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      Wayne Rooney lined up for managerial return and ‘is contender to replace under-fire Championship boss’

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      WAYNE ROONEY is in line for a shock return to management just four months after being sacked by Plymouth Argyle.Blackburn are reportedly considering him as pressure mounts on boss Valerien Ismael.Wayne Rooney is a candidate for the Blackburn jobCredit: GettyValerien Ismael is under pressure after a poor run of formCredit: RexIsmael took over at Ewood Park after John Eustace surprisingly left the club to join Derby in February.But Blackburn have won just one of the Frenchman’s eight games in charge and they have slipped out the race for the play-offs.talkSPORT claim Ismael is under mounting pressure despite him signing a three-year contract just months ago.The Rovers are already weighing up his replacement and Rooney is supposedly on the list of possible candidates for the job.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRooney, who has swapped dugout for punditry so far this year, was axed on New Year’s Eve by Argyle.The Manchester United and England legend guided the club to just four victories from 23 games in the Championship.At the time of his departure, they had conceded more goals (51) and scored the fewest (22) in the division.Rooney started his managerial career at Derby, miraculously saving them from Championship relegation in the 2020/21 season.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut he was unable to do the same the following campaign after they were hit with a huge 21-point deduction for going into administration.Rooney then moved to the States and took charge of DC United before returning home to be Birmingham’s boss.I get the same text from Sir Alex Ferguson every time I get sacked from a job, admits Wayne Rooney But he lasted just 15 games, winning just two, in a nightmare reign.Despite his struggles in the dug-out, Rooney has said he’d be keen to give it another go.He told the Stick to Football podcast that he would open the door to a return – with the right club.And he even admitted he would accept a role as assistant manager.He said: “I’d have no problem dropping into an Under-21 team or going in as a coach.”I’m still young enough to learn and develop. Just having a good group of players who were at a [good] level.”Blackburn strugglesBlackburn are currently tenth in the Championship, seven points off the all-important top six with four games to go.Ismael has blamed injuries for his tough start to life in Lancashire, saying: “When you see the injury, we lost key players, massive players are missing for us. “Ten players are missing. 10 players are missing. It’s just too much.”It was really difficult for us to deal with that. At the same time, you are playing and need to get results and you’re losing players every game, every time. Read More on The Sun”We are not a dead team. We were a team with issues. We tried to deal with our issues. We tried to give our best. “But as I say, you have to stay calm. Focus on your job. Try to find the solution, ride the storm. At some point, you know it will come back. But some ingredients have to be right.” More

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      Footballer bizarrely presented with DEAD PIG as prize for being named man of the match

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      A NORWEGIAN club has hogged the limelight… by presenting their man of the match with a DEAD PIG.Fifth-tier Varhaug hosted their top-flight local rivals Bryne in the Norwegian Cup on Sunday.A dead pig was handed out as a Man of the Match award by a Norwegian top flight sideCredit: XSondre Dvergsdal picked up the prizeCredit: WikipediaBryne had caused a stir last month when handing keeper Jan de Boer four trays of EGGS in their own bizarre MOTM award.But Varhaug, based in the same rustic Rogaland area, set out to prove they are the southwestern county’s real “farmers’ team”.And after their 4-0 defeat, officials presented star man Sondre Dvergsdal with a freshly-slaughtered 50lb porker.Manager Sigrid Lode Knutsen said: “We came to the conclusion that we had to go harder than the ‘city dwellers’ from Bryne.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The real farmers come from Varhaug.”Meanwhile, Bryne, Erling Haaland’s former club, have vowed to continue rewarding their own players with local produce.Marketing chief Hagerup Roken said: “It goes without saying that we will hand out raw materials as prizes for our best players.”And keeper De Boer – who looked disappointed when pictured with his eggs award – insisted: “I think it’s fun.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSManchester City superstar Haaland began his pro career with Bryne before leaving for Norwegian rivals Molde in 2017.Dad Alfie also started out with the Eliteserien club, spending 14 years with them before Nottingham Forest signed him in 1993.Sky Sports remove controversial Monday Night Football post after they are hit by backlash from Man Utd fans More

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      ‘First points, then pints’ – Premier League manager starts new tradition of joining fans at local pubs if club wins

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      WOLVES boss Vitor Pereira has a new tradition of joining fans in the pub after winning games.The Portuguese was appointed in December and he has brought a winning feeling back to Molineux.Vítor Pereira has begun to visit pubs after winsCredit: XWolves’ 4-2 victory over Tottenham on Sunday was their fourth in a row – their longest top-flight winning streak in 53 years.Pereira, 56, celebrated by joining fans in a local pub where patrons sang his name and posed for photos.The Wolves manager embraced fans and reportedly said: “First points, then pints.”Pereira is now a frequent visitor to the local Wetherspoons, sparking a tradition of visiting The Moon Under Water after picking up three points at home.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter beating Southampton at Molineux, he said of his connection with the fans: “Since the first game, we have this chemistry.”I think I am one of them. I am the guy to finish the game and go to the pub to drink two or three pints with them.”To stay home alone, I don’t like. What is the problem? Nothing.”For me it is very normal, we don’t have a lot of restaurants here, at the pub I can eat a pie with a pint.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSPereira in’t the first football figure to make a trip to the pub.Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have regularly been spotted in local Welsh boozers mixing with fans.Birmingham part-owner Tom Brady was spotted in a Midlands drinking spot surrounded by supporters.And for one manager things went even further, with much-loved ex-Burnley boss Sean Dyche having a pub named after him in recognition of his achievements at Turf Moor. Pereira has overseen a resurgence at Wolves since succeeding Gary O’Neil.He has steered the club away from relegation trouble with eight wins and two draws from 16 Premier League matches.Premier League clash descends into farce as VAR counts number of players More

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      ‘Surely this is a dig?’ – Chelsea fans fear Cole Palmer ‘will leave us soon’ after cryptic Instagram post

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      COLE PALMER has sparked fear amongst Chelsea fans over his Stamford Bridge future with a cryptic social media post.Palmer, 22, took to Instagram to reminisce about last season as he re-shared a video from Chelsea’s 6-0 thrashing of Everton last April.Cole Palmer has sparked doubt over his Chelsea future with a cryptic social media postCredit: RexPalmer re-posted a video of a goal of his from last season with the caption ‘enjoyment’Credit: Instagram @colepalmer10The Blues superstar re-shared a video to his Instagram story that was originally posted by the club’s official account to look back at the win one year on.The 6-0 battering saw Palmer score FOUR times, and Chelsea had re-shared one of his impressive finishes that day.Palmer then posted the video to his story with the caption: “Enjoyment”.Chelsea fans were quick to spiral after the one-word post, suggesting that Palmer was taking a swipe at current boss Enzo Maresca by harking back to the game under former gaffer Mauricio Pochettino.READ MORE ON CHELSEAOne wrote: “Surely this is a dig at Maresca?”While another added: “Is this a sign that Palmer is not enjoying playing under Maresca?”Other feared that it was a sign that Palmer could be ready to leave SW6 after struggling to recreate his form of last season this term.One concerned Blue posted: “If we don’t get an elite coach he’s gone after the Club World Cup in the summer…”Most read in FootballPalmer thrived under Mauricio Pochettino last seasonCredit: ReutersHe has struggled in a more restrictive role under Enzo Maresca this yearCredit: RexJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeAnd a second feared: “Cole Palmer will leave us soon, sad to say”.Chelsea fans and pundits have voiced their concerns over Palmer’s role in the side this season under Maresca, complaining that the England international isn’t being given enough freedom to play his best.Fans beg Cole Palmer ‘never change’ as footage of Chelsea star asking waiter bizarre question emerges That has been echoed by Palmer’s numbers this season.The former Man City midfielder has scored 14 goals and registered nine assists in 37 appearances for the Blues this term, a significant drop from the 40 goal contributions he notched in 45 games last season.While his current form has been almost unrecognisable, failing to find the net in any of his last 14 appearances in all competitions.Chelsea’s struggles have also led to concern that Palmer could leave in search of Champions League football in the summer.Maresca’s side are currently 6th, just one point behind Man City in fifth spot.The Premier League’s top five will all qualify for Europe’s elite competition at the end of the season, but Chelsea will have to battle with City, Aston Villa, Newcastle, Bournemouth and Fulham for one of those final spots.Palmer only just signed a contract extension at the Bridge last July, putting pen to paper on a deal that will keep him at the club until 2033.Palmer had a sensational campaign last seasonThe midfielder hasn’t been able to recreate that form this term More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez shares pic of enormous sparkler on ring finger amid marriage rumours

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez has shared a picture of a stunning ring amid marriage talk surrounding the couple.Ronaldo and Georgina have been together since 2016 and have two daughters together, Alana, seven, and Bella, two, while she is also the stepmother of the Al-Nassr star’s other three kids.Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez shared a stunning ring to her Instagram pageCredit: instagram @georginagioThe couple have been dating since 2016 and have two children togetherCredit: https://www.instagram.com/georginagio/?hl=enRonaldo has previously referred to Georgina as his ‘wife’ but the couple are not marriedCredit: GettyBut taking to Instagram, where she has just shy of 66 million followers, she showed off a rectangular, translucent stone.She captioned the picture with the words: “And keep evil away from us, Amen,” in Arabic, while the 31-year-old also appears to have the same line tattooed on her.Despite the glamorous ring on her finger, Georgina and Ronaldo are not officially married.Former Real Madrid and Manchester United star Ronaldo, 40, has previously appeared to hint that the couple are hitched.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAt the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai in December, he said: “‘It’s a big pleasure to win this trophy. My oldest son is here, my wife [Georgina] is here.”Meanwhile, during a game of Mr and Mrs on his YouTube channel, Ronaldo also referenced Georgina by the same title.Indeed, on her reality TV Show, I Am Georgina, the 31-year-old revealed how her friends often tease her about her and Ronaldo’s relationship status.She said: “They’re always joking about the wedding. ‘When is the wedding?’ Most read in Football”Since Jennifer Lopez’s song ‘The Ring Or When’ came out, they started singing it to me. And well, this is not up to me.”However, officially they remain long-term partners rather than husband and wife.Cristiano Ronaldo reveals he is a playable character in new Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves game Speaking in March, Ronaldo revealed the reason why he and Georgina have not officially tied the knot, though admitted he is sure it will happen eventually.He told Netflix: “I always tell her, ‘when we get that click.’ Like everything with our life, and she knows what I’m talking about.”It could be in a year or it could be in six months or it could be in a month. I’m 1,000 per cent sure that it’ll happen.”Ronaldo and Georgina have both been busy pursuing business ventures away from the pitch.Georgina headed to Paris Fashion Week in March as she stepped out for the Ludovic de Saint Sernin Fall RTW 2025 fashion show.Meanwhile, Ronaldo bizarrely revealed himself to be in a new street fighter style fighting game, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves.Inside the glamorous world of Georgina Rodriguez…Georgina lives a life to be enviedCredit: InstagramThe stunning partner of Cristiano Ronaldo offers insights into her world using her social channelsCredit: instagram @georginagioShe has over 65 million followers on InstagramCredit: InstagramShe met Ronaldo whilst working as a shop girl at DiorCredit: The Mega AgencyShe is now the mother to his five children, two of which Georgina is the maternal motherCredit: EPAGeorgina now resides in Saudi Arabia follower her partner’s move to the countryCredit: Georgina Rodriguez/instagramGeorgina loves luxury holidays and can often be seen on mega yachtsCredit: Instagram @georginagioBoats are a big love of hersCredit: Refer to CaptionShe travels almost exclusively by private jetCredit: Georgina RodríguezThe Argentine beauty is a regularly at the Venice film festival where she can be seen turning headsCredit: GettyGeorgina is loved by fashion magazines for her sense of styleCredit: AlamyShe models for a range of companiesCredit: georginagio/InstagramRodríguez has modelled for PrettyLittleThing lingerieCredit: InstagramGeorgina’s love of travel is something she regularly shares on her social channels, including this trip to IbizaCredit: Instagram, @georginagio More

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      Bruno Fernandes takes out Man Utd employee who was made redundant by Sir Jim Ratcliffe for lunch

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      CLASSY Bruno Fernandes has been spotted taking an ex-Manchester United employee out for lunch.Former communications officer, John Allen, was made by redundant last summer amid a brutal wave of job cuts that saw 250 people lose their jobs.Bruno Fernandes was seen going out for lunch with John Allen, Man Utd’s former press officerCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe duo headed to Juniper in Wilmslow on Monday afternoonCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeAllen, who worked at the club for 25 years, was one of 250 staff made redundant during last summer’s brutal 250 job cutsCredit: SuppliedSir Jim Ratcliffe has been wielding the axe since arriving at Old Trafford as the part-owner makes swinging cuts to the club’s budget. Despite being forced out, Allen has not lost contact with senior figures at the club, as shown by him joining Red Devils captain Fernandes for lunch.The pair were seen heading to Juniper in Wilmslow, a hotspot for Man Utd players to enjoy a spot of lunch.Allen had worked at Man Utd for 25 years, starting in the ticket office before moving into the media department in 2011, before he lost his job under Ratcliffe’s Ineos regime.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPaying tribute to his two-and-a-half decades of service at Old Trafford in September, then manager Erik ten Hag presented a special Man Utd shirt with the No25 to him during Allen’s final press conference.Ten Hag, himself sacked by Man Utd a month later, said in a speech: “John, 25 years is a very long time. You are proud of this club and proud that you worked here. “You feel so connected with this club. It is a difficult moment to say goodbye.“I know you as a good colleague and a very good support for me.Most read in Football“I wish you all the best for what is coming, it will be great for you because you are so competent.“I wish you all the best in your work but also for your family, too.”’As a player yeah but…’ – Luke Littler forces Roy Keane to agree on Bruno Fernandes but Man Utd legend still makes digSunSport’s Neil Custis wrote at the time: “The regular United press pack also gave him a present. It all had the air of a happy retirement but it wasn’t, this bloke was getting the shove and he didn’t want to go.”Pausing to hold back the tears, John said: “It has been the biggest honour coming from Manchester to work with all these managers.“This is my club and to be able to do this, I am very lucky.”In February of this year, months after the first round of cuts, it was confirmed by the club that as many as 200 more jobs would be lost.A club statement said: “Manchester United is to transform its corporate structure as part of a series of additional measures to improve the club’s financial sustainability and enhance operational efficiency.”The transformation plan aims to return the club to profitability after five consecutive years of losses since 2019.”This will create a more solid financial platform from which the club can invest in men’s and women’s football success and improved infrastructure.”As part of these measures, the club anticipates that approximately 150-200 jobs may be made redundant, subject to a consultation process with employees.”These would be in addition to the 250 roles removed last year.”Man Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Zirkzee does well before injury but dropped Onana’s stand-in has a shockerMANCHESTER UNITED’S worst ever Premier League season was confirmed with a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle.The Red Devils are now guaranteed to finish on less than 56 points, which is their lowest ever Prem total.And they can only get that high if they win ALL of their last six games.If they’re not careful, they could even finish 17th – just one spot above the marooned bottom three.It was another dark day that reflects a poor campaign for United as Newcastle carved them open with ease in the second-half.Ruben Amorim dropped keeper Andre Onana after his horror show against Lyon midweek.But stand-in Altay Bayindir had a game to forget too.Sandro Tonali’s volley, a double by Harvey Barnes and a Bruno Guimaraes finish cancelled out Alejandro Garnacho’s goal.Here is how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the United performances…SunSport exclusively revealed how lunches for all but the first team had been reduced to soup and sandwiches — and that includes coaches and analysts, with a later report from The Guardian revealing the staff canteen was set to CLOSE altogether.Ending free lunches for staff is estimated to be saving the club £1million a year, while the club will also be scaling back its London presence, according to BBC Sport.The situation is no better on the pitch, with Man Utd 14th in the Premier League after a heavy 4-1 defeat to Newcastle on Sunday.Fernandes and co face a make-or-break Europa League second leg clash against Lyon at Old Trafford this Thursday.Read More on The SunFailing to win the game, and being eliminated from any chance of winning qualifying for the Champions League by winning the competition, would deal further damage to the club’s already disastrously low coffers.Although an FA report published yesterday revealed Man Utd spent £33m on agent fees between February 2024 and February 2025, the third highest in the division behind Chelsea (£60m) and Man City (£52m).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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      Sentimental Dream Team managers gearing up for one last ride with Kevin De Bruyne

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      KEVIN DE BRUYNE (£5.4m) rolled back the years to inspire Manchester City to a remarkable comeback victory over Crystal Palace at the weekend.The mood threatened to turn toxic at the Etihad when the Eagles went 2-0 up in the 21st minute but the hosts’ Belgian talisman, on his farewell tour after ten years at the club, played a pivotal role in what ended up being one of the best wins of the season for Pep Guardiola’s side.Few would begrudge De Bruyne a points-laden farewell tourCredit: Dream TeamDe Bruyne scored his 107th goal for Man City with a direct free-kick before he was involved in the build-up to Omar Marmoush’s (£4.8m) equaliser just three minutes later.Soon after the restart, the 33-year-old provided an assist with a composed lay-off for Mateo Kovacic (£2.6m) as the home side took full control against one of the Premier League’s most in-form sides.Academy products James McAtee (£0.9m) and Nico O’Reilly (£2.5m) completed the 5-2 rout but when all was said and done, De Bruyne was the big winner from a Dream Team perspective having banked 17 points.At the time of writing, only two players have performed better in Gameweek 31 – Joao Pedro (£3.4m) and Harvey Barnes (£2.9m) – who notched 19 points each over the weekend.De Bruyne picked Crystal Palace apart on SaturdayCredit: GettyDe Bruyne’s sizeable haul comes at a good time with Man City among the select group of just four teams set to fulfil two fixtures in Gameweek 32.The eight-time Premier League champions will travel to Everton this coming Saturday before hosting Aston Villa the following Tuesday.With double headers in short supply next Gameweek, Dream Team bosses should weigh up the prospect of one last ride with De Bruyne before he sails into the sunset.Generally speaking, gaffers should endeavour to make strategic decisions with their head rather than their heart but this approach may tick both boxes.Most read in FootballMan City have two fixtures in Gameweek 32Credit: AFPDe Bruyne has been among the most selected players in the game throughout the last decade; a premium midfielder who has justified his popularity and price with lorry-loads of points time and time again.For many, one final Gameweek with the gifted playmaker in tow will provide a welcome dose of nostalgia.And it may be the case that De Bruyne is more than a short-term punt as Man City will gain an additional fixture if they beat Nottingham Forest in Gameweek 33 to reach the FA Cup final.De Bruyne has not been at his best this season with significant injuries having taken their toll but it’s a measure of his extraordinary ability that he averages a goal involvement (five goals, ten assists) every 125 minutes in 2024/25.Strip all sentimentality away and he still appears to be a viable option for Gameweek 32.A welcome addition to Dream TeamCredit: ReutersAlternatively, gaffers may prefer to look to the future by recruiting Marmoush before Saturday’s 1:30pm deadline.The Egyptian forward has hit the ground running on English shores with seven goals and two assists since his January transfer from Frankfurt.He averages 7.7 points-per-game and is among the most in-form players in his position right now having banked 55 points from his last five outings via four goals.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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      Newcastle’s St James’ Park stadium deemed to be ‘at risk’ amid fears over ‘unusual and historic’ stand

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      NEWCASTLE’S St James’ Park stadium has been deemed to be “at risk” amid fears over an “unusual and historic” stand.The Magpies have been playing at their 52,000-seater home for the last 133 years.Newcastle’s East Stand at St James’ Park has been deemed ‘at risk’Credit: AFPIt remains unclear whether Toon will develop St James’ or move to a new arenaCredit: GettyBut it’s understood the club are eyeing up leaving St James’ for a new 65,000-seater arena worth £3billion.There remains the option that Newcastle instead redevelop their current home instead as they look to boost their income levels.And now, part of St James’ Park has made its way onto a list of buildings deemed to be “at risk.”The East Stand was listed by The 20th Century Society as a vulnerable piece of architecture which could eventually be the subject of “neglect, dereliction or demolition.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe famous rise is described as a “finely-detailed stand” featuring “brutalist credentials.”And it was also deemed a “striking urban set-piece” of architecture from the past two centuries.The 20th Century Society decided to include the East Stand on its list due to question marks over the future of St James’ Park.Campaign director Oli Marshall told the BBC: “This is an exciting new era for Newcastle and the club have to look to the future.Most read in FootballThe East Stand, the smallest of the four sides, is flanked by Georgian townhousesCredit: AlamyNewcastle are desperate to boost the stadium capacity and hospitality offeringsCredit: GettyBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“But we included the East Stand on this year’s Risk List to highlight what an unusual and historic brutalist structure this is.“If the plan is to stay put, we hope it will be retained and made a feature of.”Newcastle United take possession of brand new touring coach with tailor-made interior Should Newcastle end up leaving St James’ Park, it’s reckoned they will move into nearby Leazes Park.It will apparently boast a “parkland-style approach” similar to Wembley Way.While the new stadium could also have a stylish “bubble-wrap” design like Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.Newcastle’s proposed new stadium could be built at Leazes parkSunSport imagined how the new arena could look More