More stories

  • in

    Tottenham’s desperate transfer scramble sees them approach Chelsea for Axel Disasi after asking Man Utd about Garnacho

    TOTTENHAM have made a shock approach for Chelsea star Axel Disasi, according to reports.Ange Postecoglou is desperate to bolster his squad with his side on the brink of being pulled into a relegation battle.Axel Disasi has been approached by TottenhamCredit: RexSpurs made a shock move for Alejandro GarnachoCredit: GettyChelsea are supposedly trying to offload Disasi before the transfer window slams shut on Monday night.Reporter Fabrizio Romano claims Spurs have made a late move for the French centre-back.But Tottenham are already behind in the race for his signature as Aston Villa have already agreed personal terms with him.Villa are pushing hard to bring in Disasi after Diego Carlos’ exit and Tyrone Mings’ latest injury blow.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe player will supposedly decide on his future this weekend.Spurs have turned their attention to Disasi after Radu Dragusin joined their lengthy injury list during Thursday night’s 3-0 win over Elfsborg in the Europa League.In their scramble to find another centre-back, they have already been turned down by Fikayo Tomori, who wants to stay at AC Milan.Spurs are also struggling to convince attackers to join after being rejected by Mathys Tel.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe club had agreed a £50millon deal with Bayern Munich for the forward and chief Daniel Levy flew out to Germany to seal the deal.But the 19-year-old star has opted to stay and fight for his place at Bayern. ‘It’ll become so toxic’ – Gary Neville pinpoints exact date he thinks Tottenham will sack Ange PostecoglouSpurs also enquired about Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, but looks set to remain at Old Trafford. Amid an injury crisis and poor form, Postecoglou is in danger of being sacked.The under-fire boss summed up his frustrations, saying: “Every time I’ve seen the light at the end of the tunnel, it’s usually been an oncoming train.” More

  • in

    Marcus Rashford ‘on brink of Aston Villa loan after agreeing to cover £325k a week wages… and deal could be PERMANENT’

    MARCUS RASHFORD is on the brink of completing his loan move to Aston Villa, according to reports.The out-of-favour Manchester United forward, 27, is not wanted by Ruben Amorim and has been frozen out since December 12.Marcus Rashford looks on the verge of joining Aston Villa on loanCredit: PAReports on Friday emerged that Villa were keen to take the England international on a temporary deal until the end of the season.And now The Athletic and Fabrizio Romano claim a deal is nearing completion for Rashford to join Unai Emery’s side with the final details being thrashed out.It is stated Villa are covering the majority of Rashford’s whopping £325,000-a-week United wages he gets paid following his five-year contract extension signed in 2023.They are also offering performance-related bonuses. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThat is largely possible due to the fact the Midlands side sold Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr for £64million. The reports also add that there will be an option for Villa to buy Rashford included in the deal – while United may swoop for Mathys Tel if and when the No10’s exit is sealed. Rashford is keen to get his career back on track after a difficult few years under both Erik ten Hag and now Amorim. And the possibility of playing in the Champions League again will undoubtedly appeal. Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesBarcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Monaco and AC Milan were all linked with the United academy graduate – although the wages proved an issue. But now it appears Rashford will stay put in the Premier League.Inside Marcus Rashford’s demise from one of football’s biggest stars to £60m benchwarmerIronically, Rashford made a blistering start to the Amorim regime with three goals in the Portuguese manager’s first two league matches – against Ipswich and Everton. However, their relationship soured when Amorim was told Rashford had been out on a Friday night – less than 48 hours before the Everton game.He called the forward in for a meeting where he denied the allegations – and they still do not see eye to eye. Rashford then angered Amorim further by publicly revealing he is “ready for a new challenge” away from Old Trafford.To make matters worse, Amorim said he would rather put his 63- year-old goalkeeper coach Jorge Vita on the pitch instead of “a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day”.The player feels he is receiving unfair treatment – and there are thoughts it may be orders from the top.A source told The Sun: “Marcus thinks Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants him out of the club and has basically told head coach Ruben Amorim to get him out.“He might just have met his match with Sir Jim.”Marcus feels like he is being picked on.“In the early days of training under Amorim, he was trying to learn new systems and other players were also struggling — but he was the one who was getting more vocal criticism.“He knows he needs to leave but he’s shocked that no big team has pulled out all the stops to get him.”There’s been interest but financially it’s a complicated deal and that’s put quite a few teams off.“Marcus has been left bewildered by how quickly his relationship with Amorim has disintegrated.”Ex-United stars Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes all weighed in on the debate.Ferdinand suggested Rashford could look to sue Amorim for his comments while Rooney and Scholes both laid into the forward.Rooney said: “I went into Carrington on Sunday to take my kids to game day and Marcus Rashford was out on the training pitch with the fitness coach.”But he was right over towards where the parents were walking past for the kids’ games.”I looked at him thinking how embarrassing it must be for him as parents walked past. He’s there and all the parents are walking past him.Marcus has let a lot of people down with his attitude… the sooner he’s gone, the betterPaul Scholes”I was surprised when this started over two years ago, but now I’m not.”I’ve spoken to Marcus a couple of times and I’ve given him my thoughts and feelings that he needs to leave the football club.”Because whatever is going on in his life and at Manchester United, he’s not the same.”For him to have a fresh start, he needs to leave the club.”Scholes added: “I think Marcus has let a lot of people down with his attitude and I think that’s what the manager is trying to say.”You think of the young players coming through the team and think of [Alejandro] Garnacho.”They’re looking up to people like Marcus now and he’s 27, he’s clearly not training properly, he’s not living his life properly. They’re the examples these people should look at.READ MORE SUN STORIES”In a way, he’s saying he doesn’t want to be involved with the team and the fact of letting his teammates down, he should be banished from the dressing room.”If he’s in and around that and young people are seeing that as an example, the sooner he’s gone the better.”Rashford’s relationship with Ruben Amorim appears beyond repairCredit: GettyUnai Emery lost Jhon Duran to Saudi Arabia in a big-money moveCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Man Utd sign Arsenal wonderkid as Ruben Amorim makes Ayden Heaven his first signing with ‘substantial’ compensation paid

    MANCHESTER UNITED have confirmed the signing of Arsenal wonderkid Ayden Heaven. The 18-year-old becomes Ruben Amorim’s first arrival since he took over as manager in November. Ayden Heaven has joined Man Utd from ArsenalCredit: Instagram @manchesterunitedHeaven will immediately join United’s first-team squadCredit: Instagram @manchesterunitedMan Utd have confirmed that Heaven has penned a contract until 2029 and he will be a part of the first-team.On signing for the club, he said: “I am incredibly proud to join Manchester United. “I’m grateful to everyone who helped make this dream a reality.“There is so much that I want to achieve in the game, I’ll be giving everything to continue my development and become the best player that I can be.” READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMan Utd chief Jason Wilcox added: “We are delighted that Ayden has joined Manchester United. “He is already an extremely talented defender who is ready to join our first-team squad in order to maximise his development. “This club has a phenomenal track record of supporting young players and we believe that Ayden is in the perfect place to reach his excellent potential.” SunSport understands Man Utd have paid a “substantial” compensation fee to land Heaven.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe towering centre-back made his senior Arsenal debut in October, coming off the bench against Preston in a Carabao Cup tie.Heaven impressed during the club’s pre-season tour in the US.Inside Marcus Rashford’s demise from one of football’s biggest stars to £60m benchwarmerThe left-footed defender is highly-rated by Mikel Arteta and the club are disappointed to lose him.But with his contract up in the summer, the teen reportedly refused a new deal as he felt his path to the first-team was blocked by the number of senior defenders the Gunners have.Both Barcelona and Eintracht Frankfurt had also made approaches for the England Under-19s international.Heaven follows striker Chido Obi-Martin in switching Arsenal for Man Utd.The 17-year-old hit the headlines last season after scoring ten goals in one game against Liverpool’s Under-16s and then seven versus Norwich.He has continued to be prolific for the Red Devils, netting a hat-trick on his debut against Nottingham Forest. Mikel Arteta handed his his debut earlier this seasonCredit: Reuters More

  • in

    ‘I truly hate this part’ – Rob McElhenney heartbroken as ‘major part of Wrexham journey’ leaves after four years

    WREXHAM owner Rob McElhenney posted an emotional farewell to James Jones after he signed for Burton Albion.The American actor runs the League One club alongside fellow Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds.Rob McElhenney said an emotional goodbye to James JonesCredit: PAJones has joined fellow League One side Burton AlbionCredit: PAWrexham confirmed that Jones departed yesterday to join Burton on an 18-month deal.McElhenney penned a touching tribute to the much-loved midfielder on X, writing: “I truly hate this part. James and his beautiful family are such a major part of our journey. They will be greatly missed.”Burton Albion you are getting a class player with a huge heart and wonderful family.”Jones replied: “Thank you Rob, we really appreciate the message, it was a privilege to be part of something special.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”All the best to you and your family.”Jones had been at Wrexham for three-and-a-half years and made 138 appearances.The Scot joined from Lincoln City and played a crucial role in the Welsh club’s back-to-back promotions, going from the National League to League One in two years.Jones leaving the Racecourse Ground paved the way for the arrival of ex-Premier League star Jay Rodriguez.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 35-year-old striker has one England cap to his name and is best remembered from his time at Southampton, West Brom and Burnley.He joins James McClean, Steven Fletcher and Matty James among the former Prem stars in Wrexham’s squad. More

  • in

    The Marcus Rashford vs Ruben Amorim showdown just days into manager’s reign from which relationship has never recovered

    MARCUS RASHFORD and Ruben Amorim fell out just days into the Manchester United manager’s reign. Rashford is looking to leave the club before Monday’s transfer deadline, having not played in any of their last 12 games.Ruben Amorim’s relationship with Marcus Rashford is unlikely to recoverCredit: GettyRashford thinks Sir Jim Ratcliffe is behind the push for him to leaveCredit: AlamyThe Sun can exclusively reveal that Amorim’s sour relationship with the England star can be traced back to before his third game in charge against Everton on December 1.Rashford scored twice in a 4-0 win, but he has been named in just one starting line-up since then.A problem came to a head prior to the Everton game when he was accused of going on a night out by Amorim.The pair had a heated conversation and the manager questioned his professionalism.READ MORE ON MAN UTDA source told The Sun: “Marcus got called in by Amorim who said he believed he had breached discipline by going out.“Marcus denied it and was adamant he had done nothing wrong. He asked the manager to show him the proof he’d been out and said something along the lines of, ‘Are you calling me a liar?’“Their relationship has never recovered, and it’s hard to see how it ever will now.”It is not the first time partying has been an issue, as last year previous boss Erik ten Hag fined him two weeks’ wages for calling in sick to training after a booze-fuelled bender in Belfast.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRashford featured briefly in the next three games after the Everton win before being dropped from the squad for the trip to Manchester City and he has not played since.Amorim explained his decision to leave him out, citing his “performance in training, the way you eat, the way you push your team-mates”.Amorim fires extraordinary blast at Rashford and says he’d rather put 63-YEAR-OLD coach on Man Utd bench ahead of himTwo days later, Rashford caught United off guard with a bombshell interview in which he claimed he was “ready for a new challenge”.The player feels he has been treated unfairly by Amorim on orders from owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who wants his staggering £325,000-a-week wages off the books.A source told The Sun: “Marcus thinks Sir Jim wants him out of the club and has basically told head coach Ruben Amorim to get him out.“He might just have met his match with Sir Jim.”Marcus feels like he is being picked on.“In the early days of training under Amorim, he was trying to learn new systems and other players were also struggling — but he was the one who was getting more vocal criticism.“He knows he needs to leave but he’s shocked that no big team has pulled out all the stops to get him. “There’s been interest but financially it’s a complicated deal and that’s put quite a few teams off.“Marcus has been left bewildered by how quickly his relationship with Amorim has disintegrated.”When asked about his Rashford’s exile last week, the Portuguese boss said he would rather put his 63- year-old goalkeeper coach Jorge Vita on the pitch instead of “a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day”.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt leaves the forward desperately searching for a new club and Aston Villa could reportedly make a late loan offer.Moves to Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Barcelona have already collapsed due to his £325,000 weekly wage packet proving a stumbling block. More

  • in

    Patrick Dorgu breaks silence as he arrives at airport to jet to Man Utd with Ruben Amorim closing in on first transfer

    PATRICK DORGU has broken his silence on his imminent move to Manchester United.The versatile defender is on the verge of becoming Ruben Amorim’s first signing as Red Devils manager.Manchester United are on the verge of signing Patrick Dorgu from LecceCredit: GETTYThe defender said his goodbyes to his team-mates and fans after Lecce’s 3-1 win over Parma on FridayCredit: REXDorgu broke his silence on his move to Old Trafford after being spotted at the airportCredit: X@SKYSPORTSNEWSAmorim moved quickly to acquire the Dane’s services, agreeing a £29million deal with Serie A side Lecce after identifying him as a target.Dorgu said his goodbyes to his Lecce team-mates after their clash with Parma on Friday night.He was spotted at Milan airport on Saturday morning ahead of a flight to Manchester and a seemingly imminent medical with the Red Devils.And the 20-year-old revealed he’s champing at the bit to join the Premier League giants.When asked as he entered the airport if he’s excited about the move to Old Trafford, he told Sky Italia: “It’s an opportunity for me.”Dorgu was in the Lecce matchday squad for their 3-1 win over Parma but was an unused substitute.He warmly embraced his team-mates and acknowledged the travelling supporters after the final whistle.Lecce boss Marco Giampaolo was full of praise for the full-back after the final whistle.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe said: “I think Dorgu will be in Manchester tomorrow.”[He’s] a splendid boy, he gave us everything he had.Ruben Amorim says his team could be the worst in the history of Man Utd “At 20 you have this opportunity, maybe you also have other thoughts in your head.”It didn’t seem right to me to make him play neither for Lecce nor for himself.”If I needed him, I would have used him, I thought about it but the temptation was brief.”Dorgu joined Lecce in the summer of 2022 from Danish outfit Nordsjaelland. He’s made 57 appearances for the Italians, scoring five goals and registering two assists. More

  • in

    Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs’ restaurant ‘suddenly CLOSES’ as devastated workers ‘told by text they’d been sacked’

    A RESTAURANT co-owned by Premier League legend Ryan Giggs has closed with “immediate effect”, it is claimed.Staff of George’s Dining Room and Bar in Worsley, Manchester, were reportedly told by text they’d been sacked yesterday.Ryan Giggs at George’s with his two fellow co-ownersCredit: MEN MediaGeorge’s Dining Room in Worsley, ManchesterCredit: www.georgesworsley.co.ukThe note left at the restaurant on Friday nightCredit: MEN MediaThe ex-Reds midfielder, 51, opened the venue on Barton Road in 2014 with two old school pals.Signs on the door on Friday night said it was closed for the weekend “due to unforeseen circumstances”.However, texts sent to staff by bosses said the restaurant has closed for good, reports the Manchester Evening News.The messages reportedly stated they “regret to announce that with a heavy heart we have no alternative but to close George’s effective immediately”.READ MORE ON RYAN GIGGSThey added: “This is due to the obvious reduction in trade and business against the huge increases in costs of operating the business and the ongoing cost of living crisis.”Staff are said to have also been told they will be paid any outstanding wages in “due course”, as well as notice payment, as well as redundancy pay for “those to whom it applies”.One staff member told the news outlet: “It came totally out of the blue, we were all supposed to be working today and then we got the text messages through, we are all stunned.”When George’s opened over a decade ago, Giggs said it had been a lifelong dream of his to own a restaurant alongside childhood friends Kelvin Gregory and Bernie Taylor.Most read in FootballHe had described it as a “really different offering for the area”, with a launch event attended by former Manchester United teammates Bryan Robson, Nicky Butt, and Gary Neville.In 2015, a new terrace was added to the restaurant.Ryan Giggs helps with training session for Salford CityGiggs has also since teamed up with Sky Sports pundit Neville on the GG Hospitality Group, which launched Hotel Football at Old Trafford and the Stock Exchange Hotel in the city centre.The Sun has approached George’s and Giggs’ reps for comment.RETURN TO DUGOUTElsewhere, Giggs has helped to transform Salford City FC after returning to the dugout for the League Two outfit almost three years after stepping down as Wales head coach.He has taken a more hands-on role with the first team in recent months and has been spotted in the dugout alongside manager Karl Robinson during games.The Wales and Manchester United legend is a co-owner of the Ammies alongside his former Red Devils teammates Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and investor David Beckham.Giggs also began working as the club’s director of football last year.However, the former Welsh national team manager now seems to be lending his experience of coaching to the staff at Moor Lane too as he takes up a match day role on the touchline.The star became manager of his country in 2018, before being arrested on assault charges two years later.READ MORE SUN STORIESGiggs, who has always denied any wrongdoing, stepped down from the role in June 2022 ahead of his trial, where a jury failed to reach a verdict.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Giggs in the dugout for Salford City this monthCredit: RexGiggs playing for Manchester United in 1991Credit: GettyGiggs with Manchester United’s Class of 92 who went on to dominate the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Sir Alex Ferguson was left traumatised by tackle so bad that Gareth Southgate apologised and left Man Utd stars ‘numb’

    GARETH SOUTHGATE had to apologise to Sir Alex Fergurson after one of his players injured a Manchester United star.The incident occurred while the former England manager was in charge of Middlesbrough in 2008.Sir Alex Ferguson was left fuming over the reaction to the red cardCredit: AFPGareth Southgate was forced to apologise to Sir Alex following the horror tackleCredit: PA:Press AssociationRodrigo Possebon was on the receiving end of wayward challenge by Emmanuel PogatetzCredit: GettySir Alex said he was ‘numb’ in fear for PossebonCredit: GettyUnited beat Boro 3-1 in a third round League Cup tie, but the win was overshadowed by the injury wonderkid Rodrigo Possebon sustained.The Brazilian midfielder, who was making his first start for the Red Devils, was on the receiving end of a horror tackle from Emmanuel Pogatetz.He was sent off but it did little to calm down a furious Sir Alex.Ferguson revealed after the game that “everyone was numb” in fear for Possebon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the legendary boss was fuming over Boro players pleading it was not a red card, saying: “It was an absolutely terrible tackle. “What gets me about challenges like that is that the opponent always claims he has done nothing wrong.”Pogatetz should have just walked off the field.”You get their bench screaming that it wasn’t a sending off and there is nothing wrong with our player.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”At least Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate was very good about it. He apologised and understood the gravity.”Possebon was fortunate to avoid a broken leg and Pogatetz also later apologised. ‘Managers don’t get that now’ – Rio Ferdinand reveals Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man Utd ‘intel’ that wouldn’t happen todayHe said: “Firstly, I have to say that I went for the tackle because I thought I could win the ball. I now accept, however, that I misjudged the challenge.”But now I that I have had the chance to see the tackle on television, I know the ref was right to send me off.”I am going to speak to Rodrigo by telephone and I will apologise for hurting him. I hope that he will make a quick recovery and that he will not be out for long.”Possebon went on to make eight appearances for Man Utd before returning to play in his homeland of Brazil.He now works as a chief at Brazilian Serie A club Athletico Paranaense. More