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      England should use 3-3-3-1 formation to get best out of star trio and to help confused Rice shine

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      ENGLAND should play an entirely new formation to get the best out of their major stars.The Three Lions crashed to a 2-1 defeat to Greece before a much improved performance saw them beat Finland 3-1 over the international break.Lee Carsley’s bold tactics made their mark in the wrong wayCredit: GettyDeclan Rice ‘personified confusion’ within the England systemCredit: GettySunSport tactics guru Dean Scoggins broke down what went wrong and how it can be fixedCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportHowever, the two games made one thing painfully obvious, Lee Carsley does not know how to get the best out of his stars.His three-pronged false-nine experiment with Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden against Greece failed to make the most of the trio.Meanwhile, flaws in the build-up structure left Declan Rice and the defence exposed.But SunSport’s own tactics guru Dean Scoggins has broken down what interim boss Carsley can do to remedy these problems before next month’s final Nations League group fixtures.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCole, Jude and Phil problemWith Harry Kane unavailable for the game against Greece, Carsley, 50, boldly decided to play the attacking trio of Palmer, Bellingham and Foden as his attacking force.However, despite all their talents, the trio proved largely ineffective. The Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden experiment did not workCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportEngland’s 2-3-5 shape left them exposed in transitionCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportPalmer, 22, in particular was out of sorts as he dropped too deep to pick up the ball and found himself away from the favoured spaces around the penalty area where he has become such a force for Chelsea.The formation England used – a 2-3-5 in possession – failed to maximise their abilities due to a lack of help out wide as the team played too narrow with both full-backs inverting.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPalmer played too deep against GreeceCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportAt Chelsea he prefers being in and around the penalty area, where he is most effectiveCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportThis allowed Greece to remain compact and shut down the space England tried to operate in, with the aforementioned trio also treading on one another’s toes throughout.That being said, there is a way to get the best out of them, but it will unfortunately involve sacrificing one for the benefit of the others.The inverted position of Trent Alexander-Arnold did not help matters and it clogged up spaceCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportCarsley’s side were guilty of playing too narrowCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportHow to cure England’s Bellingham, Foden and Palmer headacheThat bold decision should be to drop Foden, 24, from the team in favour of a wide player such as Jack Grealish, Noni Madueke or Bukayo Saka, who are all comfortable keeping their width on the touchline.This move would serve to allow one player to hold width, therefore opening up the inside channel spaces that Bellingham, 21, and Palmer like to operate in.Unfortunately Foden should be dropped from the trio in favour of a star who can stay wideCredit: RexThis sacrifice should help free up more space for Palmer and Bellingham to operate inCredit: GettyBellingham has played his best stuff at Real Madrid as a left-sided No8, while Palmer’s best work comes in the right half-space.However, there is another player who is key for this to work as intended.Harry Kane undroppableThat player is captain Kane, whose presence was sorely missed against Greece.The Bayern Munich star is undroppable in both an attacking and defensive sense.Harry Kane’s unselfish runs help England play through the linesCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportHis movement opened space for Angel Gomes to pass to Jack Grealish before he scored against FinlandCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportHis unselfish movement helps to drag defenders out of position and open up space for team-mates to move and pass into – exemplified by Grealish’s goal against Finland which was cleverly assisted by Angel Gomes.Kane, 31, managed to occupy a defender before making a movement to the left and dragging them with him, allowing for Gomes to get some room and thread a pass into Grealish before he netted the opener.The former Tottenham ace is also instrumental defensively as he knows when to lead the press or when to drop off. His ability to clear the ball at the front post from corners is also important yet understated.Defensive solutionA change of formation could make the difference for EnglandCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportSwitching to a 3-3-3-1 in possession could solve the three-headed problemCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportBut while tweaks to the role of individual players can be impactful, meaningful changes will only come with a change of team shape.The Greece game saw England not defending as a unit and being killed in transition.John Stones and Rico Lewis were exposed, Trent Alexander-Arnold was caught upfield and Levi Colwill was caught in behind.Rice, 25, was one player in particular who “personified” the confusion and blurring of lines between roles, as he gave 100 per cent but often in the wrong areas.How England might look with the attacking three in there with two playing as No8/10sThe Arsenal star is doing too much on his own, and should have his role simplified to maximise both his and his team-mates output and effectiveness.At this stage it is well known that his strength does not lie in passing the ball through the lines, but rather as a ball-carrier and protector.And one method to help fix all three of these problems comes down to a simple change in build-up.Rather than a 2-3-5, England should move to a 3-3-3-1 with Alexander-Arnold, 26, inverting as seen against Finland. This would serve three uses.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe first covers the exposed defence problem by leaving an extra player to defend. The second serves to get the best out of Rice, while the third enables Palmer and Bellingham to be at their best.With that in mind, the three key spine points of the team should maximise and protect Stones, Rice and Kane through each of the thirds.Rice’s role needs refining to get the best out of him and the teamCredit: GettyEngland’s job advert for new bossThe FA’s seven requirements to succeed Gareth Southgate:Will hold a Uefa Pro License.Will have significant experience of English football, with a strong track record delivering results in the Premier League and/or leading international competitions.Will be an exceptional leader who understands and will enjoy the international football environment.Will be experienced in successfully identifying, managing and developing English qualified players.Will be highly resilient and comfortable in a very high-profile role with intense public scrutiny.Will have a track record of creating a high performing, positive team culture and environment.Will have strong personal values and integrity and understand and embrace the role that the England Men’s Senior Team Head Coach has inspiring the nation. More

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      Man Utd fans left raging as Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘sacks’ Sir Alex Ferguson before under-fire Erik ten Hag

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have slammed Ineos’ decision to “sack” Sir Alex Ferguson before under-fire boss Erik ten Hag.Ferguson’s multi-million pound salary has been ended by the new Ineos regime who are devoted to cutting costs amid high losses.Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassadorial contract has been ripped upSir Jim Ratcliffe and his team have sought ways to cut costs at Old Trafford since their arrival earlier this yearFans have been left reeling with some even slamming the decision to ‘sack’ Fergie before Erik ten HagJust five months after retiring in 2013, Ferguson signed a deal to become a global ambassador worth £2.16m per year.But now that decade-long contract has been torn up by Sir Jim Ratcliffe as Ferguson steps away from several time-consuming ambassadorial duties.It is claimed Ratcliffe met with the legendary boss in person to inform him that he will no longer receive his seven-figure salary.Fergie, 82, is understood to have received the decision amicably and with no ill feeling.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt has emerged the legendary boss was earning more than five members of Erik ten Hag’s squad as a Man United ambassador.But United fans haven’t been so calm about it.A group of supporters who want Ten Hag sacked have launched scathing attacks on the decision to “axe” Fergie before the Dutchman.Taking to X, one raging fan wrote: “I can’t believe they’ve sacked Sir Alex Ferguson before Ten Hag.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile another said: “Everything great about Man Utd is because of Sir Alex Ferguson. He deserves to be paid for every breath he takes.A third added: “This is just plain stupid and disrespectful. The greatest manager in Prem history and they can’t be bothered with it.”A fourth replied: “Obviously he won’t starve but pretty disgusting he’s literally bigger than the club.”A day in the life of workaholic Ten Hag revealed by ex-Man Utd coach who jokes ‘his wife is on verge of divorcing him’Before another rival fan doubled down: “Did they really just sack Fergie before Ten Hag 😂?”One more wrote: “What???? That’s very disrespectful to Sir Alex!”Ten Hag returned to Carrington on Monday to prepare for Saturday’s Premier League game against Brentford at Old Trafford.After that, it is a Europa League trip to a Fenerbahce side managed by former United boss Jose Mourinho, with many fans believing the Dutchman could lose his job after that.There’s been huge speculation about his future after United recorded their worst ever Prem start, before chiefs held a seven-hour board meeting in central London last Tuesday.Ferguson, who turns 83 in December, will not receive payments from the club beyond the end of the season.The former Aberdeen manager was earning more than five members of Erik ten Hag’s squad, as per Capology.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmong them were Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and reserve keeper Altay Bayindir.Fergie still act as a non-executive member of the board and will always be welcome at matches, after most recently attending Ten Hag’s 0-0 crunch clash away at Aston Villa.Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

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      How Mikel Arteta is using morale boosting training drills to give Arsenal stars the edge over rivals

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      MIKEL ARTETA has completely transformed Arsenal in the past few seasons – taking them to the brink of title glory.The Spaniard’s success in the transfer market and his tactical genius has been credited for their incredible turnaround.Mike Arteta is revolutionising Arsenal’s training drills at the Sobha Realty Training CentreCredit: GettyHowever, there are a lot more subtle reasons for their recent success. Recently released training ground footage has laid bare how the former Gunners player is using morale boosting training drills as he looks to get one over his rivals.Below, we detail the subtle things the 42-year-old is doing that he hopes will fire them to glory this season.SQUAD MORALE DRILLSMany drills in Arsenal training are designed for the sole purpose of improving squad morale rather than honing technical ability.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe effects of this on the pitch are being seen, with the Gunners building a reputation as “mentality monsters” who cope well in high-pressure situations.Take their 2-2 draw with Man City earlier this season, where despite going down to 10-men before half-time, they defended like their life depended on it. It was their fourth match vs their biggest rivals without tasting defeat.While Arteta is putting a huge focus on mentality, he’s built a team of imposing physicality too. Declan Rice, Ben White, Gabriel, William Saliba, Thomas Partey, Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino all measure in above six-feet-tall.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThis combination of dominant mentality and physicality might just be what gets Arsenal over the line in the title race.COACH INVOLVEMENTArteta and his fellow coaches can be seen throwing themselves into the drills such as the rondo.This can be used to boost the relationships between players and coaches, and shows that the coaches have a commitment and passion for their job and the club.It helps feed into the ‘family’ like atmosphere that Arteta is desperate to build. Arsenal’s head of sports medicine and performance Dr Zafar Iqbal said on Twitter: “I think Mikel is just a very special guy. He makes everybody secure… He’s very demanding, but he creates such a healthy environment. From top down, everybody is fighting for him.”Arteta and other Arsenal coach get involved in the drillsCredit: PAArteta shows his love for his playersCredit: AlamyRELAXED ATMOSPHEREAll the players and coaches appear very relaxed. This helps the less experienced academy players to avoid anxiety and fear when interacting with the first team stars – which in turn can lead to better results on the pitch.Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, made a late appearance in the recent Champions League match vs PSG and thrived, while Ethan Nwaneri, just 17, has been coming off the bench in the Premier League this season and immediately looked comfortable alongside more established players.When given a start in the Carabao Cup against Bolton, Nwaneri scored twice. Speaking after that game, Arteta said of the teenager: “Ethan was really good. A really strong performance. He feels part of us and is playing with that confidence and belief.”Arsenal wages 2024-25 revealedRELATIONSHIPSArsenal players always warm up with someone different which shows a strong team bond and encourages relationships across the entire playing staff.This helps to avoid potentially toxic cliques and boosts chemistry on and off the pitch.Arteta is clearly focused on improving relationships within the team. One of his ideologies is that “winning brings togetherness and, when you have beautiful experiences together and you win trophies, then those experiences stay within that group.”TRUST AND INCLUSIONArteta is open to allowing many academy youngsters to take part in training, even before big matches like against PSG.It is a show of Arteta’s trust in the ability of his players and helps increase a player’s confidence knowing they have the boss’s backing.In the video above, the more experienced Arsenal players are including academy prospects, such as Declan Rice who can be seen taking part in a drill with 19-year-old Maldini Kacurri.This training method then leads to results on the pitch.In the 5-1 win over Bolton this season, starting in goal was 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter – the club’s youngest ever player to start a match.Speaking on Porter’s inclusion, Arteta said: “It was a big step for Jack. He was over the moon. His family were nervous. But he coped really well. What a way to break a record.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He’s been training with us. We thought he was ready. We believe he was the right choice. It’s a very positive night. We gave the opportunity to a lot of academy players and they responded really well. To see their faces, their reaction, a great night.”If Arteta’s unique training methods continue to have results on the pitch then many more great nights could be in store this season.Myles Lewis-Skelly made a first Champions League appearance vs PSGCredit: ReutersHale End youngsters were trusted in the Carabao Cup fixture against Bolton – and rewarded Arteta with a 5-1 winCredit: GettyDeclan Rice seen training with Maldini Macurri – a show of Arteta’s policy of experience and youth integrating in trainingCredit: Getty More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson was earning more than five Man Utd stars including England international as ambassador salary is axed

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON was earning more than five members of Erik ten Hag’s squad as a Manchester United ambassador.The legendary former boss, 82, will no longer be paid for his ambassadorial role beyond the end of this season.Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassadorial role has been slashed by Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: PAShortly after retiring in 2013, Ferguson inked a deal for a new role worth around £2.16million per year.As part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting measures, however, the Scot has been removed from his position.The Ineos chief met with Ferguson in person to relay the decision.SunSport understands that the iconic former United manager accepted the news amicably.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs per Capology, Ferguson’s deal had been worth more than those of five Man Utd players.Among those were England regular Kobbie Mainoo, whose contract, inked in January 2023, is said to be worth £20,000 a week, a shade over £1m per year.It was also worth more than deputy goalkeeper Altay Bayindir’s contract, thought to be £35,000 a week, or £1.8m per year.Amad Diallo’s deal is said to be worth £1.5m a year (£28,800 a week), and is set to expire at the end of the season, although United possess the option to extend it by a further 12 months.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSir Alex Ferguson’s trophy haul at Man UtdAll the trophies Sir Alex Ferguson won as Manchester United manager:Premier League x13FA Cup x5League Cup x4Champions League x2European Cuper Winners’ CupEuropean Super CupIntercontinental CupClub World CupMeanwhile, youngsters Dan Gore and Harry Amass are also claimed to be earning in the region of £5,000 a week, £260,000 a year, far less than Ferguson was on.With Sir Alex set to turn 83 on December 31, his Man Utd ambassadorial role is just one of several time-consuming activities he will be stepping back from.Phil Jones reveals how Sir Alex Ferguson convinced him to sign for Man Utd This will not affect his ability to attend games, however, as he will always be welcome at Old Trafford – where he remains a regular.Last month, it was revealed he Man Utd would be letting go of 250 employees at the club.The cost-cutting measures come amid news that United’s losses over the last five years have totalled more than £370m.Ineos’ cost-cutting methods have also seen private chauffeurs and company credit cards axed.Staff and the players’ Wags even had to pay for their own transport to the FA Cup final win over rivals Manchester City in May.And other perks like lunch, accommodation, extra tickets and a post-match party were also scrapped.Kobbie Mainoo was among those being out-earned by Sir AlexCredit: GettyWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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      Benjamin Mendy’s Man City bonuses revealed with former player earning millions on top of wages

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      BENJAMIN MENDY’S Manchester City bonuses have been revealed with their former player earning millions on top of his salary.Mendy launched a legal claim against the champions over £11million in unpaid wages yesterday.Benjamin Mendy’s contract bonuses at Man City have been revealedCredit: GettyThe Frenchman was earning £500,000 a month at City following a £52million move from Monaco in 2017.But the club stopped paying his salary in August 2021 after Mendy was charged with rape and sexual assault.The World Cup winner, who is now at French club Lorient, was eventually found not guilty on all counts following two trials in 2023.And Mendy has now brought forward a claim to an employment tribunal for “unauthorised deductions” from his wages.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut further details of his contract have now emerged in submitted paperwork.As well as his £500,000 a month salary, Mendy, who has made claims about his former Man City team-mates and his sex parties at a tribunal, also received a large number of bonuses.Every time Manchester City qualified for the Champions League, the defender got £1million.And Mendy was also due £900k if he played in over 60 per cent of City’s game.Most read in FootballMeanwhile, his image rights company received an annual payment of £1.2m from the champs.And on top of that, City were also paying a monthly pension contribution which stopped following Mendy’s charges.Mendy now plays for French side LorientCredit: afpA letter was sent to him by the club at the time, which read: “The club has, after careful and anxious consideration, suspended the payment of salary to you. “You will not receive the payment that would otherwise have fallen due at the end of September 2021.“Nor will you receive any further payment until you are ready and able to perform your obligations under the contract of employment.“You are not presently ready and able to perform duties, of course, because you have been remanded in custody and, separately, because The FA has suspended you from engaging in any football-related activity.“Our understanding is that District Judge Garva remanded you in custody because of your conduct whilst already on bail.“Remand, was, therefore, an avoidable impediment to your being able to perform your duties. We understand that a subsequent request to be released on bail was refused. “In those circumstances, the club is no longer obliged to continue to pay you.”Mendy claims under the terms of his contract, the club only had the right to stop his wages for a maximum of six weeks.READ MORE SUN STORIESCity deny breaching employment law and argue Mendy violated his own contract by bringing the club into disrepute and indulging in behaviour which prevented him from playing or training.The club initially continued paying Mendy following his first arrest in November 2020. More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson’s reaction to Man Utd job axe revealed as club stop paying legendary manager millions

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON amicably accepted the decision to axe his multi-million pound role at Manchester United.Red Devils co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has cut costs by removing the legendary boss from his lucrative ambassadorial position.Manchester United will no longer pay Sir Alex Ferguson his £2million per yearIt is understood that Fergie received the decision well during a meeting with Sir Jim RatcliffeFerguson will still act as a non-executive member of the board and be welcome at matches.Just five months after leaving in 2013, the Scot signed a £2.16m-per-year deal to become a global ambassador and club director.But that arrangement will cease at the end of the season as Fergie, 82, steps away from a number of time-consuming duties.SunSport understands that it was an amicable decision between both parties.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFergie accepted the termination of his paid role with no rancour.Ratcliffe met with the Scot in person to tell him that cost-cutting measures will include no longer paying him his seven-figure salary.The Ineos CEO and his team have embarked upon a root-and-branch financial review after taking a 27.7 per cent stake in the club in February.Last month, it was revealed he is letting go of 250 employees at the club.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited have been making losses for some time and have been forced to exercise cost saving measures across the board to strengthen their position.The Red Devils’ latest figures take total losses over the past five years to more than £370m, according to BBC Sport.Man Utd board’s EIGHT-HOUR London crunch talks and what it means for Erik ten HagIneos’ cost cutting methods have also seen private chauffeurs and company credit cards axed.Staff and the players’ Wags had to pay for their own transport to the FA Cup final win over rivals Manchester City in May.And other perks like lunch, accommodation, extra tickets and a post-match party were scrapped.Fergie, who turns 83 in January, regularly attends games home and away, most recently a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa on October 6.The ex-Aberdeen boss won 38 trophies including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues during his 27 years as Man Utd manager.What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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      PSG accused of BANNING away fans for Champions League clash over ‘past disturbances’ despite club facing no Uefa action

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      PSV EINDHOVEN claim that their fans have been banned from attending their clash with Paris Saint-Germain next week by French authorities.The two sides are set to meet at Parc des Princes on October 22 in the Champions League.Parc des Princes will not host PSV fans next weekCredit: Getty – ContributorThe Dutch side had already sold tickets for the matchCredit: Willie VassAround 2,000 PSV supporters have bought tickets to attend the match and support their team.But the Eredivisie side have now revealed that this will not be possible, due to a ruling by French police.In an official club statement, they confirmed: “PSV is not allowed to bring supporters to the away match in the UEFA Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain on 22 October, by order of the French authorities.”In addition, there is a general travel ban for PSV supporters to and within Paris. The decision of the French came as a complete surprise.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Despite the fact that PSV had no outstanding penalties, the French police are citing unrest with supporters from the past, in particular around the match against RC Lens a year ago.”In addition, there are some internal security matters at play.”During the Champions League match between RC Lens and PSV one year ago at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, opposition supporters were found to have thrown objects at each other.The Dutch side’s fans were also previously banned for a game, with their club fined £35,000, following crowd trouble during a match against Arsenal at the Emirates in 2022.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTheir club statement went on to reveal that they attempted to overturn the decision.It continued: “PSV and other parties involved have contested the decision where possible and at all levels, within the short time frame that the club was given.Fans in hysterics as they spot PSG president’s reaction to brutal Champions League draw on live TV”PSV also offered to take extra measures to prevent problems. Both have not produced the desired result, much to the disappointment of the club. “PSV regrets not only the decision of the French authorities, but also the timing of it.”All preparations had already been made and a lot of costs had been incurred.”Moreover, Peter Bosz’s selection counted on the support of the loyal supporters.”PSV then concluded their statement by revealing that they will refund fans for their match tickets.But supporters will NOT be reimbursed for travel and accommodation expenses.Their statement finished: “The two thousand supporters who have obtained a ticket for this match via PSV will have the full purchase price refunded to the bank account of the booker within a few days.”Any other costs, such as travel and accommodation, will not be compensated by PSV.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Dutch side have so far lost 3-1 at Juventus and drawn 1-1 at home to Sporting Lisbon during this season’s competition – while PSG beat Girona 1-0 at Parc des Princes before losing 2-0 at Arsenal.Paris Saint-Germain and Uefa have been contacted for comment. More

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      Nicky Butt QUITS as Salford chief as Man Utd legend becomes second Class of ’92 member to leave in two days

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      NICKY BUTT has stepped down from his role as CEO at Salford City.The former Manchester United star co-owns the League Two outfit with other members of the famous “Class of 92”.Nicky Butt is leaving his role as CEO of SalfordCredit: GettyIt makes him the second star from the class to depart a role at the club in as many days, after it was reported Chris Casper was leaving on Monday.However, Butt will retain his ownership stake in the club.A Salford statement said: “Salford City confirms that Nicky Butt will step down from the role of Chief Executive Officer of Salford City Football Club with immediate effect.”Nicky was appointed Chief Executive in October 2022, taking over from Gary Neville. “He will remain an active shareholder and Board Director but has decided that he cannot dedicate the time required to continue as CEO.”Alongside the other members of the Class of 92, Nicky remains committed to continuing the growth of the club that started with their takeover 10 years ago.”Butt, 49, revealed how he intended to get back into coaching after turning down “several exciting opportunities”.He said: “Whilst I have enjoyed the day-to-day responsibilities of the Chief Executive role and discovered a huge amount about the challenges an EFL club faces away from the football pitch, I have recently realised how much I miss the coaching and development of players, and this has increased my desire to get back into that side of the game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Over the past few months there have been several exciting opportunities put forward to me that have put my focus back on coaching and on the grass. “That being said I have always wanted to put Salford first, and we now have experienced executives within the senior management team here which means that I can step away from my current duties without any impact on current operations and it will be very much business as usual.”Sporting Director of Salford Chris Casper is one of the lesser known names from the Class Of 92 Salford CFO, Jonathon Jackson, will step into the role on an interim basis.He has more than 10 years of experience as an executive working across the EFL and Premier League.Salford has been co-owned by Man Utd icons Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Butt since 2014 – a joint effort that gave them 60 per cent combined sharehold.Singaporean businessman Peter Lim owned the remaining 40 per cent until earlier this year, when Neville, 49, brought out his share in the summer.The club currently sit 16th in League Two, with three wins and three draws from their opening ten games.Butt revealed he wants to get back into coaching after turning down ‘exciting offers’Credit: AFP More