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      Wesley Fofana reveals how Chelsea stars treated Enzo Fernandez after racism row with midfielder set to escape FA ban

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      WESLEY FOFANA has revealed how Chelsea stars educated Enzo Fernandez after his racism row this summer.The Blues midfielder was filmed singing a derogatory song about the French national team.Wesley Fofana has revealed how Chelsea stars educated Enzo FernandezCredit: AlamyThe midfielder was filmed singing a derogatory song about the French national teamCredit: AlamyFofana had labelled it ‘uninhibited racism’The vile chant dates back to the 2022 World Cup when Argentina beat France in the final on penalties.Appearing on live TV, some fans from the South American country sang that France’s players were “all from Angola”.Members of the Argentina team including Fernandez sang it after their Copa America triumph and Fofans reacted to the video calling it “uninhibited racism” with Chelsea launching an investigation into the incident.Fernandez also underwent education from his French team-mates including Fofana, who explained how they dealt about the situation.READ MORE ON CHELSEAHe told Free Foot: “It was sorted out in a very good way.“He came back, and we had a discussion with the club, with the manager, we had a meeting.“We explained why we took it badly because it was important for him to understand why it wasn’t a good thing for him to do and why we took it badly. We explained it to him. “We understood in his speech that he didn’t understand that it could have hurt us. He didn’t understand that it was something serious.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFofana continued: “The best thing to do is to educate him to make him understand that certain things, in certain countries, that are perhaps acceptable in that country but that in others it is very serious and that it is punishable by the law. “I think he understood and now we move forward. We are a team and he is a great player. He is an example so I hope that he will be an example in the right way for everybody.”Paris Olympics kicks off with fans BOOING Argentina during national anthem after Fernandez’s racist video about FranceThe FA also launched a probe into the incident and while Fernandez could still be charged, he looks set to escape a ban that could have kept him out for 12 matches. More

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      Ivan Toney set to make Al-Ahli debut against Cristiano Ronaldo TONIGHT in Saudi baptism of fire

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      IVAN TONEY is set to make his debut for new club Al-Ahli TONIGHT.Toney, 28, completed a £40million transfer from Brentford on deadline day.Ivan Toney is set to make his Al-Ahli debut tonightCredit: Instagram @alahliclub.saIt will see him come up against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-NassrCredit: GettyThe England star was forced to wait to make his debut for the Saudi Pro League side due to the international break.However, it has now been reported that Toney is set to be thrown straight into the starting XI.According to Ben Jacobs, manager Matthias Jaissle has been impressed with how quickly Toney has settled into the Middle East.Toney’s fitness and form in training are also said to have left the former RB Salzburg boss impressed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis first game will be against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr at 7pm UK time tonight.Home advantage will also go to Ronaldo’s team at Al-Awwal Park.Form-wise, Al-Ahli won their first league game of the season before losing their second, while Al-Nassr drew their first and won their second.Toney’s first league game in front of the home crowd at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium will come on September 20 against Damac FC.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, Toney has joined a host of big names from European football at the Jeddah-based outfit.These include Premier League title winners Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino, as well as Champions League winner Edouard Mendy.Erik ten Hag breaks silence on Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest fierce criticism of Man Utd with spiky response to club legendToney’s deal is understood to be seeing him pocket around £403,000 a week, but that is less than HALF the weekly sum earned by ex-Manchester City and Leicester winger Mahrez on £850,000 a week.The squad also includes Franck Kessie, Gabri Veiga, Roger Ibanez and Merih Demiral. More

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      Emotional David Beckham says final goodbye to Sven-Goran Eriksson alongside manager’s family & friends at funeral

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      AN EMOTIONAL David Beckham said his final goodbye to Sven-Goran Eriksson alongside the former England manager’s family and friends at his funeral today.Sven’s dad – also named Sven, his children Johan and Lina and partner Yaniseth Alcides attended the tearful service at Fryksande church in Sven’s home town of Torsby, Sweden.Sven’s partner Yaniseth Alcides embraces David BeckhamCredit: AlamyBeckham touches Sven’s coffin at the homestead museum after the church serviceCredit: RexSven’s former longtime lover Nancy Dell’Olio says her final goodbyeCredit: RexSven’s coffin is carried away after the funeral serviceCredit: AFPBeckham appeared to get emotional on leaving the service alongside other mournersCredit: Doug Seeburg/News Group Newspapers LtdSven’s former longtime lover Nancy Dell’Olio, who reconciled with him after his terminal diagnosis, was pictured tearfully wiping her eyes.She and Beckham – who captained the Three Lions during Sven’s time in charge from 2001 to 2006 – shared an embrace on arrival at the church.Close pal Bengt Berg told the gathering: “You were both very ordinary and very unique – that is why you were so loved.”Liverpool FC’s anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone and Jungle Book tune Bare Necessities were played by a local brass band as mourners lined the streets after the service.READ MORE ABOUT SVENFuneral guests gathered in a nearby open air auditorium at Kollsberg homestead museum for “moments of joy” featuring music and poetry celebrating Sven’s life.Beckham and Dell’Olio were among those seen touching the coffin there. Sven succumbed to pancreatic cancer on August 26.Beckham wipes his eye during the serviceCredit: RexYaniseth Alcides says her final goodbyeCredit: RexSven’s partner Yaniseth Alcides, father Sven Eriksson snr and daughter Lina ErikssonCredit: RexBeckham and Dell’Olio hugged as they arrivedCredit: RexSven’s partner Yaniseth arrives at the churchCredit: RexSven’s daughter Lina, son Johan and father Sven gather at his coffinCredit: RexSven-Göran Eriksson rememberedThe funeral of Sven-Göran Eriksson was marked by heartfelt tributes and emotional farewells. David Beckham, Roy Hodgson, Yaniseth Alcides, and Nancy Dell’Olio were among the attendees, with onlookers watching the ceremony from a big screen outside the church. The service, held at Fryksande Church in Eriksson’s hometown of Torsby, transitioned to Kollsbergs Hembygdsgård museum by Lake Fryken, where close friends and family delivered their eulogies. Roy Hodgson told Sky Sports: “It was the most incredible, beautiful ceremony… so typical of the Eriksson family and Sven himself to bring people from all parts of the world.”Copy linkCopiedA crowd gathered outside to observe the day’s eventsCredit: RexCopy linkCopiedA day of tributeCredit: RexCredit: RexCredit: RexCredit: RexCopy linkCopiedEngland’s emotional tributeEngland paid a heartfelt tribute on Tuesday to Sven-Göran Eriksson ahead of their victory over Finland, sharing an emotional video on social media. The tribute highlighted Eriksson’s best moments during his five years as England manager, including the memorable 5-1 win over Germany in 2001, where Michael Owen scored a hat-trick.Copy linkCopiedRoy Hodgson and David Beckham among attendeesCopy linkCopiedNancy Dell’Olio breaks down in tearsNancy Dell’Olio, Sven-Göran Eriksson’s ex, became emotional during the funeral, saying, “A part of my life is gone forever.”Copy linkCopiedEriksson cakes sold at Wienerkonditoriet cafe in TorsbyCredit: Yui Mok/PA Wire.Copy linkCopiedRoy Hodgson with former England coach Tord GripRoy Hodgson first managed in Sven-Göran Eriksson’s native Sweden from 1976 to 1979, later taking charge of the Swedish national team from 1992 to 1995. Hodgson is regarded as a legendary figure in Swedish football, credited with transforming the game during his time there.He later followed in Sven’s footsteps, becoming England coach from 2012 to 2016.Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedDaughter Lina Eriksson smiles in reflectionCredit: Sipa US/Alamy Live NewsCopy linkCopiedYaniseth Alcides and David Beckham embraceCredit: RexCopy linkCopiedMourners pay respectsFamily and friends line up to pay their final respects, with around 600 mourners dressed in black attending the funeral in Sweden.Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedReflecting on Eriksson’s football legacySven-Göran Eriksson’s illustrious career was marked by significant achievements across continents.His successes include leading IFK Göteborg to a prestigious Swedish Cup victory and guiding Lazio to an Italian Super Cup win. He later managed England from 2001 to 2006, notably orchestrating a 5-1 triumph over Germany.Sven-Göran Eriksson and David Beckham during their time together as England manager.Credit: ReutersSven-Göran Eriksson is lifted by IFK Göteborg players in celebration after their victory in the Swedish Cup final.Sven-Göran Eriksson celebrates alongside Portuguese player-turned-coach Sergio Conceição after Lazio’s Italian Super Cup winCopy linkCopiedNancy Dell’Olio’s bids farewell to “Love of Her Life”Nancy Dell’Olio says an emotional goodbye to the “love of her life.”She dated Eriksson for ten years before their split in 2007.Credit: RexNancy appeared on Good Morning Britain just two weeks ago, where she revealed her final conversation with Sven.She said: “I just said he was trying to put in the effort to say that he was fine on the phone because most of the time he was not answering or at treatment.“I never thought that he was about to die.“I always believed there would be some sort of miracle.“I’m sorry.”Copy linkCopiedBeckham says final goodbye David Beckham gently places his hand on the coffin, bidding a heartfelt farewell to his friend and former boss.Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedLive performance from Oscar MagnussonCredit: RexCopy linkCopiedFinal ceremony beautifully setCredit: RexCredit: RexCopy linkCopiedEriksson’s last dream “You’ll Never Walk Alone” was performed by the brass band as mourners followed the coffin in procession.The song was a particularly poignant choice for Eriksson, a lifelong Liverpool fan. Sven fulfilled his dream of managing from the Anfield dugout in March, coaching a team of Liverpool legends, including Steven Gerrard, John Barnes, and Ian Rush.That match would mark the final chapter of Sven’s storied coaching career.Copy linkCopiedClose friend pays tribute to ‘SvennisBy Nick ParkerA close pal Bengt Berg told the gathering: “He remained Svennis from Torsby from a small town on the edge of the Swedish map.”Bengt added of his friend: “You were both very ordinary and very unique – that is why you were so loved.”And he urged mourners to follow the mantra of the man know throughout Sweden simply as “Svennis”: “Live in the hear and now and savour each day as if it were your last”Copy linkCopiedSven’s nearest and dearest follow funeral processionCredit: Yui Mok/PA Wire.Copy linkCopied More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo rules OUT coaching career as Portugal captain grumbles ‘I don’t have passions for this generation’

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has ruled out moving into coaching once his playing career ends, grumbling: “I don’t have passions for this generation.”The Portuguese legend is undoubtedly one of the game’s greatest stars after winning trophies at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.Cristiano Ronaldo has no plans to move into coaching after hanging up his bootsCredit: GettyOn top of that, he holds several incredible goal-scoring records and netted his 900th career strike during the recent international break aged 39.Ronaldo is now looking to continue hitting the target with Saudi club Al-Nassr.He previously revealed he plans on retiring in the Middle East after a few more years.But Ronaldo has now indicated that he does not plan on remaining in football once he hangs up his boots.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSome players move into backroom positions later on in their career, with a few eventually becoming top managers.But unlike big hitters including Pep Guardiola and Xabi Alonso, Ronaldo is not interested in taking up a future coaching role. Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Ronaldo admitted he does not fancy helping the next generation come through as “they don’t take advice.”He believes youngsters these days would rather sit on their phones than listen to their elders.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Ronaldo insists he has more pressing business plans to focus on that require all his attention anyway.The ace said: “For me it will be difficult one day to be a coach, because I don’t have passions for this generation.Cristiano Ronaldo breaks down in tears as 39-year-old becomes first player EVER to score 900 goals“It’s difficult, especially in football, because they don’t take advice by our experience.“They think they know everything, they think the phones will give you good education, TikTok, Instagram.“I have other things to worry about, another chapter of my life that is a business part that I’m excited about.“It will be a challenge to me and learn other areas I don’t know, be more involved in my business and I think will be good.”Ronaldo’s comments came after he lashed out at Man United boss Erik ten Hag.He criticised the Dutchman for failing to understand the nature of his role by claiming United can’t challenge for top honours.But Ten Hag fired back yesterday with a spiky response ahead of United’s trip to Southampton.Cristiano Ronaldo’s red cardsRonaldo picked up his 12th career red card against Al-HilalAston Villa vs MAN UTD (2004) – Yellow cards for diving and chipping goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen after the whistle had gone.Man City vs MAN UTD (2006) – Straight red card for a high tackle on former United legend Andy Cole, of all people.Portsmouth vs MAN UTD (2007) – Straight red card for headbutting midfielder Richard Hughes.Man City vs MAN UTD (2008) – Yellow card for a cynical foul on Shaun Wright-Phillips, second yellow for a deliberate handball.REAL MADRID vs Almeria (2009) – Ronaldo’s first home red card. One yellow for taking his shirt off to celebrate a goal. A second yellow for aiming a kick at midfielder Juanma Ortiz.REAL MADRID vs Malaga (2010) – Straight red card for a stray elbow which fractured defender Patrick Mtiliga’s nose. Ronaldo said afterwards: “If he wasn’t 5 foot 6, I might have caught him in the chest.”REAL MADRID vs Atletico Madrid (2013) – Ronaldo received a straight red card for a high kick in Atleti captain Gabi’s face as Real lost the Copa del Rey final 2-1 on home soil.Athletic Bilbao vs REAL MADRID (2014) – Straight red card for striking an opponent in the face during a skirmish before a corner.Cordoba vs REAL MADRID (2015) – Straight red card for kicking left-back Edimar and pushing centre-back Jose Angel CrespoBarcelona vs REAL MADRID (2017) – Ronaldo made it a red card in the Manchester derby, Madrid derby and El Clasico in the 2017 Spanish Super Cup. The Portugal star received yellow cards for removing his shirt to celebrate a goal at the Nou Camp and diving. He made matters worse by aiming a slight push at the referee after getting sent off.Valencia vs JUVENTUS (2018) – Controversial red card after defender Jeison Murillo threw himself to the ground as the pair jostled for position.Al-Hilal vs AL-NASSR (2024) – Little doubt about this one as Ronaldo appeared to swing his elbow twice at defender Ali Al-Bulayhi. More

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      Premier League managers’ wages with Mikel Arteta in same position after new Arsenal deal and Maresca below Thomas Frank

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      MIKEL ARTETA is still the Premier League’s second highest paid boss after penning a new three-year deal with Arsenal.The Gunners’ gaffer signed improved terms with the Emirates outfit this week, committing his future to the club he used to captain.Mikel Arteta has signed a new three-year deal as Arsenal managerCredit: GettyPep Guardiola is still the Premier League’s top earning managerCredit: RexUnai Emery is the third highest earner, making £8m per yearCredit: GettySunSport understands Arteta is on £10m plus bonuses, but he is still some way off being the Prem’s top earning manager.That’s because his former boss Pep Guardiola is being paid a whopping £10MILLION more than him at Man City, according to GiveMeSport.Arteta’s £10m-per-year salary is dwarfed by the £20m that Guardiola is earning at the Etihad.However, with four consecutive Premier League titles under his belt, it’s fair to say that Guardiola is earning his pay packet.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArteta’s wage shouldn’t be sniffed at though, with the Spanish tactician the second highest paid manager in the division.He earns £2m more than the man he replaced at the Emirates, Unai Emery and over £3m more than Erik ten Hag at Man Utd.Ten Hag was giving Arteta a run for his money in the race to be the second highest paid boss in the league.But United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League reportedly triggered a 25 per cent pay cut, reducing the Man Utd gaffer’s salary from £9m to £6.75m.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNewcomer Arne Slot is the league’s fifth highest earner thanks to his £6.2m salary at Anfield.While Merseyside neighbours Everton are paying Sean Dyche £5m-per-year to take charge of the Toffees.Erik ten Hag and Arne Slot both earn less than £7m per yearCredit: GettySean Dyche is a surprisingly high earner, making £5m per seasonCredit: GettyPREM RULE CHANGESDespite only just avoiding relegation for two season’s in a row, Dyche is pocketing more cash than Eddie Howe at Newcastle and Enzo Maresca at Chelsea.While he also earns the same as Ange Postecoglou, who has revolutionised Tottenham since his arrival in North London last summer.Surprisingly Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is the league’s lowest paid boss, making £1m-per-year for the Cherries.That comparatively measly salary is a shock given how well Iraola has done on the south coast since he arrived last year.The Spaniard guided Bournemouth to a 12th placed finish last term and is yet to lose a league game this season.Enzo Maresca’s £4.2m salary is another surprising figure with the new Blues’ boss earning less than both Thomas Frank at Brentford and Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, given Chelsea’s frugal approach to their wage structure for players, it’s no surprise that their manager is earning a smaller wage than some of his competitors too. All but three manager’s salaries are known with Steve Cooper, Fabian Hurzeler and Russell Martin’s earnings all undisclosed as things stand.Enzo Maresca’s salary is topped by a number of mid-table managersCredit: RexAndoni Iraola is the league’s lowest earnerCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League manager facing dressing room unrest three games into season with stars unhappy at having too much freedom

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      STEVE COOPER is battling to keep some of Leicester’s senior players on board after just three games in charge.SunSport has learnt a number of the squad have found it hard to adjust to the manager’s hands-off approach.Steve Cooper is facing dressing room unrest just three matches into the new seasonCredit: GettyLeicester players are unhappy at being given too much freedom under CooperCredit: GettyThat is because they were used to being told exactly what to do in almost every aspect of the game by his predecessor Enzo Maresca.Cooper prefers players to think for themselves and make their own decisions, which some Foxes have found difficult.His habit of asking them for input on tactics — and even about potential signings — has also left a few of them nonplussed.Leicester have failed to win in their three games back in the top flight.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDefeats to Fulham and Aston Villa followed a decent home draw against Tottenham.Cooper is relaxed about the situation and accepts it takes time for a new boss to earn the trust of players — particularly given the big differences in style between him and Maresca.The Italian was not universally popular either despite leading Leicester into the Premier League last season — some players feeling he was too bossy and demanding.There is no tension between Cooper and the players other than from those he is not picking regularly — but the squad have not gelled as well as he had hoped.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Foxes’ legal victory over the Prem in escaping a charge for breaking their Profitability and Sustainability Rules last week has given them a huge boost ahead of their return to action at Crystal Palace on Saturday.But Cooper has admitted he was “frustrated” by the decision to clear the club AFTER the transfer window shut.Best ten new Premier League kits for next seasonChanges to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25.He said: “It may have added a bit of frustration in terms of the window and may have affected certain decisions — we could have spent more.“It would have been better if the decision had come early.”Cooper has picked up one point since replacing Enzo Maresca in the summerCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal Invincible backs Mikel Arteta’s men to overcome injury crisis at Tottenham as he recalls 5-1 victory

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      RAY PARLOUR backed injury-hit Arsenal to handle their big-name losses for the North London derby — just as his team did against Inter Milan in 2003.Mikel Arteta’s Gunners have a potential triple whammy of key midfielders out for Sunday’s trip to arch-rivals Tottenham.Arsenal have been backed to beat Tottenham on Sunday despite their injury woesCredit: GettyRay Parlour has called on the Gunners to emulate the 5-1 win over Inter Milan in 2003Credit: ReutersDeclan Rice is suspended thanks to his red card against Brighton last month, while new signing Mikel Merino is sidelined due to an injury picked up in training.And now captain Martin Odegaard is a huge doubt after hobbling off during Norway’s 2-1 Nations League win over Austria on Monday.Odegaard was later spotted on crutches, nursing his injured ankle.Parlour admits the absentee list is a “huge blow” going into this weekend’s powder-keg clash in N17.But he wants a response from Arteta’s side similar to that of Arsene Wenger’s men 21 years ago when they headed to the San Siro in the Champions League group stage without the injured Patrick Vieira and the unavailable Dennis Bergkamp.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSWenger’s men shrugged off the setback and famously ran out 5-1 winners, thanks to a Thierry Henry double and goals from Freddie Ljungberg, Edu and Robert Pires.Gunners Invincible legend Parlour, who captained the side in Vieira’s absence, told SunSport: “We had lost 3-0 at Highbury to Inter and we went to the San Siro.“Patrick was out, Dennis Bergkamp didn’t play because he didn’t fly.“I played in midfield with Edu. That was a time when everyone had to step up.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Everyone thought, ‘They’re missing two key players in Bergkamp and Vieira, do we give them much chance?’.“We always thought we could go there and win the game, no problem. But I didn’t expect us to win it 5-1.Ray Parlour names recent Arsenal kit the worst ever as he claims even the infamous ‘bruised banana’ shirt wasn’t as badArsenal have a tricky start to the season“I always remember after the game with Arsene Wenger, I said, ‘Boss, from now on I’ve got to be captain, surely. “If we lose 3-0 at home and Patrick’s captain and we go to the San Siro and win 5-1, I’ve got to be captain!’.“He started laughing and said, ‘No, Patrick is our captain’.“But that’s the sort of game to emulate. You’ve got to go there and players have got to step up. Edu was brilliant in midfield with me. Henry was unbelievable that night.“You had Pires, Freddie Ljungberg. You had people like Jeremie Aliadiere coming on and playing well.“That’s the sort of game where you needed people to step up and it’s very similar to this weekend.“You can never think that you’re missing players, ‘We’re going to struggle today’.“You’ve got to go out and think, ‘Hang on a minute, there’s another opportunity here’.”It’s a similar situation to this weekend. Jorginho won’t be used a lot but he’s probably a big influence in the dressing room and can come in, when needed, to do a brilliant job for the team.”Parlour captained Arsenal to a stunning Champions League victory at the San SiroCredit: AFPParlour fancies Leandro Trossard to play more centrally if Odegaard does miss the game and thinks the Belgian can interchange with Kai Havertz up top.Arsenal started the season with back-to-back 2-0 wins over Wolves and Aston Villa but went into the international break after a 1-1 draw with Brighton.By the time Sunday’s showdown kicks off at 2pm, they are likely to be five points behind  the top two of Manchester City and Liverpool, who have favourable home games against Brentford and Nottingham Forest respectively on Saturday afternoon.Some might say that is a gap Arteta’s side cannot afford to let open up, even at this early stage of the season — but Parlour disagrees.Speaking via NetBet Online Casino, the three-time Premier League winner added: “You can’t judge the league after four games.“It’s a rollercoaster ride  because you are going to have times when you have key players missing, like Arsenal have now. They’ve got to ride it.“It’s a long, hard slog. I always said, if you’ve got a chance with eight games to go, then that’s when you’ve got to push. You have to stay in the hunt.“Looking at the scenario now, I would say a draw is a decent result away at Spurs. If we win it’s a massive bonus but don’t lose it.”Arsenal will be without the suspended Declan Rice for the North London derbyCredit: ReutersMartin Odegaard will also miss the match after hobbling off for Norway this weekCredit: SplashParlour also feels Spurs can afford to lose this game and still achieve what they want to this season, amid suggestions manager Ange Postecoglou may be under pressure if his side are beaten.One player looking to make an impact will be James Maddison, who was left out of the England squad by interim boss Lee Carsley — despite Jude Bellingham being unavailable.The seven-cap ace now looks well down the pecking order for the No 10 slot, with Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Cole Palmer and  Morgan Gibbs-White all ahead of him too.Parlour, 51, who won ten caps for the Three Lions, said: “He needs to not even think about England.“All you’ve got to do is concentrate on your club football. You don’t sulk or feel sorry for yourself.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He needs to knuckle down, be the main man for Spurs, control midfields week in, week out, be a really important player to win Spurs that first trophy or make the top four.“England will then notice it and he’ll be straight back in that squad.” More

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      Man Utd paid full price for just ONE summer transfer thanks to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ‘Avengers’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S transfer stance helped them pay below asking price for all but one of their summer acquisitions. The Red Devils secured the services of five senior stars this summer, spending north of £180million to bolster Erik ten Hag’s options.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has built a transfer tag team who helped them pay below asking price for almost all of their summer acquisitionsCredit: GettyCEO Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox have helped Manchester United have a successful transfer windowCredit: GettyMatthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui were bought for under asking priceCredit: GettyIt was the first summer window for United under the ownership of Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and the billionaire Brit put together a group of “Avengers” to make sure their business went smoothly.Ratcliffe worked alongside CEO Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox to bring in their new signings.And their resolute stance on asking prices meant they only paid full whack for Leny Yoro, according to ESPN.That means that Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte were all snapped up for a relative steal in United’s books. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to ESPN’s report, their stance in their negotiations to sign Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite ultimately helped them negotiate their other deals.United had been quoted £75m for Branthwaite, a player they valued at around £60m, and after unfruitful negotiations decided to walk away from the inflated price tag.It’s claimed that United’s stance on Branthwaite was used directly in negotiations with PSG over the move for Manuel Ugarte. PSG were hoping for a fee of nearly £10m more than what United ultimately paid, with the Old Trafford club referencing their decision to walk away from the Branthwaite deal as an example of what could happen if PSG were firm on their price.Most read in FootballLeny Yoro was the only summer signing that Man Utd paid the asking price forCredit: RexMan Utd used their stance on Jarrad Branthwaite to sign Manuel Ugarte for cheapCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUltimately the Parisians were reluctant to keep hold of a player that they didn’t want, and dropped their asking price to meet United’s valuation.Yoro, 18, represented a different kind of signing as one of the most highly rated young defenders in world football and Man Utd allowed themselves to fork out for the Frenchman.Erik ten Hag breaks silence on Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest fierce criticism of Man Utd with spiky response to club legendIt’s reported that Omar Berrada was the man who set the price tags with Ashworth and director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves handling the bulk of the discussions with clubs and players.Berrarda, via ESPN, said: “We were quite disciplined about the valuations we were giving to the players who were going to come in.”We stuck to those valuations. The reason I mention that is if you make a mistake and overspend, or get a player who can cost you too much, it can set you back.”United know plenty about overpaying for their stars after forking out £86m on flop Antony, and a further £60m on an ageing Casemiro in recent seasons.Joshua Zirkzee was also signed for below askingCredit: AlamyMan Utd entered negotiations for Ajax winger Antony expecting to pay a £40m fee, but as talks dragged on the Dutch side were successful in more than doubling the price.The Red Devils’ team of execs had to shift on some players this summer to allow for their incomings too – Mason Greenwood, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Scott McTominay being the three high profile exits.Jadon Sancho also left to join Chelsea in a loan-to-buy deal.And sporting director Ashworth explained that, as frustrating as it is to lose homegrown talent, it can ultimately be beneficial for the club as a whole.He said: “Sometimes you have to be quite brave and make decisions that maybe you don’t want to make”But you can’t have a bloated squad, and you’re also dealing with players that ultimately want to play football.”So you want to make sure that the squad is lean, but you have enough depth.”The financial rules have, unintentionally, made it slightly more attractive to sell players with a ‘zero-book’ value.”which is consequently either players you sign on a free or players that come through your system.”Now United want to build on what they have done this summer with more additions – but not on the pitch.READ MORE SUN STORIESESPN claim that the club are looking to add “further expertise and knowledge” in the form of appointments around Ashworth and Wilcox.United hope that those arrivals will ultimately lead to more consistent success in the transfer market. More