable slide and even a sandcastle competition.A football stadium in New Zealand is set to undergo a remarkable transformationCredit: GettyA project to move 100 tonnes of sand into a stadium will create New Zealand’s biggest inland beachCredit: LinkedIn/Auckland FCThe A-League expansion club say the inland beach will be New Zealand’s biggest.A statement said: “Those sticking around for summer can still hit the beach thanks to Auckland FC. “The club are trucking in more than 100 tonnes of sand to bring the best of the beach to the heart of the action for their upcoming home games on 21st December, 1st and 18th January.”The much-loved family fun zone is set to be transformed into a massive beach that’s decked out with all your summer’s day essentials.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe statement revealed the beach project would include live music, sandcastle competitions, a beachside cocktail bar and an inflatable slide.There will also be deck chairs and picnic areas as part of the transformation.And fans will even be able to take part in a fancy dress competition.The sand will be transported using six trucks to the centre of the 25,000-seat Go Media Stadium – previously known as Mount Smart Stadium – in Penrose, New Zealand.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAuckland FC were established in March 2024, and along with fellow expansionists Canberra, joined the Australian Professional Leagues from 2024/25.The club’s first professional game was held on 19 October in front of a sell-out crowd.American businessman and owner of AFC Bournemouth Bill Foley is the owner of the club.New Luton Town Stadium given planning permission More