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      Why Man Utd would have missed out on Ronaldo, Rooney and Keane if they had rivals’ unique transfer and selection policy

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      IMAGINE if Manchester United could only field players born or raised in the Greater Manchester area.United have always prided themselves on developing their own young stars, from Bobby Charlton and the Busby Babes to David Beckham and the Class of ’92.Manchester United pride themselves on their record of promoting home-grown stars, such as the much-vaunted Class of 92, here with the 1999 European CupCredit: GettyIf United had Athletic Bilbao’s strict selection policy, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Roy Keane would never have played for themCredit: ReutersBut if they operated under the same kind of rules as Europa League semi-final opponents Athletic Bilbao, then Old Trafford legends like Roy Keane, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney would never have worn the famous red shirt.Athletic proudly stick to a self-imposed rule that they only sign players who meet their criteria for being considered Basque.And that means footballers either born in the region — that straddles northern Spain and south west France — or who have come through their academy or from  youth development programmes at clubs  in the area.The total population of the seven areas that make up the Basque Country is around three million, pretty much the same as Greater Manchester.READ MORE IN MAN UTDYet despite their own restrictions, Athletic are one of the most successful clubs in Spain and will go into tomorrow’s first leg with United as warm favourites.Although their last league title came in 1983-84, their total of eight puts them fourth in Spanish football’s hall of fame behind the Madrid giants and Barcelona.Last season’s Copa del Rey triumph was the 24th in Athletic’s history, second only to Barca’s 32.And they are on course to qualify for next season’s Champions League — even without winning the Europa League, as they sit fourth in LaLiga.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordWinger Nico Williams, 22, is the poster boy for the current generation and a summer target for the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona. His older brother and team-mate Inaki was born in Bilbao in 1994 —  not long after their parents arrived from Ghana.Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealedEight years later, Nico came into the world in Pamplona, the Basque city famous for its annual bull-running festival.Inaki had a year in Athletic’s    academy before starting his senior career at other local teams and rejoining Athletic at the age of 20.Between the years of 2016 and 2023 he played 251  consecutive league games, a LaLiga record.His brother Nico has been at Athletic since he was just 11.Inaki played one senior game for Spain and two for the Basque Country team before committing his services to his family’s homeland of Ghana at senior international levelNico, meanwhile scored the opening goal in the Euro 2024 final as Spain beat England 2-1.Nico Williams (left) and his brother Inaki are Athletic Bilbao’s poster boysCredit: AFPNico William scored Spain’s opener in their Euro 2024 final victory over EnglandCredit: APThe younger Williams brother is thought to be destined to play in the Premier League sooner rather than later.But any English club wanting to buy him would have to cough up.Not only the £51million necessary to trigger the release clause in his contract, which runs until 2027.They would also have to give him a decent rise on his current wages at Athletic, which are said to be in the region of £200,000 per week.Athletic’s Basque-only policy means they do not shell out big money on transfers too often.But it also allows them to pay their best players handsomely.BASQUE TO THE FUTUREATHLETIC BILBAO’S selection policy explained…The club have instilled a “Basque-only” rule – since 1911 – which means not just any footballer can play for the club.The San Mames outfit has stated that every one of their players has to either been born or raised in the Basque Country.Another statement reads: “As an institution, Athletic Club and all its supporters are characterised by a steadfast belief in a set of values which are becoming increasingly uncommon in football and 21st century sport.”Athletic Club takes pride in its own and has a philosophy and way of seeing football that is unique in the world of football.”This ideal is fully reflected in its policy of promoting academy players.”Athletic Club is based in Bilbao, a city situated in Biscay, a province which makes up part of the Basque Country.”The club’s sporting philosophy is governed by a code which states that Athletic Club may only field players who have come through its own academy or the academies of other clubs in the Basque Country, or players who were born in the following territories which constitute the Basque Country: Biscay, Gipuzkoa, Alava, Navarre, Labourd, Soule and Lower Navarre.”You can make a good argument that the Basque nation is among the most  successful in modern football, per head of population.The Basque Autonomous Community in Spain consists of four provinces — Navarre, Biscay, Alava and Gipuzkoa.The latter is the smallest province by area in all of Spain, yet it has produced a large number of top-level players and coaches.Three current Premier League bosses come from the province — Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, Aston Villa’s Unai Emery and Bournemouth chief Andoni Iraola – who has been a ‘spy’ for Athletic this week.Also from the area is  Xabi Alonso, the former Liverpool star tipped to leave Bayer Leverkusen and take over at another of his old clubs, Real Madrid.Add in one-time Spain, Real and West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui, ex-Barcelona chief Ernesto Valverde, now Athletic’s boss  — and  the list goes on.Alonso, Arteta and Iraola were team-mates at Antiguoko, the junior side from Gipuzkoa that used to beat teams from Real and other big clubs for fun.Despite the the region producing so many good managers, Bilbao’s Basque-only policy does not extend to coaching staff.English managers have included Henry John Bagge, William Garbutt, Ralph Kirby, Ronnie Allen and Howard Kendall.United know all about the virtues of Basque footballers and Athletic.They signed Bilbao-born Ander Herrera from Athletic in 2014 after he was part of the side that beat them home and away in the Europa League last 16 in 2012.Herrera won the FA Cup under Louis van Gaal in 2016.Basque midfielder Ander Herrera joined United in 2014 from AthleticCredit: AFPThat was  before lifting both the League Cup and the Europa League in 2016-17 with Jose Mourinho.United have not known such success since, thanks mainly to wasting hundreds of millions of pounds on players from all over.Read More on The SunMaybe the new regime at Old Trafford should adopt a Bilbao-style recruitment policy for the club which claims to represent the People’s Republic of Mancunia.Man Utd player ratings vs BournemouthBy Katherine WalshMANCHESTER UNITED managed to secure a 1-1 draw against 10-man Bournemouth in the sixth minute of injury time.Rasmus Hojlund’s last-gasp equaliser leaves United 14th in the Prem, after Evanilson was sent off for serious foul play with 20 minutes to go.Man Utd target Antoine Semenyo fired the home side into the lead with a thunderbolt opener, after a calamity of mistakes while playing out from the back.Yet United somewhat responded well, mainly through Alejandro Garnacho’s flurry of chances.So was the Argentine the star player for Man Utd? Check out how the players rated. More

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      Former Premier League star, 51, who won four promotions reveals winning league title in NEPAL is biggest achievement

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      SIMON GRAYSON is celebrating winning the Nepal Super League – and rates it alongside anything he has achieved in football.The Yorkshireman, 55, twice reached the Prem as a player with Leicester and won four managerial promotions from League One with Blackpool, Leeds, Huddersfield and Preston.Simon Grayson has won the league title in NepalCredit: X @Hussainov1chHe joined Lalitpur City for their two-month league seasonCredit: INSTAGRAMHe had been out of work following a spell managing Indian Super League side Bengaluru, so when the call came to boss Lalitpur City  for their eight-week season, he took it.Grayson’s team beat Pokhara Thunders 2-1 in Saturday’s title decider to give him another triumph on his CV.Speaking from Kathmandu, the former Foxes captain said: “An agent rang me up and asked if I would be interested in managing in Nepal.“I spoke to the owners and thought, ‘Why not?’READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It’s a seven-team league and the season only lasted two months but we’ve gone unbeaten and won the play-off final last weekend.“It’s been a fantastic football and life experience but I wasn’t out here for a holiday — I wanted to win the league. “I said this to the players — and I genuinely mean it — but winning this title in Nepal is just as important to me as everything I achieved as a player and manager.“To be the best team in the tournament and win the final made it very much mission accomplished.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“Since I’ve been at Lalitpur, I’ve got three players into the Nepal national squad for the first time.“The owners have been chuffed to bits with what we’ve achieved and the players have been great.”Grayson has lived alone in a hotel for two months and says there has been surreal moments — including meeting Brazil legend Roberto Carlos.During a game against Pokhara earlier this month, an opposition  official protested a decision and ended up fighting with the match commissioner.Grayson added: “I’ve been in football nearly 40 years and seen some things but nothing like that.“They disputed a goal not being given but there was no way anyone could say if it had crossed the line or not because we don’t have VAR.“It was crazy to see the Pokhara official rolling around with the match commissioner before the police got involved.Simon Grayson won promotion to the Championship four timesCredit: GettyGrayson spent several years at Leicester as a playerCredit: Alamy“Roberto Carlos was out here to promote the league, so it was nice  to catch up with him.”Grayson heads home to Yorkshire this week with a renewed appetite for management… and English grub.He explained: “The Nepalese cuisine is OK but quite repetitive and I’ve missed having some roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.“I’m looking forward to a full English breakfast and fish and chips.“I’ve missed my family and my dog, so I’m looking forward to getting back home to some normality.“But it’s been a great opportunity while I’m waiting for jobs to come up.“After my first game, some Reading fans here on holiday said, ‘You’ve  certainly not lost your passion for it.’“I was probably let down at Blackpool and Fleetwood by owners who promised me the world but delivered nothing.Read More on The Sun“But I’ve had clubs who have backed me, so I know what I can do.“I’ve been out of my comfort zone in Nepal but it has confirmed I still have the fire in my belly.” More

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      Leeds join Sean Longstaff transfer race with £10m Newcastle star also wanted by Premier League rivals

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      LEEDS UNITED have joined Everton in the chase to sign Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff.Daniel Farke’s side have secured promotion to the Premier League and are wasting no time in looking to bolster their squad.Sean Longstaff is gaining interest from Leeds and EvertonCredit: GettyLeeds have been promoted back to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyDavid Moyes is keen on signing a new midfielder in the summerCredit: GettyMidfielder Longstaff, 27, came through the ranks at his boyhood club but has struggled for action this term.The £10million-rated Geordie still has one more season on his contract after Newcastle triggered an extension but boss Eddie Howe admitted his future remains “unclear” as interest in him hots up.Everton’s David Moyes has made him a top target as he plots a major overhaul of his squad.But SunSport understands he will face fierce competition from Farke’s Leeds with the German looking for established Prem stars to help in next season’s fight for survival.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLongstaff has made 31 appearances for Newcastle this term and picked up a Carabao Cup winners’ medal at Wembley but has already admitted he could leave his hometown team.When asked about his future at St. James’ Park in November, he said: “Yeah, if it’s here [Newcastle] it’s great. If it’s not, it’s not.”I want to be valued as a player, I want to be appreciated as a player and whether it’s here, great.”If it’s not here and it’s somewhere else, it’ll be somewhere else.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“In a way I live day to day, game to game and I just try and take in every game.”I get to go to work every day and spend it with my best friends, I don’t know what’s coming ahead.Patrice Evra gives update on MMA debut and reveals Luis Suarez’s response to fight challenge“I don’t know what’s coming down the line, I just try to embrace every day and enjoy every minute because ultimately it won’t last forever.”Meanwhile, Howe admitted he is not sure whether the club will cash in on him while they still can.Speaking a month ago, he said: “His long-term future is slightly more unclear.”But what I can say is that behind the scenes, Sean has been very good, helping the group, training to a high level and I cannot speak highly enough of him as a person.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Lamine Yamal putting Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to shame as staggering stats comparison of stars at 17 emerges

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      INCREDIBLE stats show Lamine Yamal is putting a young Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to shame.The Barcelona wonderkid capped his 100th senior appearance for the club with a goal and a stunning performance in the 3-3 Champions League semi-final draw with Inter Milan last night.Lamine Yamal was at his brilliant best for Barcelona against Inter MilanCredit: GettyLionel Messi was only just breaking into the team at Yamal’s ageCredit: EmpicsCristiano Ronaldo had scored just five goals before his 18th birthdayCredit: ReutersYamal was at his brilliant best and despite being just 17-years-old, was undoubtedly Barca’s main man.The winger inspired the comeback from 2-0 down with a solo goal as he weaved his way past several defenders and fired a curler beyond Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer.In was his 22nd goal for his boyhood club since bursting onto the scene and making his debut aged 15 years, 9 months and 16 days.He has also picked up 33 assists in his first 100 games in a Barca shirt.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYamal’s record so far is demolishing what Messi and Ronaldo had achieved before adulthood.The Argentine legend made just nine appearances, scoring one goal for Barca before his 18th birthday.Messi did not become a regular and net double figures in a season for the Catalan giants until he was 19-years-old.As for Ronaldo at 17, he was only just breaking through at Sporting Lisbon and had played in 19 games, scoring five goals and getting four assists.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe made the move to Manchester United the following year aged 18 after catching the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson in a pre-season friendly.Yamal fired Spain to Euro 2024 glory last summer and is closing on a potential Treble-winning season this term with Barca.Lamine Yamal sends brutal message live on TV after being called out by Adrien Rabiot ahead of Euro 2024 semi-final Before last night’s draw with Inter, the teenager was asked about comparisons to Messi.He said: “I don’t compare myself to him, because I don’t compare myself to anyone, and much less with Messi.”We are thinking about improving ourselves, every day, and on being better on the next day.”So I don’t think the comparison makes sense, with Messi even less, I’m going to enjoy myself and be myself.”I admire him obviously, as the best player in history, but I don’t compare myself to him.”The eyes of the world being on Yamal also does not bother him, adding: “But fear, I left fear in the park in Mataro (Yamal’s hometown) a long time ago.”Yamal team-mates celebrated his 100th appearanceCredit: Getty More

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      How Dembele and Vitinha outsmarted Arsenal as Odegaard and Timber struggled to show up in biggest game of season vs PSG

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN claimed a 1-0 win in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final with Arsenal.Ousmane Dembele struck after just four minutes with a superb first-time finish to give the French side the advantage to take back to the Parc des Princes next week.PSG claimed a 1-0 win in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final with ArsenalCredit: GettyOusmane Dembele grabbed the only goal of the game in the fourth minuteCredit: GettyIn the latest episode of Tactics Exposed, SunSport’s Dean Scoggins ran the rule over the Emirates clash – and picked out five key tactical talking points…THE MATCH went the way I was expecting – I thought PSG were the better side and their plan came off better.But we shouldn’t overlook the missing Thomas Partey factor – he will be big in the second leg. Both goalkeepers made great saves.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe last ten minutes were key: if PSG took one of those late chances, we would be talking about a real, real uphill struggle for Arsenal.The Gunners stayed in it, created chances of their own and it was a great watch. 1. OU LA LAI said in the preview Tactics Exposed show one of the midfielders would drop into defence, Achraf Hakimi would go out, Nuno Mendes pushed out and they drew the press before Dembele dropped deep to collect the ball, turn and go. They did it four or five times and it wasn’t until half-time that Arsenal worked it out.Most read in Champions LeagueJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesHaving Declan Rice and Mikel Merino dragged out allowed space for the false No9 to come in between and receive the ball in areas where he can’t be marked – Dembele was brilliant in the first half. Someone – either William Saliba or Jakub Kiwior – needs to go out with Dembele, he can’t be given the freedom of the Emirates in midfield. Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry give their verdict on Arsenal’s defeat to PSGDembele was given too much space on the edge of the areaCredit: GettyPSG lined up in a 4-3-3 formationCredit: SunSportDembele dropped in as a false No9Credit: SunSportHe was not tracked by either Arsenal centre-backCredit: SunSportThat allowed him to pick up the ball in midfieldCredit: SunSportHe then drove forwards on the attackCredit: SunSportThen with the goal, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia holds the width but Jurrien Timber stays narrow before squaring him up on the edge of the area.Declan Rice goes and doubles up, Saliba is free but Merino gets back into the box before the shot – but the Spaniard doesn’t occupy the space Rice vacated. Rice is damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t – Merino is the one who doesn’t do the midfielder’s job and cover. Dembele’s little side-step to his left was genius, too. Dembele benefited from Thomas Partey’s suspensionCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime VideoFor the goal, he played the ball out wide to Khvicha KvaratskheliaCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime VideoThe Frenchman then got on the end of the pull backCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime VideoDeclan Rice went out to double up with Jurrien TimberCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime VideoMikel Merino worked his way back into the areaCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime VideoBut he did not get close enough to DembeleCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime Video2. TIMBERRRR!Timber had a really tough night and committed four fouls in the first 20 minutes and didn’t get a yellow card.The referee was very poor for both teams and didn’t help the game as a spectacle. PSG force you to isolate full-backs with wingers – do you go and engage or hold off? Jurrien Timber struggled to cope with Khvicha KvaratskheliaCredit: GettyIt wasn’t just Timber’s fault because PSG’s midfield make a diamond shape and Arsenal’s midfield weren’t sure who was supposed to block the lane. After those fouls, Bukayo Saka did a great job of screening, coming in off the touchline to help out but that also meant Saka was not in the position he wants to be when Arsenal won the ball back. Of Arsenal’s attacks, 44 per cent came down the right-hand side, but only ten per cent of their shots came from that channel. PSG starved Saka in the position he likes to pick up because Timber was struggling. Bukayo Saka was forced to play more infield than usualCredit: SunSportPSG’s system makes use of their strong midfield and attackCredit: SunSportArsenal attack largely down the right wingCredit: SunSportOnly ten per cent of their shots came from that areaCredit: SunSport3. UN PETIT FREREVitinha was absolutely fantastic. At any level of football from grassroots to elite, you can see when a midfielder runs the game at their pace and for the first 30 minutes at least, Vatinha did that. If he wanted to slow it down, he did. If he wanted to hit Arsenal quickly, bang, they were on the attack. Vitinha actually had a similar number of touches as the anonymous Martin Odegaard but it was the areas he got the ball and acting as the bounce man.In the build-up to the goal, he got his body in the way to ping the ball back to the defence and that sort of play is unbelievable.It was like PSG had 12 men.Vitinha orchestrated things with a masterclass performanceCredit: GettyHe was the overload man in every area of the pitchCredit: SunSportWhen they are three at the back, with three Arsenal men pressing, he makes it four for a 4v3. Then he moves into midfield, Arsenal drop into a 4-4-2 shape out of possession and he makes it a five in midfield for PSG.Then when they attack, there are five going forward with only forward with only four defenders and he is the one joining in.He is the overload man in all three areas and was the best player on the pitch, especially in the first half.Vitinha joins the play up. He is a genius. He is like Alexis Mac Allister on the ball and Dominik Szoboszlai off the ball. Arsenal need to work out how to get hold of him in the second leg. 4. ODE OH DEARI’m not sure what has been going on with Odegaard for the last ten or 12 games – his level has really dropped off. He relies on Saka stretching the game to give him space which I’ve already explained was not the case but he had a really off night on the biggest night of the season. Arsenal have leaders all over the pitch but for me, Rice should be captain. Martin Odegaard failed to turn up for the biggest game of the seasonCredit: GettyOdegaard got the timings of his presses wrongCredit: SunSportThat almost caught Arsenal out as Bradley Barcola dragged wideCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime VideoOdegaard got the press wrong against PSG, the team follow his trigger and he has been brilliant at it for years and it’s how Arsenal can set up in a 4-4-2 out of possession.But on Tuesday he kept going at the wrong time because Vitinha was dragging him into positions he didn’t want to be in which opened spaces up in midfield – which is where the goal came from.Odegaard was getting stuck in a half No8, half No10 role and it was epitomised by the Bradley Barcola chance. 5. RAYA HOPEThe save from Desire Doue when he got down low to his right… incredible stop. Gianluigi Donnarumma made two world-class saves at the other end but Raya was crucial for Arsenal.What he also did was take pretty much all their free-kicks in their own half right up to the halfway line – it was almost old school sending it long.People may criticise the long-ball tactic but it was the right tactic because PSG were vulnerable with the diagonal long ball and the bouncing ball which came from Raya’s excellent distribution. It forced chances, they could have scored and it also led to corners where we know Arsenal are dangerous. Aside from that, Arsenal carried the ball really well and got out of positions well to feed Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.Myles Lewis-Skelly was excellent again, his one-v-one defending and duels are as good as anyone I’ve seen for years in that position. Hakimi got very little joy in duels against him and where Timber could not work out what to do with Kvaratskhelia, Lewis-Skelly did miles better with Doue and Hakimi.Read More on The SunThat forced Doue to come inside, so Lewis-Skelly came inside and inverted and bolstered Arsenal’s numbers in the middle. This is 1-0, it is half-time and this is not done. David Raya made a superb stop to deny Desire DoueCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime VideoHis long kicks upfield were a throwback but successful tacticCredit: GettyArsenal ratings vs PSG as Raya saves keep Gunners in it and poor Odegaard subbed offARSENAL face an uphill battle next week.The Gunners suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in their all-important Champions League semi-final home leg.Ousmane Dembele stunned the Emirates Stadium into silence when his first-time shot hit the post and bounced over the line just three minutes into the match.After a nervous start, it took the Gunners around 20 minutes to settle.But when they did, the momentum began to swing in their favour.Just moments into the second half, Mikel Merino finally put the ball in the net – only for it to be chalked offside after a lengthy VAR check.And Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard forced worldy saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma.David Raya then produced stunning stop from Goncalo Ramos as the Gunners held on at 1-0.It’s not over – there is still at least 90 minutes to be played.But away from home, it will not be easy.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated Arsenal’s stars on the night… More

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      Ange Postecoglou claims Europa League glory at Tottenham would be ‘on another planet’ to Ten Hag’s Man Utd FA Cup win

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU claims Europa League glory at Spurs would be ‘on another planet’ to Erik ten Hag’s FA Cup win.The under-fire Aussie boss can salvage their season by lifting the trophy in the Basque Country.Ange Postecoglou reckons winning the Europa League is ‘on another planet’ compared to the FA CupCredit: GettyBut he hit back at comparisons with Ten Hag — who kept his Manchester United job after winning the 2024 FA Cup.Postecoglou says it ‘diminishes’ how big an achievement it would be to win the competition, which earns Champions League qualification, unlike the FA Cup.SunSport columnist Troy Deeney and Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher reckon Spurs should sack Postecoglou EVEN if his team eventually win the final, which will be held in Bilbao.They highlighted United’s blunder in keeping Ten Hag after May’s Cup win… only to axe him five months later.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAhead of Thursday’s semi- final first leg against Bodo/Glimt, Postecoglou said: “I’ve sensed this is the way this club is perceived — people are always trying to diminish it.“I’ve heard people say, ‘Well, it’s the equivalent of United winning the FA Cup. No, it ain’t. Not on any planet is it the equivalent.”Tottenham — eyeing a first trophy since the 2008 League Cup — sit 16th in the Prem after 19 league defeats.But Postecoglou continued: “Others are suggesting that maybe we’re not worthy of the Champions League.Most read in FootballErik ten Hag was kept on as Man Utd boss after his FA Cup win last season, only to be sacked five months laterCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Again, they are things that are designed to diminish what’s ahead of us, which is an unbelievable chance.“Irrespective of how this season’s gone, we have generations of fans who want this more than anything else.”’Turning gold into c–p’ – Ange Postecoglou kicks off again over criticism of Tottenham penalty farceBodo/Glimt twice beat Postecoglou’s Celtic in the 2022 Conference League.The Aussie, without injured skipper Son Heung-min, added: “Bodo are there on merit. “The away game is tricky — you’re playing on an artificial surface in difficult conditions.” More

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      Luis Suarez responds to Patrice Evra fight challenge as Man Utd legend gives update on MMA debut

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      PATRICE EVRA has revealed that Luis Suarez could still take up his offer to fight him after announcing his MMA debut.Evra, 43, revealed last week that he would be making his mixed martial arts debut at PFL Europe Paris at the Accor Arena on 23 May.Patrice Evra has called out Luis Suarez for an MMA fightCredit: The Ariel Helwani Show / XSuarez and Evra have history dating back to a racism storm in 2011Credit: ReutersThe Manchester United icon later took to social media to call out former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez to take him on in the ring.Evra and Suarez have a history dating back to their respective days in the Premier League, when the forward was found guilty of racially abusing the defender during a clash at Anfield in 2011.And Suarez, who is still playing professionally with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, hasn’t ruled out settling the score with a fight, according to Evra himself.Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Evra revealed: “I was quite surprised. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I don’t know if it’s true, because I’m always careful, but apparently his manager contacted the PFL. Maybe to come and watch my first fight.”I would be surprised, because to be honest he is still playing football and this is completely different – he could get injured.”But maybe it will happen, maybe not. Like I say, it’s something I’ve asked. If it doesn’t happen it’s not a big deal.”Evra, who retired in 2019 after making over 700 career appearances, went into more detail on why he would want to fight Suarez.Most read in FootballEvra will make his MMA debut at the Accor Arena in ParisCredit: Instagram / patrice.evraLuis Suarez still plays football for Inter Miami in the MLSCredit: ReutersHe explained: “When the PFL asked me who I would like, I said Luis Suárez because I had a beef with him on the back in the day when I was captain of United and he played for Liverpool.”He had some racist abuse. I don’t call him a racist, it’s just that they used some racist words, and I want to do this fight.” ‘Watching Arsenal is like watching Netflix… you always have to wait for the next season’, says Man Utd legendAdding: “I think the world wants to see that fight. So I am like, ‘Please accept the offer’.”I don’t know if he would be the first, or the second, or the third fight. But I think the world deserves to see that fight”.Suarez was accused of using “insulting words” towards Evra including reference to the colour of the French international’s skin in 2011.The striker, now 38, was accused of using an offensive term seven times in around two minutes, while Evra had told him he would “punch him” after asking him to repeat what he had said.Meanwhile, Suarez claimed he had used the word once and in a friendly way as is normal in Uruguayan culture, as opposed to the antagonistic way described by Evra.The FA eventually slapped Suarez with an eight-game ban after a two-month investigation and six-day hearing into the incident.After the ban was announced, Liverpool stars were spotted wearing training shirts with Suarez’s name and picture on them during the warm-up in a display of support.Liverpool decided not to appeal the verdict made against Suarez on January 2012, although they maintained the innocence of the forward.Read More on The SunWhen the pair met on the pitch again in 2012, Suarez refused to shake Evra’s hand before a game at Old Trafford, with prompted an angry reaction from the French international.At the end of the game as the players walked off the pitch, Evra went in front of Suarez to celebrate in his face.Suarez was handed an eight-game ban after a two-month investigation into the incidentCredit: ReutersLiverpool stars wore shirts in support of Suarez after the FA announced the banCredit: AFPThe following year at Old Trafford, Suarez refused to shake Evra’s handCredit: GettyEvra then celebrated in Suarez’s face after the gameCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun More

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      Watch as Maya Jama finally confirms Ruben Dias romance with kiss, cuddle and bite to neck at footy match

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      MAYA Jama and Ruben Dias kiss and cuddle to confirm their romance for the first time with a loved-up display.The Man City defender, 27, even cheekily bit the TV star’s neck as they stood pitch side at a weekly Baller League match.Maya Jama and Ruben Dias confirmed their romance for the first timeCredit: GettyThe pair kissed and cuddled as they stood pitch side at a weekly Baller League matchThe Man City defender even cheekily bit the TV host’s neckMaya cheered on City at Wembley on SundayCredit: Click News and MediaLove Island host Maya, 30, has been dating Ruben since they met at an awards bash in November but has kept their relationship under wraps until now.The Sun’s exclusive video shows the couple hugging in a bunker behind the goal at the Copper Box Arena, in East London.At one point the Portuguese pitch ace pulls her in for a hug, planting a smooch on her cheek and then rubs her back.Later he playfully bites at the back of her neck.READ MORE ON MAYA JAMAA source said: “Maya and Ruben seemed very close, very loved up and were clearly very comfortable with each other.“They were chatting to others around them but gravitated back to each other. They seem very happy with each other.”It is the first time the couple have been seen together in public since they began dating.Maya and Ruben were introduced at the MTV EMAs in Manchester in November, following the breakdown of her on-off relationship with rapper Stormzy last summer.Most read in FootballLast month we told how she had introduced Dias to her mum Bernadette, with sources saying they were “getting more serious”.She also revealed in March she was taking Portuguese lessons.MAYA Jama’s romance with footballer Ruben Dias is hotting up – after she was introduced to his mum BernadetteThe influencer-led Baller League sees former Premier League players, futsal players and celebrities face one another in 12 teams.Maya is among several celebrities backing the new-look football format.The TV host has teamed up with Swiss player Alisha Lehmann to lead MVPs United for the influencer-led football league.The likes of KSI and darts star Luke Littler also attended Monday’s sport event.The Portuguese pitch ace pulled Maya in for a hugMaya was all smiles as she stood next to RubenThe TV beauty has been dating the football star since they met at an awards bash in NovemberA source revealed: ‘They seem very happy with each other’Credit: Click News and MediaMaya posted a picture online of the pair having lunchMaya also recently introduced Dias to her mum BernadetteCredit: Getty More