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    Premier League’s newly promoted clubs must forget about style and play to win – only Ipswich seem to stand a chance

    THE state of this season’s new boys in the Premier League is alarming.For the first time in 20 years, the three promoted teams — Ipswich, Southampton and Leicester — haven’t won in their opening six league games.Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich and the other promoted clubs are waiting for their first winsCredit: GettyThe Tractor Boys denied Southampton a maiden win when they met last monthCredit: GettyTroy Deeney and Watford stayed up for five seasons before being relegated in 2020Credit: PABack in 2004-05, it happened to Norwich, West Brom and Crystal Palace. Only the Baggies survived.And before Everton beat Palace last weekend, there were six teams down the bottom who hadn’t tasted victory in their opening five games — the first time that has happened in top-flight history.The longer you go without winning, that’s when pure panic kicks in.You start questioning yourself. Are we actually any good? Are some of my team-mates over the hill?READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSTrust me, I have been there with Watford. In 2019-20, we didn’t pick up our first win until matchday 12 — losing six and drawing five before finally beating Norwich 2-0 in early November.We would eventually be relegated.And the worst part by far is, when you finally get that first win, you race back to the dressing room, look at the league table, and you’re still in the drop zone and miles off the pace.It is so demoralising and your body just drops. Then the rumblings start amongst the squad, players speaking with their agents, talk of whether the manager is up to it. His tactical plans begin to get ignored on the pitch.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt spirals. That is why getting on a winning run is vital.By the law of averages, you’re bound to win at some point, but you need the right mindset.Dream team Transfer Suggestions for Game Week 7 There are those who will say this season’s table is a bit misleading right now.On the one hand, Ipswich in 15th have only lost twice, drawing four while Leicester in 17th have drawn three and lost three, but then there is Southampton in 19th — lost five, drawn one, and look hopeless.So, is the gap between them and the top half of the league too great? Are they just not good enough? Are they being too brave? Or perhaps not brave enough and content with draws?To be honest, it is a bit of everything.That gap between the Championship and the Prem is growing by the second and these promoted teams are trying to play like the big boys too often when they don’t have the quality or experience to do so.Why on earth would you try and beat the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool at their own game when not even some top sides in Europe can do that? It’s madness.Physicality and resilience plays a huge part and this trio are really lacking in it.Just look at Leicester’s 4-2 defeat at Arsenal last Saturday. It was one of the worst Premier League performances I have seen in a long time, and they are somehow still reliant on a 37-year-old Jamie Vardy.Leicester were beaten 4-2 by Arsenal last weekend as their winless run extended to sixCredit: AlamyVardy is always going to be a legend of the club and he still runs his arse off and will nick a few goals. But asking him to hold it up against William Saliba and Gabriel? Come on.The one and only time Vardy ran the channel, he won a foul and Leicester got a goal from a free-kick but he didn’t try that again for the rest of the game. Why?And then in their midfield they have Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp. I think I could run past them even now.When Southampton go to Arsenal on Saturday, I can guarantee Aaron Ramsdale will try to play out from the back from minute one and I expect them to lose badly. Maybe by six or seven.At least Ipswich look like they have some goals in them and Kieran McKenna has admitted he won’t stick to one way of playing. Out of the three, they have a chance of staying up.But why does it take these teams, and their managers, so long to clock that the Prem is a different ball game entirely?Forget style of play – how about we play to win?Why is the relentlessness and the  ruthlessness of the Prem still massively underrated by anybody outside of it? It is not exactly this big secret designed to surprise you.Southampton face the Gunners this weekend bidding to secure their first win of the seasonCredit: GettyI remember running over people in the Championship with Watford and then thinking: “I’m a f***ing beast,” and then I walked into the Prem and I thought: “F**k me.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe reason my Watford group stayed in the top-flight from 2015 to 2020 was because we had a squad full of players who knew the game, knew their jobs and got on with it.But ultimately, whatever happens, as long as you’re in touch of survival  come March, you are in with a chance, however slim. More

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    Ex-Man Utd coach reveals ‘no one knew anything about Sancho’ and admits Chelsea star would ‘sneak off to London a lot’

    JADON SANCHO’S stint at Manchester United failed because the coaching team knew “literally nothing” about him.That is according to ex-United first-team coach Benni McCarthy, who spent the last two years at Old Trafford working under manager Erik ten Hag.Chelsea star Jadon Sancho failed at Man Utd because of a ‘lack of communication and understanding’Credit: GettyEx-Man Utd first-team coach Benni McCarthy claims no one knew anything about SanchoCredit: GettySancho fell out with Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag before his move to ChelseaCredit: PASancho would also ‘sneak out’ to London during his time at Man UtdCredit: PASancho, 24, joined the Red Devils in 2021 after a staggering £73million move from Borussia Dortmund, where he thrived for four years but never managed to live up to his billing in Manchester.The winger ultimately fell out of favour last year after a public spat with Ten Hag, who claimed he left him out of the squad because of his performances in training.The player responded with a fiery post on social media claiming he was turned into a “scapegoat” amid the team’s turbulent start to the campaign.The England international refused to backtrack and that led to the Dutch tactician axing him from the first team entirely.Read More on Man UtdMcCarthy, 46, claims the main reason behind Sancho’s hapless United stint was down to a “lack of communication and understanding” between the forward and the coaching staff.And that led to Ten Hag as well as his assistants never really getting to know the now Chelsea star as a player.McCarthy said on the On The Whistle podcast: “Just a bit of communication problems, really, because Sanch is a very quiet guy.”No one knows literally nothing about Jadon. Jadon comes in, he does his job, he does his work, and then it’s just like, very quiet.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”[He’s] A great boy, great character, fantastic footballer, unbelievable the things that he can do. “For me, it was a real shame that it didn’t work out for Jadon at United, because I thought he was the type of player that would flourish in a United shirt. Man Utd flop Jadon Sancho makes bizarre claim about Enzo Maresca being reason he joined Chelsea but it doesn’t add up”But unfortunately, I think lack of communication and understanding, I think was was part of the downside that didn’t end up working with Sanch.”Sancho returned to Dortmund on loan in January and showed glimpses of his former self as he helped the Bundesliga giants make it to the Champions League final.The forward returned to United in the summer and reached an uneasy truce with Ten Hag but still couldn’t manage to convince on the pitch and thus joined Chelsea on loan with an obligation to buy.McCarthy believes Sancho may finally reach his full potential with the Blues, especially after an impressive start under new manager Enzo Maresca, as he is now closer to home.The South Africa legend suggested the fact the Camberwell native was far from home also contributed to his troubles at Man Utd as he revealed he would often “sneak out” to London.McCarthy added: “He’s closer to home because he did sneak out to come to London quite a lot.Sancho would ‘sneak out’ to London”So probably the fact that he was missing home, and, just wanted to be a bit closer to family and friends and his culture.”The London culture is quite strong, so I think Jadon maybe wanted more of that. So that’s why he kept on. He was in London quite a lot.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Now he is closer to home, so hopefully he can find that peace, he can find that bit of magic that he found when he went to Dortmund, and he gets the love that he deserves from the coaching staff, the players.”I think he will turn out to be a special player again. Because I think every single one that knows Sancho that would want him to be at that level, because it’s good for world football.” More

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    Lassana Diarra transfer case has everybody worried – the result could be complete chaos and anarchy

    THE outcome of the Lassana Diarra case has got everybody worried.But one thing is for certain: if a player has the right to terminate their contracts because they want to go elsewhere, then so would their club.Lassana Diarra’s transfer court case could change football foreverCredit: GettyWest Ham CEO Karren Brady suggests that most footballers would suffer from an overhaul of the transfer systemCredit: GettyAnd the result of that would be complete chaos and anarchy.It would make a mockery of any financial rules in the Premier League and it will crash the system.The issue here that caused the problem is that Fifa’s rules were not thought through properly.It’s ludicrous to suggest that it’s not a just cause to break your contract if you’re not being paid, which is what happened with Diarra and Lokomotiv Moscow.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNo matter where you work, whether you’re a milkman or play for Manchester United, if you’re not getting paid you should be able to leave.I guess it’s the typically Russian approach to things that they don’t believe that.Most proper clubs wouldn’t dream of not paying their players. We have integrity and recognize that contracts work on both sides.If players can simply break their contracts and move around the world the entire system will collapse.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNot just transfer fees. Wages will collapse because there won’t be enough money in the game.Big clubs will hoard all the best players and some players will get really rich.Dream team Transfer Suggestions for Game Week 7 Transfer fees scrapped Q&A: How landmark ruling could mean NFL-style trades and stars suing for millionsFORMER Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra has won his landmark case at the European Court of Justice.SunSport’s Martin Lipton explains what it was all about – and what it might mean for the future of football…What was the case about?Diarra argued Fifa’s transfer rules were illegal after the world body backed Lokomotiv Moscow’s claim that he had broken his contract by refusing to train with them.Is that it?No. Belgian club Charleroi wanted to sign Diarra but were told they would have to pay the money he was fined by Moscow, while Fifa refused to issue an International Transfer Certificate unless they coughed up.Okay, so what does the ruling mean?Theoretically players will have the right to break their contracts and switch clubs without a fee changing hands – just like any employee in any other industry.Hang on – does that mean the END of transfer fees?Potentially, yes. Although players would have to want to move.We would basically end up with a US-style “collective bargaining” model where players would be free to move within transfer windows without impunity.Clubs might be able to “trade” players – swap deals – but with no extra cash changing hands.Is everybody agreed about this?Absolutely not. Fifa claimed the ruling “only puts in question two paragraphs of two articles” of its transfer regulations.Yet the Judges said the current rules were “prohibited” under EU law and “anti-competitive” as they “limit the freedom of action” of players to change employer.Read SunSport’s full Q&A with football on the brink of the biggest shake-up in 30 years…But most players will be in the alternative situation, that clubs can get rid of them, wash their hands of  a player they don’t want anymore.The current system is designed to send money through the game.When we bought Max Kilman from Wolves this summer, they had to give £4m to Maidenhead as part of the deal.That’s life changing money for a non-league club but if there are no fees anymore that won’t happen and the impact will be incredible.We’ve been here before with the Bosman ruling in the 1990s but I could see the logic of that. The idea that you could still get compensation for a player when he was no longer under contract was ludicrous.Just as I told people, Bosman didn’t end the transfer system.Jean-Marc Bosman’s 1995 court victory changed transfers for out of contract playersCredit: ReutersThe reality is that if a player has two years left on their contract you either have to extend it or sell them because their value starts to diminish quickly.Players can run down their contracts and get a free transfer.Of course there’s nothing free about it. The money that would have gone in transfer fees instead goes to the player and their agent’s pockets.This is the opposite of Bosman and if anybody should be worried I’d say it’s not the clubs but players.I’d like to think that in the Premier League we’d have some sort of gentleman’s agreement to stop this happening.But what could we do to stop clubs in Italy, France, Spain or Germany taking advantage?Max Kilman’s move to West Ham from Wolves earned non-league Maidenhead £4millionCredit: GettyI’m sure there will be some players and agents who are licking their lips but while this will be good for the few it will be bad for the many.You might have one or two players who could go to a bigger club for a lot of money but you might think of getting rid of more and replacing them with players who are earning less to balance your books.READ MORE SUN STORIESCurrently I can pay £80m to sign a player over a five-year contract and put that into my accounts to make it sustainable.But if that player can walk to Manchester City for free and I have to write off £80m every time we’d go bankrupt. So whatever we could have bought him for we can’t afford to pay that. More

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    Man Utd train in random Portuguese stadium as Ten Hag gets straight down to business before must-win Aston Villa game

    MANCHESTER UNITED trained in a random Portuguese stadium after their draw with Porto.Erik ten Hag and his players got straight down to business on Friday ahead of their must-win game against Aston Villa.Manchester United trained at a random Portuguese stadium on FridayCredit: GettyThe Red Devils got straight down to business ahead of their trip to Aston Villa on SundayCredit: GettyUnited remained in Portugal following their Europa League draw with Porto on ThursdayCredit: GettyThe Red Devils travel to Villa Park in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.It comes after Harry Maguire’s late header rescued a point in Portugal on Thursday night.Following their Europa League match, though, United remained in the country overnight.As a result, the players trained at the nearby Estadio do Bessa in Porto on Friday.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe 28,263-capacity stadium has been home to top flight side Boavista since it was built in 1911.It also hosted three matches at Euro 2004 after being renovated ahead of the tournament.United’s players were pictured on the pitch on Friday for a session ahead of their flight back to England.The likes of Antony, Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee were all put through their paces.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollowing their session, the squad returned to Manchester to continue preparing for Sunday’s match.Ten Hag is looking to secure a first win since the 7-0 thrashing of Barnsley in the Carabao Cup last month.Porto vs Man Utd player ratings Man Utd ratings vs PortoMAN UTD ended up with a 3-3 draw after throwing away a 2-0 lead away to Porto.Here’s how SunSport’s Dylan Terry rated the Red Devils’ stars performances in PortugalAndre Onana – 6/10Reacted brilliantly the first time he was called into action with a flying save, only for Porto to score the rebound.Porto then scored with their next shot on target too – Omorodion’s header – and Onana could do little about the excellent finish for Porto’s third.Made two great stops to keep Man Utd in the game.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Looked fairly stable in the first 45 minutes but waned as the game went on.All at sea at the start of the second half as Porto cut through the right-hand side of Man Utd’s defence with ease.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Looked imposing in the air as he dealt with Porto’s crosses from both sides, but then failed to get in front of Omorodion for the hosts’ second goal.Like most of the Man Utd side, his performance dropped as the game went on and he was bullied by Porto’s No9.Lisandro Martinez – 4Should have reacted quicker for the first Porto goal as Pepe got ahead of him to nod into an empty net – with Martinez static on the six-yard box.There is clearly not much of a partnership with De Ligt as Porto pulled them apart all evening.Diogo Dalot – 4Porto enjoyed a lot of success down Man Utd’s left-hand side and Dalot looked all at sea on several occasions.Had little help from Martinez but still looked exposed.Casemiro – 3Anonymous yet again in Man Utd’s midfield – the ball just passes him by.Could not even manage one of his customary fouls.Christian Eriksen – 5Looked leggy out of possession but produced an impressive run before laying it off to Hojlund for Man Utd’s second goal.Then failed to make much more of an impact and his delivery from wide areas left a lot to be desired.Bruno Fernandes – 4A damning indictment of Man Utd’s current predicament as Fernandes was shown a red card for a second successive game.Two high boots, two yellow cards, and another early bath for the Portuguese playmaker – who had worked tirelessly prior to his dismissal.Amad Diallo – 5Very quiet aside from one burst through the middle as Rashford received all of the ball over the other side.Replaced by Antony who arguably created even less.Rasmus Hojlund – 7Made his case for starting ahead of Joshua Zirkzee with a goal, firing beyond Costa at the near post.Held it up and then showed his strength and pace to run at Porto before the break – showing little rustiness in his first start of the season.Marcus Rashford – 8Rashford showed his directness for the opening goal, driving at the Porto back line and forcing the error from Costa.A constant threat in the first half as he assisted Hojlund’s strike.But he was then surprisingly hooked at the break, a decision that will need an explanation from Ten Hag.See how the Man Utd subs rated hereHarry Maguire and Co trained at Boavista’s Estadio do BessaCredit: GettyUnited scored a stoppage time equaliser to draw 3-3 with PortoCredit: GettyThe Dutchman is under mounting pressure following defeat to Tottenham and Thursday’s Europa League collapse.United had raced into a two-goal lead before Porto’s turnaround and needed a stoppage time strike from Maguire to rescue a point.Meanwhile, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has failed to back Ten Hag after admitting it will not be his decision if he is sacked.Instead, CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth will be the ones to decide on his future.The Red Devils head into a must-win match for manager Erik ten Hag this weekendCredit: GettyUnited held a session at the 28,263-capacity stadium before returning to EnglandCredit: Getty More

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    ‘It used to do my head in’ – Aaron Ramsdale reveals what upset him most at Arsenal after being benched for David Raya

    AARON RAMSDALE revealed the one thing that bothered him the most after being replaced as Arsenal’s starting goalkeeper by David Raya.Ramsdale, 26, impressed between the Gunners’ sticks during the 2022-23 campaign as he helped Mikel Arteta’s men come close to the Premier League title and was named in the PFA Team of the Year.Southampton star Aaron Ramsdale revealed what upset him the most about being benched at ArsenalCredit: X/ BBCMOTDRamsdale was replaced by David Raya in Arsenal’s goal last seasonCredit: AFPRamsdale hated it when cameras switched to him watching on from the bench every time Raya committed a blunderCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunHowever, the now Southampton star was immediately overtaken by Raya, 29, last season when he arrived on loan from Brentford before ultimately signing a permanent deal in the summer.That led the England international to a £25million move to St Mary’s during the summer transfer window.The keeper broke his silence about his time on the North Londoners’ bench with a surprise revelation as to what he hated the most about his predicament.Cameras would often switch to Ramsdale watching on with the rest of the subs every time Raya committed a blunder in goal last season.Read More on ArsenalAnd the ex-Sheffield United star was absolutely livid every time the TV crews panned to him trying to get his reaction.Ramsdale told the BBC: “It used to do my head in.”Coming off the pitch and then my wife would say, ‘You were on TV five times again today’.”Why someone would pan to me when someone makes a save or a goal goes in and it pans to me on the bench.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I do think the story was bigger than what it needed to be. I do think it put pressure on David at time as well.”Ramsdale returns to the Emirates on Saturday for the first time as an opponent since his move to Southampton. Aaron Ramsdale COMPLETES £25m Southampton transfer as England goalkeeper’s Arsenal career comes to an endAnd the shot stopper revealed Raya was the first one to text him after his departure to Saints.Ramsdale added: “I did an interview with David Seaman about my new contract and how I wanted to emulate him and be there for eight, 10 years. A couple of months later I was out of the team.”I tried my hardest to dislodge David out of the team. I do think now the rewards are showing. He’s started the season incredibly well.”He was actually the first person to text me on my move here from the boys at Arsenal. But no he was great, he was top.”Like I say he’s made some big, big saves this season and kept them in some games. I’m just desperate he doesn’t have one of those games again on Saturday.”Meet the Arsenal Wags from Strictly star to a flight attendantTolami Benson – partner of Bukayo SakaBenson and Saka have kept information on their relationship largely quiet.They do not appear on each others Instagram pages but she was seen speaking to Saka at the 2022 World Cup.Helene Spilling – partner of Martin OdegaardA professional dancer from Norway who rose to fame in the country’s version of Strictly Come Dancing, the pair were first spotted together at the Football Awards in March 2023. Sophie Weber – partner of Kai HavertzWeber works as a model and social media influencer and is the most high profile member of the group on online with almost 400,000 followers on Instagram.They are childhood sweethearts having grown up in the same neighbourhood.Milly White – partner of Ben WhiteThe couple got engaged in 2022 before tying the knot officially in May last year. They have matching “I love you tattoos” on their wrists. Milly White works as a model.Laura Trossard Hilven – partner of Leandro TrossardThe pair met in 2014 before getting married in 2019.They have two sons together, Thiago and Amadeo.Lauren Fryer – partner of Declan RiceLauren Fryer and Declan Rice have been together since 2015. She tends to keep a lower profile compared to some of Arsenal’s other Wags but is no less stunning.She sadly deleted all pictures on her Instagram after suffering horrific abuse by vile trolls.Georgina Ramsdale – partner of Aaron RamsdaleGeorgina Ramsdale works as a flight attendant.The couple got married last June after the Arsenal star proposed in 2022. They originally met in 2019. More

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    Man Utd legend jokingly blames himself for losing Villa sensation Morgan Rogers after watching him down Bayern Munich

    MICHAEL CARRICK revealed he congratulated Morgan Rogers on his Champions League success – a year after benching him.Boro took a punt on the then Man City youngster when paying £1.2 million for him in July 2023.Morgan Rogers starred as Aston Villa downed Bayern Munich on WednesdayCredit: AlamyMichael Carrick named him on the bench a year ago for Boro against CardiffCredit: RexAfter initially taking a few weeks to find his feet at the Riverside, the 22-year-old attacker’s form soon picked up and he left the North East club after just six months.Aston Villa snapped him up in February in a deal that could rise to £15m and he instantly shone on the Premier League stage to help Unai Emery’s side finish fourth.Now Rogers is starring in the Champions League and was one of Villa’s best performers in Wednesday’s 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich.It marked a huge 12 month turnaround for the England U21 international as exactly one year to the day earlier he only appeared for the final three minutes of a 2-0 Boro win.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter watching his display against Bayern, his former Boro manager Carrick said: “I actually messaged him and said this time last year you were coming on as sub against Cardiff. It’s probably my fault [he left] for not starting him.“It’s fantastic to see. We’d have loved to have kept him longer, and I told him that at the time, but the way that he’s kicked on is a credit to him.“He was a joy to work with and try and help and he’s gone to a whole new level now. Just watching him on Wednesday, he looks so at home and comfortable in them surroundings.“He’s not fazed by it and he’s getting the recognition he deserves.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAs part of the deal that took him to Villa, Boro would receive a further payment if Rogers makes an England appearance.And Carrick backed him to achieve that, saying: “If he keeps doing the right things, for sure.Prince William wildly celebrates historic Aston Villa win against Bayern Munich “I do think that to get in the England squad you have to earn that over time and he’s certainly on track to take that next step as long as he keeps doing the right things. And, at the moment, he’s doing just great.”Carrick is hoping he can lead his current Boro players to the top-flight to play against Rogers.They travel to Watford on Saturday, managed by his ex-Man Utd team-mate Tom Cleverley, on the back of successive victories over Stoke and West Brom.Carrick said: “Of course it’s a test. Every game is a test. I know Tom very well. The work that he’s doing is good.“They’re a good team and we know we’re in for a tough game. But we’re going there confident within reason and we need to be near our best again to try and get the right result.” More

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    Paul Pogba able to return to training with Juventus in just 12 WEEKS after having doping ban reduced by CAS

    PAUL POGBA will be able to return to Juventus training in just 12 weeks after having his doping ban reduced.The midfielder was suspended for four years in February after testing positive for the banned substance DHEA.Paul Pogba has had his four-year doping ban reduced by the Court of Arbitration for SportCredit: GettyThe midfielder can return to training in January and can start playing again in MarchCredit: GettyHowever, his ban has now been reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.He will now be free to return to training with the Italian giants in January as a result.Meanwhile, he can start playing matches again from March following the ruling.The 31-year-old’s initial £4,178 fine has also been set aside, the report adds.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPogba’s suspension had commenced on September 2023, with the former Manchester United man facing possible retirement after CAS upheld the four-year ban earlier this year.He immediately made his intentions to appeal against the ban clear at the time.According to the report, though, CAS final judgement confirmed that Pogba inadvertently took DHEA, a substance which boosts testosterone.It is also currently on WADA’s list of banned substances, but the ruling states that DHEA only has an affect on females.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSResponding to the reduced ban, Pogba said: “Finally, the nightmare is over. I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again.”I always stated that I never knowingly breached Anti-Doping regulations, I play with integrity and I want to thank the Court of Arbitration who heard my explanation.Paul Pogba was brought back to Man Utd to HUMILIATE Sir Alex Ferguson – I told him not to return, says Patrice EvraWhat is DHEA?PAUL POGBA tested positive for elevated levels of DHEA, a hormone that naturally occurs in the adrenal gland, in August 2023.DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, can be used to naturally boost testosterone production. It does not produce testosterone itself.It is on the world anti-doping banned substances list and carries a maximum of four years if the athlete took it deliberately to enhance their performance.DHEA can legally be sold over-the-counter in the US as a dietary product, known as prasterone.It is also taken as an anti-ageing therapy, and to treat depression and the symptoms of menopause, although there is little evidence to suggest it is effective, and it can cause serious side effects.In 2022, UFC fighter Bobby Green received a six-month ban after testing positive for a DHEA.Green said he had not realised that DHEA was banned after seeing a video on YouTube, and took the supplement after his wife bought it from a supermarket.”This has been a hugely distressing pediod in my life because everything I’ve worked so hard has been put on hold.”Thank you for all the love and support. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch!”Pogba has not played since appearing off the bench against Empoli back in September 2023.He made just two appearances for the Old Lady before his ban came into affect.The Frenchman shared a picture of his boots to social media after news of his returnCredit: X/ paulpogbaThe initial suspension had seen him banned from playing until late 2027, by which time he would be 34-years-old.Pogba returned to Juventus from United on a free transfer in 2022, signing a four-year deal with the club.Across two spells in Turin, he has made 190 appearances and scored 34 goals.The World Cup winner has also won nine major trophies in Italy, including four Serie A titles.Upon receiving the news, Pogba took to X to welcome the decision, as he posted a picture of himself in France football socks with a sandtimer emoji.However, Juve could now look to cash in on the midfielder now he has been cleared to make an early return to the pitch.He has largely spent his ban away from the club since his suspension.READ MORE SUN STORIESJust last weekend, he was spotted in the stands for Inter Miami’s MLS clash with Charlotte.Lionel Messi scored as his side drew 1-1 at Chase Stadium, with his side then claiming the Supporters’ Shield against Columbus Crew on Thursday.Pogba was spotted in the stands as Inter Miami faced Charlotte last SundayCredit: AP More

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    Erik ten Hag’s close friend reveals it’s a ‘miracle’ he’s still Man Utd boss… and begged him to QUIT in the summer

    ERIK TEN HAG’S close friend told him to leave Manchester United in the summer.The Red Devils boss came close to losing his job days after winning the FA Cup in May.Erik ten Hag’s close friend told him to leave in the summerCredit: AFPUnited chiefs considered his position before deciding to continue with Ten Hag at the helm, but poor form this season means the Dutchman is under renewed scrutiny.He reportedly has one match to save his job and a heavy defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday could see him fired.Close friend Leon Ten Voorde believes it is a “miracle” Ten Hag is still in his post and revealed he advised him to leave in the summer.He told the De Ballen Verstand of TC Tubantia podcast: “I advised him to leave last summer.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”He won the FA Cup, so you leave through the front door.”He’s had a lot of injuries this past year. But then trainers think: ‘I can turn things around’.”How long does United think this can go on?”That question is now hanging over United and Ten Hag again.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”In general, he is calm and relaxed. But I can’t imagine that this leaves you completely unaffected.”However Ten Hag is confident he will turn things around at Old Trafford and he has been keen to point out his trophy record at the club.Porto vs Man Utd player ratings He also called for judgement of the team to be reserved until later this season, adding: “We will get there. Don’t judge us in this moment. Judge us at the end of the season.”We are in the process and we will improve. We are now two seasons where we achieve finals. We have to develop and progress this team…I advised him to leave last summer. He won the FA Cup, so you leave through the front door.Leon Ten Voorde”We will work and we will continue and we will fight. You see the spirit and the connection between the staff and the team. Between the players, together, there’s a strong spirit.”We want to achieve and we are in that [same] direction. We have that mentality and spirit-wise, but especially in some defending parts, we have to step up.” More