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      Man Utd lunches reduced to basics for all-but first team and kids denied Old Trafford game after Sir Jim Ratcliffe cuts

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has introduced another round of cuts to the Manchester United training ground – this time involving the food served in the canteen.The billionaire has made a host of changes behind the scenes at United since taking over last February.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has introduced another round of budget cutsCredit: PALunches at Carrington have been reduced to soup and sandwiches for everyone except the first teamCredit: ReutersOver 250 staff members have been axed, with many more set to follow in the coming weeks and months.Ratcliffe also cancelled the club’s annual Christmas party, raised ticket prices and cut funding for a charity helping former players.And his latest attempt to save money has seen him limit the lunch options in the training ground canteen to just soup and sandwiches for everybody except first-team players.Furthermore, Man Utd U18s were denied the chance to play at Old Trafford in the FA Youth Cup fifth round.READ MORE ON MAN UTDTraditionally, the match would have been staged at United’s main home, but instead it was played at the 12,000-capacity Leigh Sports Village, saving the club a total of £8,000.Man Utd currently sit 15th in the Premier League table, only above West Ham on goal difference.Ruben Amorim recently admitted that he is managing the “worst Man Utd team” in history.The Red Devils salvaged a point at Goodison Park at the weekend after going 2-0 down against Everton.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte struck in the second half to draw United level.After the match, head coach Amorim admitted he does not know how to fix the club’s current crisis.Man Utd ratings: Casemiro disappearing into irrelevance as Real Madrid legend saved again by Bruno Fernandes He said: “I don’t know what I need to do to bring more consistency. If I knew, I would change it.”We have to continue to think in the next game, everything we do in the week we have to use it in the game.”If we do that, we are near to winning games like we did in the second half. In this moment we need to focus on day by day. We need to survive this season, and then to think ahead. We have so many problems.”Then when we go to the game and let the time pass, it’s really hard. I don’t want to just say the negative part, the second half was so much better in the belief. In the end we were near to winning this game.”Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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      ‘Early retirement?’ – Danny Murphy makes cheeky comment to departing Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker

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      GARY LINEKER was put into ‘early retirement’ by Danny Murphy on Match of the Day.The ex-Liverpool star was on punditry duty alongside Alan Shearer and the presenter on Saturday evening.Danny Murphy put Gary Lineker into early retirement on Saturday’s Match of the DayLineker is set to leave the show as presenter after 25 seasons at the end of the campaignAs they reacted to Arsenal’s home defeat to West Ham, Shearer and Murphy both agreed that the title race was done and the Premier League title is heading to Anfield.Not putting up a defence for the Gunners’ title hopes, Lineker then quipped about his role as MOTD presenter: “Perhaps not bother for the rest of the season.”However, Murphy got a cackle out of Lineker when he retorted: “Early retirement?”Back in November, it was announced Lineker is stepping down from presenting Match of the Day after 25 seasons.Read more football newsHe will be replaced by Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan who will rotate the role.Mikel Arteta’s side faint hopes of winning the Premier League further diminished on Sunday as Liverpool defeated Man City 2-0 at the Etihad.The Reds extended their lead at the top to 11 points thanks to goals from Mo Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever, boss Arne Slot is not counting his chickens yet – despite Liverpool fans singing, “We’re going to win the league.”Most read in FootballThe Dutch tactician said: “The fans can sing whatever they want, but we know how hard we have to play for every single win.Mark Chapman opens Match of the Day with cheeky one-liner as he is confirmed as one of Gary Lineker’s three successors “So I don’t believe that [the title is won]. It’s so hard to judge the league table before every game has been played.”If you play against City at the Etihad and win, it is always a big win, but three days ago we had a draw at Aston Villa and people told me we weren’t in a good place. Then three days later we win and it changes again.”We know how hard it was to beat Wolves last week and we have Newcastle next after a 3-3 draw at Newcastle, so every game is difficult.”In any other league, this lead would be comfortable, but not this one. Even the [FA Cup] game at Plymouth showed us that.” More

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      Russell Martin in frame for Rangers job with ex-Ibrox star viewed as serious contender by influential boardroom figures

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      RANGERS have confirmed Philippe Clement has been sacked after 16 months in the job.Now we can reveal a former Gers defender is one of the names in the frame to take over.Russell Martin is in the frame for the Rangers jobCredit: ReutersHe had a spell at Rangers as a playerCredit: PA:Press AssociationPhilippe Clement has been sackedCredit: GettySunSport were first to break the news on Sunday afternoon that the Belgian was on his way out of Ibrox.Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to St Mirren was the final straw for directors with Clement finally told his time was up by chief executive Patrick Stewart.We can now reveal former defender Russell Martin is one of the names in the frame to take over.The ex-Southampton boss is currently out of work and it’s understood he’s regarded as a serious contender by influential boardroom figures who are involved in the ongoing takeover talks with US investors.READ MORE RANGERS STORIESThe bookies have installed Steven Gerrard as the favourite to make a sensational return.But it’s believed the Liverpool legend – who guided Gers to the Premiership title in 2021 – may not believe the time is right.The likelihood is that Ibrox chiefs will name a caretaker boss for Wednesday’s league clash with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.Under-18s coach Kevin Thomson and Clement’s No2 Issame Charai are distinct possibilities. The Daily Record have also named former Ger Barry Ferguson as another potential short-term candidate.Most read in FootballClement was informed of the club’s decision following behind-the-scenes talks throughout Saturday night and yesterday.A statement released by the club last night confirmed: “Rangers Football club can confirm it has tonight parted company with men’s first-team manager, Philippe Clement. The FIVE big questions around Rangers’ stunning takeover talks answered by SunSport“The club would like to put on record their sincere thanks to Philippe for his hard work and dedication during his spell in charge. “A further update from the club will follow in due course.”Gers will now be obliged to pay out a hefty severance deal to the 50 year-old Belgian and his backroom staff.The club handed Clement a bumper new deal last August which meant he was due a big money pay-off if he was sacked.The current board were hoping to avoid wielding the axe. But a decision was made yesterday to part ways with Clement with fans demanding he was shown the door.He survived after Gers crashed out of the Scottish Cup to Queen’s Park.But Clement himself admitted the performance in the weekend defeat to St Mirren was an even worse display.Asked about his future following that latest defeat – which has Gers 13 points behind rivals Celtic – he said: “Those are things the board needs to decide. “In the end, I believe these players want to do the right things.“I believe I can get results with these players. “But I am also very disappointed with what we showed today – and I am responsible for that.“Today was by far not the performance that we have seen in the past. “It was by far the worst performance from my time here.“It’s terribly disappointing, because we were so nervous on the ball and in the duels, in everything.“I don’t know where it’s coming from. “That’s my frustration and it’s also my responsibility to put a team on the pitch with the right mindset.“I didn’t see this one coming, this nervousness, everyone below par, almost all game.“There were a few better spells, but by far we were not what Rangers should be.“I saw the team drifting apart in islands. “That’s not been the case in the past, when we’ve had difficult moments and gone behind we have reacted as a team.“Today, it was reacting one on one and not as a team. “Then we don’t play the football we need to play and it’s a bad performance “Leadership is an important one, but leadership is also a collective one.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In the first place it’s my responsibility.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Moment Premier League club owner dresses as cowboy and parades around in hat in sarcastic jibe at rival

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      CRYSTAL PALACE co-owner John Textor was seen wearing a cowboy hat as he hit back at Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi following a bitter row.Leaked footage from a meeting of Ligue 1 owners revealed American Textor, who is the majority owner of Lyon, was called a “cowboy” by the PSG chief.Crystal Palace and Lyon owner John Textor was seen wearing a cowboy hat ahead of Lyon v PSGCredit: X / OLIt comes after PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi called him a cowboy during a TV rights meeting in JulyCredit: APA leaked video prompted Textor to take a sarcastic jibe at his rival presidentCredit: X / OLThe American is the chairman of Eagle Football HoldingsCredit: X / OLThe leaked video, shared by Complément d’enquête and L’Equipe, saw a video call on July 14, 2024 about the French domestic TV deal descend into a war of words between the two club presidents.The aim of the meeting was to resolve the French league’s long-running saga of TV rights for the next four years which had left football in the country in crisis mode.An auction process initially looking to bring in £863million ended up securing a deal worth far less with only two deals being proposed.The first was a £417m deal with DAZN and beIN Sports which would see DAZN show eight of the nine Ligue 1 fixtures each weekend with beIN show the remaining Saturday evening game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe second was a far riskier idea to move the league to its own streaming service – a model Premier League bosses considered before signing a new record £6.7bn domestic television deal running for four years from the 2025/26 season.Emotions boiled over during the tense meeting as the two bosses disagreed over what deal the league should accept, with Textor, 59, being in favour of the streaming model.Textor accused Al-Khelaifi of being a “bully” and “tyrant”, while Lens president Joseph Oughourlian also accused the PSG chief – also the chairman of beIN Sports – of having a conflict of interest.Al-Khelaifi, 51, responded by saying: “John, stop talking, you don’t understand anything, you’re from… I don’t know, cowboy, you’re coming, I don’t know (from) where, and you’re talking to us.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSWith the heated argument being publicly revealed this week, Textor chose to walk out at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais stadium ahead of the club’s clash with PSG on Sunday evening.Going into the game PSG were the league leaders with a 10-point gap to second place side Marseille, while Lyon sat in sixth place and five points off a Champions League qualification spot.Premier League stadium looks unrecognisable in incredible new plans to redevelop main stand Following a goalless first half, the deadlock was finally broken by Achraf Hakimi in the 53rd minute.PSG then showed their quality once again as Ousmane Dembele netted a stunning curling shot just before the hour mark.Rayan Cherki pulled one back for the hosts in the 83rd minute before Hakimi restored the two-goal lead two minutes later. Lyon found a second goal in injury time when Corentin Tolisso crashed home a header, but they were unable to find an equaliser, ensuring PSG moved 13 points clear at the top of the table.Textor is the chairman of Eagle Football Holdings, which owns a 45 per cent stake in Crystal Palace.However, Textor’s role at the Selhurst Park outfit is set to change in the coming months.It comes after Sportsbank, a group backed by individuals from Saudi Arabia and the United States, announced it had signed an exclusivity agreement to buy the 45 per cent stake for around £230m.Despite Textor looking to sell his stake in the club, he is reportedly still open to buying the majority of the club if the opportunity arose.READ MORE SUN STORIESTextor’s company also holds controlling shares in Brazilian club Botafogo and RWD Molenbeek in Belgium.The company failed with a bid to buy Everton last year, with The Friedkin Group led by fellow American billionaire Dan Friedkin completing a deal to buy a controlling 94.1 per cent stake in December 2024 worth in excess of £400m. More

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      Brenden Aaronson so at home at Leeds after getting engaged to high-school sweetheart and winning over doubters

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      YORKSHIRE will forever have a special place in Brenden Aaronson’s heart.Not only is he enjoying the best season of his career with Leeds but it is the county where he got engaged to his high-school sweetheart Milana D’Ambra.Brenden Aaronson has enjoyed a redemption season with LeedsCredit: GettyThe American has been an ever-present for Daniel Farke’s Championship leadersCredit: PAAaronson has even found time to get engaged to partner Milana D’AmbraCredit: Instagram @baaronson7The USA international, 24, got down on one knee in the famous Harrogate park, The Stray, and the happy couple are due to “march up the aisle together” next year.He told SunSport: “It was so nerve-racking. It was the whole build-up to asking the question but thankfully she said, ‘Yes.’”Getting ready for the wedding will be more stressful than any game of football. “But Milana has helped me a ton in my life so it’s really great we’re getting married.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt is an exciting time for Aaronson and he hopes to make this season one to remember by helping to shoot Leeds back into the big time.And next year is set to be his greatest yet – playing in the top flight again then almost immediately after the nuptials across the pond he hopes to appear for USA at the World Cup on home soil.Top-of-the-table Leeds travel 36 miles south down the M1 on Monday to take on second-placed Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United.It’s a far cry from the 5,500 miles-plus journey and a six-hour time difference he negotiated when the two sides last met at Elland Road in October.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAaronson had played a full 90 minutes for USA in Mexico, playing at high altitude in Guadalajara, in a game that did not finish until just before 6am UK time on the Wednesday.Yet he remarkably started against the Blades on the Friday night in a 2-0 win.Leeds manager Daniel Farke gives his reaction to draw with Burnley And the midfielder has so far played in all 33 Championship games this season, which is testament to his remarkable stamina.He said: “It’s always tough with the national team, going all the way to the US and back, but I’ve done it for the last four and a half years playing club football in Europe so I’m used to it.”We played that game at high altitude in Mexico and it was so difficult.”Then that night I got on a private jet with a bunch of European-based Americans, flying either to London or Amsterdam.”It’s a good little system where all the clubs from Europe and the US football federation chip in to charter the planes to allow us to get back home a day earlier.”I got back for Thursday and was available to play Friday.”Afterwards I felt dead! But I knew if I could get through the game and play at my level then get through to the next week and have some days to relax and sleep I could do it.”And that’s what I’ve been doing all season. I’ve been able to keep confidence in what I’m doing.”World Cup qualifying draw in fullGroup A: Winner GER/ITA, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, LuxembourgGroup B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, KosovoGroup C: Loser POR/DEN, Greece, Scotland, BelarusGroup D: Winner FRA/CRO, Ukraine, Iceland, AzerbaijanGroup E: Winner SPA/NED, Turkey, Georgia, BulgariaGroup F: Winner POR/DEN, Hungary, Ireland, ArmeniaGroup G: Loser SPA/NED, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, MaltaGroup H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, San MarinoGroup I: Loser GER/ITA, Norway, Israel, Estonia, MoldovaGroup J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, LiechensteinGroup K: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, AndorraGroup L: Loser FRA/CRO, Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, GibraltarAaronson has turned around fan opinion this season. Having played 36 games in the Premier League after joining from Red Bull Salzburg in May 2022 in a £24.7million deal, he activated a relegation-release loan clause to spend last season with Bundesliga club Union Berlin to anger supporters.And there was a hostile response on social media when it was announced Aaronson had decided to come back this season.He said: “It’s tough when you see people are doubting you but I stayed away from the internet and focussed on myself. “I’m a people pleaser and care about other people’s feelings. I like to make people happy and prove to them how good I am.”I learned from the Prem season when I was first here and when I came back I learned a ton on focusing on myself and believing in myself. “I’ve let myself work over the fans and continue being like that.”Aaronson has scored eight times this season for LeedsCredit: GettyAaronson – nicknamed the Metford Messi back home – bucked the trend in the small New Jersey town by taking up “soccer” while most of his friends were into baseball and American Football. While his younger brother Paxten, 21, also has become a professional footballer and got a senior USA cap to his name, currently on loan at Dutch club Utrecht from Eintracht FrankfurtAnd although he is half-decent at basketball, and has played Lacrosse, football has always been his passion.He grew up supporting Liverpool while idolising the likes of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Philippe Coutinho. He also had a soft spot for Tottenham when Luka Modric was strutting his stuff in North London.Aaronson – whose dad Rusty is a football coach – progressed through the ranks of MLS side Philadelphia Union and has gone on to win 47 caps for his country.The 24-year-old has already earned 47 caps for the United StatesCredit: APThe Leeds star is so excited that the World Cup will be co-hosted by his homeland alongside Canada and Mexico – and has enjoyed working under new coach and former Chelsea, Tottenham and Southampton coach Mauricio Pochettino, who took over in September.He said: “I cannot speak highly enough about Poch. I’ve only had him for two camps now and each one I’ve learned new things.”The formation, the way he wants to play, suits me. That’s what I like about it. Learning new things.”Although Aaronson was not even born when the USA staged their last World Cup in 1994, he has read, watched and listened to many stories about that tournament.He said: “It’s crazy England didn’t even qualify for that one. Dad always tells me how amazing the vibe was.”It kickstarted soccer in America. It made everything boom a lot more. This one will make it even bigger. “We’ve got some great stadiums and the whole atmosphere is going to be amazing.”But Aaronson hopes his home nation does not repeat part of the opening ceremony of that tournament .. when Diana Ross famously shot at an open goal and missed!He laughed:”“We should definitely avoid that this time around!READ MORE SUN STORIES”But it’s hopefully going to be a great year for me – playing in the Premier League, getting married and playing at a home World Cup.”It’s going to be awesome.” More

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      Shocking moment Lionel Messi grabs opposition coach by neck and angrily berates referee after Inter Miami’s first game

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      LIONEL MESSI saw red but earned yellow after a furious bust-up with a referee, before grabbing an assistant coach by the NECK.The Argentinian World Cup winner was in action for Inter Miami on Saturday night when his temper got the better of him.Lionel Messi grabbed the neck of an assistant coach in rageAssistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy was unimpressed by Messi’s actionsThe game ended 2-2 – with Messi setting up a late equaliser for his side after a trademark slalom run.However, after the final whistle the Barcelona legend appeared unhappy with his team’s result in their MLS opener.First, he angrily berated referee Rosendo Mendoza as Messi’s meltdown began.The ref moved back, gesturing for the playmaker to walk away, but Messi kept coming towards him.Read more football newsAs he continued to talk and point his finger in Mendoza’s direction, the official brandished a yellow card for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.That didn’t deter Messi, who continued his tirade before finally making his way off the pitch.But, the Argie bargy didn’t end there.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAs a disgruntled Messi exited the fray, New York City FC assistant Mehdi Ballouchy appeared to say something to him.Most read in FootballThat further riled the little Argentinian up, who covered his mouth with his hand during their fiery exchange.Watch incredible moment Lionel Messi’s son recreates Barcelona and Argentina icon’s goal against Getafe for inter Miami Two Inter Miami assistants then joined the heated argument with the intent of diffusing the situation.At that moment, Messi looked like he was going to leave the situation – until he returned and put his hand on Ballouchy’s neck.Moroccan Ballouchy appeared unhappy with Messi’s actions and gave him a cursory stare.That prompted Messi, who by now was walking off the field, to gesture towards the coach to come with him.It was a heated match that saw Miami’s Tomas Aviles sent off in the 23rd minute.Inter Miami are next in action in the CONCACAF Champions Cup first round on Tuesday against Sporting KC. More

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      Newcastle fans fume at Nuno Espirito Santo after spotting what Nottingham Forest manager did at end of 4-3 thriller

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      NEWCASTLE fans have called out Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Santo for “sour grapes” after a dramatic contest at St James Park.Alexander Isak scored twice for Eddie Howe’s Toon in a rollercoaster 4-3 win on Sunday afternoon.Nuno Santo cut an exasperated figure as Forest went down 4-3 to NewcastleCredit: GettySome fans were convinced Nuno snubbed Eddie Howe’s handshake after the gameCredit: AlamyThe Wolves boss (right) was seen walking straight onto the field as Howe approached the dugoutForest took an early lead through Callum Hudson-Odoi but proceeded to collapse in spectacular fashion.Nuno’s men conceded four goals in just ELEVEN barmy first-half minutes – before almost staging an unlikely fightback after the break. Newcastle fans were adamant the Portuguese boss – recently named the most-loved in the Prem – snubbed his opposite number Howe for a handshake at full-time.TV cameras showed Howe walking towards the Forest dugout at the final whistle, only for Nuno to seemingly walk in the opposite direction and onto the field.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOne fan wrote on X: “Sour grapes from Nuno not to shake Eddie’s hand at the end of the match today.”Another said: “He was all smiles before the game. Very unprofessional.”But a third countered: “He’s clearly going off to talk to the ref, please don’t make this out to be something it isn’t.”And a fourth agreed: “Not sure there was anything in this as Nuno and Eddie get on very well.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNuno was furious to see just three minutes added by the officials following his team’s second-half fightback.It was not apparent if he shook Howe’s hand after returning from talking to referee Jarred Gillett. Moment Nottingham Forest fans ‘try to bribe Anthony Taylor’ during VAR check as hilarious footage goes viralRyan Yates netted Forest’s third just before the regular 90 minutes elapsed. And the Forest boss was adamant his team should have been given more time to find a leveller. Nuno told Sky Sports: “First half, clearly Newcastle better. Second half was better but unfortunately not enough. Too bad, too soon.”We made mistakes. Newcastle made mistakes also. But it was two totally different halves. We started well, we scored, and they just rolled over us.”There was nothing else in the first half about us. Every time Newcastle had the ball they scored.”I wish there was 10 minutes added on. We needed that time. “We were on top, Newcastle were on the ropes. With 10 minutes I think we can get something from this game.”A relieved Howe added: “It was great to win. You have to remember that at the end. “Crazy game, but that’s why we love [football] I suppose.”READ MORE SUN STORIESForest remain third after the loss, three points ahead of fourth-placed Manchester City. Newcastle made ground in the race for the European spots, climbing to fifth and level on points with Pep Guardiola’s side. More

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      Philippe Clement SACKED by Rangers as Ibrox chiefs finally end boss’ turbulent reign after only 16 months

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      PHILIPPE CLEMENT has been SACKED as manager of Rangers.Ibrox chiefs have finally decided enough is enough with Clement dismissed just 16 months after taking charge.Clement has been dismissed by RangersCredit: PARangers CEO Patrick Stewart (left) and chairman Fraser Thornton (right) watching on in MotherwellCredit: Willie VassAlex Rae was Clement’s first-team coach with previous No2 Andries Ulderink (centre) drafted in as assistant manager in the summerCredit: Willie VassSunSport exclusively revealed late on Sunday afternoon that Clement was set for the Ibrox sack.Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to St Mirren proved the final straw and the club have now confirmed the manager’s exit.Clement replaced Michael Beale as Rangers manager in October 2023 and won the League Cup less than two months into his tenure.The former Monaco boss also led Rangers into an unexpected title challenge, but it was a challenge that ultimately fell apart towards the end of the season.The Gers would eventually finish eight points behind champions Celtic.There has barely been a hint of a title challenge this season, with Rangers’ campaign all but over by February.The Light Blues trail rivals Celtic by THIRTEEN points and also lost the League Cup Final to the Hoops back in December.Dire form either side of a 3-0 league win over Celtic in early January led to major fan protests, with supporters WALKING OUT during the match with St Johnstone.Most read in FootballDespite fans demanding change, new Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart publicly BLACKED Clement last month.An upturn in form bought Clement some much-needed credit.The FIVE big questions around Rangers’ stunning takeover talks answered by SunSportRangers were on a run of five domestic games unbeaten when Queen’s Park visited Ibrox on February 9.However, Clement’s side would lose 1-0 to their Championship opponents in a result viewed as one of the worst in the club’s history.A video surfaced online showing Clement walking a gauntlet of some furious abuse as he left Ibrox following the humiliating loss.He would, however, keep his job.Speaking last week, Gers CEO Stewart branded that result ‘a source of shame’ but still insisted it was still wasn’t the right decision NOT so sack Clement.Those comments came before the dramatic developments regarding the financial muscle of NFL giants San Francisco 49ers closing in on a stunning takeover of Rangers came to light.The weekend would prove another horror show with Rangers, one that Clement branded the WORST performance since he took charge.The Gers fell to a 2-0 home defeat against St Mirren, the first time the Buddies had won at Ibrox since 1991.It was also the Saints’ first time recording back-to-back wins over the Light Blues for more than FORTY years.And despite the words of the chief executive last week, Gers chiefs have decided they can no longer back Clement as boss.The 50-year old has been axed just six months after signing a contract extension until 2028.Rangers’ form in Europe has been good, with a last 16 Europa League tie with Fenerbahce on the horizon.CEO Stewart had claimed the Light Blues’ excellent showing on the continent meant it was too much of a RISK to dismiss Clement.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut even that European performance hasn’t ultimately been enough to save him.PHILIPPE CLEMENT: THE NUMBERSGAMES: 86WINS: 55DRAWS: 16LOSSES: 15WIN PERCENTAGE: 65%TROPHIES: 1 (2023 League Cup)Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More