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      Sir Alex Ferguson would’ve booted him out the door by now, says Man Utd legend about club outcast

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      MARCUS RASHFORD would have been given the boot by now if Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge, claims former star Teddy Sheringham.The Manchester United forward has been tipped to leave Old Trafford this month after revealing he “wants a new challenge”.Marcus Rashford is available for transfer this monthCredit: ReutersAlex Ferguson would have got rid of Rashford by now, says Teddy SheringhamCredit: GettyRashford, 27, was subsequently dropped from the first-team squad by Ruben Amorim and is expected to leave on loan this month.Arsenal, AC Milan and Juventus are amongst the clubs linked, with United understood to be open to a permanent sale if their £40million valuation is met.He has made just four appearances since Amorim took charge in November, but former United striker Sheringham does not understand why he has not already moved on.Speaking to OLBG, Sheringham said: “I think the way he’s come out and said that ‘he’s ready for a new challenge’ is beyond me.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“When it’s one of your own from Manchester, a Manchester boy that should understand the privilege it is to play for United and where you’re at when you’re playing for United.“Every player in the world growing up still wants to play for United and he’s saying now that he wants a new challenge somewhere.“I don’t understand it! Fergie would’ve booted him out the door by now if he’d have said that while he was in his tenure. “He’s obviously going to go somewhere, but I think his days are numbered at United.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhy Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fitBy Martin LiptonMARCUS RASHFORD is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Rashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.Even so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.The facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by LaLiga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert. Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.Rashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time.Rashford has reportedly made his team-mates furious with his revelation that he wants to leave.Borussia Dortmund could take him off United’s hands following reports they have held talks with his agent.BBC look back on Sir Alex Ferguson’s career in two part documentary More

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      Jorginho ‘begins negotiations’ over Arsenal exit as ex-Chelsea defender tasked with convincing Italian to join

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      FLAMENGO reportedly want to sign Jorginho in a free transfer from Arsenal this month.The 33-year-old’s Arsenal contract expires in June and he is yet to agree terms for an extension.Jorginho is wanted by Brazilian side FlamengoCredit: GettyNow that he is within the final six months of his deal, Jorginho is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with any club abroad.Flamengo are understood to be among his potential suitors, but club officials want the midfielder to join sooner rather than later.Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte claims the Serie A giants are pushing to sign Jorginho this month.However, they do not want to pay a transfer fee.Read More in FootballThat means they will have to rely on Arsenal releasing him early.Flamengo have proposed a three-year deal to Jorginho.Reports last week claimed that Jorginho’s representatives held preliminary talks with Palmeiras.However, it is believed that no formal offer was discussed between the Brazilian side and Arsenal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFormer Chelsea full-back Filipe Luis has already spoken with Jorginho to reaffirm the position he will have in the team.Jorginho joined Arsenal in a £12million transfer from Chelsea two years ago.Arsenal vs Manchester United: Player Ratings (2)The Italian has since made 70 appearances for the Gunners. More

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      Pep Guardiola set to move out of £8.5m family home that used to belong to a Barcelona legend after ‘split from wife’

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      PEP GUARDIOLA is expected to move out of his £8.5MILLION family home after he and his wife reportedly split.The Manchester City boss, who has three grown-up children with his fashion boss wife Cristina Serra, has always stayed at the family home when back in the Catalan capital.Pep Guardiola is set to move out of his family home in BarcelonaCredit: GettyCristina is expected to continue living in the £8.5m home in Barcelona’s elite suburbsCredit: IdealistaThe Barcelona home comes fitted with an impressive outdoor poolCredit: IdealistaThe views from the Guardiola family home in Barcelona are jaw-droppingCredit: IdealistaThe pool is flanked by a kids play area and outdoor seatingCredit: IdealistaThe home comes fitted with a spacious open-plan kitchenCredit: IdealistaGuardiola and fashion boss wife Cristina are reported to have split upCredit: RexThe luxury property in Barcelona’s most-elite neighbourhood was once owned by Nou Camp legend Rafa Marquez.Guardiola, 53, bought the pad for £8.5m through a company he ran with his wife from a Russian businessman in February 2021.The four-storey house, near to a six-mile stretch of dirt tracks on the outskirts of Barcelona called Carretera de les Aigues, has a large swimming pool in its grounds.It occupies a plot of more than 22,000 square feet and the house itself is an impressive 8,000 square feet.READ MORE SPORT STORIESCatalan press seized on the house purchase, which was made public in June 2021, as a sign Guardiola could be planning a return to Barcelona following Joan Laporta’s election as its president.Cristina moved into the property two years after leaving Manchester to return to her home city.However, it is now being reported that Guardiola will move out of the property following his split from Cristina.Respected Spanish news outlet El Confidencial described the mansion today as “the perfect place for a separation without anyone discovering when you leave or enter”.Most read in FootballGuardiola is expected to continue to live in a luxury £2.7m pad in Salford.Although the outlet insisted the couple had spent Christmas together at the property with their three children Maria, 24, Marius, 22, and 17-year-old Valentina.Pep Guardiola says ‘I’m the manager and I’m not good enough’ as Man City lose again The open plan living area comes complete with balcony overlooking the cityCredit: IdealistaGuardiola won’t be using the his and hers basins anymore after reportedly moving out of the family homeCredit: IdealistaIt added: “It’s the mansion that marked the physical distancing of Guardiola and his wife in 2021.”Barcelona-based newspaper Sport report that Guardiola and Cristina decided to end their relationship in December while both in Spain.Their relationship is still “cordial, stable and friendly” despite taking the decision to part ways.Lorena Vazquez, the journalist who broke the shock news, has revealed Pep and Cristina have not split because of a third person.Vazquez, who forms part of a highly-respected duo of reporters known in Spain as the Mamarazzis, said overnight: “It’s been a carefully-considered decision the couple discussed over several months.“They continue to have a cordial and affectionate relationship.“No one else is involved. There are no third parties. We are going to carry on seeing them together.”After revealing the couple’s shock split, she added: “They weren’t expecting any journalists or media outlets would confirm this break-up but I can assure you they’re living apart and only a small handful of people knew about this.”Pep, Cristina and their three kids, pictured in 2018Eldest daughter Maria has found fame in her own right as a modelCredit: INSTAGRAMThe report claims they have been living apart for nearly five years after Cristina moved back to Barcelona to run her fashion company.But she has been switching between Spain and London – still spending time with Guardiola.City declined to comment when approached over reports of the split.Guardiola is believed to have met Cristina in her family’s clothes store called Serra Claret when he was just 18.He was modelling for designer Antonio Miro in Serra’s shop when he first met Cristina.And even as recently as January 2024, the former midfielder revealed Cristina helps pick out his matchday outfits.Serra Claret stock many brands he has worn on the touchline, such as Dsquared2, CP Company and Armani.Despite meeting as teens, they waited a long time to get married.Pep Guardiola is set to permanently reside at his £2.7m apartment in ManchesterCredit: MENThe apartment comes kitted out with a stunning poolCredit: MENGuardiola will leave his family home in Barcelona and stay in his Manchester padCredit: MENThey tied the knot in 2014 in an intimate ceremony in Spain – a private service just for close family in Catalonia.Eldest daughter Maria, 24, is a model who has over 900,000 followers on Instagram.READ MORE SUN STORIESSon Marius, 22, currently resides in Dubai and runs three companies – one of them dedicated to advertising and marketing.And youngest Valentina, 17, is focused on studies. 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      Premier League LIVE SCORES: Chelsea vs Bournemouth latest plus updates from Forest vs Liverpool and Brentford vs City

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      PREMIER LEAGUE action returns TONIGHT with some huge matches taking place under the lights.Manchester City travel to the Gtech Community Stadium as they look to take advantage of Brentford’s recent dip in home form.Elsewhere, Chelsea host Bournemouth and Graham Potter takes charge of his first game at the London Stadium as West Ham welcome London rivals Fulham.Later, Nottingham Forest take on Liverpool in a blockbuster top-of-the-table clash.Kick off times: 7.30pm/8pm GMTTV channel: TNT SportsLive stream: discovery+FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…West Ham vs Fulham team newsGraham Potter confirmed that Niclas Fullkrug suffered a ‘significant’ injury against Aston Villa and the German could be out for ‘months’.That leaves Potter short a striker and he may get creative with the position rather than starting Danny Ings. Potter mentioned Mo Kudus and Lucas Paqueta as potential options up front.For the visitors, Marco Silva said both Sander Berge and Rodrigo Muniz will face late fitness tests.Berge has not played since December 22 while Rodrigo scored in the win against Watford but picked up a knock in that game.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedChelsea vs Bournemouth team newsFor the Blues, Enzo Maresca confirmed that Reece James, Romeo Lavia and Noni Madueke are all fit and ready to play if called upon.The Cherries have a lengthy injury list and one key player will definitely be missing out – no 1 keeper Kepa is not allowed to face his parent club.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedNottingham Forest vs LiverpoolWow – what a huge game this could be in the Premier League title race.Certainly not a sentence I was expecting to write about Nottingham Forest at home to Liverpool when the fixture list was released.But Forest are top of the form table – winning six matches in a row – and have won seven of their last eight.Nuno has the Tricky Trees on fire as opponents continue to struggle to deal with their physicality and organisation, as well as they quality.Liverpool ended a bad week with a routine win against Accrington Stanley but tonight is a massive test for Arne Slot’s team.They were poor against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup in midweek and were lucky to escape with a draw against Manchester United last week.Was last week just a blip or are the wheels coming off?Forest are the only team to beat Liverpool in the Premier League this season, remember…Copy linkCopiedBrentford vs Man CityThere continues to be a lot of noise coming out of Man City off the pitch but have they turned a corner on it?Pep Guardiola’s side have now won three in a row – scoring 14 and conceding one – even if one of those wins came against Salford City.City were superb against a hapless West Ham in their last Premier League game, with Erling Haaland back on the scoresheet and Phil Foden enjoying one of his best performances of the season.They play Brentford at a good time. The Bees have picked up just four points since December, last time out with a 5-0 win at Southampton.Thomas Frank’s team then suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at home to Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup at the weekend, although it was a heavily changed XI.Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedWest Ham vs FulhamThe Graham Potter era is underway at West Ham with the former Brighton and Chelsea boss set to take charge of his first Premier League game as Hammers boss.His first game came at Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Friday night and although they lost that game, West Ham looked a much more coherent side.Fulham are having a decent season but now need to start stringing some wins together.Marco Silva’s side are unbeaten since November 23, but have only picked up 12 points in eight Premier League matches since then – winning two and drawing six.They were impressive against Watford in the FA Cup last week.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedChelsea vs BournemouthThe Blues may have secured an easy 5-0 win against Morecambe at the weekend but it hasn’t been plain sailing in the Premier League in the last couple of weeks.Having reached second in the league following five consecutive wins between November and December, Chelsea have now gone winless in FOUR games.Games against Everton, Fulham, Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace have yielded just two points and two goals, making this one against Bournemouth a must win.But that will be easier said than done.Bournemouth are in the middle of a sensational run of their own and are now unbeaten in NINE in all competitions. Five Premier League wins and three draws have sent them up to seventh in the table and they will go level on points with Chelsea should they win.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedWelcome!Hello everyone and a warm welcome to those of you tuning in (very) early for our Premier League blog.We have a packed schedule tonight – and the rest of the week – and will bring you every bit of action, all the goals and all the talking points from around the ground.Chelsea vs Bournemouth (7.30pm)West Ham vs Fulham (7.30pm)Brentford vs Man City (7.30pm)Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool (8pm)Credit: RexCopy linkCopied More

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      Arsenal ‘will sign Martin Zubimendi at end of season’ after pipping Liverpool in transfer for Real Sociedad star

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      ARSENAL have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi at the end of the season.The midfielder has been targeted by several top Premier League clubs in recent months.Arsenal have won the race to sign Martin ZubimendiCredit: GettyBut the Gunners have won the race for his signature and will trigger his £51million release clause, report the Daily Mail.Arsenal wanted to sign the Spaniard immediately but Real Sociedad refused to let him go before the end of the season.Zubimendi was courted by the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City in the summer but did not want to leave.Arsenal were understood to not be in contention then, although Mikel Arteta has been sounding out a move for his compatriot for the last 12 months.READ MORE ON ARSENALArteta signed Mikel Merino in the summer to add to his midfield options, with Jorginho and Thomas Partey out of contract in the summer.Zubimendi played a role in Spain’s Euro 2024 success in the summer and came on in the final against England.He has won 15 caps for his country and also helped Real Sociedad qualify for the Champions League last season.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal have been tipped to sign a forward this month given injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, but Arteta said the club will not rush into transfers.Most read in FootballHe said: “We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad. That’s been like that since day one.”How Spurs can destroy Arsenal’s title hopes with Ange Postecoglou ‘wheels of chaos’ tactic More

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      Michael Owen rates only eight movies he’s watched in his whole life… and gives ‘greatest film ever’ just 5 out of 10

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      MICHAEL OWEN has rated the only eight movies he’s ever watched in his life.But fans were left outraged after he gave one iconic film a paltry 5/10 score.Michael Owen dished out some movie reviews despite only ever watching EIGHT filmsCredit: X @premierleagueHe left fans shocked with some of his ratingsCredit: X @premierleagueFormer Liverpool and Manchester United striker Owen famously dislikes watching big-screen flicks.He previously tweeted a list of the only eight movies he’s ever watched in his lifetime.And the ex-England star was finally put on the spot to review each one — with just one film getting an 8/10.Speaking to the Premier League, Owen ran through the list of eight before giving his opinion on the industry.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOwen exclaimed: “I don’t even watch films! This is brilliant.”He then went through the list of movies he’s seen, starting with ‘Rocky’.After clarifying it was the first instalment from Sylvester Stallone’s famous boxing franchise, Owen gave it a measly 3/10.He said: “That was an average one. They got better (after).”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe next film up was Michael Mann’s iconic ‘Heat’, starring Hollywood greats Al Pacino and Robert De Niro.Owen chuckled: “You know I’ve only watched a handful of films and you got these spot on!”Michael Owen argues back as Howard Webb reveals VAR took SEVEN SECONDS to decide Brighton penalty vs ArsenalOwen was not a fan of ‘Rocky’He gave ‘Heat’ a paltry scoreBut despite Heat’s legendary status, Owen only gave the cat-and-mouse thriller a 5/10.Romance flick ‘Ghost’, starring Patrick Swayze, also received a 5/10.While dinosaur adventure ‘Jurassic Park’ got 7/10, with Owen admitting: “That was better.”John Candy comedy ‘Cool Runnings’ received a 6/10.And racehorse bio ‘Seabiscuit’ was given just 4/10.But kung-ku classic ‘Karate Kid’ received the highest rating with 8/10 as Owen declared it to be “good.”While the final film, Tom Hanks’ ‘Forrest Gump’, got a 6/10.Owen ended his hilarious review by saying: “Films are rubbish, I hate films!”Fans weren’t impressed with his ratings though, with one particular put out by his review of ‘Heat’.They said: “He’s just given one of the greatest films ever made 5/10.”Another declared: “Rocky 3/10? Cancel this man for any future appearances.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Hating films in general is a strange take.”Another added: “Damn, and I thought I don’t watch enough movies.” More

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      Tony Book dead at 90: Legendary former Man City captain and manager dies as club lead emotional tributes

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      FORMER Manchester City captain and manager Tony Book has died aged 90.The ex-full-back played 315 times for City between 1966 and 1974.Tony Book won the FA Cup in 1969Credit: PA:Press AssociationBook, left, cemented himself as a Man City legendCredit: GettyHe won four major trophies as the club’s skipper, before later going on to have three stints as manager.City have posted an emotional tribute to their club icon.Their statement read: “It is with huge sadness and the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of former Manchester City captain and manager Tony Book, aged 90.”A true Club legend in every sense of the word, Tony made 315 appearances for City in total between 1966 and 1974, scoring five goals.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOn their website, they added that Book was “Mr Manchester City”.Book’s career was largely influenced by fellow City icon Malcolm Allison.He was managed by Allison at hometown team Bath City, before following him to Toronto in 1964.When Allison landed the Plymouth Argyle job, he made Book his first signing at Home Park.Most read in FootballAmazingly at the age of 30, this was Book’s first taste of League football.Two years later he joined City in a £17,000 deal, after Allison had taken a job as Joe Mercer’s assistant.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transferWith City, Book won the First Division, FA Cup, League Cup and Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup.He was also named Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year in 1969, sharing the award with Tottenham icon Dave Mackay.And George Best once named Book as his most difficult-ever opponent.In 1973, Book took temporary charge of City while still a player.Book played as a full-back for CityCredit: RexHe retired the following year aged 39 to work as Ron Saunders’ assistant, before landing the manager gig six months later when Saunders was sacked.One of his first games in charge saw City beat Manchester United 1-0, in a game that effectively relegated their rivals.Book won the League Cup as boss in 1976, before being replaced by Allison in 1979.He soon returned in the 1980s, and worked in a variety of roles across the club.The City icon worked as a youth coach, before stepping in as caretaker boss in 1989 and 1993 – while he also made up part of Peter Reid’s coaching staff.READ MORE SUN STORIESFollowing his coaching career, Book was named Honorary President of the club.He is survived by wife Sylvia, and kids Tracey and Anthony. More

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      My dad will look down with pride when Forest host Liverpool and rekindle 70s rivalry, says Brian Clough’s son Nigel

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      BRIAN CLOUGH will be looking down with pride when Nottingham Forest host Liverpool in an amazing rekindling of their 70s rivalry.That is the message from his son Nigel — who played for both sides — ahead of tonight’s unlikely Premier League title crunch at the City Ground.Liverpool and Nottingham Forest collide in an unlikely top-of-the-table clash tonightCredit: GETTYThe match is a throwback to the ’70’s when the clubs were the best in the landCredit: REXBrian Clough was in charge of Forest when they went toe-to-toe with the Reds for major honoursCredit: PASon Nigel believes his late father will be looking down proudly this eveningCredit: REXForest are the story of the Prem season after six consecutive top-flight wins that has them battling with the big boys at the top.If Nuno Espirito Santo’s side make it seven on the bounce, they will cut Liverpool’s lead to just three points.Clough Sr took Forest from the old Second Division in 1977 to break the dominance of Liverpool and land the First Division title and two European Cups within just three years.Mansfield boss Nigel, 58, whose League One side play Wigan in the FA Cup tonight, declared: “Dad would have been very proud to see Forest back up there.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“So many older supporters have said they wish their children were around to see that time.“Now, they are getting a little taste. Not of what it was — but a little taste of them being up there.“It’s just brilliant for those fans. It was always special playing Liverpool and I couldn’t believe the recent stat that Forest had not won at Liverpool since 1969.“For how much Forest did challenge them, they could not win at Anfield — despite some good nil-nils there.Most read in Football“It will be another sell-out at the City Ground. People can’t get tickets there these days, although they are welcome to come to the One Call Stadium if they want to see some live football.”Back in the late 1970s, Forest versus Liverpool was the country’s biggest rivalry.Elon Musk wants to buy Liverpool in stunning takeover says dad who fears club will ‘raise price’ for world’s richest manOld Big ’Ead, who died in 2004, masterminded Forest’s rise from the second tier in 1976-1977 and they won the First Division the next year.What followed was even more remarkable — European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980, following on from Liverpool’s consecutive wins before that.Forest also beat Liverpool in the 1978 League Cup final at Wembley as Clough and his Anfield rival, Bob Paisley, created an enduring rivalry.Clough Jr, who was 12 when Forest won the title in 1978, said: “I never thought I would see the sides up there together in the top three or four again.“It brings back memories of the late 70s when they were English football’s dominant forces.“Every time they have played in recent history, it’s always Liverpool who have been strong favourites.“But this does take you back all those years, when Forest were the only side responsible for preventing Liverpool’s dominance continuing.Dad would have been very proud to see Forest back up there.Nigel Clough“They were established European champions, had dominated in the mid-70s and looked as though they would continue to do that until Forest came along and upset the apple cart.”For a few years, Forest were then equal to them at least.”It will bring back a lot of memories for the older Forest supporters, who can tell their children that 40-odd years ago they were toe-to-toe with Liverpool.“This is the closest it’s been since that time at the moment.“I remember watching the rivalry build and Liverpool players from that time acknowledge the role Forest played in giving them that challenge they were not getting anywhere else in Europe.“It was not a geographical rivalry. It was just a rivalry on the pitch after becoming Liverpool’s closest challengers.“It wasn’t like a Liverpool v Manchester United situation.“But we just had so many battles around that time — including the League Cup final, as well as pipping them for the title and beating them in the European Cup first round.Matches between Forest and Liverpool were the pinnacle of English football in the 1970sCredit: GETTYNigel Clough played for both Nottingham Forest and LiverpoolCredit: GETTY“It all just evolved. The one uniting factor, if anything, was the Hillsborough disaster a few years later.“You would never get the tragedy chanting like with Liverpool v Manchester United — it’s not that sort of rivalry.”It is just purely the rivalry on the pitch of two very, very good football teams at their peak.”After two seasons finding their feet back in the top flight, Forest have suddenly hit form.They are the only team to win at Anfield this season, thanks to Callum Hudson-Odoi’s goal in September.And Clough — who played over 300 times for Forest before signing for Liverpool in 1993 — reckons they have to be taken seriously as title contenders.He added: “You can’t ignore Forest now because of the run they have had, similar to when Leicester won it.“It breeds confidence, which is a commodity in football you can’t buy.“You can’t instil it, either. The only way to get it is by winning games.“I saw some of the game at Wolves the other night and, after Forest scored early, the home side failed to take one of two or three chances.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Forest won it 3-0 when it could have maybe been 1-1.“When games like that are going for them, you can’t rule them out.” More