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    Man charged after ex-England footballer, 20, dies in horror crash at ‘car meet’ leaving family & club ‘devastated’

    A MAN has been charged two years on from the tragic death of a 20-year-old footballer.Sam Harding was struck by a vehicle while at a “car meet” in Warrington, Cheshire, on April 10, 2022.Sam Harding died aged just 20Credit: MEN MediaCheshire Police then launched an investigation.Today, the force said Mason Hodgson has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving in connection with the incident. The 23-year-old is set to appear at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on October 15.Semi-professional footballer Sam, a midfielder, played non-league football with FC United, Runcorn Linnets, Glossop North End and Ashton Athletic among others and also represented England Schoolboys. Read More on FootballPaying tribute to him, Jimmy Whyte, chairman at Ashton Athletic in Wigan, said previously: “Ashton Athletic are devastated to hear the news of the passing of 2021/22 first team player Sam Harding.”Sam was only at our club for one season and was a huge factor in our improved form since his arrival. “He is a quiet, well-mannered young man and he will be sorely missed by everyone at the club.”All our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this terrible time.” Most read in FootballSam’s family described him as a “much loved son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend to many.”They said: “Our beautiful son was tragically taken away from us on Sunday, April 10, 2022.”We will never ever forget you Sam and will love you forever. Rest in peace sweet angel, love Mum, Dad and Amy xx.” More

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    New Champions League format is a snorefest – even the European Super League would have been better than this

    COME back European Super League, all is forgiven.That is one way of reacting to the snorefest that is the new Champions League format.Arsenal’s Champions League win over PSG hardly got the heart racingCredit: GettyThe new-look format has been throwing up crazy scores and mismatchesCredit: APIf what the rest of the world truly wants is lots more games like Arsenal against Paris Saint-Germain or Manchester City against Inter, then go for it.All the self-proclaimed biggest clubs in Europe should just break away, play each other to a standstill for billions of pounds in worldwide TV revenue, and leave everyone else to do something less boring instead.Uefa sold the idea of expanding their flagship competition from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEspecially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games). There is even less jeopardy than before.SunSport’s Jordan Davies reacts to first Champions League draw under radical new formatNot only is the buzz around these clashes of the titans diminished, the format will also make the knockout stages less special. Part of the appeal of those matches at the business end is that they are a rare occurrence, not something that happens every week.On the flipside, there are the same no-contests that used to blight the old group stage.After Bayern Munich 9-2 Dinamo Zagreb in the first round of matches, we’ve already had Borussia Dortmund 7-1 Celtic this week, with thumping wins also for Barcelona, Man City and Inter.Arsenal ratings vs PSG as Havertz makes striker spot his own… but Calafiori shows chinks in his armourKAI HAVERTZ and Bukayo Saka sent Arsenal to a deserved victory borne of first-half dominance.Paris Saint-Germain did hit the bar and the post as they improved after the break in this Champions League tie.But Emirates chief Mikel Arteta will mostly be delighted with his side’s latest solid display in Europe’s top club competition.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners at the Emirates on Tuesday.DAVID RAYA – 7Was perhaps busier than he usually is at home.Helplessly watched a Nuno Mendes effort smack his far post and stood firm to deny Achraf Hakimi at his near post.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6A frantic display, one that had more shaky moments than good. Kept busy by Hakimi and was done for pace on a few occasions but recovered well.A mistake early in the second half almost gave PSG a way back into the game. Needs to iron out these errors from his game, particularly when he is so dangerous in attack.However, he was playing at right-back for the first time in his career after the break.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Did not have much to do. A stray pass early on could have been costly but other than that another reliable and strong performance.GABRIEL – 7Sprayed some nice passes about from deep but this was a stress-free night’s work compared to the Premier League.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Just how on earth does Ben White get back in this side at right back? Another immaculate display from a man who seemingly has it all in defence and attack.Well, White may well get his chance after Timber was subbed off at half-time.DECLAN RICE – 7Solid as a rock and building a real partnership with Partey in midfield. Had a chance to drive forward just before the half hour mark but his pass to Saka was cut out.THOMAS PARTEY – 8So consistent at the moment, something Arsenal fans have not seen from the Ghanaian midfielder in a long time owing mostly to injury.Made some crucial interceptions and showed real composure playing out from deep.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8One of Arsenal’s most important players right now. Since his red card at Man City, he has notched a goal and an assist – the latter here for Havertz to open the scoring with a perfectly-timed cross.BUKAYO SAKA – 7After an early shot over the bar from a trademark cut inside, the England international had a slight drop off in influence before his scuffed free-kick flew in untouched from out wide.Still, he gave Mendes a torrid time at left-back. Even PSG manager Luis Enrique watched on at times in awe inside his technical area.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7A quiet night for the Brazilian following his first goal since March against Leicester, which may have been down to a big collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma in the first few minutes.Should have made it 3-0 with a volley inside the box after the break but it was straight at Donnarumma. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.KAI HAVERTZ – 9Brave and brilliant to head in from Trossard’s teasing cross, despite the onrushing lump that is Donnarumma trying to take his head off.Almost had an assist too with a cute lay-up for Martinelli in the box. The striker-midfield debate should be over – Havertz is a top-class centre forward.SUBS:JAKUB KIWIOR (TIMBER, 45) – 7Did what was expected of him at left-back. Produced a good recovery tackle on Kang-in Lee in the box.MIKEL MERINO (PARTEY, 64) – 7Finally, a debut for the Spaniard. Some neat touches under pressure, slotting in seamlessly next to Rice.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 74) – 6Looked desperate to impress having struggled for starts so far and that looks to be working against him – things just aren’t clicking.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (SAKA, 92) – N/AChristian vs Lions in Rome’s Colosseum was more competitive than some of these matches.But in the end it all comes down to money.Clubs, especially the biggest ones, have an insatiable appetite for more revenue, even though most of the extra ends up in the pockets of the players.That is why it is hard sometimes to have sympathy for multimillionaire footballers threatening to strike because of over-work.Celtic’s players were at sixes and sevens in DortmundCredit: GettyUltimately, though, it does come down to the greed of owners who are forever chasing the elusive dream of making significant profits from football, either from day-to-day operations and player trading or by selling them on to the next deluded investor/nation state.Unfortunately, there is little the frustrated fan  – or even player – can do.The only language these people understand is cold, hard cash.If people stopped subscribing to the pay-TV channels showing this dross, then it might focus a few minds.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut fans have been brainwashed into thinking that unless they are watching the Champions League, they are missing out on something.Everyone needs to have a re-think. More

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    Erik ten Hag breaks silence on Man Utd future as he’s given two games to save his job after disastrous Tottenham defeat

    MANCHESTER UNITED manager Erik ten Hag insists “there is nothing to panic about” despite the club’s poor start to the season.The Red Devils dropped to 12th in the Premier League table on Sunday following a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at Old Trafford.Erik ten Hag has revealed he is ‘not anxious’ about losing his jobCredit: GettyClub legend Gary Neville branded the performance “disgusting” while Ashley Young criticised players for not putting in any effort.Many fans are now calling for Ten Hag to be sacked by United chiefs.SunSport understands the Dutchman has two games to save his job – against Porto and Aston Villa.But Ten Hag insists he is not worried about facing the axe.Read More on Man Utd”I’m not thinking about it, I’m not anxious,” he revealed while speaking to Sky Sports.”We created a togetherness in the summer with the ownership and the leadership.”We made this agreement, and we were all behind it. We know the strategy [is to bring in] young players in a transition period.”They also know in May in all my last six seasons there were always trophies and that is what we are aiming for.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited face a tough run of fixturesTen Hag even suggested “there is nothing to panic about” at Old Trafford.”We are going to make a success from the season,” he continued.Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag speaks after his side’s 3-0 Premier League loss at home to Tottenham “Nothing is easy, but this is nothing for me to panic about. We can sort [the problems] out, this team can sort this out.”Securing Champions League football will be imperative for Man Utd’s financial status next season.If they fail to finish this Premier League campaign in the top four, United will trigger a £10million penalty clause with partner Adidas.When Man Utd penned a 10-year partnership extension with Adidas last summer, it was agreed that failure to qualify for the Champions League on two consecutive occasions would lead to a 30 per cent reduction in annual payments.Man Utd ratings vs TottenhamMANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.Andre Onana – 5Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.Noussair Mazraoui – 5First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.Lisandro Martinez – 5Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.Diogo Dalot – 5Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.Manuel Ugarte – 5Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.Kobbie Mainoo – 5Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.Marcus Rashford – 5Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.Bruno Fernandes – 4Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.Subs:Mount (for Mainoo 45)  5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5. More

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    Georgina Rodriguez poses NAKED in stunning photoshoot as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Wag sends pulses racing

    GEORGINA RODRIGUEZ has stunned fans by posing naked for her latest photoshoot.Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner, 30, has racked up a huge 63million followers on Instagram through her work as a model and social media influencer.Georgina Rodriguez covered her modesty with several handbagsCredit: The Mega AgencyGeorgina, 30, was posing for GUESS’ new campaignCredit: The Mega AgencyThe model and influencer wore a series of glamorous outfitsCredit: The Mega AgencyGeorgina heaped praise upon GUESS’ new lineCredit: The Mega AgencyAnd Georgina has given them all a treat with her latest link-up with lifestyle brand GUESS.In her latest shoot, she was photographed by Nima Benati for GUESS’ Holiday 2024 campaign.Georgina wore a series of stunning outfits for the shoot.While in one snap, she covered her modesty with just a series of GUESS handbags.READ MORE IN SPORTSpeaking about the campaign, Georgina heaped praise on all involved.She said: “I was delighted when GUESS asked me to be the face of the Holiday campaign.”Working with Nima was amazing, and the Holiday collection is absolutely stunning.”Fashionista Georgina was recently in Paris at luxury fashion house Vetements’ gala.Most read in FootballGeorgina stunned in denim during her shootCredit: The Mega AgencyThe influencer has more than 63million Instagram followersCredit: The Mega AgencyThe model was photographed by renowned snapper Nima BenatiCredit: The Mega AgencyGeorgina wore GUESS’ Holiday 2024 lineCredit: The Mega AgencyShe posted a series of pictures from the event to her Instagram account.Georgina uploaded several snaps, including one of her stood in front of the Eiffel Tower.Ten times Georgina Rodriguez drove fans wild with bikini snapsHer post received more than three million likes.One awestruck fan commented: “Cristiano Ronaldo is lucky.”Inside the glamorous world of Georgina Rodriguez…Georgina lives a life to be enviedCredit: InstagramThe stunning partner of Cristiano Ronaldo offers insights into her world using her social channelsCredit: instagram @georginagioShe has over 50 million followers on InstagramCredit: InstagramShe met Ronaldo whilst working as a shop girl at DiorCredit: The Mega AgencyShe is now the mother to his five children, two of which Georgina is the maternal motherCredit: EPAGeorgina now resides in Saudi Arabia follower her partner’s move to the countryCredit: Georgina Rodriguez/instagramGeorgina loves luxury holidays and can often be seen on mega yachtsCredit: Instagram @georginagioBoats are a big love of hersCredit: Refer to CaptionShe travels almost exclusively by private jetCredit: Georgina RodríguezThe Argentine beauty is a regularly at the Venice film festival where she can be seen turning headsCredit: GettyGeorgina is loved by fashion magazines for her sense of styleCredit: AlamyShe models for a range of companiesCredit: georginagio/InstagramRodríguez has modelled for PrettyLittleThing lingerieCredit: InstagramGeorgina’s love of travel is something she regularly shares on her social channels, including this trip to IbizaCredit: Instagram, @georginagio More

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    Footage of Jurrien Timber after Arsenal’s win over PSG emerges after defender was subbed at half-time

    ARSENAL fans were left fearing a fresh Jurrien Timber injury issue last night.The full-back was substituted during the half-time interval of the Gunners’ Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.Jurrien Timber started in Arsenal’s defence in their Champions League clash with PSGCredit: GETTYThe defender was substituted at half time as a precautionary measureCredit: GETTYThe Emirates faithful feared the Dutchman – who suffered a nasty ACL injury on the opening day of last season – had potentially crocked himself.But he appeared to be injury-free as he was spotted leaving the Emirates.Footage of Timber happily posing for photos with fans and seemingly being unimpaired as he moved around was captured after the match.The accompanying caption for the video, which was shared on X, read: “Timber, subbed at half-time, looks fine.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”Happily posing with fans after.”Arsenal fans worldwide breathed a huge sigh of relief, with one replying to the video: “Really good news if it was just a management sub.”Another said: “Just managing his minutes, I think.”And another said: “Whew.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNew Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink.One remarked: “Timber looks perfectly fine at full-time.”Another chimed in: “Load management. My gaffer is learning.”Mikel Arteta lauds Arsenal’s win over PSG Gunners boss Mikel Arteta further allayed fans’ fears in his post-match press conference, revealing Timber was subbed as a precautionary measure.The Spaniard said of Timber’s performance: “He was unbelievable.“He felt something muscular and we didn’t want to take any risks.”He has been out a year and played a lot of minutes. We have to manage him.”Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners against the French champions thanks to first-half goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.Arsenal ratings vs PSG as Havertz makes striker spot his own… but Calafiori shows chinks in his armourKAI HAVERTZ and Bukayo Saka sent Arsenal to a deserved victory borne of first-half dominance.Paris Saint-Germain did hit the bar and the post as they improved after the break in this Champions League tie.But Emirates chief Mikel Arteta will mostly be delighted with his side’s latest solid display in Europe’s top club competition.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners at the Emirates on Tuesday.DAVID RAYA – 7Was perhaps busier than he usually is at home.Helplessly watched a Nuno Mendes effort smack his far post and stood firm to deny Achraf Hakimi at his near post.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6A frantic display, one that had more shaky moments than good. Kept busy by Hakimi and was done for pace on a few occasions but recovered well.A mistake early in the second half almost gave PSG a way back into the game. Needs to iron out these errors from his game, particularly when he is so dangerous in attack.However, he was playing at right-back for the first time in his career after the break.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Did not have much to do. A stray pass early on could have been costly but other than that another reliable and strong performance.GABRIEL – 7Sprayed some nice passes about from deep but this was a stress-free night’s work compared to the Premier League.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Just how on earth does Ben White get back in this side at right back? Another immaculate display from a man who seemingly has it all in defence and attack.Well, White may well get his chance after Timber was subbed off at half-time.DECLAN RICE – 7Solid as a rock and building a real partnership with Partey in midfield. Had a chance to drive forward just before the half hour mark but his pass to Saka was cut out.THOMAS PARTEY – 8So consistent at the moment, something Arsenal fans have not seen from the Ghanaian midfielder in a long time owing mostly to injury.Made some crucial interceptions and showed real composure playing out from deep.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8One of Arsenal’s most important players right now. Since his red card at Man City, he has notched a goal and an assist – the latter here for Havertz to open the scoring with a perfectly-timed cross.BUKAYO SAKA – 7After an early shot over the bar from a trademark cut inside, the England international had a slight drop off in influence before his scuffed free-kick flew in untouched from out wide.Still, he gave Mendes a torrid time at left-back. Even PSG manager Luis Enrique watched on at times in awe inside his technical area.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7A quiet night for the Brazilian following his first goal since March against Leicester, which may have been down to a big collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma in the first few minutes.Should have made it 3-0 with a volley inside the box after the break but it was straight at Donnarumma. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.KAI HAVERTZ – 9Brave and brilliant to head in from Trossard’s teasing cross, despite the onrushing lump that is Donnarumma trying to take his head off.Almost had an assist too with a cute lay-up for Martinelli in the box. The striker-midfield debate should be over – Havertz is a top-class centre forward.SUBS:JAKUB KIWIOR (TIMBER, 45) – 7Did what was expected of him at left-back. Produced a good recovery tackle on Kang-in Lee in the box.MIKEL MERINO (PARTEY, 64) – 7Finally, a debut for the Spaniard. Some neat touches under pressure, slotting in seamlessly next to Rice.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 74) – 6Looked desperate to impress having struggled for starts so far and that looks to be working against him – things just aren’t clicking.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (SAKA, 92) – N/A More

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    Little-known former England wonderkid who won World Cup with Phil Foden ready to KO Man Utd’s Europa League dream

    DANNY NAMASO will be hoping to make his mark for Porto against Manchester United in the Europa League.Despite being English, he is relatively unknown outside Portugal. Charlie Wyett takes a look at the player who started out at Reading.Danny Namaso is hoping to heap more misery on Man Utd when he lines up for PortoCredit: GettyNamaso, centre, was part of England Under-17s World Cup winning squadCredit: GettyThe forward, number 16, played alongside Phil Foden and Conor GallagherIn England, didn’t he have Loader on the back of his shirt?Yes. He was born Daniel Namaso Edi-Mesumbe Loader on August 28 2000. He carried his surname Loader until the start of the 2022-23 season with Porto. His brother, Ben Loader, is a rugby union star who features for Stormers in Cape Town, having previously played for London Irish.Where did he start?After starting at youth level with Wycombe, he moved to home town club Reading aged 13 and progressed through the ranks. He played 35 first-team games for the club although only scored twice.When did he move to Portugal?He left Reading, aged 20, for Porto B in 2020 but the Berkshire club did not get any compensation as it was an international transfer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter two seasons with Porto’s reserves, he moved up permanently to the main team in 2022. Namaso made his first-team debut against Boavista, replacing Evanilson, who moved to Bournemouth in the summer for £40million.Has he played for England?He was a member of England’s U17 World Cup winning squad in 2017 – he also played throughout the age groups until the under 20s. But now, it looks as though he is set to play for Cameroon.What type of player is he?He is a striker but more effective as a no 10. He has scored 11 goals in 71 appearances for Porto so is not prolific. He has good skill and technique but does struggle as the main focal point. He began the season as a starter for Porto but has recently dropped to the substitute’s bench.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhat is his contract situation?In January, he extended his contract with Porto until June 2028.Fans stunned as Arne Slot ‘cooks’ Man Utd with savage statement after Red Devils’ Tottenham humiliationSo he has settled in well in Portugal?Yes. He speaks good Portuguese having taken regular lessons and to the delight of the locals, he has a strong Porto accent. More

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    Man Utd cult hero begs Sky Sports not to cover their matches and ‘never wants to talk about’ Old Trafford ‘shambles’

    PATRICE EVRA has admitted he finds it difficult to cover Manchester United games as a pundit.Evra, 43, starred for the Red Devils between 2006 and 2014, making 379 appearances for the club and winning numerous titles including five Premier Leagues, the Champions League and three League Cups.Patrice Evra has admitted he finds it hard to work on Man Utd gamesCredit: GettyEvra spent eight years with the club, winning five Premier League titlesCredit: PA:Empics SportHowever, United have been on a continuously downward spiral since the Frenchman’s departure.Since calling time on his playing career in 2018, Evra has moved into punditry and has been a frequent sight on Sky Sports.Many of his appearances on the broadcaster come when United are in action.But Evra has now revealed he finds it difficult to remain calm after admitting his former club’s demise “hurts” him, and even begged not to work on United games with them.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAppearing on Sky following the Red Devils’ 3-0 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday, he said: “Of course, it’s hard, it hurts, that’s why you see some commentators are really harsh because people are frustrated.”You love your club so much and you get disappointed by some performances. Of course. “That’s why, when I was working for Sky, I was begging not to commentate on any Manchester United games.”When he had that 6-1 loss against Tottenham and you can see my face on TV, I couldn’t hide my feelings. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It doesn’t matter if you work for Sky and you have to be neutral – when your club is not performing well.”Evra previously had an emotive reaction when United were beaten 6-1 by Spurs back in 2020.Manchester United vs Tottenham Player RatingsAsked by presenter Dave Jones whether he wanted to be elsewhere at the time, he said: “You know, Alexis Sanchez, when he signed for United, at his first training session, he asked his agent to rip up his contract.“That’s what I’m going to ask to Sky – I really would like to end my contract with Sky, because it’s my second game, I’m a positive person and I never want to talk about United because when you tell the truth it can hurt. “I’m passionate and I love my club… I know you have to have some filter when you talk on TV, but it’s a shambles.”I feel what all the United fans feel. That’s why I would prefer to commentate on different games other than United if I (am to) continue working for Sky.”That famous rant even ended up in Evra suggesting players should get a “slap” following display.Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag reportedly has just two games to save his job, with matches against Porto and Aston Villa potentially pivotal to the Dutchman’s future after a poor start to the season.Man Utd face four away games in their next five fixtures More

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    Former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino reveals ‘straw that broke the camel’s back’ and ended Anfield career on the spot

    ROBERTO FIRMINO has revealed the moment he realised he had to leave Liverpool.The Brazilian, 33, played for the Reds for eight years between 2015 and 2023.Roberto Firmino played for Liverpool between 2015 and 2023Credit: Richard Pelham / The SunDuring his Anfield stint he played a key role within Jurgen Klopp’s front three alongside Sadio Mane and Mo Salah.Firmino helped Liverpool win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup before leaving for Saudi Arabia.During his last few seasons on Merseyside, the forward became less of a regular feature within Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI.In his book, entitled Si Senor: My Liverpool Years, Firmino detailed exactly when he decided that he had to leave his beloved Anfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe wrote: “The straw that broke the camel’s back was a match against Wolves, in which I came on as a substitute in the last minute. That was it. Right there, I understood.”As we say in Brazil, the penny dropped. I knew now. I called my agents. Roger Wittmann and Christian Rapp met with me for a face-to-face talk.”We left the living room and went to my room: just me, Christian, Roger and Larissa, no distractions.”Christian and Roger were perfectly transparent about everything that was happening and the club’s view of my future.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFirmino replaced Darwin Nunez late on during a clash with WolvesCredit: Rex”It wasn’t a war. It was just a difference in understanding about what I could offer to Liverpool. I reflected a lot and realised that God’s plan was to take me somewhere else.”The signs were all there since that conversation with Pastor Daniel in Maceio. I had been stubborn.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promise”God didn’t want me to stay in Liverpool, but I was insisting. I didn’t listen. But I couldn’t avoid it any more. It was time to accept.”I decided it was time to seek another challenge for myself, another purpose. My time at Liverpool had come to an end.”The match Firmino referenced was a 2-0 win over Wolves at Anfield in March 2023.Virgil van Dijk broke the deadlock with a header on 73 minutes, before Mo Salah quickly made it two.That night, with Mane having left the previous summer, Klopp started a front three featuring Salah, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez.Klopp decided against bringing Firmino on as his side chased the opening goal, and even after going 1-0 up opted to bring on Cody Gakpo first.Firmino finally came on in the 89th minute, replacing Nunez for the closing stages.He would then come on for an 11-minute cameo the following week, grabbing a goal and an assist in the 7-0 rout of Manchester United.The Anfield icon went on to start just two more games for the Reds.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat summer he departed for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli on a free transfer after 111 goals in 362 games for Liverpool.Since moving to the Middle East he has netted 12 times in 43 games, with his team finishing third last term.Firmino, 33, now plies his trade in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty More