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      Chelsea charging eye-watering £12,500 for ONE TICKET to final two Prem games – £139 per minute of action

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      CHELSEA have angered fans by charging an extraordinary £12,500 for ONE TICKET for their final two home games of the season against Liverpool and Manchester United.The staggering prices for the club’s VIP dugout experience are a new record for the Premier League – and will cost punters £139 for every minute of action on the pitch.Chelsea’ are selling their exclusive Dugout Club tickets for £12,500Credit: GettyThe plush seats behind the home dugout have been used by stars including Gerard Butler (middle back row)Credit: GettyActress Cara Delevingne (blue hat) has also taken advantage of the exclusive ticketCredit: GettyChelsea caused outrage last season by charging a then-record £5,000 for a Premier League game against United, but have dug in by more than doubling the price for their most expensive games this year.Liverpool are due to visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday 3 May for a game that could see Arne Slot’s side win the title. The date and kick-off time is likely to change however, due to requests from broadcasters.The United game is on the last day of the season on Sunday 18 May and the most expensive ticket will again be priced at £12,500.READ MORE ON CHELSEAChelsea are also selling tickets behind the away dugout at Stamford Bridge aimed at Liverpool and United fans for £7,500 for both matches.Most tickets for the 136-seat Dugout Club are priced at between £2,000 and £3,000 per person per game.But the visit of Tottenham for a midweek game at the start of April will cost £6,000.The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust labelled the prices as “eye-watering” and “unaffordable.” Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe fans want Chelsea to use the extra money to keep costs down for ordinary supporters.”The Dugout Club seats for the Man Utd and Liverpool games will bring in around £1.2million in extra revenue,” a spokesperson told SunSport.Rapper Central Cee is lost for words when Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella serenades him “This is an eye-watering amount of money and is totally unaffordable for the average Chelsea supporter.”Record-breaking premium pricing has increased the club’s revenue and this must be considered when deciding future general admission ticket prices.”The Dugout Club was introduced by Chelsea’s owners last season as way of making money from an area of the ground where players’ families and friends have traditionally been seated.While billed as a VIP experience the Dugout Club is not a purpose-built dining area such as those at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Etihad Stadium, where fans can get a view of the tunnel whilst eating their pre-match meal.Film star Butler is among those to have tested out the expensive seatsCredit: GettyThe idea is to increase matchday revenueCredit: AlamyAt Chelsea, the seats are located directly behind Enzo Maresca’s dugout close to where non-playing members of the squad often sit.As part of the package fans get the opportunity to watch both teams warm-up from pitch-side in the company of a former Chelsea player, and the chance to meet current players after the game in a media area.In addition, pre and post-match food and drink is provided from three hours before kick-off.How do Chelsea’s prices compare?CHELSEA’s Dugout Club prices are staggering, but they’re far from the only pricey seats in the Prem..Chelsea, Dugout Club, £12,500 per personAston Villa, Doug Ellis Box, £5999 ppMan City, Captain’s Centre Circle, £4830 ppManchester United , Warwick Private Executive Box, £2000 ppNottingham Forest, Boardroom Experience, £1194 ppChelsea’s position is that while expensive, the tickets are not aimed at ordinary fans.The Dugout Club is also used by Chelsea’s owners to entertain A-list guests.Hollywood star Gerard Butler and model Cara Delevingne both watched matches from there last season.Chelsea’s general admission prices went up for the first time in 13 years this season, but the increases have been relatively modest for season-ticket holders.The cheapest adult season-ticket costs £787.50 – making one ticket for the Dugout Club equivalent to almost 16 seasons of watching Chelsea from the cheap seats.READ MORE SUN STORIESChelsea have also been criticised by fans for converting general admission seats into corporate areas. As a result of the high prices charged in these areas, no matches at Stamford Bridge have sold out this season. More

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      70,000-seater ‘world’s best stadium’ set to have World Cup hosting rights RESTORED as work restarts after 16 years

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      VALENCIA’S Nou Mestalla Stadium is set to have its World Cup hosting rights restored after work restarted following 16 years.The skeleton of what had been dubbed “the world’s best stadium” had been lying dormant as construction work halted in 2009.Valencia’s Nou Mestalla Stadium has seen its World Cup hosting rights restoredCredit: GettyThe skeleton of the 70,000 seater ground has been dormant for 16 yearsCredit: GettyBut Rafael Louzan, President of RFEF, has now said it will be in Spain’s World Cup rosterCredit: GettyHowever, after the best part of two decades, work has finally restarted on the stunning project.The aim is to complete the 70,000-capacity stadium by the summer of 2027 after the club unveiled its sixth set of plans since the original announcement in 2006.And the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Rafael Louzán, has now suggested the ground will be one of those to play host to World Cup football in 2030.During a trip to the stadium with FFCV and LaLiga, he said: “I said it this morning, I am just another Valencianista, Valencia is not going to miss out on hosting the World Cup. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I can assure you of that. We have already been working on this and I know that in the end that would be something tremendously unfair and that it is not going to happen. “I want to reassure the Valencianistas so that they know that our work is oriented in that direction so that a stadium like this can host the World Cup and host important matches. “We must remember that the Nou Mestalla is going to be the most modern stadium in Spain with a very important capacity. Valencia is going to host the 2030 World Cup.”Spain is co-hosting the tournament with Morocco and Portugal.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhile the final venues for the tournament have not been announced, the so-called “most modern stadium” in the country would be a big miss at such a prestigious tournament.The original plans for the ground when it was announced had seen Valencia plan to move into it in the 2009/10 season.Iconic 60-year-old stadium which has hosted huge WWE pay-per-views unrecognizable after roof collapses in heavy snowfallHowever, crippling financial troubles where it climbed up to £350million in costs saw the project – which also originally had an 80,000 capacity – paused.Last summer Valencia was stripped of its hosting rights by the RFEF as it was no longer considered a viable venue.But now there has been a stunning U-turn that will see it host the World Cup.It comes following a report from Mundo Deportivo that the number of stadiums will be reduced from 20 to between 17 and 19. More

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      Joey Barton tells court he ‘has temper’ – but denies ‘kicking wife in the head as their kids slept upstairs’

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      JOEY Barton today told a court he can “lose his temper” but denied he kicked his wife in the head as their kids slept upstairs.The former footballer allegedly attacked Georgia Barton at their home in Kew, South West London.Joey Barton, pictured arriving at court today, is accused of shoving his wife to the groundCredit: RexBarton, seen with wife Georgia outside court today, allegedly attacked his wife before their anniversaryCredit: PABarton, 42, and Georgia had both drunk “four or five bottles of wine” with two other couples when a row erupted.Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard the ex-Man City star threatened to fight his wife’s brother and father in a “verbal disagreement about a family matter”.Barton then “grabbed [Georgia] and pushed her to the ground and kicked her in the head”, it was said.The court heard that as a friend tried to intervene, Barton “threw” him off and said “don’t disrespect me”.Read more court newsGeorgia, who was left with a lump on her forehead and a bleeding nose, called police shortly after 11pm to “report she had been hit by her husband”.During a tearful 999 call played to the court, she said: “Me husband’s just hit me in the house.”He’s in the house, I’m outside.”Asked if anything similar had happened before, she said: “No, it’s the first time,” adding that she had been hit “in the face”.Most read in FootballWhen police arrived at around 11:30pm, Georgia told them: “I’ve been pushed down and kicked about and stuff.”He said he was going to fight with my brother and my dad.”Barton was arrested at about midnight in his bedroom, where he had been asleep, and was still drunk.The couple are still married and living together, the court heard.Giving evidence, Barton admitted he had drunk “six to eight” drinks when the alleged attack unfolded.He told the court there had been a “disagreement” and he “stupidly took me mate’s side”.Barton continued: “We just got into petty name calling.”We ended up getting a bit more agitated and were close to each other.”The former footballer admitted he was someone that “on occasion” might lose his temper.But he denied the claims against him, saying: “If I kicked someone in the head there would be a lot more damage than what’s alleged in this case.”Barton was due to face trial in 2022 after pleading not guilty to assault by beating but this was halted when Georgia retracted her claims.The High Court ruled last year that the trial could go ahead and that the previous decision to drop the case was “wrong in principle”.Barton married his childhood sweetheart in a lavish ceremony in 2019 at a country house in Oxfordshire.The couple have two children together – a son born in 2011 and a daughter born in 2014.Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.Barton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.Barton denies a single charge of assault by beating and the trial continues.Barton has denied assault by beatingCredit: PAHe allegedly attacked his wife, seen with Barton in 2011, after drinking up to five bottles of wineCredit: Getty – ContributorBarton married childhood sweetheart Georgia in 2019Credit: Instagram / Georgia McneilThe former manager’s trial continuesCredit: Alamy More

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      Marcus Rashford watches Man Utd from stands despite Ruben Amorim having THREE SPACES on bench as star sends message

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      MARCUS RASHFORD watched Manchester United’s dramatic 2-1 win over Rangers from the stands at Old Trafford.That’s after Rashford was left out of Ruben Amorim’s squad again – despite the fact the Red Devils boss had THREE SPACES spare on his bench.Marcus Rashford was seen watching Manchester United at Old Trafford from the standsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/marcusrashford/The winger has been left out for 10 straight gamesCredit: RexBruno Fernandes nabbed an injury winner in Thursday night’s 2-1 Battle of Britain victory over Rangers, to move United up to fourth in the European league phase standings.But Amorim had named only nine substitutes out of a possible 12 to his matchday squad.That meant Rashford was left out for a TENTH straight game.But the Old Trafford outcast still took the opportunity to support his team-mates from the stands.READ MORE ON MAN UTDTaking to Instagram, Rashford, 27, posted his view of the pitch, accompanied by the caption: “Come on the boys”. United legend Rio Ferdinand, who was on pundit duties for TNT Sports, believes Amorim is sending Rashford a clear message.Ferdinand said: “‘I think that’s (him being left out) an indication of what the club want to happen. I think they want to get him out. “I think he needs to go to a new club, a new situation, a new environment, for him. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I think it’s best for both parties, himself and for Manchester United in that sense. “He’s a player that when he burst onto the scene and was scoring goals, I used to always remember him smiling, looking like a young kid that can’t believe he’s here, living the dream. ‘Best for the team’ – Ruben Amorim gives blunt explanation on Marcus Rashford absence as Man Utd outcast seeks transfer”I’ve not seen that face, I’ve not seen those emotions for a long time. For far too long. And I want to see players happy.”I don’t think he’s enjoyed his football while he’s been here the last few years, so I think it would be best for everybody for him to go “I think people behind the scenes that can make those decisions are trying their best to do that.”Amorim filled the bench for United’s 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12, but left two spaces free against Bodo/Glimt.Rashford’s post comes after he trained with the United squad at Carrington on Wednesday ahead of their European clash. He was seen smiling during group exercises, with other footage showing his focus on the session. Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Barcelona all registered their interest in Rashford, who said he was “seeking a new challenge” after being left out United’s 2-1 win in the Manchester Derby in December.But Dortmund have distanced themselves after being priced out by his 325,000-per-week wages.Milan are no longer an option after the Serie A side completed a loan move for Manchester City captain Kyle Walker on Thursday.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat means cash-strapped Barcelona could be Rashford’s last hope if he wants out.Meanwhile, fans feared that Alejandro Garnacho played his last game at Old Trafford after he was spotted looking emotional at full-time.Man Utd ratings: Bruno Fernandes captain fantastic in last-gasp win but Harry Maguire asleep in dreadful cameoMANCHESTER UNITED all but sealed automatic qualification to the last 16 of the Europa League thanks to a last-gasp win over Rangers.The Red Devils welcomed the Scottish giants to Old Trafford in the penultimate group match of their European campaign on Thursday night.And they took a giant step towards a top-eight finish thanks to a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.A calamitous own second-half goal from Gers stopper Jack Butland broke the deadlock.Cyriel Dessers thought he’d rescued a point for the visitors in the 88th minute before Bruno Fernandes broke the hearts of the travelling Teddy Bears four minutes later.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence was in attendance for the Battle of Britain and is on hand to rate and slate the performances of Ruben Amorim’s side.Altay Bayindir – 7The Turk is a better keeper than No 1 Andre Onana, especially dealing with corners.Took a sore one colliding with Toby Collyer showing exactly that.Leny Yoro – 5The £52m central defender was deployed on the right side of Rubin Amorim’s three-man rearguard.Youngster was shaky at times but looked better when he had the ball.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Terrible early touch stranded Toby Collyer – Nicolas Raskin’s even worse touch let him off the hook.Hooked at the break – no surprise there, although Amorim said afterwards that he “felt something”.Lisandro Martinez – 5Once known as The Butcher of Amsterdam but he’s long lost that scary presence.Another one who doesn’t look happy in the new system.Amad Diallo – 7Looks a bit different these days since his tough time on loan at Rangers three years ago.Not on wonder-boy form this time but still a threat.Toby Collyer – 6Made his first appearance on a European stage and the boy done good.The 21 year old is a very decent emerging midfielder.Christian Eriksen – 6Turns 33 next month and his legs aren’t really up to playing in centre midfield.He’s always been a creator anyway but he dug in.Diogo Dalot – 5Started out on his wrong foot as a left wing back.Switched midway through the second half and looked far more comfortable.Bruno Fernandes – 9You wonder if he drives himself as mad as he must do his manager at times. But scored a fantastic winner.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Ruben. He’s NOT a centre-forward.Whatever £36m bought, it wasn’t a natural striker and it’s unfair to be playing him up there on his own.Alejandro Garnacho – 8Busy and focused – didn’t look like any talk of being sold to Chelsea was bothering him.On this sparkling evidence United would be mad to let him go anywhere.SUBSMaguire (for De Ligt 46) 3 Totally asleep for Rangers’ equaliser.Malacia (for Yoro 56) 5 : Looking happier now injury worries overUgarte (for Collyer 73) 5 : Put in a solid short spell.Mainoo (Eriksen 73) 5 : Added strength and mobility.Hojlund (for Zirkzee 82) 5 : Ran about a bit – he’s good at that. More

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      Brawls break out at Old Trafford with 39 ARRESTED as Rangers fans ‘infiltrate Man Utd end’ with ‘little children crying’

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      CHAOS broke out in the Old Trafford stands during Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Rangers in the Europa League last night resulting in 39 arrests.The madness came after large groups of Rangers fans appeared to have managed to buy tickets to the game inside the home end at the Theatre of Dreams.Crowd trouble occurred in the stands during Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Rangers on Thursday nightCredit: AlamyFans in the stands started to brawlCredit: XSupporters were pushing and shoving on the stepsCredit: XOne fan threw a punch in the direction of anotherRangers fans were being dragged away by United supportersCredit: XAnother video shows fans being pushed over the seats in the home endOfficially, Rangers had brought a travelling support of 3,000 to Manchester, however video footage from the game appears to show that there were many more fans dotted around the stands.Clips filmed inside the home end show brawls breaking out as Man Utd supporters appeared to confront alleged Rangers fans inside the home end.The videos show fans throwing punches and pushing other supporters out of their seats and towards the concourse.Stewards can also be seen trying to diffuse the situation and prevent mass fighting from breaking out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans online claimed that they saw “glass bottles” being thrown between the supporters after Rangers fans had been identified in the home end.Others also claimed to have seen young children in tears.It has since been confirmed by Greater Manchester Police that 39 arrests were made at the game last night.The Manchester Evening News have detailed a statement from Man Utd regarding the huge number of Rangers fans found amongst the home fans.Most read in FootballMan Utd ratings: Bruno Fernandes captain fantastic in last-gasp win but Harry Maguire asleep in dreadful cameoMANCHESTER UNITED all but sealed automatic qualification to the last 16 of the Europa League thanks to a last-gasp win over Rangers.The Red Devils welcomed the Scottish giants to Old Trafford in the penultimate group match of their European campaign on Thursday night.And they took a giant step towards a top-eight finish thanks to a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.A calamitous own second-half goal from Gers stopper Jack Butland broke the deadlock.Cyriel Dessers thought he’d rescued a point for the visitors in the 88th minute before Bruno Fernandes broke the hearts of the travelling Teddy Bears four minutes later.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence was in attendance for the Battle of Britain and is on hand to rate and slate the performances of Ruben Amorim’s side.Altay Bayindir – 7The Turk is a better keeper than No 1 Andre Onana, especially dealing with corners.Took a sore one colliding with Toby Collyer showing exactly that.Leny Yoro – 5The £52m central defender was deployed on the right side of Rubin Amorim’s three-man rearguard.Youngster was shaky at times but looked better when he had the ball.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Terrible early touch stranded Toby Collyer – Nicolas Raskin’s even worse touch let him off the hook.Hooked at the break – no surprise there, although Amorim said afterwards that he “felt something”.Lisandro Martinez – 5Once known as The Butcher of Amsterdam but he’s long lost that scary presence.Another one who doesn’t look happy in the new system.Amad Diallo – 7Looks a bit different these days since his tough time on loan at Rangers three years ago.Not on wonder-boy form this time but still a threat.Toby Collyer – 6Made his first appearance on a European stage and the boy done good.The 21 year old is a very decent emerging midfielder.Christian Eriksen – 6Turns 33 next month and his legs aren’t really up to playing in centre midfield.He’s always been a creator anyway but he dug in.Diogo Dalot – 5Started out on his wrong foot as a left wing back.Switched midway through the second half and looked far more comfortable.Bruno Fernandes – 9You wonder if he drives himself as mad as he must do his manager at times. But scored a fantastic winner.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Ruben. He’s NOT a centre-forward.Whatever £36m bought, it wasn’t a natural striker and it’s unfair to be playing him up there on his own.Alejandro Garnacho – 8Busy and focused – didn’t look like any talk of being sold to Chelsea was bothering him.On this sparkling evidence United would be mad to let him go anywhere.SUBSMaguire (for De Ligt 46) 3 Totally asleep for Rangers’ equaliser.Malacia (for Yoro 56) 5 : Looking happier now injury worries overUgarte (for Collyer 73) 5 : Put in a solid short spell.Mainoo (Eriksen 73) 5 : Added strength and mobility.Hojlund (for Zirkzee 82) 5 : Ran about a bit – he’s good at that.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt read: “In anticipation of the risks around tonight’s game, we took the strictest possible measures to prevent sales to away fans in home areas”Tickets were only allocated to people who existed on our database prior to the draw taking place in August. Hospitality tickets had the same restrictions applied.Shock moment Rangers and Man Utd hooligans clash and throw bottles at each other as police battle to restore order”Tickets forwarded by season ticket-holders and members also had the same restrictions applied (i.e. they could only be forwarded to fans on our database prior to the draw).”Whilst the unauthorised touting of tickets has become more difficult since our introduction of in-app digital ticketing, it cannot be completely eliminated.”All examples of away fans in home areas will be investigated over the coming days, with the strongest possible sanctions taken against the registered holders.”Another video circulating on social media showed a huge group of Rangers fans grouped together in the home end right next to the away fans, divided by a line of stewards.The clip shows what looks to be in excess of 100 fans in the home end openly celebrating Rangers’ equaliser in the 88th minute, sparking more reaction from the home fans.There had been trouble prior to the game too as a large number of the Scottish side’s support had made the journey down to Manchester without tickets.Police had to get involved as fans clashed in the streets ahead of kick off.Man Utd fans were incensed by the ticket issues and took to social media to vent their frustrations.One wrote: “Manchester United football club, you are an utter disgrace selling all those tickets to the Rangers fans.”Little children crying coming out, that’s your future because us old school Reds don’t last forever. “Enjoy the money you made tonight, could have caused mayhem at full time.”While another added: “How are they getting a massive group of tickets together like that is the question? That’s embarrassing”.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited had similar issues during their home clash against Galatasaray last season.The Red Devils travel to the capital this weekend as they face Fulham in the hopes of returning to winning ways in the Premier League after their 3-1 defeat to Brighton last week.A huge group of Rangers fans could be seen in one area amongst the Man Utd supportersCredit: GettyRangers brought a massive number of travelling supporters to Old TraffordCredit: PA More

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      ‘Damn he looks emotional,’ say Man Utd fans as footage of Garnacho emerges after game amid Chelsea transfer links

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      ALEJANDRO Garnacho looked emotional as he thanked the home crowd while walking off the pitch at Old Trafford last night.Fans believe the winger’s post-match behaviour after Man Utd beat Rangers 2-1 hinted at an immediate exit amid his heavy links with Chelsea.Fans thought Alejandro Garnacho looked emotional while walking off last nightCredit: GettyThe winger could have played his final game at Old Trafford as he’s linked to move to ChelseaCredit: GettyGarnacho stayed behind after the whistle to walk around the pitch and soak in the atmosphere.Footage showed the Argentine looking emotional and seemingly holding back tears as he pressed his tongue to the side of his mouth. Garnacho first waved and began clapping, while looking up towards the top tier as he headed towards the tunnel.And fans in the Stretford End made their feelings known as they belted “Viva Garnacho” while applauding the 20-year-old.READ MORE MAN UTDGarnacho continued to clap and gave one final wave to everybody with his arms extended before making his way into the back area.Online fans spotted Garnacho’s moving reaction, with one writing: “Oh damn he looks emotional.”A second said: “We really don’t deserve him. It looks like a goodbye.”A third added: “It feels wrong to let him go. You can see he wants to stay.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another commented: “Wow. He looks sad to be leaving. I guess it’s his last match.”Garnacho could have played his last match at Old Trafford, with United’s next home game coming against Palace on February 2 – the day before the winter window shuts.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim says he has no disciplinary issues with Rashford and Garnacho The Red Devils are away at Fulham on Sunday and travelling to Romania to face FCSB on January 30.Chelsea are expected to make a formal offer for Garnacho in the coming days.United did not respond to questions around a reported bid from Chelsea that is said to be around the £60million fee they are looking for.Garnacho’s representative, Quique de Lucas, was spotted watching Chelsea beat Wolves at Stamford Bridge on Monday.The Red Devils have been open around the fact their Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) situation is tight.Under PSR rules, selling a home-grown player like Garnacho, who has arguably been the side’s most exciting player over the previous two campaigns, creates more room under pure profit.Yet, United know such a move would go down badly with fans, especially if he joins their Prem rivals at Stamford Bridge. Napoli, who had a £40m bid for Garnacho rejected this month, have turned their attentions to Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi.Garnacho reportedly has no desire to leave United but may be pushed out of the club as United worry about PSR.Those in red inside the stadium repeatedly chanted his name during his 90 minutes against Rangers.An Argentina flag was unfurled in one section of the Stretford End.Garnacho’s Instagram post shortly after further fuelled speculation that he’s waving goodbye to Old Trafford.He captioned it: “Strong team performance. Thank you Old Trafford.”When asked about Garnacho’s future after the game, Ruben Amorim said: “Let’s see in the next days. “He’s a Manchester United player and was really important for us today.”I think he’s improving in every aspect of the game, he was better today playing inside, also outside, changing positions, he’s improving the recovering position.”READ MORE SUN STORIESGarnacho joined Carrington’s academy from Atletico Madrid in 2020.He has made 118 first-team appearances for United since making his debut in 2022 and scored 23 goals.Man Utd ratings: Bruno Fernandes captain fantastic in last-gasp win but Harry Maguire asleep in dreadful cameoMANCHESTER UNITED all but sealed automatic qualification to the last 16 of the Europa League thanks to a last-gasp win over Rangers.The Red Devils welcomed the Scottish giants to Old Trafford in the penultimate group match of their European campaign on Thursday night.And they took a giant step towards a top-eight finish thanks to a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.A calamitous own second-half goal from Gers stopper Jack Butland broke the deadlock.Cyriel Dessers thought he’d rescued a point for the visitors in the 88th minute before Bruno Fernandes broke the hearts of the travelling Teddy Bears four minutes later.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence was in attendance for the Battle of Britain and is on hand to rate and slate the performances of Ruben Amorim’s side.Altay Bayindir – 7The Turk is a better keeper than No 1 Andre Onana, especially dealing with corners.Took a sore one colliding with Toby Collyer showing exactly that.Leny Yoro – 5The £52m central defender was deployed on the right side of Rubin Amorim’s three-man rearguard.Youngster was shaky at times but looked better when he had the ball.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Terrible early touch stranded Toby Collyer – Nicolas Raskin’s even worse touch let him off the hook.Hooked at the break – no surprise there, although Amorim said afterwards that he “felt something”.Lisandro Martinez – 5Once known as The Butcher of Amsterdam but he’s long lost that scary presence.Another one who doesn’t look happy in the new system.Amad Diallo – 7Looks a bit different these days since his tough time on loan at Rangers three years ago.Not on wonder-boy form this time but still a threat.Toby Collyer – 6Made his first appearance on a European stage and the boy done good.The 21 year old is a very decent emerging midfielder.Christian Eriksen – 6Turns 33 next month and his legs aren’t really up to playing in centre midfield.He’s always been a creator anyway but he dug in.Diogo Dalot – 5Started out on his wrong foot as a left wing back.Switched midway through the second half and looked far more comfortable.Bruno Fernandes – 9You wonder if he drives himself as mad as he must do his manager at times. But scored a fantastic winner.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Ruben. He’s NOT a centre-forward.Whatever £36m bought, it wasn’t a natural striker and it’s unfair to be playing him up there on his own.Alejandro Garnacho – 8Busy and focused – didn’t look like any talk of being sold to Chelsea was bothering him.On this sparkling evidence United would be mad to let him go anywhere.SUBSMaguire (for De Ligt 46) 3 Totally asleep for Rangers’ equaliser.Malacia (for Yoro 56) 5 : Looking happier now injury worries overUgarte (for Collyer 73) 5 : Put in a solid short spell.Mainoo (Eriksen 73) 5 : Added strength and mobility.Hojlund (for Zirkzee 82) 5 : Ran about a bit – he’s good at that. More

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      Ajax embarrassed by Latvian minnows who haven’t played since December in ‘biggest humiliation of a Dutch team ever’

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      AJAX endured a humbling 1-0 defeat to Latvian side RFS in the Europa League last night.The Dutch side’s opponents had not played a competitive match since the last round of European fixtures on December 12.Ajax endured a humbling evening in LatviaCredit: EPAJordan Henderson was in action for the Dutch sideCredit: EPAThat’s because the Latvian top flight is played between March and November.Nevertheless, RFS shocked their more-fancied opponents courtesy of Adam Markhiyev’s 78th minute goal.The Eredivisie side started former Premier League stars Jordan Henderson and Bertrand Traore, as well as ex-Juventus ace Daniele Rugani and old Man Utd target Brian Brobbey, but could not find a way through their stubborn hosts.Their shocking defeat saw Ajax fall to 16th in the League Phase, four points off the top eight, thus officially ending their hopes of securing automatic progression to the round of 16.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPer Global Football Rankings, the Latvian top flight is the 71st best football league in the world.It ranks below the Georgian (66), Finnish (67), Venezuelan (68) and Qatari (69) top flights.While ironically, it comes in directly behind the Dutch second tier (70).Ajax fans were left mortified by last night’s result.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYOne posted online: “Dear f***ing god Ajax. Might be the biggest humiliation of a Dutch team in Europe.”While a second wrote: “Huge for Latvia, embarrassing for Ajax. Glimpse of last season right there.”Furious Jordan Henderson pulled apart from Ajax team-mate in Europa League clashA third fumed: “What an abysmal match from our side.”And a fourth blasted: “Most of these players do not deserve to wear our club colours.”One point of contention has been boss Francesco Farioli’s continued preference to pick Brobbey over former Old Trafford star Wout Weghorst.Brobbey has struggled this term, netting just once in 17 Eredivisie appearances.Ajax have been given a weekend off league duties to concentrate on their European campaign.They will return to action next Thursday when they host Galatasaray, potentially needing a point to avoid falling out of the league phase’s top 24.Wout Weghorst came off the bench for AjaxCredit: EPA More

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      Aston Villa vs West Ham: Get £60 in football free bets and bonuses for the Premier League with William Hill

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      AFTER midweek disappointment in the Champions League, Aston Villa return to league action with a tasty Super Sunday fixture against West Ham.Unai Emery’s men battled back superbly to earn a draw at the Emirates last weekend and host a Hammers side comfortably beaten by Crystal Palace last time out.Brand new William Hill customers who register an account and stake a tenner will be rewarded with a colossal £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereAston Villa vs West Ham: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*How to claim..William Hill £60 bonusVisit the William Hill website on your mobile device HERE*Register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60Place a bet of at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greaterAfter settlement – win or lose – William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonusesWilliam Hill: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Aston Villa vs West Ham: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Not got a William Hill account? No problem!It’s really easy to register an account and you can get your hands on that generous £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on the footy!Simply register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60After that, stake at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greater.After settlement — win or lose — William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football and in the casino!Aston Villa vs West Ham: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More