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      Inside £49m ‘Stadium of the Year’ which set world record & is more popular than Bernabeu despite hosting 4TH-TIER club

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      A FOURTH-TIER club has been crowned proud owner of “Stadium of the Year” in an incredible poll.A recent survey – which attracted over 10,000 votes – has revealed the best ground on the planet.The Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld has won ‘Stadium of the Year’ in a new pollCredit: GettyThe Bernabeu ranks only second despite a recent renovationCredit: GettyThe iconic Mas Monumental stadium in Argentine came just fifth in the pollCredit: RexAnd iconic grounds like Real Madrid’s Bernabeu and River Plate’s iconic Mas Monumental have been left in the dust of a German side’s tiny, bargain of a stadium.The ad hoc Arena im Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld, which plays host to Carl Zeiss Jena in Germany’s Regionalliga – the fourth tier – has battered the competition to be crowned the world’s best ground.The stadium holds just 15,432 spectators – around 90,000 FEWER than the soon-to-be-completed revamped Nou Camp.Despite that, voters of StadiumDB.com’s poll have bestowed the incredible honour upon the ground, which was built in 1974 and completely renovated in 1995.READ MORE SPORT STORIESThe arena – used by Gareth Southgate’s England ahead of their Euro 2024 campaign – earned 15,329 points, narrowly edging out the £1billion, 80,000-seater Bernabeu (15,081 points) – which is set for yet another expansion just one year after it’s latest upgrade.The £400m, 51,000-seater Stade Hocine Aït Ahmed in Algeria came in third, with the Stade Ali La Pointe – also in the North African nation – ranked fourth, with those grounds the only others in the survey to attract over 10,000 points.The intimidating Mas Monumental – which hosts 85,000 passionate River Plate fans – was good only for fifth, garnering just shy of 8,000 points.Atalanta’s Gewiss Stadium was a surprise name in seventh – Europe’s third-top-ranking ground, with no Premier League stadiums making the list.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThat’s despite Tottenham’s £850m home largely being considered one of the best around.The likes of Anfield, the Emirates and Old Trafford are also big-name snubs, with Wembley also ignored.Man Utd confirm Old Trafford decision with club set to build £2bn 100,000-seater ‘Wembley of the North’ Man Utd have recently unveiled plans for a new £2bn stadiumCredit: PAHowever, Manchester United recently announced plans for a stunning £2bn new home – attracting largely negative reviews from fans.Yet experts reckon United will go way over budget and say the cornerstone of the plans are unlikely to ever see the light of day.What 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.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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      ‘How much you paid the ref’ – Man Utd star writes on Bruno Fernandes’ hat-trick ball after Europa League hat-trick

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      A MANCHESTER UNITED star left a cheeky message on Bruno Fernandes’ match ball after he scored a Europa League hat-trick on Thursday night.Fernandes dragged United to victory against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford, scoring two penalties on his way to a match-winning trio of goals.Fernandes shows off his match ball with the cheeky message alongside GarnachoCredit: INSTAGRAMIt was a vintage performance from the United captainCredit: GettyDorgu collides with Aritz to win United’s second spot kick of the nightCredit: PAHe scored his third from open play in the 87th minute before Rasmus Hojlund teed up Diogo Dalot to put the final nail in the coffin.As Fernandes posed with the match ball signed by the United squad at full-time, eagle-eyed fans spotted the message “How much did you pay the ref?”The jab comes as United were awarded three controversial penalties on the night.The first came as Hojlund was tackled after getting his shot away, leading some fans to argue that the foul was irrelevant.Read more footballThe second was more an accidental coming together than a foul, as Patrick Dorgu clattered into a stationary Aritz Elustondo.The third penalty of the night came in the second half when Dorgu was taken out again, this time by Hamari Traore, but it was overruled after the United player admitted his marker won the ball.It is not known which United player wrote the message on the ball.Fans were also quick to criticise the referee for his trigger-happy card policy, dishing out nine yellow cards and sending off Sociedad substitute Jon Aramburu just seven minutes after he was introduced.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFernandes’ brace of penalties were the 58th and 59th of his career. Ruben Amorim hits back at Roy Keane after Man Utd legend’s explosive Bruno Fernandes rant He has missed just six, making his career conversion rate a healthy 91 per cent.They take his penalty tally for the season to five, also scoring from the spot in a loss to Brighton, win at rivals Manchester City and draw to Chelsea.United’s captain has gone from strength to strength since signing in 2020, scoring 94 goals in 276 appearances.The Red Devils will now face Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals after the French side eased past FCSB in the round of 16.Man Utd player ratingsCAPTAIN Fantastic rescued Manchester United once again – scoring a hat-trick as the Red Devils overcame an early scare to beat Real Sociedad and advance in the Europa League.He was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against the Spaniards.Joshua Zirkzee was another who impressed as Manchester United secured a tie against Lyon in the quarter-finals.But it wasn’t all positive.Rasmus Hojlund drew a blank yet again. That’s now 21 games and no goals – the equivalent of over THIRTY HOURS without the £72m striker hitting the net.Check out our full Man Utd player ratings. More

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      Thomas Tuchel’s masterplan to win England a second World Cup revealed by Jordan Henderson’s shock inclusion in squad

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      PERHAPS Thomas Tuchel was looking for maturity and experience when he handed Jordan Henderson a shock England recall in his first squad as Three Lions boss.That’s the same Ajax captain Henderson who missed Thursday’s nights Europa League thrashing by Eintracht Frankfurt through suspension after telling a referee to “f*** off”.Thomas Tuchel has named is first England squadCredit: GettyAjax captain Jordan Henderson is a shock inclusionCredit: GettyOr perhaps it was Henderson’s dedication to the England cause which inspired Tuchel.That’s the same Henderson who appeared to give up on his country by making a shock move to Saudi club Al Ettifaq when leaving Liverpool in 2023, taking the money rather than continuing in elite football.That Saudi experiment lasted just six months before Henderson headed to Amsterdam – where he has been frequently criticised in the Dutch media for a salary which hasn’t been matched by performance levels. Henderson is 34 and will be 36 by the time of next year’s World Cup in the United States so this is hardly one for the future from Tuchel – who is only likely to be in the post as England boss until next summer.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe new boss has shown short-term thinking by selecting Henderson, as well as 34-year-old right-back Kyle Walker – on loan at AC Milan from Manchester City, where his form fell of a cliff earlier this season.Even Dan Burn, one of two uncapped players in Tuchel’s squad for the home World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, is 32.But Henderson’s inclusion in a 26-man squad is perhaps the most surprising of the lot.Henderson has won 81 caps, the last of which came against Malta in November 2023, when Gareth Southgate surprisingly included him despite that controversial move to Saudi. Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsHe was not involved with England in 2024, missing last summer’s Euros, along with Marcus Rashford – another surprise inclusion from Tuchel.The former Liverpool skipper has benefitted from an injury to Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo to earn his call-up.Thomas Tuchel’s first day at St. George’s Park as he meets England staff and coaches But Henderson’s inclusion is proof positive that Tuchel will rely on experience rather than youth in his short-term mission of attempting to win England a second World Cup. More

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      Sack him immediately’ – Jordan Henderson leads list of stars fans can’t believe Thomas Tuchel named in England squad

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      ENGLAND fans have expressed their shock at the inclusion of Jordan Henderson in Thomas Tuchel’s first Three Lions squad.The German tactician surprised with his selection for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Thomas Tuchel has included a few surprises in his first England squadCredit: GettyThe inclusion of Jordan Henderson has shocked many Three Lions fansCredit: GettyThere were new call-ups in the cases of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Dan Burn.However, it was the recall of others that seemed to cause the biggest stir amongst supporters.Following his Man Utd exile, Marcus Rashford is back in the St George’s Park set-up.But, even more fans were stunned with Jordan Henderson making the cut.Read more England newsPlenty seemed annoyed that the former Liverpool man was picked ahead of younger stars who have been impressing in the Premier League.While another called for Tuchel to be removed from his post.One fan posted on X: “Jordan Henderson, sack him immediately.”A second shared: “Jordan Henderson over Adam Wharton? Jesus Christ, is Southgate back?”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSA third wrote: “4 keepers. Walker over spence. Henderson over Wharton. Quansah over Branthwaite. Burn over Maguire.”A fourth opined: “Henderson over Wharton is already a sackable offence.”And fifth added: “Would never pretend to be non-partisan, but Jordan Henderson in that England squad over Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White is unfathomable to me. Not sure how much more MGW could do.”England manager Thomas Tuchel reacts to Three Lions’ World Cup 2026 qualifying drawHenderson, 34, has been playing in the Netherlands for Ajax, since terminating his multi-million-pound contract with Al-Ettifaq last year.Back in January, he was involved in a heated exchange with a Dutch journalist who told him a club chief revealed the midfielder wanted to leave the club.That came after a move to Monaco during the January transfer window failed to materialise.According to reports, Henderson had agreed terms with the French club – only for Ajax to block the move.Further reports claimed Henderson showed his frustrations to the Eredivisie giants by refusing to wear the captain’s armband in a Europa League clash against Galatasaray. More

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      Kylian Mbappe moves into new sport as Real Madrid star expands growing business empire

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE has made a shrewd investment in one of the most high-tech sports in the world.Real Madrid and France star Mbappe, 26, and his investment arm Coalition Capital have today been announced as new investors in the France SailGP Team.Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring Real Madrid’s first penalty during the Champions League last-16 second legCredit: GettyMbappe has been confirmed as a new investor in SailGPThe French team already hold the speed record in the Sail GP series, reaching just shy of 100km/hCredit: Bob Martin for SailGPSailGP is a high-tech, high-speed sailing league, featuring 12 national teams each competing in 50-foot catamarans.The season kicked off in Dubai in January, before heading to Auckland and then on to Sydney.Though the French team sat out the first two events, they returned to the competition in Sydney.Going into this weekend’s Grand Prix in Los Angeles, the French sit seventh in the league table, with the British team proudly leading the way.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe event series was founded by five-time America’s Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist Sir Russell Coutts in 2019.Real Madrid star Mbappé and his ‘Inspired by KM’ foundation will become the French team’s official charity partner, and he hopes to open countless more doors for young people and give them a voice they might not have otherwise had.Reacting to the announcement, Mbappé said: ““We are excited to be on board with this new adventure with the France SailGP Team, alongside Accor and other investors.”I’m also proud that IBKM has the opportunity to engage more young people around the world through this relationship.”Most read in FootballCoutts welcomed the announcement and the impact it might have on SailGP.He said: “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Kylian Mbappé into our growing SailGP family of partners and investors – he’s undeniably one of the most influential athletes of our time, and an inspiration to sports fans across the globe.”Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsSpeed-merchant Mbappe will hope to inspire the French team, dubbed Les Bleus, to new heights. They already hold the record for the highest speed in a SailGP event – reaching a staggering 99.94 km/h (62.1 mph) in season 3.His investment in SailGP becomes the latest in a series of business ventures for the Frenchman, on top of his reported £26.3million salary at Real Madrid.Inside Kylian Mbappe’s private suite at Real Madrid training ground with fingerprint scanner and huge balconyJust last year, Coalition Capital acquired a majority stake in Ligue 2 side Caen, who sit rock bottom of the second tier of French football.They also acquired a minority stake in Loewe Technology – a German electronics company specialising in home cinemas and top-of-the-range televisions.Mbappe – alongside Lionel Messi and Serena Williams – is also an investor in cryptocurrency-based fantasy football game Sorare, and he has a further investment in luxury watch trading platform Wristcheck.And he now has a Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal to look forward to after Wednesday’s controversial win over Atletico Madrid. More

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      Chelsea hijack Man Utd transfer for Ruben Amorim’s former protege, 17, and secretly agree deal for Sporting wonderkid

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      CHELSEA have secretly completed a shock deal to land Sporting wonderkid Geovany Quenda from under Manchester United’s noses.The 17-year-old sensation is a former protege of Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim.Chelsea have agreed a £40m deal to sign Sporting star Geovany Quenda, 17, on a seven-year dealCredit: GettyQuenda had been tipped to join Man Utd having starred under Ruben AmorimCredit: APAnd the Portuguese chief had considered a move for Quenda in January.But after biding his time, Chelsea stepped in with what reports call a “secret blitz” to land the right winger, who can also wing-back.Quenda underwent a medical in private and agreed to join after being impressed by Enzo Maresca’s vision for the West London giants.Chelsea and Sporting have also agreed to the deal worth £40million.READ MORE SPORT STORIESQuenda will put pen to paper on a SEVEN-YEAR deal, with the option for an eighth – very much in line with Todd Boehly’s contract structure.However, Blues fans will have to wait over a year to see their new man in action.Quenda, who turns 18 next month, will stay at Sporting for the entirety of the 2025-26 season and will link up with his new Stamford Bridge pals in July 2026.The left-footer has played 35 times for Sporting already this season, including huge Champions League games, scoring just once, even earning a call-up to Roberto Martinez’s senior Portugal squad.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsHe had been expected to join Man Utd, given his links to Amorim and the fact he’d be considered a perfect fit on the right of his old boss’ preferred 3-4-3 formation.Amorim even deployed scouts to watch Quenda in February.Enzo Maresca defends lacklustre Chelsea after Conference League progress But instead, he will join fellow wonderkids Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez – who join this summer – in West London.Quenda joined Sporting in 2019, aged just 13, with Amorim coming aboard a year later.After keeping close tabs on his progress, the Guinea-Bissau-born winger became the youngest player to ever feature in Sporting’s reserves, aged 16.He was promoted to the first-team at the start of this season, before Amorim ultimately quit to replace Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.Speaking on the wonderkid, Amorim previously revealed: “He’s very talented, very mature and understands the game like an adult.”He obviously has a lot to improve on, but I think he had an excellent game and we have a player there.” More

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      Fans spot ‘disappointed father’ Casemiro giving Diogo Dalot death stare after Man Utd star made huge blunder

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      CASEMIRO made his feelings towards Diogo Dalot abundantly clear by giving him a death stare during last night’s win over Real Sociedad.Manchester United romped to a 4-1 victory over the Spaniards at Old Trafford in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.Casemiro gave Diogo Dalot a death stare following an inexplicable errorDalot tried to shield the ball out of play but lost possession to a Real Sociedad attackerCredit: GettyCasemiro slid in to rescue Dalot but made sure his team-mate knew what he thought about itCredit: RexThe visitors took the lead when Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the spot before Bruno Fernandes scored two penalties of his own to give the Red Devils the lead. However, minutes after going in front Dalot made an inexplicable error in his own penalty area.The 25-year-old, playing at right wing-back, tried to shield the ball out of play following a stray pass.But the ball lacked the necessary speed to be shepherded out, with Dalot then being moved aside by Ander Barrenetxea who had the chance to create a dangerous opportunity out of nothing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFortunately for Dalot, Casemiro was on hand to quickly snuff out the danger by sliding in and putting the ball out for a corner.As he got back up to his feet, the Brazilian veteran then turned to look at Dalot.And fans could not help but notice the intensity of the stare, with the five-time Champions League winner not pleased by Dalot’s soft error.Taking to social media, one fan said: “BRO GAVE DALOT THE EYES.”Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsA second said: “Man looked like a disappointed father.”A third said: “Casemiro staring at Dalot killed me.”Paul Scholes says ‘it’s about time Manchester United caught up’Another said: “Casemiro giving Dalot the death stare completely finished me.”A fifth added: “Glad Dalot walked away cause this was an Undertaker WrestleMania stare.”Minutes later, his opposite wing-back, Patrick Dorgu, was played in behind by Joshua Zirkzee before being fouled by the last defender Jon Aramburu, who was subsequently sent off.Dorgu had earlier won the penalty for Fernandes’ second goal of the evening.Ruben Amorim’s side, now with a player advantage, continued to put pressure on the visitors, with Casemiro being replaced by Toby Collyer in the 78th minute after a strong display.They looked set to be handed another goal when referee Benoît Bastien awarded a fourth penalty of the night following a foul on Dorgu by Hamari Traoré.However, Dorgu made a classy gesture by admitting to the ref that the tackle was not a penalty.Amorim said of the gesture: “It is the right thing to do so I am quite proud of him but I cannot say if it is 0-0 or we are losing that I’d have the same response.”United’s attacking play was rewarded when Fernandes raced through on goal to smash his third goal into the bottom corner.READ MORE SUN STORIESDalot added a fourth in injury time following some exquisite play by Rasmus Hojlund, who did everything but score in a bright performance.Man Utd’s 5-2 aggregate win has set up a quarter-final tie against Lyon in April.Man Utd player ratingsCAPTAIN Fantastic rescued Manchester United once again – scoring a hat-trick as the Red Devils overcame an early scare to beat Real Sociedad and advance in the Europa League.He was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against the Spaniards.Joshua Zirkzee was another who impressed as Manchester United secured a tie against Lyon in the quarter-finals.But it wasn’t all positive.Rasmus Hojlund drew a blank yet again. That’s now 21 games and no goals – the equivalent of over THIRTY HOURS without the £72m striker hitting the net.Check out our full Man Utd player ratings. More

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      Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad CONFIRMED as Jordan Henderson returns and uncapped stars Burn and Lewis-Skelly in

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has named his first England squad – with returns for Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson.The German’s reign and qualifying for the 2026 World Cup kicks off on March 21 against Albania before a clash against Latvia three days later.Thomas Tuchel has named his first squad as England bossCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford has been chosen for the first time in a yearCredit: GettyJordan Henderson has earned a surprise recallCredit: GettyTuchel has revealed his squad for the Wembley Stadium double-header and there are several surprise inclusions.Rashford has earned an England recall after a year out following his loan move from Manchester United to Aston Villa.He has not scored for his new side but has started four games since his January switch.Tuchel has also made a bold move in bringing 34-year-old Jordan Henderson back into the fold.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Liverpool captain, now with Dutch side Ajax, has not played for England since November 2023.Uncapped Arsenal 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly has earned his first call-up.The wonderkid, who can play at left-back and in midfield, makes the jump from the Under-19s to the Three Lions senior squad just 13 games into his Premier League career.Tuchel could also hand debuts to shock inclusions Dan Burn and Jarell Quansah against Albania or Latvia.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsNewcastle’s 32-year-old defender was watched in person by the new boss as the Toon beat West Ham 1-0 on Monday night.As for the Liverpool centre-back, he was chosen in the Euro 2024 provisional squad but got axed when it was cut down ahead of the tournament without making an appearance.The Sun’s Charlie Wyett reacts to World Cup 2026 qualifying draw as Thomas Tuchel’s England are placed in group full of controversyReece James, who won the Champions League under Tuchel at Chelsea, is back on the international stage after two years away.Manchester City’s Kyle Walker, on loan at AC Milan, keeps his place along with Villa’s Morgan Rogers, Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen.SunSport understands that Ollie Watkins is resting his knee and Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke has been chosen as back-up to Harry Kane.Tuchel has been unable to call upon Bukayo Saka, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Lewis Hall due to fitness doubts and injuries.But the new boss has snubbed Jack Grealish, who has played just 34 minutes in City’s last 11 Prem games.  Tuchel officially took over as manager on January 1 and reportedly contacted 55 players before revealing his squad today. The ex-Chelsea, PSG and Bayern Munich boss has penned an 18-month contract with the FA and has been tasked with bringing home the World Cup in 2026.Tuchel steps in after Lee Carsley, who took over from Gareth Southgate, saw his interim role come to an end.Carsley guided England to five victories in six games as the Three Lions earned promotion back to the top section of the Nations League by winning League B Group 2.It was a much-needed return to form after mixed performances at Euro 2024 that ended in final heartbreak against Spain.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe match was Southgate’s last in the job, quitting after eight years at the helm.While Southgate was in charge, England finished runner-up at two Euros, as well as making a semi-final and quarter-final in his two World Cup campaigns.Myles Lewis-Skelly has been chosen for the first timeCredit: GettyDan Burn is selected after being watched in person by Tuchel on MondayCredit: GettyLiverpool’s Jarell Quansah is looking to make his debut this time aroundCredit: Reuters More