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      ‘I feel like we’re BEGGING’ – Paul Scholes slams Man Utd over Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £2bn stadium plans

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      PAUL SCHOLES feels like Manchester United are “begging” in how they have gone about their business under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.The Red Devils co-owner, 72, performed several interviews last week.Paul Scholes had his say on Man Utd’s Old Trafford plansCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe unveiled Man Utd’s new stadium plans last weekCredit: AlamyMan Utd also confirmed their intention to build a new 100,000-seater stadium to replace Old Trafford, having received Government backing to fund the wider regeneration project.Under-fire Ratcliffe said: “Today marks the start of an incredibly exciting journey to the delivery of what will be the world’s greatest football stadium, at the centre of a regenerated Old Trafford.”Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport.“By building next to the existing site, we will be able to preserve the essence of Old Trafford, while creating a truly state-of-the-art stadium that transforms the fan experience only footsteps from our historic home.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLScholes, 50, remains sceptical over Ratcliffe’s promises.Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet, the club legend said of the Ineos chief: “You can be gullible at times, and believe what he says, just because you’ve never heard anyone say anything before. You don’t know how realistic it is, it’s all up in the air.”Words are cheap, and we could say anything about anyone, you can say in 10 years we’ll have the biggest and best stadium.”For a long time, we’ve been called the richest club in the world, but I feel like we’re begging a little, asking for the stadium and that we need £2billion, and selling players to buy players.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Red Devils released imagery of their proposed new stadiumThe £2bn project will be part of a wider regenerationSpeaking to the BBC, Ratcliffe also made a huge claim about United’s finances.The United co-owner said: “Manchester United would have run out of cash by the end of 2025.Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains his plans for the new Man Utd Stadium “Where do you want to spend the money? Do you want to spend it on operating the club or do you want to spend it on the squad?”Because if you spend it on the squad, you get better results. At the end of the day, what is Manchester United here for if not to win trophies?”What we want to do is invest in the best players in the world, if we can. Rather than spend it on, I’m afraid, free lunches.”Man Utd signed two players during Ruben Amorim’s first transfer window at the helm.Teenage centre-back Ayden Heaven arrived from Arsenal, while 20-year-old left-back Patrick Dorgu was recruited from Serie A side Lecce.Ratcliffe last week gushed over the job Amorim is doing at Old Trafford, despite United being entrenched in the bottom half of the Premier League.The British billionaire said: “If I actually look at the squad which is available to Ruben, I think he is doing a really good job to be honest.”I think Ruben is an outstanding young manager. I really do. He’s an excellent manager and I think he will be there for a long time.”You are beginning to see a glimpse of what Ruben can produce. I think you saw a glimpse of it against Arsenal.READ MORE SUN STORIES”How many players against Arsenal on the bench did you recognise? How many have ever worn a Manchester United shirt for [the first team]… as there’s no squad left.”We are down to the last 10 or 11 men in the squad really, of proper first-team players. Ruben is doing a super job.”Ruben Amorim’s side defeated Leicester City last weekendCredit: EPA More

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      ‘I get multiple death threats every day’ – Football’s first openly gay star shares heartbreaking insight on ‘toxic’ fans

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      FOOTBALL’S first openly gay star has shared a heartbreaking insight on “toxic” fans, claiming: “I get multiple death threats every day.”Josh Cavallo, 25, made headlines in 2021 when he became the first-ever professional footballer to come out as gay.Josh Cavallo has lifted the lid on the vile abuse he receives from fansCredit: AFPCavallo became the world’s first openly gay pro player in 2021Credit: GettyThe Australian was hailed as “brave” by fans as he declared: “I’m tired of this double life, it’s exhausting.”And last year he got engaged to his partner with an incredible proposal on the pitch.However, Cavallo previously revealed he has received homophobic abuse during matches.And now, the star has lifted the lid on the horrific threats he receives on a daily basis.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCavallo declared that he has received numerous vile messages, with some even wishing death upon him.And he has warned other players who are thinking of coming out to brace themselves for a “mountain of downsides.”Cavallo told FIFPRO’S Footballers Unfiltered podcast: “In the world of football, being an openly gay player is a very toxic place.“It’s something that not everyone would be able to handle and go through. I still think we’re a very, very long way of being accepted in this space.Most read in Football“So these are factors that people will consider in their coming out and they might not be out now, but coming out brings all this attention, pressure and negativty that will affect their game in the long run.“It’s difficult to say to people, ‘Absolutely, come out, be yourself’. But it also comes with a mountain of downsides as well that I don’t think people realise.”Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersDespite receiving abuse, Cavallo regrets not coming out sooner.He added: “I was tired of being hidden and of having to go around and hide from peple and not live my authentic self.“And then I would be like, why hasn’t this happened in football? Why hasn’t no one ever come out to be themselves and be successful and play?“And I understand that now looking back, all the negativity, all the things that come your way.” More

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      Alan Hansen, 69, beams as he receives MBE from Prince William nine months after Liverpool and MOTD legend’s health scare

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      ALAN HANSEN beamed with pride as he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire.The former Liverpool and Scotland defender was given the honour by the Prince of Wales, Prince William, at Windsor Castle.Alan Hansen beamed with pride as he was awarded an MBE by Prince WilliamCredit: PAThe Scot was awarded the honour for his services to football and broadcasting.Credit: PAHansen, 69, was proud as punch as he posed with his medal outside of Windsor CastleCredit: PAHansen was a mainstay on Match of the Day for 22 yearsCredit: BBCHansen, 69, was proud as punch as strode towards William to receive his MBE for services to football and broadcasting.The former long-time Match of the Day pundit beamed as he shook hands with Wills, who he had a brief conversation with.But he had an even bigger smile on his face when he posed with his medal outside Windsor Castle.Hansen looked in fine fettle in one of his few publicly spotted outings since his health scare last year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Scot was hospitalized last June after falling seriously ill, although details of his condition weren’t revealed.He bravely fought back and was eventually allowed to continue his recovery at home.Hansen’s good friend and former Liverpool team-mate Graeme Souness provided regular updates on the condition of his pal, who he was in regular contact with.Souness said: “Anyone who’s met Alan once, you know he’s got a wicked sense of humour.Most read in FootballAlan Hansen’s glittering career statsLiverpool: 1977- 1990, 620 appearances, 14 goalsTrophies: English titles x8, European Cups x3, Uefa Supercup (1978), FA Cup x2, League Cup x4, English Super Cup x6Partick Thistle: 1973-1977, 86 appearances, 6 goalsScotland: 1979-1987, 26 appearances “So, for two conversations with him in the last five or six days, both conversations were me on the receiving end of his humour.”So that tells me he’s on the way back.”Liverpool legend Alan Hansen takes acclaim of fans after recent illness on rare visit to former clubHansen looked in good spirits last October when he made a rare appearance at former club Partick Thistle for their Firhill clash with Airdrieonians, which he watched with his brother John.When asked how it felt to be back watching his old side in action, he said: “It feels sensational.”It’s great to be here, as I haven’t been here in a long, long time.”I’ve got so many happy memories, in particular with that team in ’76, that team was fantastic.”As soon as you went into the dressing room here, you just laughed and laughed. “Thank you very much for having me here.”Alan Hansen spent the bulk of his playing career with LiverpoolCredit: GETTYAlan Hansen looked in good spirits during a recent visit to former side Partick ThistleCredit: PARTICK THISTLE FC More

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      Ex-Arsenal star Mesut Ozil ‘banned from return to former club over links to far-right group who tried to kill Pope’

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      MESUT OZIL has been banned from visiting his former side Werder Bremen due to “recent actions” that “do not represent the club’s values”.The Bundesliga side is hosting a “farewell game” for beloved former player Diego Ribas this Saturday.Mesut Ozil has raised eyebrows with a new tattoo on his chestCredit: Instagram / @m10_officialWerder Bremen are set to celebrate their legendary former Brazilian star Diego RibasCredit: ReutersThe Brazilian, 40, dazzled crowds during his three years with Werder between 2006 and 2009.Several of his former team-mates have been invited to take part, but not Ozil.The former Germany international played alongside Diego during the 2008-09 season.So his name is a notable omission from this weekend’s festivities.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPer Bild, a Werder spokesperson said: “We have agreed with Diego not to invite Mesut due to his recent actions, which do not represent the club’s values.”Since hanging up his boots, Ozil has become involved in politics.Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan was best man at Ozil’s wedding in 2019.Ozil, whose parents are Turkish, was named on the Central Decision and Management Board for Erdogan’s Justice and Development party.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSOzil reveals his tattoo in a picture alongside Achraf HakimiCredit: Instagram @alperaksac7Ozil played for Werder Bremen between 2008 and 2010Credit: GettyThe former midfielder, who now has a hulking bodybuilder’s frame, has also raised eyebrows with a new tattoo on his chest.The tattoo appears to feature a grey wolf with three crescent moons – symbols often associated with right wing extremism.’He’s got a sense of humour’ – Sky Sports panel in stitches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s stunt in live TV interviewThe Grey Wolves group are a controversial Turkish far-right movement.Banned in France and Austria, the Grey Wolves have been linked with several high-profile crimes including the 1981 attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II.Ozil’s team of representatives did not comment when asked by the Telegraph if their client’s tattoo was a direct reference to the Grey Wolves organisation.Turkey international Merih Demiral was banned for two matches by Uefa last summer for his “Grey Wolf” celebration performed during Euro 2024.The gesture saw Demiral raise the index and little finger of each hand above his head.At the time, Uefa claimed that the ban was handed to Demiral “for violating the basic rules of decent conduct, for using sports events for manifestations of a non-sporting nature and for bringing the sport of football into disrepute”.Merih Demiral was banned for this controversial celebrationCredit: EPA More

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      Glam footballer Madelene Wright puts on busty display in racy lingerie as she celebrates St Patrick’s Day

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      MADELENE WRIGHT took social media by storm once more with another raunchy snap.Madelene, 26, often treats her fans with a series of glam photoshoots on social media.Madelene Wright posed in a tiny green lingerie for St Patrick’s DayCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightThat is after Madelene posed in a bikini during her recent holidayCredit: INSTAGRAM @madelene_wrightMadelene often shares glam pics on social mediaCredit: X formerly Twitter / @WrightMadelene_Madelene has hundreds of thousands of followersCredit: X formerly Twitter / @WrightMadelene_This time the footballer decided to celebrate St Patrick’s Day with a busty outfit.The athlete posed in a tiny green lingerie for her 315,000 followers on Instagram.Madelene issued the following caption: “Happy St Patrick’s Day.”This comes after the social media model left fans stunned with a series of bikini pics.Read More on FootballMadelene recently went to enjoy a sunnier climate to escape the UK winter chill in January.That is after she returned to football with Chesham United Women this season.That is four years after she was sacked by Charlton over a controversial video.She was axed by the Addicks in 2020 after she was reportedly seen inhaling from a balloon at a party and swigging champagne while at the wheel of her Range Rover.Most read in FootballMadelene has since gone on to become a major star on OnlyFans.And she regularly posts saucy content for loyal subscribers to access.Glam footballer Madelene Wright shows off her new glasses with smouldering video before sharing cheeky bum pic It is believed she earns around $659,000 (£526,000) per year, which she revealed gives her an amazing lifestyle.She told SunSport: “I was able to get my own place, I’ve been able to travel the world and I’ve enjoyed a lot of luxuries.”Inside Madelene’s glamorous life as footballer and OnlyFans star…Madelene lives a glamourous lifestyleShe often wows her fans with raunchy picturesCredit: InstagramMadelene has over 300k followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightShe celebrated her birthday in styleCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightThe football also has an OnlyFans accountCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightShe claimed to have made over £500,000 from the platformCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightThe footballer used to play for Leyton OrientCredit: Instagram/@madelene_wrightShe has continued her OnlyFansCredit: twitter @MaddieMadeleneShe often dresses in revealing outfitsCredit: InstagramMadelene used to play for CharltonCredit: Instagram @Madelene_Wright More

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      ‘He runs and plays like the devil’ – How Putin’s spies used Ronaldo YouTube videos to send coded messages to Moscow

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      VLADIMIR PUTIN’S spies used Cristiano Ronaldo YouTube videos to send coded messages back to Moscow. The incredible revelation came to light when a seemingly regular couple were jailed after being found guilty of spying for Russia in Germany. Spies for Vladimir Putin lived an apparently normal life in GermanyCredit: APThey commented on YouTube videos of Cristiano Ronaldo to communicate with MoscowCredit: ReutersTo their neighbours in the town of Marburg, an hour north of Frankfurt in western Germany, Andreas and Heidrun Anschlag appeared to be a normal married couple. They had Austrian passports, which turned out to be fake, and claimed to be citizens of the neighbouring nation with South American descent.Andreas worked as a car engineer while Heidrun looked after the house and their daughter, who had no idea of her parents’ true identities. Barring long phone calls in the garden during winter, a German journalist Mika Beuster said: “There was nothing that would distinguish them from any other family in the town.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut for 23 years, they were paid £80,000 per year by Russia to spy on the West – starting before the Berlin Wall came down in 1989.Mr and Mrs Anschlag – whose real names are unknown – passed thousands of secrets to the Soviet Union and Russia, including from the EU, Nato and the UN.They were aided by a mole at Dutch foreign ministry who sent monthly documents to be collected from so-called dead letter boxes while USB sticks were left in burrows for them to fetch.The couple used radios and satellites to communicate with Moscow’s Foreign Intelligence Service, the SVR.Most read in FootballBut the rise of the internet gave ‘Pit’ and ‘Tina’ a new way of messaging their spymasters in broad digital daylight. The Anschlags created a YouTube profile under the username @Aplenkuh1 – which translates as “Alpine cow 1” – in early 2011, with the Kremlin opening an account for themselves soon after called @crsitanofootballer. Cristiano Ronaldo opens up on ‘f—ing clueless’ coaches he’s played for, Messi relationship and calls himself the GOATAccording to the BBC’s former Security Correspondent Gordon Corera in his book Russians Among Us, the comments section of videos of then-Real Madrid hero Ronaldo playing football was a chosen forum for communication. Corera writes: “The YouTube platform created another novel way of communicating. “The couple and the SVR created accounts a couple of months apart in early 2011 which commented on videos, mainly about the footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.“They wrote, ‘It’s a very nice video and the song is also very good.’”This was answered by the SVR account called crsitanofootballer, saying, ‘He runs and plays like the devil.'”This, German investigators believe, was a means of communicating by hiding in plain sight amid all the noise on the world’s largest video platform.”The comments included a sequence of punctuation marks that could be turned into numbers which would then be referred back to a pre-agreed message.”This was the next step on from the famous number stations, public radio broadcasts to spies and illegals in code, that have been used by the Russians as well as other countries for decades and can still be heard.” The Anschlags were tracked by special intelligence forces and made a dramatic raid on their German home in October 2011.It is understood Heidrun was receiving an encrypted message through a transmitter in their study when the authorities stormed in, causing her to fall off her chair in shock and pull the connection cable out. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe couple were sentenced in July 2013 – Andreas to six-and-a-half years in prison, Heidrun to five-and-a-half years – while the Dutch minister official got 12 years. However, by the end of 2015, both spies had been freed from jail and deported to Russia. Ronaldo was playing for Real Madrid when they created the accounts in 2011Credit: APHeidrun and Andreas Anschlag were initially prisoned in Germany before being deported to RussiaCredit: EPA More

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      New £34m Man City star Abdukodir Khusanov looks emotional as he’s gifted £135k Mercedes on return to Uzbekistan

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      MANCHESTER CITY ace Abdukodir Khusanov looked emotional after being gifted a lavish new car by his compatriots.Khusanov, 21, joined City during the January transfer window following a £34million deal with Lens.Manchester City star Abdukodir Khusanov received a lavish gift from his compatriotsCredit: RedditMan City star Khusanov was gifted a Mercedes-Benz G-ClassCredit: RedditKhusanov got emotional after his compatirots’ touching gestureCredit: RedditKhusanov returned to Uzbekistan for the international breakCredit: RedditThe centre-back has already amassed eight appearances and a goal under Man City manager Pep Guardiola.And now the Uzbekistan international is back in his homeland for the international break.Khusanov’s return was filmed by some of his compatriots, who had a very special surprise for the hometwon hero.The defender’s move to the Etihad effectively makes him the most famous Uzbek footballer of all time.Read More on FootballAnd his fellow countrymen wanted to honour his representation at elite football.So Khusanov was gifted a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which is rated at about £135,000.The player looked emotional on camera with his fans’ touching gesture.The City star expressed his gratitude and took his brand new ride for a spin.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKhusanov had some very humble beginnings in Uzbekistan as he cut his teeth in Bunyodkor’s academy before moving to Belarusian outfit Energetik-BGU Minsk, which ultimately led to his big break at Lens.Khusanov is now set to lead the national team in their two upcoming World Cup qualifiers.Man City sign Abdukodir Khusanov in £34m deal with ‘tank’ as quick as Usain Bolt roped in to bolster Pep’s defenceUzbekistan will be facing Kyrgyzstan and Iran this month before the player returns to City, who are looking to seal a place in the top five ahead of the last few fixtures of the season.Khusanov joined Man City in January after a £34m deal with LensCredit: Getty More

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      Declan Rice and Son Heung-min star in best Dream Team XI of players who feature in less than 10% of teams

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      THIS international break gives Dream Team managers time to reflect upon the season so far.One aspect to consider is the players who have flown under the radar.Here we’ve assembled the best possible XI, based on total points, made up of available individuals who currently feature in less than 10% of teams.Surprised?Credit: GettyGOALKEEPERAndre Onana (7.4% ownership) – 156 ptsMany Dream Team bosses will be surprised to learn that only David Raya (£4.4m) and Emi Martinez (£3.9m) have more points than Manchester United’s last line of defence.No goalkeeper has conceded more goals than Onana in all competitions after 28 Gameweeks but he ranks third for saves with 107.Factor in nine clean sheets and the Cameroonian keeper has somehow cobbled together a respectable points tally, despite the Red Devils’ problems this season.Overlooked by too manyCredit: GettyDEFENDERSDaniel Munoz (5.5%) – 230 ptsJurrien Timber (5.9%) – 191 ptsMarc Guehi (9.2%) – 172 ptsThe presence of two Crystal Palace regulars suggests too many gaffers have overlooked the Eagles this campaign.That is certainly true of Munoz, who ranks second among all assets in his position having contributed five goals and six assists on top of 12 clean sheets.Most read in FootballThe Colombian wing-back also ranks third among all players for tackles – he does it all!Palace are due to face Fulham and Southampton in Gameweek 29 – Munoz surely deserves a popularity spike before the next deadline.Timber’s relatively low ownership is down to the fact most gaffers will opt for Gabriel (£4.6m) or William Saliba (£4.5m) when they’re keen on an Arsenal defender, understandably so.But the Dutchman is a perfectly viable option too as he’s now just four points shy of his French team-mate and 13 short of the Brazilian.Timber makes more tackles than the Gunners’ first-choice centre-backs and earns more bonus points.Bonus ballCredit: GettyMIDFIELDERSYouri Tielemans (6.4%) – 221 ptsDeclan Rice (7.6%) – 216 ptsBrennan Johnson (8.4%) – 208 ptsEberechi Eze (8.7%) – 205 ptsAlexis Mac Allister (5.2%) – 204 ptsMorgan Rogers (£3.9m) has justifiably been one of Dream Team’s most popular midfielders this season but it’s interesting that Tielemans’ ownership has never reached double figures when he ranks joint-ninth in his position, just a shade below his widely-owned team-mate.The Belgium international leads the way among all players for bonus points with 48 – only one other player, Ryan Gravenberch (£3.2m), has more than 40 at this juncture.Generally speaking, attack-minded midfielders tend to perform better than their more defensive counterparts, which probably explains Rice’s relatively low ownership.However, Arsenal’s No41 has registered 13 goal contributions, thanks in no small part to his set-pieces.In fact, Rice’s well-directed corners have helped him create 23 big chances in 2024/25 – only Mohamed Salah (£8m) is above him in this metric.Set-piece specialistCredit: ReutersJohnson remains Tottenham’s top scorer this term and he was previously among the most selected players in the game.His ownership plummeted when he suffered an injury in January and is yet to recover.Eze is the third Palace representative in this XI, underlining the South Londoners’ success since their upsurge in form a few months ago.The England international averages 6.8 points-per-game.His dribbling skill and ability to draw fouls has helped him gain 37 bonus points, a tally only bettered by five players.Dream Team bosses have called upon Luis Diaz (£3.5m) and Dominik Szoboszlai (£4.3m) when in need of a Liverpool midfielder but those who have taken a punt on Mac Allister have been duly rewarded.The World Cup winner ranks first for tackles among his team-mates and joint-second for bonus points, not to mention his 11 goal involvements.A formidable asset even at half capacityCredit: AFPSTRIKERSSon Heung-min (9.7%) – 260 ptsCody Gakpo (6.2%) – 239 ptsThe Spurs captain is the man with the most points who features in less than 10% of teams across all positions.Son has not always been at his best this season but it’s a measure of his pedigree that he ranks seventh overall having scored 11 goals and provided 14 assists in all competitions.The South Korean superstar might be an excellent option in April, when Ange Postecoglou’s side will face Southampton and Wolves around two Europa League quarter-final legs against Frankfurt.Last but not least, it’s Gakpo, who boasted a much higher ownership before his ill-timed injury at the end of February.Salah has been an essential asset from the get-go but there have been times when doubling up on Liverpool forwards has yielded plentiful returns.Gakpo has scored 16 goals this season, a tally only bettered by four players.The Dutchman came off the bench against PSG and Newcastle and is therefore in contention to start against Everton after the international break.However, Liverpool assets are not as viable as they were following their elimination from the FA Cup and Champions League.Here’s the team in full…Andre OnanaDaniel MunozJurrien TimberMarc GuehiREAD MORE SUN STORIESYouri TielemansDeclan RiceBrennan JohnsonEberechi EzeAlexis Mac AllisterSon Heung-minCody GakpoScore 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