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      Jack Wilshere faces competition for Plymouth job from ex-England team-mate, 35, as Argyle draw up three-man shortlist

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      JACK WILSHERE faces competition from Tom Cleverley in his bid to land the Plymouth Argyle job.The Pilgrims are on the hunt for a new manager following Miron Muslic’s exit for Schalke.Jack Wilshere is seeking his first permanent managerial roleCredit: AlamyMiron Muslic left Argyle for Schalke last weekCredit: ReutersHaving employed three managers in eight years between 2015 and 2023, Argyle are now looking for their fifth permanent boss of the last 17 months.According to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, club chiefs will conduct a final round of interviews for the position next week.Wilshere, 33, is said to have made the final shortlist, as he looks for his first permanent managerial gig.The former Arsenal midfielder coached the Gunners’ Under-18s following his playing retirement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLast season worked at Norwich City under Johannes Hoff Thorup, before a brief stint as caretaker boss following the Dane’s sacking.Wilshere’s former England team-mate Cleverley is also in the running for the job.The ex-Manchester United midfielder, 35, is looking for a quick return to management following his Watford sacking at the end of the season.Cleverley lasted 14 months as Hornets boss, guiding them to 14th in the Championship last term.Most read in EFLBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKTom Cleverley was sacked by Watford at the end of last seasonCredit: PAIn addition to Wilshere and Cleverley, former Oxford boss Des Buckingham is set for an interview.Buckingham, 40, guided the U’s to League One promotion during the 2023-24 campaign, but was sacked last December with his side sitting 20th in the second tier.Jack Wilshere in race against time as he faces huge 350-mile commute from managerial debut to run London MarathonPrior to taking charge at the Kassam, Buckingham managed Wellington Phoenix and Mumbai City – in addition to various New Zealand age group sides.According to the BBC, four candidates are set for an interview next week.The identity of the fourth candidate remains unknown, although it is not former rumoured boss Ian Evatt.Having initially been linked with the Pilgrims, ex-Bolton gaffer Evatt is now no longer thought to be in the frame.Former Argyle boss Muslic, 42, left to take charge of German second-tier side Schalke – despite claiming to have “fallen in love” with the Pilgrims.Argyle’s turbulent few yearsThe Pilgrims are now set for their fifth boss in 17 monthsSteven Schumacher – Dec 2021-Dec 2023 P 108 W57 D 21 L 30Ian Foster – Jan 2024-Apr 2024 P 16 W 3 D 4 L9Wayne Rooney – May 2024-Dec 2024 P 25 W 5 D 6 L 14Miron Muslic – Jan 2025-May 2025 P 23 W 8 D 5 L 10In a club statement, chairman Simon Hallett claimed that Muslic had said he was “100 per cent committed to Argyle” – but when Schalke later came calling, the former Cercle Brugge boss vowed not to return to Plymouth “under any circumstances”.Muslic had replaced Wayne Rooney as Argyle boss in January, failing to stave off Championship relegation.Rooney, 39, was axed following just five wins in 25 matches at the helm in all competitions.Read More on The SunAlongside the ex-England captain, former director of football Neil Dewsnip also departed.Prior to Rooney’s appointment, Argyle had sacked Ian Foster following barely three months in charge, after the former England youth boss has succeeded League One title winner Steven Schumacher, following his departure for Stoke City.Des Buckingham is also in the Argyle frameCredit: GettyIan Foster’s Argyle stint was even shorter than Wayne Rooney’sCredit: Getty More

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      Former Man Utd star takes shot at Alejandro Garnacho’s HAIRCUT as he says it’s time to ship out ‘sulking’ ace

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      FORMER Manchester United star Ben Foster took aim at “sulking” Alejandro Garnacho’s HAIRCUT as he urged the Red Devils to axe the winger this summer.Garnacho, 20, may have played his last game for United after reportedly being told to find a new club by Ruben Amorim.Man Utd must axe ‘sulking’ Alejandro Garnacho, according to Ben FosterCredit: GettyThe Argentina international has been at United since 2020 and has gone on to score 26 goals in 144 games.However, Garnacho has failed to win over Amorim despite once being heralded as the future of the club.The winger was even involved in an altercation with a fan after the disastrous post-season tour of East Asia.And he could now be set to pack his bags for a new side, with Chelsea and Napoli both interested.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited have already moved to replace Garnacho by splashing £62.5million on Wolves’ Matheus Cunha.Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo also seems destined to join this month.And now, Amorim’s decision to axe Garnacho has been backed by former United goalie Foster.Speaking to talkSPORT, he declared that the forward was not a team player.Most read in FootballHe was involved in an altercation with a fan last weekCredit: TikTok @da_wood.7BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFoster feels Garnacho sulked too much in the wake of the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.And he also feels that Garnacho cares more about the appearance of his hair than the team’s wellbeing.Ruben Amorim bursts out laughing when asked about Man Utd star’s futureFoster said: “I think for Man United it’s best to ship [him] out. “If I was the manager I’d be a little bit similar to Amorim in the case of I just want team players.“I want a bunch of lads who are good, honest, hard working team players. And I don’t get that vibe from Garnacho, I don’t get that vibe from a few of the players.“You look at the full-time whistle after the Europa League game. You have Brennan Johnson doing an interview. “He looks like he hasn’t had a haircut for about three months, [hair] horrible all over the place, but his interview was incredible. “You could tell he’s a real nice lad, he’s hard working, he does everything for the team.“Then you look at Garnacho. Fresh trim a day ago, dyed blonde ready for the final. Read More on The Sun“The full-time whistle goes, he’s sat on the pitch sulking by himself, not trying to get behind the other lads, picking them up, saying ‘well done we got this far’.“And I think that there is the big contrast. I just want good lads, honest, hard working lads.”Foster even hit out at Garnacho’s hair cutCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes signs new four-year deal in huge boost to Mikel Arteta’s Premier League title hopes

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      GABRIEL has committed to Arsenal until 2029 in a major boost to Mikel Arteta and his Premier League title ambitions.The Brazilian centre-back has been in advanced talks over an extension for several months with his previous deal expiring in the summer of 2027.Gabriel has put pen to paper on a new contractCredit: GettyMikel Arteta, Richard Garlick and Andrea Berta were all at the signingCredit: GettyGabriel said he ‘loves the club’Credit: GettyOne of the main priorities of new sporting director Andrea Berta was to tie down key first-team stars to long-term contracts.And the Italian has already got one over the line with Gabriel taking home north of £100,000-a-week.More new deals are expected to follow in the coming weeks, including Bukayo Saka, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri and William Saliba – as the latter is eyed up by Real Madrid.It also puts to bed any doubts over Gabriel’s future – having been linked with a mega-money switch to Saudi Arabia that could have seen him treble his weekly earnings.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 27-year-old teased Gunners fans with an Instagram post on the Emirates pitch yesterday evening.On his new deal, Gabriel said: “I arrived here as a young player and after almost five years I’m so happy and I’ve learned a lot. “I’m so proud of myself, it’s an amazing journey, and I’m so happy to continue it. “I hope I win some trophies with this club, because I love this club and my family loves the club, too.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“Arsenal is an amazing club and I’m so proud to sign a new contract. “I love this club, I love the supporters, my team-mates, I love this stadium.”I’m so proud and thank you for all the support. We continue together for the future.”Since signing for the North Londoners from French side Lille in September 2020, Gabriel has become one of Arteta’s most important figures, forming a world-class partnership with Saliba at the heart of Arsenal’s defence.He has missed just 15 Prem games since the start of the 2021/22 campaign – ten of which came last term – and has netted 17 league goals in that time during Arsenal’s era of set-piece dominance, more than any other defender.A hamstring injury in April ended Gabriel’s season early, requiring surgery that sees him currently in rehab in a bid to be fit for the start of Arsenal’s pre-season tour to Singapore and Hong Kong from July 19.Gabriel will pocket north of £100k per weekCredit: GettyJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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      ‘Crazy!’ – Kai Havertz shows off incredible body transformation as Arsenal fans are left stunned by new pic

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      ARSENAL fans have been left stunned by Kai Havertz’s incredible body transformation.The German star returned for the final two games of the season after spending three months out with a hamstring injury.Kai Havertz appears to have undergone an incredible body transformationCredit: InstagramThe German shared snaps of himself working hard at the gymCredit: InstagramFans reckon he is bulking up ahead of next seasonCredit: InstagramAnd Havertz appears to have kept busy while sidelined by hitting the gym.He shared three snaps of himself hard at work on Instagram alongside the caption: “Loading.”The photos show Havertz lifting weights and doing pull-ups.Fans have compared his new bulging muscles physique with his old look and are convinced he is looking stronger than he ever ahead of next season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne wrote: “The way Havertz has bulked up is crazy.”Another added: “He’s actually a unit right now.”A third wrote: “Mikel Arteta making his players injury-proof.”Yet others are worried Havertz is bulking up to become Arsenal’s target man No9 when a new striker is high on the club’s summer shopping list.Most read in FootballHavertz – pictured here last summer – is likely to see his place in the side put under threat by the potential arrival of a new strikerCredit: GettyJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThey have been linked with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres.Reports suggest that Sesko, 21, reportedly has a £62million release clause but Arsenal have reservations over a deal.New chief Andrea Berta is a fan of Gyokeres, 26, and he could be available for around £60m.But competition for the Swede is fierce in the form of Manchester United and Atletico Madrid.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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      ‘I want to suffer, I want to feel bad’ – Pep Guardiola reveals he struggled to eat during Man City’s horror season

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      PEP GUARDIOLA struggled to eat during Manchester City’s miserable campaign.The Etihad boss oversaw a first trophyless season since 2017 with a third-placed Prem finish, shock FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace and play-off round Champions League exit to Real Madrid.Pep Guardiola struggled to eat last seasonCredit: AlamyHe endured only his second trophyless season as a managerCredit: AlamyIt was only the second time in Guardiola’s managerial career he failed to win any silverware — and he hopes to get his appetite back for City’s Club World Cup bid this month.The Spaniard, 54, said: “I want to suffer when I’m not winning games. I want to feel bad. I want to sleep badly.“My food, it tastes worse. I don’t need to eat much as I need to feel that [anger].”Yet Guardiola does not think he needs to prove people wrong next season.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSHe added: “It’s to prove to myself that I can do it. I don’t want to have those feelings that last season left.“When we win, the wine tastes better afterwards, you sleep better. I don’t know a manager who loses and sleeps like a baby.  You’ve got to worry. It’s part of your life.“I will not judge myself or my team because of bad seasons or good seasons…“Maybe finishing third in a season and never giving up —  otherwise you finish tenth or 12th — maybe that’s a better season than when we won the fourth Premier League in a row.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“We faced many difficulties that were higher due to injuries, relaxation. I was not good enough… for many reasons.”Guardiola quoted former Uruguayan president Jose Mujica,’I will quit’ – Pep Guardiola gives Man City ultimatum over squad issue that is ‘impossible for my soul’Guardiola is reinforcing his team for next seasonCredit: EPA“Success is how many times you stand up when you fall down” as he bids to learn from the season’s setbacks.The Etihad chief, who has won 12 domestic league titles across spells in Spain, Germany and England, added: “Fall down, stand up. Fall down, stand up.“That is the biggest success. Winners are boring. It’s nice to see the losers. That’s when you really learn.”Guardiola dismissed the idea he is an exceptional manager.Speaking to Reuters during a break in Barcelona, he said: “Do you think I feel special because I won a lot of titles? No! Forget about it.“Special is the doctor who saves lives. People who invented penicillin. That’s a genius. Me, genius? Come on.”Guardiola hopes to have an injection of new blood when City kick off their Club World Cup bid in America on June 18 against Moroccan side Wydad AC.He is set to sign AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, 26, and also wants 21-year-old Lyon winger Rayan Cherki and Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, 23.Guardiola added: “The new players will bring us energy that we need to lift the team again. We can lift trophies.”The ex-Barca and Bayern Munich manager has no plans to leave City anytime soon.Read More on The SunBut he added:  “I’d love to be in a World Cup, in a Euros, a Copa America. I have always thought about it…“Stress is always there but nobody put a gun to my head forcing me to choose this job.”Tijjani Reijnders is expected to be confirmed as a Man City playerCredit: GettyRayan Cherki is also close to moving to the Etihad StadiumCredit: AFP More

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      Lamine Yamal vs Cristiano Ronaldo to clash for first time ever live on free-to-air TV in Nations League final

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO is set to come face-to-face with the next generation of superstars for the first time.The Portuguese legend will take to the pitch to face Lamine Yamal’s Spain in the Uefa Nations League.Cristiano Ronaldo will face Lamin Yamal for the first time on SundayCredit: GettyYamal helped Spain book their spot in the Nations League final against PortugalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialPortugal will play Spain in the tournament’s final on Sunday evening.The match will take place at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany at 8pm.Ronaldo, 40, and co reached the final after beating Germany in the semi-final on Wednesday.The former Manchester United forward netted the winner despite Florian Wirtz giving Germany the lead.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYamal played his part as Spain edged out France in a nine-goal thriller in the other semi-final.The Barcelona star netted a brace to help his side win 5-4 at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart.Spain went 4-0 up on the night through goals from Nico Williams, Pedri, Mikel Merino and Yamal before a Kylian Mbappe penalty.Yamal, 17, then bagged his second goal of the game to seemingly put Spain out of sight.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHowever, Didier Deschamps’ team hit back to cut the deficit to just one after Rayan Cherki and Randal Kolo Muani scored either side of a Dani Vivian own-goal.The star-studded match will be shown on live TV and will be free for fans to watch.Germany vs Portugal Nations League clash DELAYED as players are forced to protect themselves from hailstonesThe clash will be televised on ITV as confirmed by host Mark Pougatch.He will be joined by former Lioness Karen Carney and Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague.Meanwhile, Yamal’s performance against Les Blues has further staked his claim to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or.Arsenal fans watching the match were left concerned for the club’s transfer window.This was due to Merino finding the target and supporters starting to think that Mikel Arteta will scrap his plans to sign a striker. More

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      Marginal gains? More like major shambles… Sir Dave Brailsford presided over Man Utd’s worst season for half a century

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      IT turns out Manchester United wasn’t the right place for ‘marginal gains’ man Sir Dave Brailsford.Had Brailsford been the ‘bloody great whopping gains man’, then perhaps it might have been, because United aren’t failing by fine margins.Sir Dave Brailsford has stepped down from his duties at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyLast season they failed to win the title by 42 points, gaining exactly half as many as champions Liverpool.They failed to qualify for Europe this year.And, for years now, their player recruitment has failed to make any footballing or economic sense.When Sir Jim Ratcliffe took over United’s footballing arm in December 2023, Brailsford — as Ineos director of sport — assumed a hands-on role at Old Trafford.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSBrailsford was the billionaire’s eyes and ears, his most trusted lieutenant, and it was hoped his philosophy of ‘marginal gains’ — which made him so successful in cycling — would translate to football.Yet just 18 months later, Brailsford relinquishes his day-to-day duties at the club with United further away than ever from where they want to be.Brailsford had forged his reputation in cycling on those ‘marginal gains’ — think of everything that goes into riding a bike, improve them all by one per cent, add them up and you have a significant increase in performance.Which is all well and good when it comes to the singular act of cycling.Most read in FootballBrailsford was brought in as part of Ineos’ Man Utd revolution under Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: AlamyBrailsford was a key part of British cycling before his more recent move into footballCredit: GettyJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordNot so much when it comes to the very many more moving parts that make up a massively underachieving football club.Back at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where his Team GB cyclists racked up eight gold medals, Brailsford was widely regarded as the finest mind in sport.Bruno Fernandes reveals role his wife played in £200m Al-Hilal transfer snub even though Man Utd were ready to cash inBy 2012, when Britain won another eight golds in the London velodrome, and Brailsford’s Team Sky had taken their stranglehold on the Tour de France Yellow Jersey, it was ‘arise Sir Dave’.But a lot of effluent had passed under the bridge between that high watermark and Brailsford’s arrival at Old Trafford more than a decade later.By then, his reputation had taken a battering — there had been allegations about the contents of a jiffy bag, the employment of ‘Therapeutic Use Exemptions’ for banned drugs, as well as accusations of bullying under Brailsford’s watch from some of his most successful cyclists.While clearly a brilliant man in many ways, Brailsford was damaged goods by the time he rocked up at United.And those who have tried to bring ideas from other sports into football have tended to fail — World Cup-winning rugby coach Sir Clive Woodward’s spell at Southampton being a prime example.Brailsford — who is 61 but only celebrated his 15th birthday last year, due to him being born on February 29 — played a key part in Ratcliffe’s Old Trafford ‘politburo’.He was instrumental in the Carrington training ground refurbishment and staff job cuts, as well as in the appointment of Ruben Amorim as manager.Brailsford helped guide Man Utd to the appointment of Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyBrailsford led ‘Mission 21’ to deliver United’s 21st league title, which forms part of ‘Project 150’ to mark the club’s 150th anniversary in 2028 — because these people always have to have a ‘mission’ and they always have to have a ‘project’.But the idea of United being crowned champions within three years looks pie in the sky after what was comfortably the club’s worst season for half a century.Brailsford has come and gone, Dan Ashworth — one of the most well-regarded administrators in football — has been and gone within five months.The same period of time he served on gardening leave after Ratcliffe poached him from Newcastle.Former Manchester City bigwig Omar Berrada remains in post as chief executive after winning his power struggle with Ashworth, while Jason Wilcox has been promoted from ‘technical director’ to ‘director of football’.At least, for the time being.Read More on The SunBrailsford remains on United’s board but is expected to devote more time to the Ineos Grenadiers cycling team, as well as Ratcliffe’s other football club, Nice.His time at United has been a curious one but rather than marginal gains, he presided over a major shambles.Man Utd have endured one of their worst ever seasonsCredit: Getty More