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      Man Utd face paying £10million penalty and financial black hole if they miss out on Champions League again

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      MANCHESTER UNITED risk facing huge financial challenges if they go another season without Champions League football.The Red Devils failed to earn a spot in Europe’s elite competition last season after finishing eighth in the Premier League table.Man Utd face losing a huge chunk of money if they do not qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe is in charge of football operations at Old TraffordCredit: AlamyDespite enduring one of their worst campaigns, they managed to earn Europa League qualification by winning the FA Cup.However, securing Champions League football this time around will be imperative for the club’s financial status.Failing to finish in the top four would result in a £10million penalty clause being invoked ahead of the 2025-26 season.When Man Utd penned a 10-year partnership extension with Adidas last summer, it was agreed that failure to qualify for the Champions League on two consecutive occasions would lead to a 30 per cent reduction in annual payments.Read More in FootballUnited will also be penalised for every other season they fail to earn a spot.On top of that, tens of millions more will be lost in broadcasting deals and match day revenue.The Red Devils earned £93.1m from their 2018-19 Champions League run, which ended in the quarter-finals.That figure dropped to £37.5m during the 2022-23 campaign, when they were in the Europa League.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited’s latest annual report reads: “Failure to qualify for the Champions League would result in a material reduction in revenue for each season in which our men’s first team did not participate.”To help mitigate this impact, the majority of playing contracts for our men’s first team include step-ups in remuneration which are contingent on participation in the group stage of the Champions League.Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag speaks after his side’s 3-0 Premier League loss at home to Tottenham “Moreover, because of the prestige associated with participating in the European competitions, particularly the Champions League, failure to qualify for any European competition could negatively affect our ability to attract and retain talented players and coaching staff, as well as supporters, sponsors and other commercial partners.”Man Utd reported a net loss of £113.2m for the 2023/24 financial year.It takes the club’s losses over three years to £254.7m.While the Red Devils have to qualify for the Champions League next season, they face a huge uphill battle.Erik ten Hag and his players have endured a poor start to the season and sit 12th in the table.The Dutchman’s future is now in doubt, with two huge fixtures against Porto and Aston Villa scheduled for this week.Man Utd face four away games in their next five fixtures More

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      Liverpool vs Bologna: Get £50 in free bets for Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Betfred

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      PREMIER LEAGUE leaders Liverpool park their title ambitions for the time being and welcome Bologna to Anfield in the Champions League.And brand new Betfred customers can claim a terrific £50 in free bets when they sign-up and stake a tenner on Wednesday’s clash.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereLiverpool vs Bologna: Get £50 free bets HERE*How to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on football, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get £50 free bets HERE*Liverpool vs Bologna: Get £50 free bets HERE*New to Betfred? Then you can claim this incredible offer.Simply visit the Betfred website using this link HERE* and register a new account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Then you just need to deposit and stake £10 on any football market at odds of Evens or greater.When that first bet has settled — win or lose — Betfred will credit your account with the following free bets;3 x £10 to use on any Sportsbook Markets2 x £10 to use on Accumulators (4+ selections)FREE BET SIGN UP DEALS FOR FOOTBALLRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. More

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      Liverpool vs Bologna prediction: Free betting tips, odds and preview for Champions League clash

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      LIVERPOOL are on the hunt for two wins from two to start this season’s Champions League when Bologna visit this week.SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest – and carefully selected our best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses for the Wednesday evening encounter.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesLiverpool vs Bologna previewLiverpool headed for the San Siro and matchday one off the back of a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest the weekend previously.Since that defeat, Arne Slot’s side have scored 13 goals in four games, winning each one and conceding thrice along the way.Saturday’s win at Wolves saw them jump to the top of the Premier League table, a point clear of Man City and Arsenal.Now they’re looking to make it two wins from two to start the competition after a 3-1 win at Milan started things off.Bologna are struggling down in 13th in Serie A after a fairytale season last time out.But they’re unbeaten in their last five games (4 draws) and have actually only lost once this season – at Napoli.Liverpool vs Bologna latest oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.William Hill new customer offerWilliam Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Liverpool vs Bologna prediction and betting tipsStrong showingBologna might well be a tough nut to crack domestically.But Liverpool should have far too much for the Italian side on their visit to Anfield.They’ve scored 13 in four games and a similar average will return this at decent value.Liverpool to win and 4 or more goals in the game at 13/10 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREMo the merrierMo Salah’s penalty won the game at Molineux a few days ago.That comes after a dry spell in the league, despite scoring when coming off the bench against West Ham during the week last week.Mo Salah to score 2+ goals at 18/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10+ via mobile on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      Dortmund vs Celtic: Get £40 in free bets and bonuses to spend on the Champions League with BetMGM

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      IT promises to be an action-packed, goal-fest at the Westfalenstadion this evening when Dortmund welcome Celtic.Bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the Champions League encounter.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsDortmund vs Celtic: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Dortmund vs Celtic: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      Why is Ousmane Dembele NOT playing for PSG against Arsenal?

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      PARIS Saint-Germain have travelled to London to face Arsenal in the Champions League.But one of their star names will NOT be featuring in the crunch clash at the Emirates Stadium.Ousmane Dembele is not going to play against ArsenalCredit: GettyWhy is Ousmane Dembele NOT playing for PSG?Ousmane Dembele has been one of PSG’s standout performers this season with four goals in six games.But the rapid France forward will be playing no part of the Champions League game against Arsenal.This is because of a bust-up with PSG boss Luis Enrique.The fallout is believed to have taken place in the aftermath of PSG’s 3-1 win over Rennes on Friday night, in which Dembele was subbed off eight minutes from time.Ousmane Dembele and Luis Enrique on the touchline during Friday’s matchCredit: AFPEnrique said: “I am not going to create a soap opera out of this.“There are no problems between us. That is completely false. This is simply about the responsibilities of the player.“If someone doesn’t comply or respect the expectations of the team, it means they are not prepared to play.“This match is very important and I want all my players to be ready, so as a consequence I have left him out. I want the best for my team and that is my job.Most read in Champions League“These circumstances are difficult and you have to take difficult decisions. But I am 100% engaged with my decision, and 100% sure of the decision I have made.“It doesn’t mean this is irreversible. I have the support of the club’s president and the sporting director.“I am here to create a team and in the future that might include Ousmane Dembele, just to be clear.”When is Arsenal vs PSG?Arsenal vs PSG takes place on Tuesday, October 1.The match kicks off at 8pm.The game is being broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s team-mate knocks himself unconscious and carried away by medics as celebrations take disastrous turn

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S team-mate Salem Al-Nadji knocked himself unconscious while celebrating the Portuguese veteran’s latest goal.Al-Nassr were in Asian Champions League action yesterday against Qatari side Al Rayyan.Cristiano Ronaldo put his side 2-0 up against Al RayyanCredit: ReutersMedical staff arrived in a buggy to treat SalemThe full-back had started the contest before going off in the 35th minuteCredit: GettyFormer Liverpool star Sadio Mane gave the Saudi outfit the lead on the stroke of half-time, heading home from close range after his side had already spurned several big chances.In the 76th minute, Ronaldo finally joined Mane on the scoresheet with a deadly left-footed effort.By this point Salem was watching on from the bench, having been substituted in the 35th minute due to an ankle injury.When Ronaldo put his side 2-0 up, the full-back, 21, jumped out of his seat, hitting his head on the roof of the dugout.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis reportedly caused him to lose consciousness for a few minutes.Salem was seen to by medical staff and was subsequently taken away on a stretcher.He then received further assessments in the Al-Nassr dressing room, where it was determined that he would not need to go to hospital.After the game, Al-Nassr’s former AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli gave an update on his player’s status.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “The player suffered from high blood pressure and we will follow up on what happens to him.”After Al-Nassr’s second goal, Al Rayyan pulled themselves back into the contest via Roger Guedes’s 87th minute close range strike.Cristiano Ronaldo ‘agreed to rejoin Man Utd with Real Madrid star in £200m deal’ But the home side held firm to seal all three points.Ronaldo had missed his side’s last two matches through illness.His latest goal was his seventh in eight appearances this term.Since leaving European football he has scored 65 times in 72 outings for Al-Nassr.After scoring, Ronaldo poignantly pointed to the sky.Speaking after the game, he said: “Today’s goal has a different flavour… I wish my father was alive because today is his birthday.”Ronaldo’s dad tragically passed away aged 51 in September 2005.BETTER WITH AGEThe former Manchester United star’s goal also saw his tally in his 30s eclipse the number he bagged in his 20s.READ MORE SUN STORIESSince turning 30, he has scored 441 goals in 523 games, across spells at Real Madrid, Juventus, Man Utd and Al-Nassr.In his 20s, he netted 440 times in 596 appearances.Ronaldo, 39, poignantly pointed to the sky after his latest Al-Nassr goalCredit: Reuters More

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      Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi emerges as shock contender to replace Erik Ten Hag with Man Utd chief two games from axe

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      INTER MILAN boss Simone Inzaghi has reportedly emerged as a “serious contender” to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.The Dutchman will have two away games to save his job against Porto on Thursday and Aston Villa on Sunday.Simone Inzaghi is on Man Utd’s radar should Erik ten Hag be sackedThe pressure is mounting on the Man Utd boss after another poor start to the seasonThe Man Utd manager’s future has been called into question following a dismal display in a humiliating 3-0 home loss to Tottenham.Ten Hag said he was not concerned about losing his job, claiming the club are backing him, after he signed a contract extension over the summer.But there remains uncertainty around his position.Sir Jim Ratcliffe will reportedly consider Ten Hag’s Man Utd future during the October international break.READ MORE ON MAN UTDOld Trafford chiefs are interested in securing Inzaghi from Italian side Inter Milan, according to The Star.Inzaghi guided Inter to Serie A glory last season and he is widely considered to be one of the best coaches in world football.The 48-year-old has won nine trophies during his managerial career so far, with both Lazio and Inter.Inter reached the Champions League final under his tutelage in 2022-23 but lost 1-0 to treble winners Manchester City.Most read in FootballInzaghi (centre) celebrating with his team as they secured their 20th Scudetto with five matches remaining in April 2024FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe former Lazio forward has guided his side to fourth place this term, with three wins and two draws among their opening six fixtures.Inzaghi held Pep Guardiola to a 0-0 draw at the Etihad in early September.Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag speaks after his side’s 3-0 Premier League loss at home to Tottenham He is also the current holder of the Enzo Bearzot Award, given to the best Italian manager each year.The Star report states that former England boss Gareth Southgate could also come in for Ten Hag should he be sacked.Meanwhile Ruud van Nistelrooy will also be considered after returning to Old Trafford as an assistant in the summer.Southgate remains without a job after quitting England following England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.Meanwhile Man Utd have only won six of their last 18 Premier League games and have already lost three of their six matches this season.Ten Hag could therefore be axed before the Red Devils face Brentford on October 19.Man Utd face four away games in their next five fixturesWhy 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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      Cristiano Ronaldo agreed to rejoin Man Utd in 2013 with Real Madrid star in £200m deal before cash row, club icon claims

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO and Gareth Bale both agreed to join Manchester United in 2013 – but the club wouldn’t cough up £200m.United legend Patrice Evra revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson believed Ronaldo’s return was nearly 100 per cent agreed, four years after the Portugal star left for Real Madrid in a then-record £80m deal.Cristiano Ronaldo agreed to rejoin Manchester United in 2013, according to Patrice EvraAs did then Tottenham prodigy Gareth BaleFormer United star Evra revealed the information during a recent podcast appearanceAnd the legendary Red Devils boss also worked on trying to land Bale from Tottenham at the same time.But then Ferguson – who had just won the Premier League title – was forced to confirm to his players that he would in fact be retiring.Former left-back Evra said on The Obi One podcast: “It was one of the most sad days. I didn’t cry, I was in shock. “The reason why, is two weeks before, he brought me into his office and said: “Look at those people, they think I am going to retire, I am going to be here another 10 years but we need to win more Champions Leagues.”read more football news”He said: ‘Patrice, Cristiano has agreed 99 per cent to come back and Gareth Bale.’ He needed £200m and the club refused. Now they have spent a billion, whatever.”I remembered when I got out of his office, I was like, ‘Cristiano is back, Gareth Bale, we are back in business’. Imagine. That’s what he said.”Since then, United have spent a record £1.19bn on transfers and £40m on managers while running up a debt of nearly £1bn. Still no title, though.As a result Bale, who was flying at Spurs, instead joined Madrid in the summer of 2013 for an updated world record fee of £86m.Most read in FootballRonaldo scored 450 goals in 438 games for MadridBale scored a spectacular bicycle kick in the 2018 Champions League final win over LiverpoolFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDavid Moyes came in at Old Trafford and signed Marouane Fellaini instead.Ronaldo would go on to stay at Los Blancos until 2018, winning four more Champions League titles.Gary Neville’s sheepish reaction after Jamie Carragher says Cristiano Ronaldo has ‘pied two of us off’Wanting a new challenge, he joined Italian giants Juventus and picked up back-to-back Serie A titles in 2019 and 2020.He would eventually get his comeback move to Old Trafford in 2021, where he was named in the Premier League Team of the Year, scoring 16 goals in an otherwise underwhelming campaign for United.But Ronaldo left for Al-Nassr just over a year later after launching a verbal attack on the club in a tell-all explosive interview with Piers Morgan.Bale himself returned to Tottenham on a season-long loan in 2020 before returning to Madrid for a term.The Welsh star joined Los Angeles in 2022 and announced his retirement a year later.Ronaldo and Bale were both nominated for Europe’s Best Player award in 2016Ronaldo won his first Champions League with United under Fergie in 2008 More