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      Man Utd ‘axe longest-serving worker after 47 years’ service’ as part of 550 job losses in Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting blitz

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have axed their longest-serving worker after 47 years as part of the latest wave of job losses at the club, according to reports. The club announced in February that up to 200 MORE jobs would be lost as part of a further cost-cutting initiative started last summer, which saw 250 staff made redundant.Man Utd are set to sack their longest-serving staff memberCredit: GettyIt comes as part of the latest wave of job cuts announced in FebruaryCredit: PAA statement at the time said the cuts were to help “transform” the “corporate structure as part of a series of additional measures to improve the club’s financial sustainability and enhance operational efficiency.”However, the decision to make the club’s longest-serving employee, Marie Marron, redundant has left staff “shaken” at Old Trafford and Carrington.According to The Times, Marron was told in a face-to-face meeting that a decision had been made to relieve her of her duties at the end of the season.It is a decision which is said to have left her “devastated”, having worked for Man Utd since 1978.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut she travelled ahead of the team, as she always has done, for their Europa League semi-final clash against Athletic Bilbao in Spain, which Ruben Amorim’s side won 3-0.Marron originally started out as the personal assistant to the club secretary at the time, Ken Merrett.She eventually became a key figure with first-team logistics, acting as the club liaison to Uefa, the Premier League, the FA and opposing teams before matches. Marron was also the chief co-ordinator for United’s historic Treble in 1999 and was one of five staff specially honoured by club sponsors in 2013 for “exceptional dedication and commitment” to the team.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordHowever, sources are said to have told the Daily Mail that the decision is provisional and the start of a process.Marron’s long service to the club is only eclipsed by much-loved receptionist, Kath Phipps, who worked at the club for over 55 years before passing away in December.Ruben Amorim blames results on the pitch for Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal Man Utd cuts Other long-serving staff members to be given the boot as part of the brutal cuts include club writer and best-selling author, Wayne Barton, and former comms officer John Allen – SunSport revealed how club captain Bruno Fernandes took Allen out for a meal last month.An annual payment of £2million to legendary former manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, was also among the cuts made by the club.Ineos chairman and minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, claimed Man Utd would be facing bankruptcy without the cuts, which have also stretched to stripping back staff perks and canteen lunches.A fresh report from France earlier this week claims the British billionaire is willing to listen to offers for Ligue 1 outfit Nice, with Suadi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund – who also own Newcastle – “seriously considering” an offer.SunSport understands that any potential cash raised from a sale of Nice would fall well short of that needed to fund a full Ineos takeover of Man Utd.The petrochemicals company now owns 28.94 per cent of the club after an injection of £79.3m last year, with the much-maligned Glazer family still owning the majority of the shares.With the team on the pitch bringing in the worst season in the club’s Premier League history, United are facing a £100m blackhole if they fail to win the Europa League in Bilbao on May 21.Winning the competition will be worth £50m on its own through Champions League qualification and £25m in gate receipts for four home games in the league phase of the competition.There is also an additional £30m in bonus and prize money if they can reach the last 16, and a £10m bonus they will receive from kit sponsors, Adidas, which is taken away if they do not qualify for Europe’s premier competition.Their likely opponents for the final currently look set to be Tottenham, who have a 3-1 advantage following a home win over Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt.Read More on The SunThe second legs of the Europa League clashes take place next Thursday, with Spurs travelling to Bodo’s artificial pitch at the Aspmyra Stadion and United taking on Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford.Fans have already been drawing up travel plans, but it will cost a small fortune for both accommodation and travel following a huge surge in demand and prices.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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      Reading confirm club’s £30m sale to former Wycombe Wanderers American owner Rob Couhig

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      READING has finally been sold which spells the end of Dai Yongge’s controversial ownership.The Royals confirmed in a long-awaited statement on Saturday morning that a deal was finally agreed.Reading’s sale has finally been completedCredit: GettyEx-Wycombe owner Rob Couhig will take overCredit: PAYongge became majority shareholder in 2017 but was given a latest deadline of May 8 by the EFL to divest his shareholding. Redwood Holdings Limited will become the new legal owners of the League One outfit under their parent company Dogwood Football LLC.A Reading statement said: “Reading Football Club is pleased to announce the sale in principle of the club to Redwood Holdings Limited.”The takeover includes the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park Training Ground.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”The formal completion of the transaction is subject to final legal technicalities but is fully expected to be completed shortly.”Based on the agreement between the parties, the EFL has agreed to extend its deadline for the divestment of Mr Dai Yongge’s shareholding until its next Board Meeting on 8 May.”Redwood Holdings Ltd is a subsidiary of Dogwood Football LLC, which is owned by Rob Couhig and Todd Trosclair of New Orleans, Louisiana.”Couhig – former owner of Wycombe Wanderers – tried to buy Reading for £30million before the deal collapsed in September 2024.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother unnamed potential buyer had come in to try and secure Reading, even entering a period of exclusivity.However, the time period elapsed on April 9, allowing Couhig to re-enter the race, as revealed by SunSport. How Arsenal can beat PSG and reach the Champions League final Yongge had attempted to secure an injunction against Couhig, alleging the American had blocked his attempts to sell Reading.Couhig denied the allegations and the case was thrown out. The EFL gave Yongge an April 4 deadline to sell up after he was disqualified by failing the EFL’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test. Reading were deducted six points for financial rule breaches last season and finished 17th in League One.They are seventh this season going into the final game of the season with a chance of nicking the final play-off spot. Couhig is expected to be in the 24,000-seater stadium for this afternoon’s clash against Barnsley. The Royals’ women’s team, meanwhile, were playing in the Women’s Super League in 2022-23 – but had to pull out of the Championship in June amid the monetary woes and now compete in the fifth tier. ‘SOLD BEFORE WE DAI’D’Reading fan group Sell Before We Dai welcomed the news of the club’s sale and Yongge’s exit – and hope the arrival of Redwood Holdings Limited will bring a period of stability in Berkshire. The protest group said: “We are incredibly relieved and happy that Reading Football Club are finally under new ownership. “It’s a day which we thought, at times, may never happen.”In the eight years of the Dai Yongge era, every single element of our club went backwards. “The first team were relegated, the women’s team were essentially folded and staff were made redundant as every operational element of the club was cut back to the bare bones. “Those who remained were forced to work with tight budgets and under immense pressure. “Sometimes they weren’t even sure if they’d be paid at the end of the month.”Today is a day for celebration and that starts by welcoming Rob Couhig. Read More on The Sun”Thank you for not giving up on us, thank you for saving our 153-year-old club from oblivion.”We’ve been sold before we Dai’d.”Fans have repeatedly protested against the controversial Dai YonggeCredit: Alamy More

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      Marc Cucurella wipes away tears as Chelsea star and Wag Claudia Rodriguez reveal emotional strain of son Mateo’s autism

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      MARC CUCURELLA wiped away tears as he revealed the emotional strain of his son’s autism.Cucurella and partner Claudia Rodriguez opened up in series two of Amazon Prime’s Married To The Game.Marc Cucurella broke down in tears discussing his son’s autismCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosportCucurella and partner Claudia Rodriguez spoke on Married To The GameCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosportThe Chelsea left-back, 26, has three children with his long-term girlfriend – Mateo, Rio and Claudia. Mateo was diagnosed with autism soon after Cucurella completed his £65million transfer from Brighton to Stamford Bridge in 2022. Now the Spanish couple have bravely shared how their son’s neurodevelopmental condition impacts family life. Autism – especially in children – can make it difficult to process emotions and deal with changes, often prompting inconsolable tears.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe spectrum of symptoms also includes being over- or under-sensitive to senses, having repetitive behaviours or struggling socially. Rodriguez said: “We saw that some things were different from the other kids. “We didn’t find too much help from the school and we had our worst months.”Every day we went together to drop Mateo off – I was pregnant with Rio as well – and we went back home every day crying.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAs she said that, Cucurella broke down in tears.Cucurella said: “Okay, your kid is autistic, but the parents are not ready with this so we need to learn a lot. ‘I played five minutes and it was my fault’ – Chelsea star opens up on horror season after big money transfer What is autism?Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an incurable, lifelong developmental condition that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others.It affects around one in 100 people in the UK and is three to four times more common in boys than in girls.Many people with ASD find it hard to understand other people’s feelings and emotions, and they may have difficulty holding conversations.When they are young, their language development may take longer and they can struggle to use facial expressions, using gestures to communicate instead.They may also find it hard to connect with other people and to hold eye contact with unfamiliar individuals.Many children with ASD like to follow a routine, and changes to this can cause distress.High functioning autism is an informal term some people use to describe those on the autism spectrum disorder.”When we speak about Mateo we always…” before choking up and added: “Ask Claudia now, I will come back soon.”Rodriguez encouraged her boyfriend as “really sensitive” about the whole situation. Speaking on holiday, Rodriguez explained: “It’s a lot of changes in the same week.”It’s difficult to be in other places, on another timetable, eating other food, on other plans with no school and no therapy. It’s hard for him.”You have to think about Mateo all the time. Sometimes you want to do some things but we can’t because it’s not good for Mateo.”Holidays is always difficult.”Key characteristics of autismThese are some features of autism that many people with it experience. Autism is a spectrum, so everyone shows symptoms differently.Sensitive to sensesAutistic people can be much more or less sensitive than non-autistic people to the five main senses (sight, sound, touch, taste and smell).This also extends to senses for balance, movement, spatial awareness and awareness of internal states, such as hunger and temperature.Social differencesPeople with autism may find social interactions harder because they have difficulty; interpratiting social cues; facial expressions; maintaining eye contact; recognising sarcasm.They may find tehy prefer to spend time alone because social interactions can be confusing. Autism can be verbal (someone who uses communication) or non-verbal (they use other means to communicate). People can flit between the two.Repetitive behaviours‘Restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests’ is often listed as a trait of autism, but the National Autistic Society says many people with the condition actually find these behaviours as positive and helpful.It is also sometimes referred to as stimming or self-regulatory behaviour.Examples include having a strong passion or interest in a hobby, repeated behaviours like hair twirling or rocking, and preference for routine or rules to be followed. Emotional dysregulationPeople with autism may struggle to manage feelings such as frustration, anxiety, or sadness, which could lead to a ‘meltdown’ (extreme or intense outburst of emotions) or ‘shutdown’ (withdrawal).Source: National Autistic SocietyThe emotional video ends with Rodriguez consoling and hugging Cururella as he continues to cry while holding her hand. The video – shared by Amazon Prime Video Sport – prompted a wave of classy replies from fans.One said: “This was so beautiful to watch, Cucurella and his partner Claudia are great parents.”Another wrote: “Cucu is a strong man!”A third added: “Mad respect man, love him even more now.”A fourth typed: “Respect. You’re a truly extraordinary father. You’ re doing great.”And a final user commented: “I hope football fans are more empathetic to footballers going forward when they have a bad form. They are human beings too and they could be going through personal challenges at home.”Read More on The SunCucurella has enjoyed a superb season under Enzo Maresca for Chelsea.After helping Spain win Euro 2024, he has proven himself to be a brilliant inverted full-back – chipping in with six goals and four assists. Mateo can struggle with changes which makes holidays trickyCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosportThe couple have three children togetherCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosportClaudia comforted Cucurella as the emotions poured outCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosport More

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      England star Eberechi Eze WINS final of Twitch chess tournament – but takes home less than a day’s wages

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      EBERECHI EZE is already king of the Palace.But it was his queen to E3 that won him £15,000 in a chess competition on Friday night.Eberechi Eze won £15,000 in an online celebrity chess tournamentCredit: Twitch / Chess.comHe secured a 2-0 victory in Friday’s finalCredit: Twitch / Chess.comThe Crystal Palace star celebrated his chess win more than his FA Cup semi-final wondergoalCredit: GettyEze, 26, was Crystal Palace’s knight in shining armour as he fired his side into the FA Cup final.The Eagles star scored a belting opener in last weekend’s Wembley semi-final victory over Aston Villa.But he showed plenty more quick thinking and tactical prowess as he soared to his chess tournament win.Eze lined up in chess.com’s 12-player celebrity PogChamps 6 which ran this week. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter coming through the round-robin stage, he earned himself a bye into the semi-finals where he beat Stephen Nedoroscik 2-0.Then in Friday night’s final, he saw off Sapnap by the same scoreline.The final was live streamed on Twitch, with Eze sporting a white t-shirt and gaming headset at home – with a piece of artwork depicting him playing for England in the background.The ten-cap Three Lions hero – playing under the username Ebz Eze with a rating of 1,147 – stormed to the title, closing out the win with his typical class and style.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe moved his rook to the top end of the virtual board, putting Sapnap in check and forcing him to bring his king up.But that played perfectly into Eze’s trap as the Palace man immediately moved his queen into position.‘Raiders of The Selhurst Park’ – Bidding war for Geuhi and Eze imminient?And it meant Sapnap had nowhere to move his king into safety and therefore found himself in checkmate.When the screen flashed to confirm Eze’s triumph, the footballer hilariously shouted “come on” then raised a fist in celebration as he smiled at the camera before bursting into laughter.Ironically, despite earning almost exactly a day’s wages with the £15k prize, the £100,000-a-week playmaker celebrated his chess glory more enthusiastically than his Wembley wonderstrike. Earlier in the tournament, though, there was major controversy as one of the internet personalities was booted out for cheating. YouTuber DrLupo admitted he “f***ed up” by reading the live chat to attain “information he shouldn’t have had” against a higher-ranked opponent. Eze, meanwhile, will be hoping for another win on Sunday when Oliver Glasner’s side make the trip across the capital to face Tottenham.But much of Palace’s focus is already on the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 17 – with the South Londoners hoping to win their very first major honour. Read More on The SunSunSport also revealed Eze could be allowed to leave Selhurst Park this summer alongside team-mate Marc Guehi to raise £130million for a squad overhaul. He has two years left on his current contract but the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United may trigger his £60m release clause. Eze secured the title by moving his queen to E3Credit: Twitch / Chess.comEze came through the round robin and then won a semi-finalCredit: Twitch / Chess.comHe pocketed a day’s wages by being crowned winner of the 12-player competition featuring internet personalitiesCredit: Twitch / Chess.comEze will be hoping for another 2-0 win in this month’s FA Cup finalCredit: Getty More

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      Mourinho and Solskjaer reignite feud in Turkey after Special One questioned Man Utd icon’s parenting skills

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      FOUR years after they last parted, throwing barbs at each other, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will lock horns again tomorrow.Two legends of the Premier League, now holed up in Istanbul.Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce are set to lock horns with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s BesiktasCredit: GettyAfter their Prem rivalry they are now in opposite dugouts in TurkeyCredit: GettyThey will be reigniting their feud in the heated Istanbul derbyCredit: RexBoth the Special One and the more soft-spoken Norwegian will relish the passion and drama as Fenerbahce’s flickering title hopes require a win over Solskjaer’s Besiktas.You cannot help but suspect both former Manchester United managers would jump at one last chance in English football.Mourinho’s record of three Prem crowns across two spells at Chelsea more than trumps Solskjaer’s reigns at Cardiff and United, of course.The Portuguese lifted both the Carabao Cup and the Europa League during his Old Trafford spell, while Solskjaer’s highlight was a near-miss Europa final penalty shootout defeat to Villarreal in May 2021.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat was less than two months after the pair had bickered like schoolkids following United’s 3-1 win at Mourinho’s Tottenham, just a week before he was sacked by Spurs supremo Daniel Levy.It was playground stuff, with Solskjaer accusing Son Heung-min of “conning” the referee to instigate a VAR check which ruled out a United goal.Solskjaer said at the time: “If my son stays down like that and gets ten of his mates around him, he won’t get any food.”Mourinho responded that Solskjaer’s comments had made him “very sad”, adding: “Sonny is very lucky that his father is a better person than Ole.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford“As a father, you have to always feed your kids. If you have to steal to feed your kids, you steal.“I am very, very disappointed. Like we say in Portugal, bread is bread and cheese is cheese. I told Ole already what I think about his comments.”Crazy moment Jose Mourinho pinches Galatasaray manager’s NOSE before he falls to ground sparking chaosFour years on, with  Solskjaer having been appointed by the Black Eagles in January, they meet again.Since replacing Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Solskjaer, 52, has lifted his side from seventh to fourth in the Turkish Super Lig, with a chance of a Europa League play-off spot if they can overhaul third-placed  Samsunspor. For Mourinho, though, whose side trail arch-rivals Galatasaray by five points with five to play, it is a must-win game.However, at least before the match, the duo have downed their pistols.Pressed on their personal rivalry, the man whose outstretched right foot broke Bayern Munich hearts to complete United’s 1999 Treble demurred.The Besiktas boss insisted: “This is not a match between Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.“This is a match between Besiktas and Fenerbahce. The players will decide the score. I have great respect for Mourinho.“There are not many managers as successful as him, so I’m looking  forward to a derby like this.”Yet given their histories in English football, it does feel like an odd place for them to have both ended up — and surely not their final destination.It might not be easy to suggest a potential Prem club where Solskjaer would be an obvious fit, although his efforts at Cardiff suggest he could be an option for an ambitious Championship outfit.But one of the men who felt both the rough and smooth side of  Mourinho’s tongue, former Chelsea and England ace Joe Cole, is convinced the 62-year-old Special One has not run his last Prem race just yet.Cole said: “Jose is still a genius as a manager. He still has potential.“I’d love to see him back in the Premier League. He breaks box-office records. If you want to win something, Mourinho is the guy you go to.”Mourinho left Spurs with plenty to prove — winning the Uefa Conference League with Roma in 2022 to make his point.Like Solskjaer, he has unfinished business in England and would relish one last hoorah.This weekend, though, it is all about the colour and intensity of Istanbul.A draw would suit Solskjaer, who is hinting at playing without a recognised No 9, while Mourinho HAS to win.Read More on The SunThe only guarantee is sparks will fly both on and off the pitch.They wouldn’t have it any other way, either.Man Utd ratings vs Athletic Bilbao as Fernandes leads by example but Ugarte strugglesMANCHESTER UNITED are on the cusp of a first European final since 2021 after stunning Athletic Club 3-0 in Bilbao.Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes ran the show in Spain to sink one of LaLiga’s meanest defences.Ruben Amorim opted for a bold XI as United faced up to Europe’s best home rearguard.Bilbao had conceded just 11 goals at the Estadio de San Mames all season, with the arena a cauldron of noise in the early stages.But after some half chances for the hosts, the game turned on its head following Casemiro’s opener against the run of play – after Harry Maguire channelled his inner Lamine Yamal.The Brazilian headed United ahead, with Dani Vivian controversially sent off just minutes later for hauling down Rasmus Hojlund in the box.Bruno Fernandes stepped up to roll in the spotkick before adding to the rout on the stroke of half-time, firing past Julen Agirrezabala one-on-one.Bilbao retreated into their own half for the remainder of the game, keeping the score down to three.And United – so dismal for much of this season – are now overwhelming favourites to reach the Europa League final.Here’s how SunSport’s Jim Sheridan rated the Red Devils in Bilbao… More

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      Arteta tips ‘big talent’ Max Dowman, 15, as next to step up after Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri… with three more to follow

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      MIKEL ARTETA always has an eye on Arsenal’s future stars.Famously, within his first week of being appointed Gunners boss in December 2019, the Spaniard asked the academy for videos of a 12-year-old Ethan Nwaneri.Mikel Arteta has started the blood Arsenal’s young starsCredit: GettyMyles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri have become first-team regulars this seasonCredit: GettyNow, an 18-year-old Nwaneri is a history-making first-team star in a breakthrough campaign, alongside Hale End pal and England cap Myles Lewis-Skelly, also 18.You do not have to look too far to see the next one on the North London conveyor belt, with Arteta heavily hinting that 15-year-old midfielder Max Dowman will be a part of the senior squad next season and is a “big, big talent”.This is hardly news to Arsenal fans. Dowman — born in Chelmsford on December 31, 2009 — is considered to be one of the most exciting academy products to ever be produced by the club, and that is saying something.Declan Rice recently called him the “best 15-year-old in the country”, something Dowman is proving with the Under-18s and Under-21s on a weekly basis.READ MORE ON ARSENALHe currently has 12 goals and four assists in 13 games for the Under-18 side.In September, he became the youngest-ever scorer in the Uefa Youth League as a 14-year-old, before becoming the youngest-ever Premier League 2 player in December.All that has not gone unnoticed. Arteta has had Dowman training with the first team for most of this campaign, and even invited him on their mid-season Dubai trip.It is understood that Arteta would have given Dowman his debut already but for Premier League rules that prohibit players registered for the Under-16s or below from featuring.Most read in FootballMax Dowman is the next in line the break into the first teamCredit: GettyDowman joined in on the mid-season Dubai training campCredit: GettyThe 15-year-old regularly trains with the first teamCredit: GettyJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesThat will change next term, starting with this summer’s pre-season trip to Singapore and Hong Kong in July. Arteta admitted recently the emergence of winger Nwaneri and defender Lewis-Skelly has altered his thinking when it comes to new signings.Mikel Arteta forced to pull back fuming Arsenal set piece coach after Declan Rice corner routine goes wrongDowman is coming into that equation, too.The Arsenal boss explained: “Let’s see how this evolves but we have certainly got a big, big talent there for the near future.”It was suggested teenagers are breaking through more regularly in the modern game, like the Arsenal teenage duo and Barcelona’s 17-year-old genius Lamine Yamal.But Arteta countered: “It is very difficult, there are not that many cases. You mentioned three in Europe and we have two, so it is very, very rare.“But now he is involved in the squad. He trains with us a lot. Does that mean he will play in the Premier League many games?“I don’t know, depends how good he is and how impressive he is and how much he offers the team like Ethan, like Myles, like any other player in the squad.“He is on the right pathway and everybody in the academy has done an incredible job to consistently protect him, inspire him, challenge him, keep him always up.“He is doing the right steps and taking it slowly. He will dictate how fast we go.”Nwaneri became the youngest Prem debutant as a 15-year-old in September 2022 but is there such a thing as too young?Ethan Nwaneri became the youngest Premier League debutant at 15 years old in 2022Credit: ReutersArteta replied: “You need to understand his age.The way you talk and communicate with him. “But if you look from afar and you don’t know he is 15 and you see certain things that he does, you have to judge him on that — you wouldn’t think he was different to any other player.”There is also the balance of bringing through young talents and signing players that will see Arsenal end their 21-year title drought.The Gunners are planning a huge splurge this summer, especially on an elite striker.Arteta said: “You are never going to get it right unless you bring academy players through and win trophies.“If you don’t do those two things at the same time, you are never going to win. So, both things together and we are in business.“I love the trophies and I love working with young players, especially the ones that have been through our academy, and see them playing, because that is a dream for any football club.“The first thing we do is, what do we have in the academy? Can we look at them? Can we promote them? Can we make them the lead players that we are going to need to win trophies? Do they have this mentality?“Throughout that period of three, four, five years, are you thinking about winning matches and actually winning trophies? Or are you thinking about your own steps?“Even if we get the best talent in Portugal for £50million, £60million, he comes here, maybe he has three wonderful months and then he drops for two or three months. That’s part of the game.”ARSENAL’S NEXT CROP OF TALENTBut it’s not just Max Dowman who is making a name for himself in the Arsenal youth ranks.Here SunSport break down three other youngsters set to burst onto the scene soon…MARLI SALMONMarli Salmon has been compared to William SalibaCredit: GettyAGE: 15POSITION: Centre-backNATIONALITY: EnglishCompared to William Saliba by those in and around the Arsenal academy, he has a great leap, loves a sliding tackle and is good on the ball.Salmon is only a year or two away from making the step up to men’s football.JACK PORTERJack Porter has already made his first team debutCredit: GettyAGE: 16POSITION: GoalkeeperNATIONALITY: EnglishMade first-team debut in September in the Carabao Cup, breaking records along the way. Porter has trained with senior team and is on Mikel Arteta’s radar. May need a loan move to get more experience.KYRAN THOMPSONKyran Thompson has been likened to Jude BellinghamCredit: GettyAGE: 15POSITION: Winger/strikerNATIONALITY: EnglishCompared to Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham.Read More on The SunArsenal beat Manchester City and Tottenham to sign Thompson from West Ham.Recently helped the Under-16s to the Premier League Cup. More

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      Arsenal should refuse to give Liverpool a ‘guard of honour’ – it’s a humiliating load of old b*****ks

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      CHELSEA will give Liverpool a ‘guard of honour’ before tomorrow’s Premier League match at Stamford Bridge.And next weekend, presumably, Arsenal will do the same.Chelsea give Manchester City a guard of honour in the 2022/23 seasonCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunLiverpool stars celebrate after winning the Premier League title following victory against TottenhamCredit: GettyBut like so many other things in modern football, it’s something I will never understand. Frankly, I think it’s a load of old b*****ks.It’s not so much a mark of respect as a humiliation for the team lining up to give the champions a little clap. It is as if Chelsea and Arsenal and everyone who plays the champs for the rest of the season, is saying, ‘Well done, we’re perfectly happy you beat us’.When my Watford team lost an FA Cup final to Manchester City, we had to stand and clap while they got their medals.But that’s after the match, that’s fair enough.I was never in a position where I was expected to be part of a ‘guard of honour’. During my top-flight days, Watford never played against a team who had already been confirmed as champions.But if I had been in that situation, I’d have refused point blank.That’s what Arsenal, Liverpool’s nearest challengers this season, should do next Sunday.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThat would really set down a marker for next season. No more Mr Nice Guys.I’VE got quite a lot in common with Jamie Vardy.We both came up from non-league football, through the Football League and into the top flight.Inside raucous Liverpool dressing room as Trent Alexander-Arnold leads celebrations and Darwin Nunez smokes a cigarWe both wore ankle tags while playing football after criminal convictions in our youth.We both became long-serving club stalwarts, him at Leicester and me at Watford.I’m pretty proud of what I achieved in the game, but Vardy . . . he’s something else.This bloke is Roy of the Rovers. He is football’s greatest underdog story.Jamie Vardy kisses the Premier League trophy after Leicester’s incredible 2015/16 triumphCredit: APHe won the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Golden Boot, he’s played for England and — unlike me — he got to leave his club on his own terms after 13 years of sterling service.Vardy is 38, 18 months older than me and approximately 18st lighter!But after announcing that he’s leaving Leicester, he can still do a serious job for someone in the Premier League next term.Wolves are keen on him and I could see that happening. But, for me, Everton would be a great fit.David Moyes will be bringing in a dozen or more players this summer for the Merseyside club’s new era in their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.And I’m sure he would love to have the option of Vardy. With his pace, he will always be dangerous coming off the bench against a tiring defence and he could still start in some matches.Vardy is unconventional, a maverick. Right down to his fitness regime and diet – which has often included vodka, Skittles and the tobacco product, snus.What I like most about Vardy is that he hasn’t tried to change one bit as a player or a bloke.Some players might win the Premier League and try to reinvent themselves, thinking they’re a real all-round footballer. But Vardy sticks to what he has always done best.He doesn’t drop back and try to dictate games, he just continues to dart in behind defences and score goals. Even this season, he’s scored eight times in a Leicester team that couldn’t open a front door, let alone a defence.Scoring goals in a terrible team which creates very few chances is a seriously tough gig, but Vardy has managed it.I get the Wrexham link — the Hollywood club meets the Hollywood footballer.Ryan Reynolds and Co have brought in a lot of veteran players on their journey up from the National League to the Championship, so you can see why Vardy would fit in there.But he would be a great option for many Premier League clubs and he could break Teddy Sheringham’s record as the oldest outfield player in the competition.Teddy was playing for West Ham in the top flight not long before his 41st birthday.Jamie Vardy is leaving Leicester at the end of the seasonCredit: PALeicester play Southampton today as two of the worst teams the English top-flight has ever known.It’s sad what has happened to Leicester in recent years because what they achieved in winning the title in 2016 was probably the greatest story English football has ever known.That was our first season in the top flight after winning promotion with Watford and at the start of the campaign, we’d have considered them to be one of our rivals for relegation.But like everybody else, we couldn’t have been more wrong.What a team that was. The quality of Vardy and Riyad Mahrez in attack, the midfield duo of N’Golo Kante and Danny Drinkwater was one of the best I ever played against.During that season, Vardy broke Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Premier League record by scoring in 11 consecutive games.Honestly, when you understand what an achievement it is to score in back-to-back Premier League games, your mind boggles at the idea of 11 in a row.And people often forget Vardy’s strike partner, Shinji Okazaki. What a work-rate he had. He would come off the pitch like a race horse, literally with steam coming off him!Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester played a 4-4-2 and their back four were old-fashioned defenders — head it, kick it, keep it out. And I mean that with the utmost respect.One of them, the captain Wes Morgan, I knew pretty well. And after Leicester beat us that season he told me ‘mate, we are seriously good, a really special group of players’.He said that they genuinely all got on brilliantly, they chose to socialise with each other all the time. And, believe me, that is really unusual, particularly at a Premier League club — or at any workplace, really.And when Leicester were confirmed as champions, as Spurs failed to beat Chelsea in a war of a game on a Monday night, who was hosting the players’ house party to celebrate? Vardy, of course.The last two home games of this miserable Leicester season will now be celebrations of Vardy’s career as they say farewell to a legend.And rightly so, because he is a player who should inspire EVERYONE in the non-league and lower leagues.Jamie Vardy is the miracle man. More

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      Man City 1 Wolves 0: Kevin De Bruyne follows in Lionel Messi’s footsteps with vital goal for City’s top-five race

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      LET’S be honest, no-one ever seriously expected he would go quietly, did they?After all, when you’ve been a big noise at the Etihad for a decade, it’s not going to be a hush hush farewell come the final curtain call.Kevin De Bruyne scored as Man City beat Wolves 1-0Credit: ReutersErling Haaland was all smiles as City moved third in the tableCredit: RexBecause for all Kevin De Bruyne has never sparked headlines with off-field rants or blasts, he has made many on-field ones with flashes of genius for Man City.Like Friday night, for example, where he joined Lionel Messi as the only player to reach 250 goal involvements under Pep Guardiola.And so an evening which began with fans stunned by Pep’s admission he may quit when his contract is up here, ended with all eyes on a man who is definitely about to.Not by choice, admittedly. De Bruyne’s decade as an Etihad darling is coming to a close because his manager opted not to offer him a new deal when this one expires.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the sad fact increasingly dawning on the fans who idolise the Belgian so much he will surely be the next with a statue, is that the sands of time are trickling away.And De Bruyne, playing his penultimate match at the stadium he’s called home since 2015, is certainly living up to the old adage of going out leaving ‘em wanting more.A couple of weeks ago it was by scoring one and creating three others in a five-star, five-goal win over FA Cup final opponents Crystal Palace.Against Wolves it was with the deliberate, side footed – although admittedly slightly scuffed – opener that broke the stalemate in a turgid game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe headline act in a down-the-bill display from Guardiola’s fallen champions, who somehow got through another of the finals they must win to seal a top five finish.To be fair, there was precious little sign of them doing so until De Bruyne pounced, ten minutes before the break, as City huffed and puffed their way to, well nowhere really.Ruben Dias and Maya Jama’s romantic debut at Baller League matchThe fans who stayed away for the first six minutes, in protest at the number of years it has been since an increase in available season tickets, missed nothing.Not in terms of edge-of-the-seat raids from the champions of the last four years, yet now not even sure of a Champions League-placed finish.Indeed, the first serious one should have put Wolves ahead, when Jean-Ricner Bellegarde beat the offside trap a yard inside the City half.He could have shot but took the safer option of squaring for Marshall Munetsi to tap into an empty net.Well it should have been the safer option, at least. But Bellegarde over-hit the delivery, a stretching Munetsi wouldn’t have reached it with extendable legs and the chance was gone.De Bruyne showed his class with a strike 10 minutes before half-timeCredit: GettyThe Belgian is leaving this summer but showed he is still an important playerCredit: GettyA slap in the face which stung City into action? Well it was the spark for an even closer call…but once again created by those in old gold, not sky blue.Matheus Cunha may well be plying his trade in Manchester on a regular basis next term, if United push the boat out and make him the marquee summer striker they crave.But he gave a glimpse of what the can expected with an angled burst into the box that ended with the ball falling kindly for Rayan Ait-Nouri.The Algerian’s first effort came back off the foot of the post, but his second from the rebound was heading in until Josko Gvardiol hacked it away.Finally, finally, stumbling City kicked into top gear, Nico O’Reilly stinging Jose Sa’s fingertips with a rising drive.De Bruyne joined Lionel Messi as the only players to reach 250 goal involvements for Pep GuardiolaCredit: GettyCity are now looking on course to play in Europe’s top flight next termCredit: ReutersAnd then, 35 minutes in, came the moment they all wanted…from the goalscorer they all prayed it would be.Jeremy Doku’s quickstep blast took him to the byline, before deliberately pulling it back for the ginger genius.De Bruyne has hit plenty of crisper strikes over his decade as an Etihad darling, but this one still found the net despite bouncing first. Almost a bump-ball goal, you could say.Still, they all count and after a first half that was hardly blow-your-socks off impressive, City were quite happy to take it.Not that it ever looked like opening floodgates, or anything remotely close. There were still too many close calls for that.Erling Haaland was back on the bench after his injury layoffCredit: RexWolves were left flat after missing several good chancesCredit: AlamyNone more than Cunha’s out-of-the-blue snapshot that rattled an uprightUltimately, though, City hung on as their fans showed Guardiola what they thought of him by belting out his name louder and longer than ever in the closing stages.Read More on The SunMind you, nothing like the ear-splitting ovation they gave to De Bruyne when he took his bow five minutes from the end.With good reason, too. They didn’t need telling who had got them out of the you-know-what yet again. More