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    Ipswich legend rushed to hospital after ‘medical emergency’ in directors’ box during Bournemouth clash

    IPSWICH TOWN have confirmed that club legend Simon Milton was taken ill and rushed to hospital during Sunday’s match at Portman Road.Milton, 61, suffered a “medical emergency” midway through the club’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth while sat in the directors box.Ipswich confirmed that club ambassador Simon Milton was taken ill on SundayCredit: @IpswichTownMilton made over 300 appearances for the Tractor Boys as a playerCredit: PA:Empics SportHe immediately received treatment from first responders before being rushed to a nearby hospital.But the Tractor Boys have confirmed that he is now “in good spirits” following the incident.A statement from Ipswich on Sunday evening read: “We can confirm that former player and Club Ambassador Simon Milton fell unwell during Sunday’s Premier League fixture at home to AFC Bournemouth and was taken to hospital.”Simon is now stable and communicating. He is in good spirits and will head home to rest.Read More in Football”He would like to thank the first responders at Portman Road and those that have passed on their best wishes.”At this time we ask everyone to respect the privacy of Simon and his family.”Fans took to social media to wish the ex-midfielder well following the announcement.One person wrote: “With best wishes for a speedy recovery @Milts25.”Most read in FootballAnother commented: “Wishing Simon a very speedy recovery!”While a post from the official AFC Bournemouth account read: “Wishing Simon all the best.”Football teams that controversially changed their badgeMilton joined Ipswich from Bury Town in 1987 and went on to spend 11 years with the club.During that time he made over 300 appearances.After retiring from football in 1998 he became a club ambassador.Ipswich suffered a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday.Conor Chaplin put the Tractor Boys ahead in the 21st minute before Enes Unal and Dango Ouattara struck late to flip the match on its head.The result left Ipswich 18th in the Premier League table. More

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    David Moyes refuses to rule out sensational return to West Ham for third spell with Julen Lopetegui on the brink of axe

    DAVID MOYES has refused to rule out a return to West Ham under the right circumstances. The Scottish manager left the London club last summer, being replaced by Julen Lopetegui in the hopes of him engineering a more positive style of play.David Moyes could return to West Ham under the right circumstancesCredit: AFPJulen Lopetegui is on the brink of being axed after losing seven of his opening 14 league gamesCredit: PAHowever, seven defeats in the opening 14 Premier League games have left the Spaniard on the brink of the axe.Moyes has spent two previous spells at West Ham, landing the club a historic Europa Conference League trophy during his second.And with Lopetegui on the brink, a remarkable third spell at West Ham is possible in the right circumstancesThe 61-year-old has told Hammers owner David Sullivan he is available for work but is happy to wait for the right opening.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport exclusively revealed how Lopetegui’s future rests on the outcome of the clash with Wolves on Monday evening.Gary O’Neil in the other dugout is also thought to be on the brink, seeing the game dubbed “El Sackico”.Wolves have also made an approach for Moyes as they eye a replacement for O’Neil.But Moyes has told Wolves chiefs he is not interested in discussing a move while they still have a manager in place.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlthough there are severe doubts over Moyes’ willingness to take the job even if it was vacant.In all, Moyes has managed 261 games at West Ham across two spells firstly from November 2017 to May 2018 and then from December 2019 to June this year.Awkward moment new BBC MOTD favourite upsets David Moyes with comment live on TV as he gives deadpan response More

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    Tottenham star Bissouma says he ‘takes all the responsibility’ for Chelsea shambles after crucial turning point in game

    YVES BISSOUMA has taken full responsibility for Tottenham’s defeat to Chelsea.Spurs were beaten by the Blues in the Premier League 4-3 at home on Sunday.Moises Caicedo was fouled in the box by Yves BissoumaCredit: APThe Spurs star has apologised for his errorCredit: GettyCole Palmer scored from the spot to inspire a Chelsea victoryCredit: GettyThe North London outfit had raced into a two-goal lead before the visitors pulled off a stunning comeback.Jadon Sancho fired in a brilliant goal before Chelsea were handed the opportunity to level proceedings.Bissouma, 28, was penalised for a reckless foul on Moises Caicedo in the Spurs box in the 59th minute.Cole Palmer converted the chance to equalise before he and Enzo Fernandez scored to make it 4-2.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSon Heung-min netted a late consolation, but by then, the result was Chelsea’s.After the game, Bissouma took to social media to apologise to fans as he was “burning” by his error.He wrote: “I’m so sad for that mistake. It’s burning me because we lost the game today from this mistake.”I feel sorry for my teammates, staff, and fans. I take all the responsibility for that one.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”l’ll learn from this one. It’s time now to show the real me.”Thanks for all the support.”Chelsea stars Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez pelted with missiles from stands during Tottenham clashJamie Carragher slammed the midfielder on Sky Sports for his foul and labelled the decision as “braindead”.He said: “I’ve said all day that some of the things Tottenham players do is absolutely ridiculous.”It’s a certain penalty, and it was his [Bissouma’s] mistake initially on the far side, losing the ball to Neto.”And he maybe comes flying across thinking I’ve got to try and rectify this in some way.”He was really poor on the first challenge on Neto. That is absolutely braindead. I mean, who’d be a manager?”Palmer’s brace of penalties in the match saw him break a Premier League record.He has now scored 12 spot-kicks in a row, which has surpassed Yaya Toure’s record of 11.Spurs started the game in fine form as they took advantage of Marc Cucurella’s poor boot choice to go two goals up.During the match, Palmer had to contend with being pelted with cards from the home crowd.READ MORE SUN STORIESChelsea star Nicolas Jackson was also involved as he stopped Fernandez landing himself a yellow card after his goal.The Argentine appeared to be about to take off his shirt before the striker intervened. More

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    Luke Littler could become second-youngest winner of BBC SPOTY as shortlist revealed including Bellingham & Hodgkinson

    LUKE LITTLER will vie with Jude Bellingham and Keely Hodgkinson for the affection of the British public after being shortlisted for the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.The teen sensation is the youngest of the six contenders” for the prestigious TV award, which has been running annually since 1954.Luke Littler has won 10 titles in his incredible 12 months in dartsCredit: GettyKeely Hodgkinson took 800m gold at the Paris Olympics in AugustCredit: GettyJude Bellingham landed Champions League glory in his first Real seasonCredit: GettyLionesses’ keeper Mary Earps took the 2023 SPOTY awardCredit: PAThe Nuke will be up against Real Madrid’s Champions League winner Bellingham, Olympic 800 metres gold medallist Hodgkinson, record-breaking cricketer Joe Root, Paralympic cycling champion Dame Sarah Storey and triathlete Alex Yee.Littler, 17, has been deservedly recognised for his exceptional exploits in his first year as a darts professional.The Warrington ace made it to the PDC World Championship final on January 3 – he was defeated 7-4 by Luke Humphries at Ally Pally – and then became Premier League champion in May following a superb nine-dart leg.Littler – who has banked more than £1million in prize money throughout 2024 – has won 10 titles in total and thrilled crowds across the country with his outstanding displays despite leaving school only last year.READ MORE TOP SPORTIf Littler receives the most votes on the night of Tuesday December 17 – and Hodgkinson is the bookies’ favourite – he would be the second-youngest winner in the event’s history.The youngest recipient was 17-year-old Scottish swimmer Ian Black, who was victorious in 1958 ahead of footballers Bobby Charlton and Nat Lofthouse.Littler turns 18 next month and is the fave for this year’s World Championship, which starts on Sunday. He could even have double success on the night as he is also shortlisted for the Young Sports Personality of the Year category.Most read in DartsJoe Root become England’s leading Test scorer and also hit a 262Credit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPhil Taylor was second behind jockey Tony McCoy at SPOTY 2010 but has told Littler he should consider skipping the night and staying at home so can fully focus on trying to win the Sid Waddell Trophy in the New Year.Football has provided seven winners of the main award, including Paul Gascoigne, Michael Owen, David Beckham and Ryan Giggs.Jude Bellingham’s glorious England moment brought back in styleBBC SPOTY 2024 CONTENDERSHere are the runners and riders in with a shot of ultimate glory…Luke Littler – DartsJude Bellingham – FootballKeely Hodgkinson – AthleticsJoe Root – CricketDame Sarah Storey – Paralympic cyclingAlex Yee – TriathlonBellingham helped Madrid win the LaLiga title and the Champions League at Wembley, contributing a remarkable 23 goals across all competitions in his debut season at the Bernabeu.Though England lost the European Championship final to Spain in Berlin, the 21-year-old scored twice in the competition, including an incredible bicycle kick in the 2-1 Last 16 win over Slovakia.Hodgkinson, 22, became the tenth British woman to claim an Olympic title in athletics as she stormed to glory over two laps at the Stade de France.Root, 33, made history in style as he surpassed Alastair Cook’s mark of 12,472 runs to become England’s leading scorer in Test cricket with a career best 262 against Pakistan in October.Mum-of-two Storey, 47, is Britain’s greatest Paralympian and added two more gold medals to her impressive collection as she won cycling’s C4-C5 road race and C5 road time trial in Paris.And Yee, 26, enjoyed a stunning 2024 in which he was crowned both Olympic and world champion.What is most surprising is that the shortlist has been confined to six people for the seventh year running – rather than be expanded because it is an Olympic and Paralympic year.It does not include the likes of cycling hero Mark Cavendish, who retired after winning a record 35th Tour de France stage.Road cyclist Tom Pidcock and trampolinist Bryony Page – who are both Olympic champions – have also been snubbed as organisers kept it to a small list.And swimmer Poppy Maskill, 19, would consider herself unlucky not to be nominated after winning five medals at the Paralympics, including three golds.Clare Balding, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott will present the show live on BBC One but Gary Lineker has stepped down as host after 23 years in the role.The judging panel consisted of 12 people – former sportspeople, broadcasters, journalists and BBC executives – and included retired cyclist Laura Kenny and ex-Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha.READ MORE SUN STORIESOther awards presented on the night are World Sport Star of the Year, the Helen Rollason Award, Young Sports Personality of the Year, Unsung Hero, Coach of the Year, Team of the Year and Lifetime Achievement award .Lioness goalkeeper Mary Earps took home the coveted title of BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023.Team GB’s greatest Paralympian Sarah Storey won two more goldsCredit: RexTriathlete Alex Yee won both Olympic and world titlesCredit: Rex More

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    Artificial ‘intelligence’ reveals the sexiest male football pundit on TV according to ‘golden ratio’

    ARTIFICIAL “intelligence” has named Peter Crouch the sexiest male football pundit on TV.The 6ft 7in ex-England forward, famed for his robot goal celebration, scored 17.39 out of 20 on the AI beauty tool.Pundit Peter Crouch scored 17.39 out of 20 on the AI beauty toolIt measured facial ­symmetry and structure, health, smile and eyes and social media feedback.Former Scotland striker Ally McCoist was second with a score of 16.12, ­followed by ex-Tottenham Hotspur player Michael Dawson on 14.63.BBC Match of the Day 2 presenter Mark Chapman was fourth on 14.42.Ex-Man United hardman Roy Keane was in last place with just 9.59.READ MORE ON PETER CROUCHGary Neville came twenty-fourth on 11.67 with Gary Lineker twenty-fifth on 11.21 and Rio Ferdinand twenty-seventh on 11.11.Betting tips and news site Footy Accumulators used the Golden Ratio Face app to measure the looks of 38 pundits.A spokesman said: “Crouch was the clear winner and is the most attractive male pundit on TV.”“As well as expert knowledge he brings sex appeal to punditry and gets female viewers hot under the collar.”Most read in FootballMy Premier League team-mate was catfishing fans… it really annoyed me and I can’t believe supporters fell for it’Peter Crouch – 17.39Ally McCoist – 16.12Michael Dawson – 14.63Mark Chapman – 14.42Shay Given – 14.41Dion Dublin – 13.94Don Hutchison – 13.45Glenn Hoddle – 13.1Joleon lescott – 13.06Ashley Williams – 13.04 More

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    Sonia Bompastor praises ‘brave’ Chelsea display as WSL leaders extend winning run with defeat of Brighton

    SONIA BOMPASTOR hailed Hannah Hampton for helping Chelsea snuff out Brighton despite a clearance leading to an Albion goal.The Blues goalkeeper pulled off some stunning saves as Sjoeke Nusken’s brace contributed to a 4-2 defeat of the Seagulls on Sunday.Chelsea’s win enabled them to maintain their five-point lead at the WSL’s summit following Man City’s 4-0 defeat of LeicesterCredit: PASome well-executed saves from Hannah Hampton helped Chelsea protect their advantageCredit: GettySjoeke Nusken bagged her first two WSL goals for this season netting twice for ChelseaCredit: ReutersBrighton had nine shots on target including one from ex-Blues ace Jelena Cankovic who scored their first-half equaliserCredit: PAThe hosts registered their ninth win in nine games to maintain their flawless run and five-point lead at the summit. Bompastor’s side also equalled Arsenal’s record of nine straight victories in the top-flight set during 2018 to 2019 campaignAnd the six-goal thriller at Kingsmeadow included two goals conceded by Chelsea and Albion following wobbly moments at the back. This included Hampton’s 71st-minute attempted clearance paving the way for Kiko Seike netting Brighton’s second goal. Read More Football StoriesBlues boss Bompastor said: “Hannah had a great game even when you analyse her performance and you can also see the (second) goal we conceded. “But I don’t care about that when we get a win. “For me it’s more important for my players to try even if they don’t succeed. I want them to be brave and confident enough to try again. “And when you look at her performance the balance is more positive.Most read in Football”She made some great saves that allowed us to stay in the game and that’s what I focus on.” The Seagulls, who had forward Fran Kirby absent due to a calf injury, pushed their hosts all the way as they mounted a late fightback. The visitors had nine shots on target during the match and prompted some quality saves from Hampton, including a close-range stop from a Seike strike late on. Bompastor added: “Before the game in the press conference, someone told me you are dominating the league and it was not good for the league “This game showed we have a competitive league. “We were expecting a difficult game with players returning from international duty. “And at this time of the year they are fatigued and at these times it’s important to focus on performance and having good energy to win”Ex-Blues midfielder Jelena Cankovic had a ninth-minute strike cleared off the line in a frantic first half. Jorelyn Carabali forced Hampton to save her headed effort with an outstretched leg at the half hour point. And the deadlock was broken when Nusken exploited Brighton’s attempts to pass out from the back, easing the ball across the line in the 35th minute. Albion goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley was caught dawdling by Aggie Beever-Jones as Chelsea took a 2-0 lead in 40 minutesBut the Seagulls rallied with Cankovic pulling a goal back with a swept-in effort close to half-time. The second half saw highly-rated forward Michelle Agyemang come on for the visitors.But their hosts took a 3-1 lead with Johanna Rytting Kaneryd netting after Baggaley’s 51st minute save of Lucy Bronze’s shot deflected off herBut Agyemang, on loan from Arsenal, gave Brighton hope of a possible draw as her charge down of Hampton’s clearance teed up Seike’s walloped finishThe Japan striker had a late shot stopped by Hampton before Chelsea put the game to bed with Nusken’s injury-time header. And the result saw Albion drop to fifth before their league clash with Tottenham on Saturday, as Arsenal moved up to third spot with Manchester United sitting fourth. Brighton boss Dario Vidosic said: “We knew we had to come out and we wanted to try to win. “We probably could have scored five or six. “We made a few little mistakes that we normally don’t make, but that’s all part of the process.”But I’m really proud (of the players’ performance) after a short period with disruptions leading into this. Kiko Seike netted her fifth goal in eight WSL appearances when she scored Brighton’s secondCredit: Getty “We lost three players in Fran (Kirby), Maisie (Symonds) and Madison (Haley to injuries) during the international break. READ MORE SUN STORIES”To put in the performance we did it would have been just that we got something out of it.”We didn’t but we’ll learn from this and we’ll be ready to go again on Wednesday night (in the League Cup against Bristol City).” More

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    West Ham ace Michail Antonio’s first words after horror car crash revealed by dog walker who found stricken star

    DAZED Prem star Michail Antonio asked a witness who rushed to help after his horror crash: “Where am I? What’s going on? What car am I in?”The West Ham striker, 34, was last night recovering from surgery to a broken leg.Michail Antonio asked a witness who rushed to help him moments after his horror supercar crash: ‘Where am I? What’s going on? What car am I in?’Credit: GettyMichail had a miraculous escape from his horrific supercar smash — suffering just a fractured legCredit: UKNIPMichail’s Ferrari FF hit a tree in Theydon Bois, Essex, on SaturdayCredit: GettyHe was trapped for almost an hour in the mangled wreckage before being airlifted from the scene in Theydon Bois, EssexCredit: UKNIPHe had to be cut free from his £260,000 Ferrari FF which was ripped apart when it hit a tree in Theydon Bois, Essex, on Saturday.Antonio had a miraculous escape from his horrific supercar smash.Witnesses told how the stricken West Ham ace was in a highly confused state.The driver’s side was ripped apart and the impact is believed to have sent Michail flying across to the passenger seat.Read More on SportHe was trapped for almost an hour in the mangled wreckage before being airlifted from the scene.Last night he was recovering from surgery on a lower limb fracture in a London hospital.Samuel Woods, 34, was driving home after walking his dog in Epping Forest when he saw what he thought was a dumped car by the roadside.He pulled over and rushed to help when he saw a man inside who looked “in big trouble”.Most read in FootballSamuel, a carer from Regent’s Park, told The Sun: “I said to him ‘hello’ to see if anyone was alive.“I heard sirens and told him that help was on its way.West Ham star Michail Antonio injured in horror crash in Ferrari as club reveals he’s ‘stable’ in hospital“He was so disorientated. He said, ‘Where am I? What’s going on? What car am I in?’“The paramedics got there really fast. I couldn’t believe what happened. The car smelt of petrol.”Samuel, who does not follow football and did not recognise the star, went on: “I looked at him and thought, ‘He’s in big trouble’.“I just said, ‘You’ve had an ­accident’. He didn’t reply. He was looking around trying to make sense of what I just said. He was sitting in the passenger side.”Witnesses told how the stricken West Ham ace was in a highly confused state after his £260,000 Ferrari FF hit a treeOther drivers also reported seeing smoke pouring from the wreckage — near to the home of West Ham owner David Sullivan.One motorist, who passed by the scene just minutes after it happened, told The Sun: “I could see the car was a total mess.“Because there was smoke coming out of the car people were too scared to approach it I think.”Thousands of fans sent prayers and good wishes after news of the crash emerged.I said to him ‘hello’ to see if anyone was alive. I heard sirens and told him that help was on its waySamuel WoodsA West Ham spokesman said yesterday: “Michail has undergone surgery on a lower limb fracture following a road traffic accident on Saturday afternoon. Michail will continue to be monitored in hospital over the coming days.“Everyone at the club wishes Michail a speedy recovery and wishes to express its sincere ­gratitude to the football family at large for the overwhelming support shown since yesterday’s news.” The club also extended a “heartfelt thank you to the emergency services and the medical team who continue to aid him in his recovery”.Michail’s ex-wife Debbie travelled from her home in Manchester to be by his bedside.Teammates past and present also sent goodwill messages to the popular star, including Declan Rice, who said: “Thinking of you and your family brother. Prayers to all of you.” Maxwel Cornet wrote: “With you brother.”He was so disorientated. He said, ‘Where am I? What’s going on? What car am I in?’ The paramedics got there really fast. I couldn’t believe what happened. The car smelt of petrolSamuel WoodsThe Ferrari FF was the fastest four-seat car in the world when released in 2011.It can reach 208mph and go from 0 to 62mph in 3.7 seconds. Michail crashed a £210,000 Lamborghini into a garden wall on an icy road on Christmas Day 2019.He joined West Ham from Nottingham Forest in 2015 for £7million and has become the East London club’s top Prem scorer, with 68 goals in 268 games.READ MORE SUN STORIESMichail, who also hosts BBC’s Footballer’s Football podcast alongside Newcastle’s Callum Wilson, was picked three times for England squads but never played.In 2021 he switched allegiance to Jamaica, where his parents are from, and has won 21 caps.West Ham issued a health updateCredit: XAntonio’s £260,000 Ferrari FF was the fastest four-seat car in the world when released in 2011Credit: Supplied More

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    Inside Man Utd chaos with Dan Ashworth axed just five months into job as Amorim’s ‘storm coming’ words come true

    THE blame game has another victim as things go from bad to worse at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s first sporting director, Dan Ashworth, arrived in the summer and is gone before Christmas.Dan Ashworth has left his role at Man UtdCredit: ZenpixAshworth lasted just five months under Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: PAThere is word Ashworth did not favour appointing new head coach Ruben AmorimCredit: AlamySunSport exclusively revealed last month that there was trouble at mill.That the new senior management team were already blaming each other for the mess the club were in.Chief executive Omar Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.New part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said making decisions was all down to them.READ MORE IN footballMeanwhile, Jason Wilcox thought it was all a mess under previous boss Erik ten Hag but was part of the team that encouraged him to stay after every other candidate ran for cover.There is word Ashworth did not favour appointing his successor and new head coach Ruben Amorim, preferring an English manager with more experience in our game.Perhaps that was why ex-England gaffer Gareth Southgate’s name was always mentioned after they worked together at the FA.Either way, Saturday’s showing against Nottingham Forest, after their second-half capitulation at Arsenal a few days previously, proved too much.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWas it the sight of the ineffective Joshua Zirkzee coming on as a sub that finally did it?You see, the 23-year-old Dutchman was thought to be a good buy at £36.5million. Ten Hag did not agree but had the player forced upon him.Man Utd pay emotional tribute to much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps after tragic passing aged 85That is on Ashworth.Already the club are looking to offload the flop forward.The word from Old Trafford was that Ratcliffe had issued a ‘liberating decree’ when he arrived on his white charger after acquiring 27.7 per cent of the club last February.Instead, it all just gets worse. They are locked in a mess of their own making, and nobody seems to have the key to get them out.Ashworth was supposed to have it, but he spent as much time on gardening leave from Newcastle as he did overseeing much-needed change at Old Trafford.He walked through the post-match media area with a security guard and the club’s chief operating officer, Collette Roche, around 30 minutes after the full-time whistle following the 3-2 loss on Saturday.It was odd as he marched with his head down without exchanging pleasantries.As we go through that process, we are constantly learning about what the best structure will be to help us to win.Manchester United statement He was on his way to the boardroom in the East Stand to finally agree to part ways.He was apparently “not a good fit”.Although he seems to have been everywhere else he worked.But a disagreement with the others brought in to put the former foot-balling juggernaut back on the right path had done for him.The explanation from the club was that the decision had been made “collaboratively following a period of transition for the club”.Yet it was Ashworth who was supposed to be central to that transition.It was also said to be a “difficult decision”. The club stressed that they have been building “a new team and structure here at pace”.’This is down to Ratcliffe’They added: “As we go through that process, we are constantly learning about what the best structure will be to help us to win.”So, the much-sought-after Ashworth, whom the club fought so hard to have released from Toon and paid £3m in compensation for, is now felt not good enough to be part of that ‘structure’.This is down to Ratcliffe, who is already vying with the Glazers as the most unpopular man at the club.If a mutual agreement was done collaboratively, it makes you wonder why Ashworth was at Old Trafford on Saturday. Or had tea cups flown in the directors’ room afterwards?The sheer enormity of the job on everyone’s hands at Old Trafford appears to be proving too much.Not a single boss, chief executive, technical director or whatever has gotten to grips with it.Everyone has an idea of what to do but from the outside it looks like nobody has a clue. And in the meantime a whopping £1.6BILLION has been spent on players post Sir Alex Ferguson.Wilcox is now in charge of recruitment but there is nothing left to recruit anyone with.Spending rules, cost-cutting, payments to departing staff, and a massive wage bill for under-performing stars have all stymied the club.There will be no big signings in January, nor next summer.The club is stuck with this lot and they are simply not good enough.READ MORE SUN STORIESAshworth knows it, everybody knows it. Amorim said there was ‘a storm coming’.It has well and truly hit. More