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      Why Man Utd building a new 100,000-seat stadium is more important than rebuilding the team

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      MANCHESTER UNITED took another step towards their aim of moving to a new 100,000 capacity ‘Wembley of the North’ this week.And new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants an answer by the end of this year on whether the plan to build a new £2billion home in the shadow of Old Trafford is to go ahead.Ageing Old Trafford needs replacing but at a huge financial outlayCredit: GettyManuel Ugarte was Man Utd’s £50m last recruit of the transfer windowCredit: GettyThe Red Devils desperately need a new homeCredit: AlamyThat eye-watering sum is around double the cost outlined to redevelop the outdated ‘Theatre of Dreams’ – leaving some fans scratching their heads.After all, other clubs who have moved into shiny new homes recently have hardly been inundated with trophies for their new cabinets.The financial burden it puts on the club inevitably impacts the amount of money spent on the team in most cases.And the start to the season for Erik ten Hag’s team has led some to wonder if all that cash would be better spent elsewhere.READ MORE ON MAN UTDWhile some fans are desperate to see shiny new additions to Ten Hag’s starting XI, a state-of-the-art stadium is far more important.Ratcliffe is convinced a move away from their historic home is the right option – and the club are backing his vision.The belief is that it would help cement their place as the top club in the country and beyond – and ultimately help to attract the world’s best players.And the ambitious scheme would be something to benefit the whole community as well as United and their supporters.Most read in FootballNoussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt were among other recruitsCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe latest news over recent days has seen the Red Devils enter into a partnership with Trafford Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to work on how he area can be regenerated.They will assess the ways a new stadium could act as the catalyst for residential sports, business, leisure and entertainment around the Trafford Wharfside area.Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 SeasonsThat would help to fund the project because raising £2bn will be no mean feat – even when you have the kind of money that Ratcliffe and the Glazer family have in their pockets.United insist they are not looking for hand-outs but believe the new complex would provide opportunities for public-private partnerships.They would also look into investment or sponsorship from the private sector – which could include selling the naming rights, although not before the fans have been consulted.United have looked at similar projects around the world – notably the SoFI stadium in Los Angeles where they played against Arsenal in pre-season.An area known as Hollywood Park has been built around the stadium – which houses the 6000 seater YouTube Theater and American Airlines Plaza.Meanwhile the Kia Forum and the Intuit Dome sit on the outskirts and all those brought in cash to help fund the project.In addition, United have kept a close eye on the Chicago Bears’ plan for a new home on the city’s waterfront.They have studied arenas on tour in Australia, travelled to the Bernabeu in Madrid and visited Wembley and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.More than ever, they feel a new Old Trafford would be unique.The club own around 100 acres of under-used land in the area around their current home which would be used for the new stadium.That could be used for housing, leisure, business and education under the new project – while a ‘Stadium District’ could be linked to Media City – on the other side of Salford Quays – to create an economic and social hub.Meanwhile they would continue to play in their current stadium while the work is carried out – with the aim of completing it by 2030.Eventually the historic venue – which has been their home for 114 years – would be downsized and continue to be used for hosting academy and women’s games.The alternative, of course, is to patch up Old Trafford, which has been allowed to slowly deteriorate under the Glazer ownership.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat would involve finding around £1 billion – with much of that coming out of the pockets of Ratcliffe, the Glazers and the supporters.Some would say that is throwing good money after bad – and the feeling at the club is it is time for something new.Ugarte & Co must shine but a new stadium is the main issueCredit: PAWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.They plan to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a second venue. They will scale it down to a 30,000-seater that can then be used for the women’s team and academy matches.That would mean the history remains with statues and the Munich clock and memorial plaque all most likely staying in their current positions.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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      Chelsea will lose their soul if they leave Stamford Bridge – it’s all we recognise of the club we support

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      JUST what London needs – another £1billion bowl-shaped, soulless football stadium.No offence to Spurs, because theirs looks great, but it’s not like they had years of title-winning history to celebrate at White Hart Lane.Stamford Bridge has been home to Chelsea since 1905Credit: GettyTodd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali are reportedly plotting a move away from Stamford BridgeCredit: GettyArsenal moved on from Highbury a couple of years after their last Premier League title win in 2004, and to no avail, they’ve been chasing that glory ever since.And the less said about West Ham’s move from Upton Park, the better. The Olympic Stadium pales in significance to Upton Park, where binoculars weren’t needed to see the pitch from Row Z.It’s no secret Chelsea fans have become disillusioned with the club since Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali took over from Roman Abramovich two years ago.The sacking of two full-time managers in that time, a 12th-place finish in the league, no European football, billions spent on Brazilian teenagers you’ve never heard of and civil war between the owners have turned the club into a laughing stock.Seems like the perfect time to revamp plans to leave Stamford Bridge, doesn’t it?According to The Guardian, Chelsea are in talks to move to a new 60,000-seater site in Earl’s Court, something they’ve attempted before.Chelsea are said to have made plans for the Lillie Bridge depot site as an area that could be developed in a move that could cost hundreds of millions. Forget that so much else still needs fixing on the pitch, that the results are still not going the way they should, that players still can’t seem to click on a consistent basis.Most read in FootballWhat Chelsea’s stadium could look like in the futureCredit: Canva’s AIThe owners, who are said to be looking to buy each other out already, might not think it, and the seats might be a little rusty, but fans do value tradition.The Bridge has been a place supporters can call home every other Saturday. It’s raw, the stands are close to the pitch, it has four sides, and most importantly, it’s owned by the fans.For any deal to go through, Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO), a group made up of over 14,000 fans, have to approve a move away from the 42,000-seater stadium.On the other hand, redvelopment of Stamford Bridge would see the team move away from the stadium for a number of years, likely double the three years Tottenham spent at Wembley.But why not overhaul each stand one-by-one? Both Liverpool and Fulham had stands refurbished and they were able to stay put. There are also plans for Crystal Palace to do the same.If Boehly and Eghbali are so desperate to put money at the forefront of their decision-making, then go about it in a way which will appease fans.Sadly, football isn’t really about fans anymore, and it’d be easy to say Chelsea will lose their soul if they leave Stamford Bridge.But you fear they already have. More

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      Fans left in tears as Cristiano Ronaldo reveals ‘I still love Man Utd’ in emotional interview

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has revealed that he still loves Manchester United, nearly two years after leaving the club.Ronaldo called time on his second stint at United back in 2022 under controversial circumstances as he swapped the Theatre of Dreams for Saudi Arabia.Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed he still loves Man Utd in an interview with Rio FerdinandCredit: youtube / rio ferdinaND PRESENTSRonaldo left United for the second time in 2022Credit: AFPThe iconic bagsman, 39, had made his name at Man Utd in the early stages of his career after he joined the club from Sporting Lisbon in 2003 as a teenager.And his connection with the Manchester outfit grew strong as he made nearly 346 appearances across two stints with the Red Devils.Now Ronaldo has confessed that he still loves his former club despite being on the books at Saudi Pro league side Al-Nassr.Speaking in an interview with former Man Utd teammate Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo claimed “We cannot control things at some point on our life sometimes, but it’s done and already done.READ MORE ON CRISTIANO RONALDO”I still love Manchester United and I wish them the best!”.Fans have greeted his declaration of love with a mixed reception with many still scarred from the way things ended when Ronaldo left United in 2022.The Portuguese powerhouse, who scored his 900th career goal last week, had seen his contract at Man Utd terminated following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan. Ronaldo ripped into his then-employer, bashing on the standards at the training facilities and the direction the club was heading in under the management of Erik ten Hag and the ownership of the Glazers.Most read in FootballRonaldo’s rollercoaster return to Man UtdCristiano Ronaldo returned to the Theatre of Dreams in 2021 after some 12 years away from the club where he first rose to fame.It looked like a fairytale return for one of the games’ greatest ever players, but things soon turned sour at the Manchester club.Ronaldo arrived for less than £20m and walked back into Premier League football like he had never left, netting 18 goals and registering three assists in his first league campaign back.That run saw him top United’s list of scorers for the season thanks to hat-tricks against Spurs and Norwich and a number of crucial last minute goals.But things took a turn in his second season as he fell out of favour after the arrival of new boss Erik ten Hag.Despite his impressive return in the previous season many fans and media outlets were claiming that his overall influence on the team was detrimental to results.Things got even worse when Ronaldo refused to come on against Spurs in October 2022, prompting Ten Hag to drop him from the squad for the following game against Chelsea.While it was also reported that Ronaldo had left Old Trafford early following the interaction with his boss.The final straw was an explosive interview with Piers Morgan in which Ronaldo took aim at Ten Hag, Man Utd’s culture and hinted about a potential exit.That exit shortly followed as Ronaldo saw his contract with Man Utd terminated in November 2022.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner penned a mega money deal with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, bringing an end to a tumultuous second spell with Man Utd.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSome fans hadn’t forgotten the sour end to his time at United and reacted to his rose-tinted recollection online.One wrote: “The audacity to say this even after he drove his fans to spread negativity against Man United.”Watch Cristiano Ronaldo play ‘pick the better player’ out of stars including David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and MbappeWhile another added: “This doesn’t sound like an apology Cristiano. Do better.”And a third slammed: “​​Yeah you love United so much that you spent most of your career in Madrid and then left under a massive cloud when the Saudi money came calling. “I respect what you did on the pitch but do me a favour!”Other fans were chuffed to know that Ronaldo still has a special place in his heart for the club and welcomed his statement of devotion to their club.One wrote: “I’m crying, happy tears”.While another gushed: “We still love you too”.And a third commented: “I know I slated you in the heat of the moment but I love you king.”The greatest there is, was and will ever be”.Ronaldo and Ferdinand, who played together at United between 2003 and 2009, covered an array of different topics during their chat.Including a game of “pick the better player” and reminiscing about their old teammates. READ MORE SUN STORIESRonaldo is still going strong in Saudi Arabia despite hurtling towards his 40th birthday.Since his arrival in the Middle East the forward has scored 62 goals and registered 17 assists in 68 appearances.Ronaldo first joined Man Utd in 2003Credit: GettyHis second spell at United came to an end after a controversial interview with Piers MorganRonaldo now plays in Saudi Arabia for Al-NassrCredit: Reuters More

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      Rapist ex-Man City star Robinho LOSES appeal to reduce 9-year prison sentence after spending 6 months in tiny cell

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      DISGRACED footballer Robinho has lost his appeal to spend less time in prison once again after spending six months in a minuscule cell.The ex-Man City ace is serving nine years in a hellhole Brazilian jail for rape, where he plays ball with murderers and fellow rapists.Football star Robinho is serving a nine year sentence for a gang-rape in Italy in 2013Credit: APRobinho being arrested in MarchCredit: Fábio Pires/TV TribunaRobinho was one of a group of six men convicted of sexually assaulting an Albanian woman in a club in 2013.Italy issued an international arrest warrant for the player, but the former Premier League star managed to dodge jail for seven years while living in Sao Paulo.Following his arrest in March, the millionaire was taken from his seafront luxury home in Santos and spent his first 10 days in prison in full isolation.Robinho, who has an estimated £60million net worth, has since been transferred to a tiny 8m squared cell, which he shares with another inmate.Read more on RobinhoUsed to living in a lavish mansion in Manchester back in his glory days, the mini concrete block is what the Brazilian will now call home for the better part of a decade.But the player’s defence does not seem to settle for that as lawyers have once again requested to reduce Robinho’s crime from “heinous” to “common”.In Brazil, rape is considered a heinous crime, which is does not qualify for appeals such as bail.This, in practice, could reduce Robinho’s time in prison.Most read in FootballA first request was made by the footballer’s defence in July, but was denied by Brazilian courts, outlet Portal Leo Dias reports.In the Brazilian justice system, a convicted criminal can appeal multiple times to try to reduce their sentence or change the classification of their crime, such as reclassifying a heinous crime to a common one. Decapitated inmates & jailhouse warlords – inside Brazil’s hellish prisons where ex-Man City star Robinho faces 9 yearsThe process starts with a basic appeal to a higher court, and if that fails, they can take the case to even higher courts like the Superior Court of Justice or the Supreme Federal Court. These higher courts focus on legal issues or constitutional matters, not the facts of the case. There are also specific types of appeals that can be used to clarify or challenge previous rulings.A person can also file for Habeas Corpus if they believe they are being unlawfully detained, which can also be used to argue for reclassification of the crime. But each appeal must meet certain legal criteria, and not all appeals are accepted. The process can be long, and once all possible appeals are exhausted, the decisions become final.Robinho was pictured in a police car being transported to his new home in jail earlier this yearCredit: EPAHe was sent to a chilling Brazilian prison in Tremembé alongside murderers and fellow rapistsCredit: Laurene Santos/TV VanguardaBrazilian jails are severely overcrowded with dozens of inmates living in one cellFALL FROM GRACEMeanwhile, the former footie ace is said to be pursuing a new career behind bars – as a TV repairman.The millionaire con is learning how to fix TVs, radios and other household electrical goods in a prison work programme.The programme is designed to teach inmates new skills in preparation for their future release.Robinho’s lawyer, Mario Rosso Vale, says the ex-player has been a model prisoner since being jailed in March.He told SunSport: “Robinho is keeping his head down and quietly getting on with it… he is being an exemplary inmate and has had no issues with other prisoners.“They even gave him some football boots, once he was integrated, to join in the games during recreation time.“He is keeping himself occupied. He has signed up for a basic electronics course learning how to repair TVs and radios. He has to do 600 hours of remote learning to qualify in this area.”Robinho has now spent six months in the hellish prison of Tremembé, where he plays ball with inmates who make toilet cleaner.Inside his tiny shared cell, Robinho has only one single bed, a small sink and a toilet built into the floor.And a barred up window will provide just a glimpse of the outside world.There, the footballer is set to be under observation by guards and made to do tests by doctors, psychologists and social workers.While in the cell all activities are isolated and he will be given four meals each day – the first being at 6am and the last at 5.30pm.The convicted rapist has also been allowed to participate in physical activities with other prisoners, having already taken part in a football match.The Brazilian, 40, previously played in England for Man CityCredit: GettyRobinho with his wife Vivian Guglielmetti Junits on their wedding dayCredit: ReutersAll 430 inmates inside the hellhole jail are made to wear matching outfits of a white t-shirt and khaki pants – a far cry from Robinho’s typical football kit.According to CNN, the former AC Milan player was even gifted a boot by fellow prisoners as he waits to get a job at the penitentiary unit.Brazil’s prisons have earned the nickname “hell on earth” and for good reason as captives have been found decapitated after horrific attacks, with drug warlords calling the shots.The country’s jails have infamously bad living conditions, with overcrowding, violence, severe punishments, and gang battles among the many issues the underfunded facilities face.Harrowing photographs show hundreds of inmates jammed into a single cell, laying head-to-toe across the floor.CLAIMS OF INNOCENCERobinho has previously claimed his innocence as accused the Italian justice system of “racism”, saying the encounter in 2013 was “consensual”.He told a Brazilian network TV Record on Sunday: “I hope that here in Brazil I can have the voice that I didn’t have there.””I never denied it (the encounter). I could have denied it because my DNA was not there, but I’m not a liar.”I played for four years in Italy and I got tired of seeing stories about racism. The same people who do nothing about racism, which I repudiate, are the ones who condemned me.”READ MORE SUN STORIESRobinho played for clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester City and AC Milan, and signed a contract in 2020 to return to his first club in Brazil, Santos.However, the deal almost immediately fell apart after sponsors reportedly threatened to cut ties with the club for signing a player convicted of rape.Timeline of Robinho’s rape caseThe rape case involving Brazilian footballer Robinho spans several years. Here’s a brief timeline:January 22, 2013: Robinho was one of a group of six men convicted of sexually assaulting an Albanian woman in a club during his stint for AC Milan.2014: Brazilian media reported on the allegations against Robinho, but no formal charges were filed at that time.2017: Robinho was found guilty of sexual assault by an Italian court and sentenced to nine years in prison. However, he denied the charges and appealed the verdict.2020: After the appeal process, Robinho’s sentence was upheld by the Italian court. But due to the statute of limitations in Italy, he was not extradited to serve his sentence.2022: Robinho’s prison sentence is ratified.March 2023: Robinho surrendered his passport to authoritiesNovember 2023: Italian prosecutors said they felt Robinho should serve his time in Brazil.March 20, 2024: Brazil’s Superior Court formed a simple majority and voted for Robinho to serve the sentence in his home country. More

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      Football club hire topless model labelled ‘the Czech Pamela Anderson’ to raise stars’ morale

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      A CZECH football club has found a way to raise its players’ morale… by hiring a topless model to conduct post-match interviews.Usti nad Labem have been trying to rise up once again since dropping out of the top flight in 2011.A Czech football club have hired topless model Tana BystronovaCredit: INSTAGRAMTana, right, conducts post-match interviews with playersCredit: INSTAGRAMUsti nad Labem have improved results since her arrivalCredit: INSTAGRAMTana has mostly worked as a topless modelCredit: INSTAGRAMShe is also an actress and influencerCredit: INSTAGRAMAnd combines her job with work as a make-up artistCredit: INSTAGRAMTana is known as the ‘Czech Pamela Anderson’Credit: INSTAGRAMThey have recently recruited glam model Tana Bystronova to work in their media department.Tana, labelled the Czech Pamela Anderson, interviews Usti’s players for the club’s social media channels.The Bohemia-based side has responded well to go top of the third division with 13 points from six games.And interest in the club, newly renamed FK Viagem Usti nad Labem, has gone wild in central Europe.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBlonde Tana has worked as an influencer and model as well as a make-up artist.She said on her new role: “This is a new opportunity in my life, even though I have been modelling for a long time.”This is a completely different challenge, and I really like it because I love football.”We are doing a bizarre promotion, but there is also a sporting core to it. Everyone can find what suits them.Most read in Football”The key is to attract attention, because in today’s world this is the only way to succeed.”Tana has taken her influencer persona into the club, and boasts more than 100,000 followers on Instagram.Premier League stadium given subtle makeover during international breakShe boasts more than 100,000 Instagram followersCredit: INSTAGRAMHer social media is full of glamorous picsCredit: INSTAGRAM More

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      Thiago Silva gets hero’s welcome by Chelsea staff as he returns to Cobham months after leaving on free transfer

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      THIAGO SILVA was given a hero’s welcome when he paid a visit to Chelsea’s Cobham training ground this week.The veteran Brazilian emotionally left Stamford Bridge when his contract ended at the end of last season.Thiago Silva returned to Cobham this weekThe former Chelsea defender was given a hero’s welcome from staffHe posted the pictures on his InstagramAnd promised to see them again ‘soon’Silva emotionally left Stamford Bridge on a free transfer in MayHe is believed to have been visiting his family in LondonAnd Chelsea’s staff were thrilled to see the classy centre-back when popped in for a cheeky visit on Tuesday.Silva wrote on Instagram: “It’s always a pleasure to return to this special place. Thank you for your continuous affection. “The feeling is mutual. See you soon! 💙”The 39-year-old signed a two-year deal with Fluminense in his native Brazil, with supportive wife Belle staying in London for the time being.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe couple’s sons Isago, 15, and Iago, 13, are both on the books at Chelsea’s academy.Silva wrote to his family in another social media post: “It was an amazing few days with you guys here. “Soon we’ll be together again. Best of me, love you guys ❤️”Chelsea fans were delighted to see their cult hero back in Surrey, with one writing: “There’s only one Thiago Silva! So glad to see him return.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFrank Lampard also commented on his post with: “💙💪”, while another supporter added: “Our legend is back home.”Silva cleared out his private box at Stamford Bridge in August after calling time on his four-year spell in West London.Chelsea fans can’t name their OWN PLAYERS after another wild transfer window under owner Todd BoehlyThe 39-year-old’s emotional wife Belle recorded herself getting one last look at the now empty room in SW6.She wrote on Instagram last month: “Four years at Chelsea with @thiagosilva have been an incredible journey filled with unforgettable moments.”I can only feel gratitude and love for all that we have experienced together. Chelsea, you have been more than a team for us, you have been a family, a home away from home.”Belle became the Premier League’s most outspoken Wag after a number of controversial social media posts last season.Silva is also eyeing a stunning return to Chelsea once he hangs up his boots.But the Blues’ co-controlling owners Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly are at loggerheads and want to buy each other out.Their professional relationship has deteriorated to a point where they can no longer work together as their decisions are split on a power-sharing committee.READ MORE SUN STORIESSilva joined Chelsea in 2020 from French giants Paris Saint-Germain, having also previously spent three years at AC Milan.During his time with in the Premier League, Silva won the Champions League, the Club World Cup and the Super Cup. More

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      Ollie Watkins, Martin Odegaard and other popular players yet to reach 20 points this season

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      IF nothing else, this unwelcome international break at least allows Dream Team managers some time to reflect upon the start of the 2024/25 season.With that in mind, let’s analyse the most-popular outfield players who are yet to reach the 20-point mark.Van de Ven had a minor issue in Gameweek 3Credit: RexMicky van de Ven (£3.8m)15 points10.9% ownershipThe Dutchman missed Tottenham’s trip to St James’ Park just before the break but given Ange Postecoglou’s troops suffered a 2-1 defeat, it’s unlikely he would have got the five points required to evade this list.That being said, Van de Ven’s average of 7.5 points-per-game is very healthy indeed, albeit from a tiny sample size.Emile Smith Rowe (£2.8m)14 points11.7% ownershipThe former Arsenal midfielder’s transfer to Fulham made him the bargain option of choice for a significant chunk of Dream Team bosses.Smith Rowe has started all three of the Cottagers’ league games but he’s yet to play more than 72 minutes at any one time.Most read in FootballThe 24-year-old scored against Leicester in Gameweek 2 but he’s mustered just five points from his other three outings combined.At least he’s not too expensive…Credit: RexBruno Fernandes (£5.8m)13 points12.2% ownershipSmith Rowe’s relatively modest returns aren’t a huge problem because he doesn’t take up much budget but that’s certainly not the case for Manchester United’s main man, who is one of the most-expensive players in the game.Fernandes has excelled in Portugal colours during the international break and certain Dream Team managers will be desperate for him to translate that form to the club arena when he returns to English shores.The Red Devils have SIX fixtures to fulfil across the next three Gameweeks – surely it’s only a matter of time before Fernandes resumes normal service?Kobbie Mainoo (£3.4m)15 points12.4% ownershipAnother Man United asset makes the list.Old Trafford’s homegrown hero was heavily backed prior to Gameweek 1, perhaps as a result of his performances at Euro 2024, and he repaid that faith in Gameweek 1 by earning maximum bonus points (five) against Fulham.However, seven points in total across Gameweeks 2 and 3 represents a regression to the mean Mainoo established last season.Here’s a interesting fact: Man United and Ipswich are the only two teams without a single player on 20+ points at this stage.Man United assets have struggled so farCredit: GettyMarc Guehi (£3.3m)14 points13.9% ownershipLike Mainoo, the Crystal Palace centre-back was a popular man off the back of the Euros.We tried to tell gaffers that Daniel Munoz (£3.1m) was a better option at a cheaper price but that advice fell on too many deaf ears – the Colombian wing-back has pouched 18 points via an assist and a whopping 14 tackles (joint-most among defenders).Guehi was heavily linked with a summer move to Newcastle but remains for Eagle for now – his ownership has decreased steadily since Gameweek 1.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 NOWOllie Watkins (£5.6m)12 points16.6% ownershipAston Villa’s No11 played no part in pre-season following England’s European Championship campaign and has therefore had his minutes managed by Unai Emery so far.Watkins has played just over an hour in all three appearances this season and his withdrawal from the Three Lions’ squad confirmed that he’s not yet up to speed.His backers have a big decision to make as the Villains’ fixtures look ripe for points in the coming weeks with favourable match-ups around highly-anticipated Champions League nights.Watkins notched an assist in his last outing but he’ll be keen to score his first goal of 2024/25 as soon as possible – one at home to 20th-placed Everton this weekend would settle a few nerves.Odegaard may be facing a spell on the sidelinesCredit: SplashMartin Odegaard (£4.9m)12 points17% ownershipArsenal’s captain is the most-selected player yet to reach 20 points at the time of writing.But for how much longer?Odegaard suffered an ankle injury on duty for Norway on Monday night and was spotted on crutches Tuesday morning.The extent of the injury remains to be revealed but, at this stage, he seems likely to miss a handful of games at least.Gaffers uncertain what to do about Odegaard’s underwhelming returns across the first three Gameweeks have seemingly had their hand forced by this setback – a replacement will have to be identified before Saturday’s 11am deadline.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s still early days and all of the above assets (the non-injured ones at least) could rocket up the rankings with just one good performance.It’s up to Dream Team bosses to determine which players are worth sticking by and which need replacing ASAP.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £60 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 6x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 2 x £10 Bet Builder, 2 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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      France star Wissam Ben Yedder arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a woman while drunk

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      France international Wissam Ben Yedder has been ordered to appear in court – after being accused of sexually assaulting a woman while drunk.The striker, 34, is a free agent after leaving Monaco during the summer.Wissam Ben Yedder has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a woman while drunkCredit: GettyHe was reportedly arrested in the early hours of Saturday at Cap-d’Ail, near Monaco, after a 23-year-old woman told cops he had assaulted her in his car.French paper L’Equipe claimed armed police seized a drunken Ben Yedder at the wheel after he initially refused to stop for them.The 19-cap player must now appear in court on October 15.Prosecutors have called for him to be kept in custody until then after he was initially released under conditions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNice prosecutor Damien Martinelli said: “Pre-trial detention appears to be the only way to prevent any risk of [Ben Yedder] putting pressure on the victim.”To prevent a repeat of the deeds – he’s under legal supervision for rape after all – and to ensure that he remains available to the legal system given there’s a real chance he might escape.”Ben Yedder has meanwhile been ordered to not contact his alleged victim, stay out of bars and nightclubs, report to police twice a week and not leave his home Alpes-Maritimes region.The former Toulouse and Sevilla striker’s lawyer Hasna Louze declined to comment.Most read in FootballBen Yedder is already at the centre of a police enquiry after he and his brother were accused of raping and sexually assaulting two women in 2021.The Paris-born footballer was also fined and given a suspended jail term for tax offences last year. More