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      Old Trafford to welcome one EIGHTH of entire town’s population when Man Utd host Bodo/Glimt in Europa League

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will welcome 12 PER CENT of an entire town’s population for their Europa League clash on Thursday.The Red Devils host Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt in Ruben Amorim’s first home game in charge.Bodo/Glimt will bring 6,500 fans to Old TraffordCredit: GettyThe Norwegian club travel to Manchester United in the Europa League on ThursdayCredit: APThe away side, who were beaten twice by Arsenal in 2022, are bringing 6,500 fans to the ground for the huge clash.That is out of the town’s 53,000 population, meaning one eighth of everyone living there will be attending the match.And Bodo/Glimt sporting director Havard Sakariassen is overcome by the magnitude of the occasion.He said: “Personally, the 1990s were the defining years of my life because I was between 15 and 22. Manchester was the coolest place on earth for me because of music and the football team.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”So, for me, drawing United, it’s a cool thing. If you ask the 20-year-old Havard, that would be unreal to go to Old Trafford with Bodo/Glimt.”Of course today I am working with this every day and we have been around the block for some years now, but still to go to Old Trafford is special for me.”We have played many games in Europe but, for the Norwegian football fans, playing against English teams is really special.”The game against Arsenal [in 2022] was really a big game for the club but also for the supporters. The Man United game is maybe even more special because of the history of United.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBodo/Glimt won their first league title in 2020 and are set to clinch their fourth in five years on Sunday providing they beat relegated Lillestrom.They will be underdogs against Man Utd – despite sitting one point above them in the Europa League table.Gary Neville admits he ‘can’t see what’s going to happen’ with Man Utd conundrum as he names likely winners under Amorim But they have earned some big wins in Europe in recent years, most notably their 6-1 thrashing of Jose Mourinho’s Roma in the Europa Conference League three years ago. More

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      Michael Olise risks Uefa punishment after cheeky antics while coming on as sub against PSG

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      MICHAEL OLISE could be sanctioned by Uefa over his antics against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.The Bayern Munich star was brought on as a second-half substitute in the 1-0 win.Michael Olise was told to put a shinguard in by the fourth officialCredit: TNT SportsHe put one down his sock but then changed his mindCredit: TNT SportsOlise cheekily threw the shinguard behind him when the officials weren’t lookingCredit: TNT SportsHe then appeared to take to the pitch without wearing a shinguardCredit: TNT SportsOlise risks being sanctioned by UefaCredit: GettyBut he had an issue with the fourth official who spotted that Olise was trying to enter the pitch without wearing shinguards.The winger then fetched his shinguards and put one down his right sock.He then pretended to do the same with his left but quickly threw it behind him towards the dugout when the officials were not looking.Olise, 22, could now be investigated by Uefa as Ifab rules stipulate shinguards must be worn.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIfab Law 4.2 states: “Shinguards – these must be made of a suitable material and be of an appropriate size to provide reasonable protection and be covered by the socks. “Players are responsible for the size and suitability of their shinguards.”There have been concerns in recent years over the shrinking of shinguards but Ifab, who are football’s lawmakers, have no plans to regulate shinguard dimensions.They ruled players – or the parents or guardians of youth players – must take responsibility for their own safety on the pitch.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNew Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink.A spokesman said: “Players’ legs are all different sizes and there are so many different materials”Ifab’s view is that this is the responsibility of the individual player and not the referee. Where young players are concerned, that responsibility [should be taken by the coach, parents or guardians].”Harry Kane and Bayern Munich team mates take the Audi Q6 e-tron for a drive Bayern’s win puts them back in contention to finish in one of the coveted top eight Champions League places which qualifies them for the next round.Meanwhile PSG have slipped out of the play-off places after picking up just one win in five games. More

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      Hull SACK manager Tim Walters 24 hours after insisting he would not lose his job as they release blunt statement

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      HULL CITY have sacked head coach Tim Walter after just 18 games.Walter took charge of the Tigers at the end of May and signed a three-year deal upon his arrival in East Yorkshire.Tim Walter has been sacked by Hull CityCredit: GettyHowever, he was dismissed by club chiefs with immediate effect on Wednesday.Walter’s assistants, Julian Hubner and Filip Tapalovic, have also left.A blunt official statement from Hull read: “Hull City can confirm we have parted company with head coach Tim Walter with immediate effect.”Assistant head coaches Julian Hübner and Filip Tapalović have also left the club.”First-team coach Andy Dawson will take interim charge while the club conducts a thorough recruitment process for a permanent successor.”We would like to thank Tim, Julian and Filip for their efforts during their time at the MKM Stadium and wish them well for the future.”The 49-year-old leaves having won just three of his 18 league and cup games in charge.Hull’s winless run extended to nine games on Tuesday following a 2-0 home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFans were left furious at full-time with hundreds chanting: “We want Walter out.”The Tigers dropped into the Championship relegation zone as a result of the loss.Prior to the match, club owner Acun Ilicali incredibly insisted he would NOT sack Walter even if they lost.He told the BBC: “He will be in the job. If we lose tonight, he’s going to be in the job.”Walter was appointed in May to replace Liam Rosenior, who was sacked after finishing seventh in the Championship table – just outside the play-off places.Ilicali claimed he made the decision to dismiss Rosenior due to differences in their visions for the club’s future. More

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      Former Premier League star sees plans to open new pub right outside stadium REJECTED for bizarre reason

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      FORMER Premier League midfielder Scott Arfield has seen his plans to build a pub in Glasgow rejected by the local council.The 35-year-old wanted to convert a former bookies into a pub next to Ibrox Stadium, the home of his beloved Rangers.Scott Arfield’s plans to build a pub next to Ibrox have been rejectedCredit: Willie VassThe old bookies, situated next to the stadium, is the proposed site and has been abandoned for two yearsCredit: Andrew BarrBut his proposal was turned down due to the potential impact on neighbours and bin storage concerns.An appeal was subsequently launched on behalf of the ex-Rangers ace – who now plays for Bolton – which claimed the venue would serve as a “mini fan zone” on match days.Councillors were split on whether to grant permission but the proposal was rejected after planning review committee chairman, Cllr Ken Andrew, SNP, made the decisive vote.Glasgow Live claim Cllr Andrew wanted more clarity over a number of issues including noise impact and waste storage.Read More in FootballA noise impact assessment was provided but officials said environmental health staff found it to be “quite inadequate”.The appeal suggested Arfield’s plan would “upgrade and repair” the property – which has been empty for over two years.It was also argued that the opening hours could be limited to Ibrox matchdays and ticketed events to ensure minimal impact on local residents.And it said the opening of the pub would create jobs in the area and waste would be handled within the property by a private removal firm.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe bar was considered to be a “major boost” for the local economy by Cllr Imran Alam, Labour.He said: “The building has been lying empty for a couple of years now.Rangers legend Scott Arfield reveals what happened during ‘goosebumps’ moment he bumped into WWE superstar in a lift”We know what happens when buildings stay vacant for a long time, they become rundown and impossible to renovate and improve.”Cllr Thomas Kerr, Conservative, appeared to agree and said: “I think the economic benefits outweigh any of the possible concerns that have been raised by officers.”Two neighbours objected to the initial application due to concerns.One claimed “anti-social behaviour” already takes place in the area on matchdays due to alcohol consumption.Arfield spent five years with Rangers between 2018 and 2023.During that time he scored 43 goals in 233 appearances.Before joining the Scottish giants, the midfielder played for Burnley and Falkirk.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter leaving Ibrox he spent a year in the MLS with Charlotte FC.He now plays for Bolton in League One. More

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      Incredible display shows Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick for England and Team GB Olympic hero winning gold

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM’S overhead kick at the Euros has been honoured on a shop display.One of three installations paying tribute to the nation’s most joyous moments of 2024, it depicts the Real Madrid star’s injury-time bicycle kick against Slovakia.Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick has been honoured in a displayCredit: SWNSThe goal was voted the third most joyous moment of the yearCredit: GettyOlympic hero Keely Hodgkinson has also been shown in a displayCredit: SWNSShe won gold at the Paris OlympicsCredit: The TimesAll three installations were crafted by prop maker Andy Billett using food from the chain’s seasonal menu, including items such as mince pies and gingerbread.Bellingham’s goal is not the only sporting moment of the year to be honoured.Keely Hodgkinson is part of the display as it shows her celebrating her gold for Team GB in the 800 metres at this summer’s Olympics.The displays are on show at the Pret A Manger in New Street, Birmingham.READ MORE ON SPORTThey are completely made out of food and are good enough to eat.Bellingham’s overhead kick was rated third for in the list of most joyous moments in the nation for 2024.Hodgkinson’s achievement came fifth in the rankings.The list was compiled through research of 2,000 adults, which was carried out by Pret.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEngland men’s football team reaching the final of Euro 2024 topped the poll, while second place went to Sir David Attenborough for his 70 years on TV.Katherine Bagshawe, Pret’s UK food and coffee director, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to depict some of the most joyous moments that helped define 2024, as chosen by the nation.Keeley Hodgkinson rings Olympic bell“With 25 per cent of respondents saying they associated joy with their favourite foods.”We felt paying tribute through food was a fitting way to celebrate joyous moments.”Other moments that sparked joy in the nation included Oasis reforming and Luke Littler reaching the final of the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship.Andy Murray’s emotional farewell retirement match at Wimbledon also made the top ten.Almost half (45 per cent) believe they’ll look back on this year fondly as a time which brought them happiness – with 22 per cent describing 2024 as their most joyful one to date.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn average, those polled have experienced 44 moments of joy so far this year – around four a month – and 30 per cent expect to see an increase next year.But it emerged 50 per cent believe they don’t prioritise their own joy enough, with 33 per cent unable to recall the last time they did something for themselves which gave them such a boost.TOP 10 – 2024 MOMENTS OF JOYHere are the top 10 most joyous moments for the Nation in 2024 according to Pret’s research…1. England men’s football team reaching the final of Euro 2024.2. David Attenborough celebrates 70 years of service as a conservationist and broadcaster3. Jude Bellingham’s overhead goal for England against Slovakia at Euro 20244. The announcement of the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special5. Keely Hodgkinson’s 800 meters gold at the Olympics for Team GB6. Sixteen-year-old Luke Littler reaching the final of the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship7. Andy Murray’s emotional retirement match at Wimbledon8. Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour9. The announcement Oasis are reforming10. The Coronation Street 65th anniversary special More

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      Major update in case against Man City for 115 alleged breaches as it could drag on BEYOND end of season

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      THE Premier League legal battle against Manchester City is heading into extra time – with the expectation it may now only finish shortly before Christmas.And that could see NO verdict in the case being made before the end of the season.Manchester City’s trial will continue until DecemberCredit: GettyAn independent commission began hearing evidence in September into the “115 charges” – actually totalling 130 – that City were hit by in February 2023.That hearing was scheduled to last “10-12 weeks” as both sides unleashed an army of highly paid KCs and other sports and commercial law experts.But it has emerged that the case, being heard at the International Dispute Resolution Centre near St Paul’s in the City of London, has now been placed on a brief pause before the final arguments from both sides are made.That part of the case is due to start next month and potentially last a fortnight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it means the chances of the final verdict not being made before the end of the season have increased.Legal experts anticipate the commission will need a minimum of two to three months to weigh up the huge amount of evidence being offered by both sides.Prem legal chiefs have to prove their claims that City failed to provide accurate financial information about the source of sponsorship deal cash plus revenues and salary payments to players and managerial staff.City have always vehemently denied any misconduct, insisting they would be completely “vindicated” by the end of the process.Most read in FootballThe Etihad club’s defence is being led by £10,000-per hour super-lawyer Lord Pannick KC but both sides have a huge retinue of legal aces.It is expected that the final verdict will come with written reasons potentially amounting to 400 pages, with a second part to the hearing due to argue sentencing options IF the charges are upheld by the commission.Man City face Premier League EXPULSION or points deduction after they’re charged with more than 100 financial breachesHowever, the likely extension of the timetable could cause a major issue if the charges are proved unless the commission confirms any punishment is suspended pending an appeal.The PSR points deductions against both Everton and Nottingham Forest last season were immediately imposed before being reduced at the two clubs’ appeals.But if City are found guilty in the spring, it is unlikely any appeal would be completed until after the June AGM of the Prem clubs when the “shares” of relegated teams are transferred to promoted clubs. More

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      Ruben Amorim takes brutal swipe at Ed Sheeran as Man Utd boss admits Sky Sports pundit ‘is the real star’

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      RUBEN AMORIM has had a dig back at Ed Sheeran for gatecrashing his Sky TV interview at the weekend, claiming he was standing next to the “real star” in Roy Keane.Sheeran has sold more than 150 million records worldwide making him one of the best-selling musicians of all time.Ed Sheeran was in attendance for Ipswich Town’s clash with Manchester Unted last weekendCredit: PAThe ‘Shape of You’ star awkwardly gatecrashed Ruben Amorim’s post-match interview with Sky SportCredit: SKY SPORTSAmorim has jokingly claimed United legend Roy Keane was the biggest star in the interviewCredit: PAHe is also an Ipswich fan and was clearly a bit giddy after his side earned a creditable draw at home to Manchester United on Sunday.He blundered in on Sky’s post-match pitchside interview with new Manchester United boss Amoim being questioned by Kelly Cates, Roy Keane, Izzy Christiansen and Jamie Redknapp.Amorim looked less than impressed having overseen a poor United display in drawing 1-1 with the relegation-threatened Suffolk side having taken a second-minute lead.Sheeran was trying to interact with Redknapp before Cates told him they were interviewing Amorim.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSheeran looked across to Amorim and said: ‘I don’t think he wants to speak to me’.Asked about the embarrassing situation ahead of United’s Europa League clash with Bodo Glimt tomorrow, Amorim put Sheeran in his place.He said: “Here you are used to that, in Portugal it’s different.“For me, it was nothing. I was with Roy Keane, he’s a real star, it was really, really okay.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSheeran issued an apology on social media, admitting he felt like “a bit of a b******.”Amorin has moved on from the Sheeran debacle and is now focused on getting his strikers, Marcus Rashford included, firing on all cylinders.Is Amad Diallo the key to transforming Ruben Amorim’s attack at Manchester United?Rashford launched the new era under Amorim with a goal inside two minutes away to Ipswich on Sunday before the team slumped to a miserable 1-1 draw.Now new boss Amorim says it is down to Rashford to take the first steps to get his best form back before he can start helping him.Amorim said: “ We’ll try to find the right solution for him, as for the other players.“But he has to be Marcus, first of all, to try to return to that moment and then he will have all the help of the staff, the club and the fans.”Because he’s a Manchester United boy. But he has to be the first one to want it.”Amorim played Rashford as a number nine through the middle from the start at Portman Road while he named strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Jushua Zirkzee on the bench.Amorim put paid to any ideas that would be a permanent role for Rashford, however, with him ready to put him back on the flank for tomorrow night’s Europa League tie with Bodo Glimt.He said: “That position is not the best one for him, especially in a game like that,“We have to kick with high pressure, we have to kick the ball so many times and he was like fighting with two giants.“We have to find the right solutions for him and other players.”United’s lack of goals has been a problem for some time now.Marcus Rashford bagged the first goal of the Ruben Amorin era at Manchester UnitedCredit: REXThe Portuguese gaffer wants to academy graduate to rediscover his love for footballCredit: PAAmorim needs A LOT of time on training pitch to fix Man Utd… unfortunately he won’t get it, writes Charlie WyettIN theory at least, the only way is up for Manchester United, writes Charlie Wyett.We are nearly a third of the way through this Premier League season and it is still staggering to see United lurking in 12th place.They have managed just four wins with a goal difference of 0. Only Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored less.It is certainly not a false position and a point at Ipswich illustrated the massive job that Ruben Amorim faces.United’s fans sang the name of their new manager throughout the game.They also gave the players rapturous applause on the final whistle and although this was an improvement on some of the performances this season, the bar has been set pretty low.The club’s optimistic supporters will see that their team is only six points off the top four.  Ultimately, though, it is difficult to see United even reaching last season’s final position of eighth as they look worse.United’s patched-up defence will improve – and a three-man formation at the back will help them – but you have to wonder where the goals are going to come from. Marcus Rashford struck after 81 seconds and then went missing for the rest of his 68 minutes on the pitch.Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were also introduced in that double change midway inside the second half but added absolutely nothing. What a terrible couple of signings they have proved to be and United’s fans would swap both of them for Ipswich’s Liam Delap.Amorim did not celebrate the Rashford goal and paced around his technical area throughout looking uneasy.Each time there was a break in play, he called over players for instructions.Alejandro Garnacho headed over to the touchline on a couple of occasions while there were also words for Diogo Dalot, Casemiro and Jonny Evans.Amorim, a manager with infectious enthusiasm, will be hopeful he can get his message across to all of the players in the next few weeks.But the problem for the Portuguese coach is that this was the first of 10 games in the space of 33 days.What he really needs are spells on the training ground without a midweek game but he does not have that luxury.They were the lowest scorers in the top half of the table last season alongside Crystal Palace with just 57 goals.This season United sit 12th and only three teams in the league have fewer than their 13 goals.Rashford is their current top scorer with five, while Zirkzee and Hojlund have only one each.And Amorim admits the lack of goals is a problem.He said: “Of course, there is a concern in that but I think we have to improve as a team.“Because we have quality players who can score so many goals.“But you could feel it in the second half on Sunday we controlled possession of the ball but we were not dangerous.“Maybe because we spend the week trying to work on build-up and then the rest was not working.“We will try to improve as a team and Rasmus, Josh and Rash will score more goals.“Even Bruno (Fernandes )has to score more goals! Amad has to be better near the goal.READ MORE SUN STORIES”All these guys need to improve and we can score so many goals.“We need to improve as a team and these players can score goals.” More

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      Former international striker who SPAT at Steven Gerrard in England clash now a cheese-maker in shock career change

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      SWITZERLAND’s record scorer Alex Frei plans to swap goals for Gruyere – by going into the CHEESE BUSINESS.The former Borussia Dortmund, Rennes and Basel ace struck 42 times in 84 Swiss appearances.Alex Frei has swapped football for cheeseCredit: Switzerland Cheese Marketing AG (SCM)The former international forward is now a cheesemaker in SwitzerlandCredit: Switzerland Cheese Marketing AG (SCM)He completed a four-month course run by the Switzerland Cheese Marketing organisationCredit: Switzerland Cheese Marketing AG (SCM)He played 84 times for Switzerland during his playing daysCredit: AP:Associated PressFrei won four Super League titles with hometown club Basel.  He has since managed four different sides.But the 45-year-old has now completed a four-month course run by the Switzerland Cheese Marketing organisation.He has gained a diploma as a “cheese sommelier” – which entitles him to work in one of his homeland’s most famous industries.Frei was invited on the course after revealing his interest outside football was to open a cheese shop.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “The course was very interesting, and something completely new for me.”I learned everything about milk consistency, cheesemaking and consumption.  I have always been a big cheese fan.”It was very impressive to see everything that goes into it.  The course took four months, and I had to take four exams at the end.”The SCM invited me on it while I was still FC Aarau’s coach, and when I left the job in March I approached them as I had more time on my hands.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I won’t open a cheese shop straight away, but I will definitely do something with cheese next year.”It will be small-scale at first – but I will think big about the future.”Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel MessiHe was hit with a three-match ban in 2004 after spitting at Steven GerrardCredit: AP:Associated PressFrei has “fondue” memories of Manchester United after scoring three Champions League goals against the Red Devils in 2011.But he lost his “Em-mental” composure during Switzerland’s 3-0 Euro 2004 loss to England in Portugal.The striker was seen to spit at Three Lions midfielder Steven Gerrard, and landed a three-match ban.Who are these famous footballers? More