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      Man City hearing into 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules to start on MONDAY

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      MANCHESTER CITY’S hearing into their alleged 115 breaches of Premier League financial rules will begin on MONDAY.The club have been accused of breaches dating nine years from 2009. The hearing into Man City’s alleged 115 financial breaches begins on MondayCredit: GettyPotential punishments if they are found guilty include relegation, points deductions and fines. The investigation into the club started with Der Speigel publishing Football Leaks documents in 2018.It accused City of funnelling money from the club’s owners through sponsors in the United Arab Emirates.The League then charged City with a failure to provide accurate financial information and a failure to provide accurate details for player and manager payments.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCity deny any wrongdoing and are defending their case at an independent inquiry.And after months of speculation into the potential starting date of the hearing, it is now confirmed that it will begin on Monday.However, the hearing itself could go on for two months.A final decision is not expected until next spring.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAmid the backdrop of the investigation, City are looking to defend their Premier League title as they search for an unprecedented fifth league victory in a row.Having won each of their first three games, they are back in action against Brentford on Saturday.Man City face Premier League EXPULSION or points deduction after they’re charged with more than 100 financial breachesWhat will happen to Man City?MAN CITY are favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! We know the case will start to be dealt with in October or November.It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future.Premier League sides deducted points and others at riskNottingham ForestDeducted four points during the 2023-24 season for breaching Premier League spending limit by £34.563m. Failed in their appeal with decision upheld.EvertonInitial 10-point deduction for 2021-22 Premier League breaches reduced to six points on appeal. Were deducted a further two points later in the 2023-24 season. Appealed, but since withdrawn following Prem survival.Sheffield UnitedHit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022-23 EFL season. Will begin the 2024-25 Championship season on -2 points following their relegation from the Prem.OTHERS WHO COULD FACE PUNISHMENT…Manchester CityEtihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.ChelseaBlues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.LeicesterFoxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction for the 2024-25 season following their return to the top flight.Everton (again)The Toffees are again at risk of breaking PSR rules and are in a race against time to raise funds and balance the books. Not only could that lead to another charge but also administration. That would lead to an automatic nine-point deduction for the 2024/25 season. More

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      Meet the private coach and ex-Man Utd graduate trying to get Marcus Rashford back to his best and training legend’s son

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      THIS former Manchester United graduate is now a private coach working with some of football’s biggest names.Ryan Hopper is an ex-Red Devils youngster who played at their academy from the age of 6 to 14 and is now individually coaching Marcus Rashford.Ryan Hopper is a former Man Utd academy graduate now coaching stars like Marcus RashfordCredit: Instagram / @rh_elitecoachingHe produces personalised sessions for clients and has worked with other big namesCredit: Instagram / @rh_elitecoachingHopper is currently mentoring Wayne Rooney’s son KaiCredit: Instagram / @rh_elitecoachingHe went on to have a brief career in the beautiful game, turning out in League 2 for Accrington Stanley.And Hopper is now one of the most respected names in elite-level personal coaching among academy players and senior stars alike.Hopper runs the RH Elite Coaching business in Manchester, where he puts players through their paces with custom training sessions.United stars including Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot have employed Hopper’s services.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile he also worked with Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga and England Women’s icon Ella Toone.Hopper is currently coaching two big names, with Kai Rooney his standout academy talent.The son of United and England legend Wayne is making a major splash in the Red Devils’ academy.And after netting 56 goals in his first full season, some are tipping Kai to go on step better than his old man.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Hopper’s biggest client right now is United star Rashford.The forward has seen a massive fall from grace over the last year and was left out of England’s Euro squad.Marcus Rashford releases training video during break after England snub as Man Utd fans say ‘hat-trick incoming’Hopper put Rashford through his paces with some shooting drillsCredit: Instagram / @rh_elitecoachingRashford showed off his speed and footwork in another drillCredit: Instagram / @rh_elitecoachingKai Rooney has been impressing in United’s academyCredit: Instagram / @rh_elitecoachingLee Carsley continued to ignore Rashford when naming his first Three Lions side.And the star has been using his free time in the international break to link up with Hopper.Rashford could be seen taking part in shooting drills while also showing off his first touch and dribbling.Hopper kept firing balls at Rashford in a bid to keep the striker on his toes.And it appeared to work well as the United star smashed home some beauties.Meanwhile, Rashford also worked on his reaction speeds with an incredible boxing routine earlier this week.And he also showed off his balance as he jumped over a beam before stepping in and out of a hoop.United fans reacted with delight to Rashford’s workout.One said: “Scary hours but not for us.”Another declared: “He’s about to be a nightmare for all the opposing players.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “You are gonna have another great season.”Another added: “Almost time to show the world again.” More

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      Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 4 – target Champions League stars for healthy returns

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      GAMEWEEK 4 promises to be a high-scoring affair with 13 of the 20 teams set to play twice.Rotation is to be expected in the third round of the Carabao Cup but gaffers should expect strong line-ups from Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa in the Champions League.Remember to confirm your transfers before Saturday’s 11am deadlineCredit: Dream TeamAs usual, we have prepared some transfer recommendations for the Gameweek ahead but we won’t waste anyone’s time listing obvious names such as Erling Haaland (£8.8m), Mohamed Salah (£7.3m), etc.And we refuse to rehash our suggestions from Gameweek 3, although we still firmly believe Morgan Rogers (£2.7m) and Andy Robertson (£4.8) are strong options – the former looked sharp for England Under-21s.Rico Lewis (£3.4m)Manchester City’s rotation will shift up a gear from this point onwards – Pep Guardiola has said as much himself.Going forward, the talented teenager will probably have to share more of his minutes with Kyle Walker (£4m), who has barely been involved at all across the first three Gameweeks.However, Lewis will still be a regular having shone brightly during the defending champions’ perfect start to the new campaign.Guardiola has praised Lewis but is conscious of overworking the 19-year-oldCredit: AlamyThe England international has amassed 22 points, which puts him above Josko Gvardiol (£4.8m) and every other Man City defender – he’s joint-seventh among all assets in his position.Lewis’ most-appealing attribute is his affordable price, which will probably rise again after the Gameweek 4 deadline – he’s an excellent enabler right now.Most read in FootballGuardiola’s troops are due to host Brentford on Saturday and Inter on Wednesday.Eberechi Eze (£4.6m)The European competitions are a huge aspect of Dream Team but managers shouldn’t be totally blinded.Looking elsewhere, Crystal Palace’s Gameweek 4 double header of Leicester (h) and QPR (a) looks mightily inviting on paper.Talent to burnCredit: GettyThe Eagles’ No10 is currently joint-second among midfielders having amassed 34 points via two goals and an assist.Some gaffers may be concerned that Eze will be rested in midweek but the fact he played all 90 minutes of Palace’s last Carabao Cup outing suggests he’s got a good chance of starting against his former club at Loftus Road.Looking further ahead, Oliver Glasner’s side aren’t one of the ten teams with two games to fulfil in Gameweek 5 but Eze has the talent to potentially make up a fixture deficit.At the very least, he looks like a great shout for Gameweek 4.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWLuis Diaz (£4.7m) and/or Dominik Szoboszlai (£3.9m)Liverpool’s Colombian winger is by far and away the most-popular recruit for Gameweek 4 and with good reason.His brace at Old Trafford prior to the international break propelled him to the top of the midfield rankings on 35 points.As Arne Slot’s first-choice left winger, Diaz appears to be an excellent option for Dream Team bosses.There might be some concern in the short term as the 27-year-old played 180 minutes for his country over the break (not to mention a long flight home) but he should get plenty of minutes with the Reds’ set to face Nottingham Forest and Milan this coming Gameweek.Dream Team’s top midfielder after three GameweeksCredit: GettyGaffers on a tighter budget would do well to consider Szoboszlai for the weeks ahead.The Hungarian playmaker has played every minute of Liverpool’s first three league games and looks set to continue as the most-advanced midfielder with Harvey Elliott (£3m) now sidelined with injury.READ MORE SUN STORIESSzoboszlai has already registered two assists and will be hopeful of plenty more going forward with Salah, Diaz and Diogo Jota (£4.8m) all in good form.Lock in your transfers before Saturday’s 11am deadline.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Liverpool target claims ‘I had my suitcase packed.. there was an issue’ as deadline day transfer for Salah heir crumbled

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      LIVERPOOL almost signed Pumas star Cesar Huerta just before the summer transfer window slammed shut but a late “issue” led to the deal falling apart.Huerta, 23, has been in impressive form in the Mexican league and has already amassed two goals as well as one assist in six appearances.Pumas star Cesar Huerta almost joined Liverpool but a late deal fell throughCredit: GettyHuerta was targeted with Liverpool star Mohamed Salah’s contract running out in JuneCredit: PAThe Reds kept tabs on the winger during the summer with star man Mohamed Salah’s contract running out in June.The Mexico international revealed he came so close to a move at Anfield that he even had a suitcase packed and ready to go.However, negotiations hit a snag and the forward ultimately remained at Pumas.Huerta told AS: “There was an issue.Read More on Football”I had my suitcase ready, but it fell through because of an issue.“I know that sooner or later, if I keep doing things right, I’ll get the opportunity. “I know it’s a train that only comes once and I’m focused on Pumas.”There were rumours suggesting Huerta was going to join Sunderland on loan immediately after putting pen to paper with Liverpool as part of the deal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, similar speculation suggests the Black Cats pulled out of the arrangement.Huerta joined Pumas from Guadalajara in 2022 and quickly rose to prominence.Dream Team Transfer Suggestions for Gameweek 4The Mexican has 17 goals and 12 assists in 76 appearances with the club.Five Mo Salah strops at LiverpoolFive times things have got heated during Mo Salah’s Liverpool career.West Ham 2 Liverpool 2 – April 28, 2024Salah gets into a heated argument with Klopp as he refuses to shake the manager’s hand before coming on at the London Stadium.Liverpool 3 Sheffield United 1 – April 4, 2024Salah shakes his head as he is subbed off during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over the basement club.Chelsea 1 Liverpool 1 – August 13, 2023Salah storms off the pitch after being replaced on 77 minutes on the first day of the season.Brighton 1 Liverpool 1 – November 28, 2020Salah throws his arms up in the air and barely looks at Klopp after being subbed off. Brighton go on to equalise with a last minute penalty.Burnley 0 Liverpool 3 – August 31, 2019Salah gets in a public spat with Sadio Mane after failing to pass to the winger. Team-mate Roberto Firmino says the row had been brewing for some time.Read the full article from Jack Rosser More

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      Arsenal fans slam ‘worst take ever’ as club legend Robert Pires slams Bukayo Saka and claims ‘Jeremy Doku is better’

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      ARSENAL fans are raging at club legend Robert Pires after he claimed Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku is better than Bukayo Saka.Saka, 23, has become undroppable for the Gunners and England in recent times, scoring 20 goals and assisting 14 at club level last season.Bukayo Saka has become one of the Premier League’s best playersCredit: GettyJeremy Doku has made a positive impact since joining Manchester City in 2023Credit: AlamyArsenal legend Robert Pires believes Doku has more to his game than SakaCredit: GettyDoku, 22, enjoyed an impressive first season for Man City after arriving from Rennes.He scored seven goals and assisted 11 as Pep Guardiola’s men claimed a record fourth successive Premier League title.Pires, who played for Arsenal between 2000 and 2006, is one of the North London club’s great wingers having won two Premier League titles and two FA Cups under Arsene Wenger.But the Frenchman, who also won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, put his allegiance aside with a brutal assessment of Saka.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking to Wettbasis, he said: “Bukayo still lacks a certain level of consistency and experience, especially in the big games.”Perhaps this season, especially in the Champions League, he will show a more convincing face than last season when it counts.”For example, in my opinion Jeremy Doku from Manchester City is a bit better because he is technically stronger, has better dribbling skills and is more imaginative.”Arsenal supporters were left less than impressed by Pires’ comments as they took to social media to vent their frustration.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne said: “Lost the plot.”Another added: “I refuse to believe that there is a single person on the planet who watches football and believes Doku is better than Saka 😭.”How Raheem Sterling can make huge difference to Arsenal’s seasonA third replied: “Robert Pires claiming Saka ‘lacks consistency’ and in the same breath saying JEREMY DOKU is better is maybe the worst take an ex-player has ever come out with and that is saying something.”While a fourth responded: “You’d have thought Robert Pires would know a thing or two about wing play. His bizarre latest opinion would suggest otherwise.”Saka and Doku could meet on September 22 when Arsenal travel to the Etihad to take on champions Man City.Before that, the Gunners face North London rivals Tottenham and head to Atalanta in the Champions League.Meanwhile, Man City host Brentford and Inter Milan. More

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      Former England and Arsenal star says ‘I will be a different kind of sports pundit’ ahead of Match of the Day debut

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      THEO WALCOTT has promised to bring a new type of analysis to Match of the Day ahead of his debut appearance.The Arsenal legend will be in the BBC studio on Saturday night to provide his insight on the weekend’s games.Theo Walcott will make his Match of the Day debut this weekendCredit: RexWalcott, who hung up his boots last year after a spell at Southampton, said he wants to bring a different outlook on the biggest talking points.He said: “I feel I will be a different kind of sports pundit.”I will always like to bring a positive outlook and the insights of how I as a player would have responded in that way when a certain situation happens.“I would really look at it in depth, the fact that it could be simple, like body position, or shirt pulling, something that could have just really disrupted a certain situation happening.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We all look at the TV and say ‘he should have scored that’ – but do we actually really break it down? Then try to take a look at why has he not hit the target?“I am going to be that kind of pundit I suppose and see if it works for me.”Walcott is ready for his role on Match of the Day after helping the BBC with their coverage of the Euros over the summer.The ex-England star has also landed a job on the Beeb’s new Champions League highlights show.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal start their European campaign away at Atalanta on Thursday.But Walcott reckons the Premier League could be where glory lies, explaining: “I have said Arsenal will win the league – and they are going to have to be exceptional to win the league.How Raheem Sterling can make huge difference to Arsenal’s season“The way Manchester City have started, they have just wiped people to the floor and they have the fear factor now that when they walk on the field, the opposition players and their fans are terrified.“I would be worried as a league that we don’t want it to be a one-horse race.“We have got to be wary of Liverpool as well, they have started exceptionally well.”Walcott’s career2005-2006: Southampton: 23 appearances, 5 goals2006-2018: Arsenal: 397 appearances, 108 goals2018-2020: Everton: 85 appearances, 11 goals2021-2023: Southampton: 59 appearances, 5 goals2006-2016: England: 47 appearances, 8 goalsHonours: 2x FA Cups, 2x Community Shields More

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      Rodrigo Bentancur faces TWELVE-MATCH ban over Son comments as Tottenham star’s FA charge explained

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      TOTTENHAM midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur could face up to 12 games on the sidelines following his FA charge.The 27-year-old was charged by the FA this week over recent comments about Spurs team-mate Heung-min Son.Rodrigo Bentancur could miss up to 12 gamesCredit: AlamyAn official statement read: “Rodrigo Bentancur has been charged with an alleged breach of FA Rule E3 for misconduct in relation to a media interview.”It’s alleged that the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has breached FA Rule E3.1 as he acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or brought the game into disrepute.”It’s further alleged that this constitutes an ‘aggravated breach’ which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference, whether express or implied, to nationality and/or race and/or ethnic origin.”Bentancur has until September 19 to respond to the charge.Read More in FootballAnd Football.London claims he could be banned for six to 12 games.If he pleads guilty, the midfielder will likely receive a minimum ban of six games as per FA rules.The worst punishment he could be given is a 12-match ban.However, in similar cases this has been reduced.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMatches Rodrigo Bentancur could missRODRIGO BENTANCUR has until next Thursday to respond to the FA charge.Here is a list of the games he could potentially miss if he receives a maximum ban:Brentford (h)Man Utd (a)Brighton (a)West Ham (h)Crystal Palace (a)(Carabao Cup 4th round)Aston Villa (h)Ipswich (h)Man City (a)Fulham (h)Bournemouth (a)Chelsea (h)Southampton (a)Edinson Cavani and Bernardo Silva have both been charged with a similar rule breach in the past, but Cavani was handed a three-game ban and Silva’s suspension was limited to just one match.Back in June, Bentancur suggested that all South Korean people “look the same” during a Uruguayan TV interview.Furious Tottenham star Rodrigo Bentancur almost falls over kicking chair after being subbed following Man City goalA reporter asked: “Can you get me the shirt from the Korean?” to which Bentancur replied: “Sonny?”The journalist then went on to say: “Or any other champion,” before the midfielder responded: “Or any cousin of Sonny, they all look more or less the same.”He subsequently apologised to Spurs team-mate Son and issued a statement on social media, claiming it was a “very bad” joke.Son was quick to accept his apology and insisted his team-mate just made a mistake.Bentancur is now at risk of missing important games against Manchester United, West Ham, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Chelsea.But he WILL be able to face Arsenal in the North London Derby this weekend.While Bentancur has been charged by the FA, it is understood Enzo Fernandez will not face a similar charge as his actions took place while at a Fifa tournament and it will be left to Fifa to decide whether to punish him.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Chelsea man streamed a video of himself and his Argentina team-mates singing a racist and homophobic chant about France’s black players after the Copa Americal final.He later issued a public apology and apologised privately to his Blues team-mates on his return to pre-season training.Changes 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. More

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      ‘Crying’ Bruno Fernandes ‘acts like a diva’ says ex-Premier League star who says Man Utd should make youngster captain

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      ARSENAL legend Emmanuel Petit slammed “diva” Bruno Fernandes because he “highlights” the problems at Manchester United.United’s woes have continued this season, with boss Erik ten Hag already under fire, after losing two of their three Premier League matches after their 1-0 opening win over Fulham.Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was slammed as a ‘diva’Credit: GettyArsenal legend Emmanuel Petit claims Fernandes ‘highlights’ Man Utd’s problemsCredit: Getty – ContributorPetit believes Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag should make Kobbie Mainoo captainCredit: GettyPetit, however, insists Ten Hag shouldn’t be carrying all of the blame as senior players, such as Fernandes, are not rising to the occasion.The France legend criticised the playmaker’s behaviour on the pitch as he’s “always crying” when things get tough instead of motivating his team-mates.That is why Petit is adamant the Portugal international should be stripped of the captain’s armband and encouraged Ten Hag to hand it over to Kobbie Mainoo.The Arsenal hero understands Mainoo, 19, is very young but he’s already the “pride” of Old Trafford.Read More on Man UtdPetit told topoffshoresportsbooks.com: “For me, Bruno Fernandes is a player that highlights the problems at Manchester United.”Most of the time, I don’t like the way he behaves on the pitch. He acts like a diva. “He doesn’t help or encourage his team-mates when the chips are down.”When Manchester United are suffering, he’s always crying; always showing his disappointment. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”That is not what you expect from your captain. You’re expecting more encouragement, leadership. Someone that brings positivity.”United’s best players have been the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.Man Utd Player Ratings Casemiro’s Nightmare Against Liverpool”It would be a bold move, but If I’m Ten Hag, maybe I would make a strong decision and appoint the future of the club as my captain.‌”Mainoo is young, but he’s English. He’s establishing himself in the national team. He’s the pride of the fans at Old Trafford.”Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More