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      From quirky diets and raps to secret baby and THAT obsession with Hannah Montana – inside weird world of Erling Haaland

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      A GOAL machine with the flowing blond locks of his Viking heritage, Erling Haaland likes to tell rivals to “stay humble”.Now — after landing a deal that dwarfs anything seen before in British football — he may need to heed the advice himself.Erling Haaland and girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen at the 2023 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in ParisCredit: GettyErling pictured relaxing on a sunshine breakCredit: InstagramToddler Erling was destined to be a footballerCredit: InstagramErling pictured yesterday after signing until 2034Credit: instagram/erlingThat’s because the attention that comes with such a huge contract will propel Haaland, 24, and his 21-year-old partner Isabel Haugseng Johansen into fame’s premier league.A source close to the couple said: “They are going to be a bigger than the Beckhams. They will be the wealthiest, most famous couple in the world of football.”Backed by Abu Dhabi petro dollars, Manchester City have signed Haaland on a new reported £500,000 a week, nine-and-a-half-year deal.Pre-tax, that’s £260million before his lucrative endorsements and win bonuses are factored in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL That’s around £71,000 a day, nearly £3,000 an hour and 83p per second.The minimum wage for ordinary folk rises to £12.21 an hour in April. Haaland earns that in 15 seconds.It takes Haaland six seconds to earn the cost of a pint and just under two and half days to make enough to afford a new Ferrari ­Portofino M Convertible.City are said to have backdated the deal to the start of the season which means Haaland will pocket £3.25million in wages he is owed since then.Most read in FootballTellingly, the striker said yesterday: “Now I am City no matter what.”For the Manchester club still awaits the verdict after being charged with 115 breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules.Erling Haaland talks about his contract extension at Man City to 2034 Possible sanctions include a points deduction or even relegation from England’s top division.‘We’re like any couple’It means that Haaland could be turning out at Millwall’s New Den or Oxford United’s Kassam Stadium rather than Anfield or Old Trafford with his deal that stretches to 2034.One fan tweeted: “By the time his contract ends, I’ll have grandkids, and they’ll still be watching him pad his stats against Burnley!”The deal comes after Haaland and glamorous Isabel had their first child shortly before Christmas.Although the couple are said to live quietly at their six-bed Cheshire mansion, they enjoy spending the wealth they have amassed.They pair have taken lavish holidays including breaks in Marbella, where Haaland owns a £6million villa, and on a yacht in Capri, Italy.He’s been pictured pairing a £300,000 watch with a Burberry pyjama set. In 2023 he was caught using his mobile phone at the wheel of his £300,000 Rolls Royce Cullinan SUV.Just before Christmas, Isabel spent more than £6,000 at ­Selfridges. Her items included a £2,700 Gucci bag, a £1,670 backpack and a £950 Gucci hoodie in the online spree.Details of Isabel’s spending blitz emerged after blundering Selfridges staff sent her receipt to another customer by mistake.Isabel and Haaland first met when they both played in Byrne, Norway, at the local football youth academy.Haaland seems to have retained at least some of the down-to-earth nature of a lad from a small town.Haaland plugged his monster new deal with an Instagram video, in which he wore white shorts, sitting cross-legged in the snow in a meditation poseCredit: instagram/erlingThe ace on holiday in Capri, Italy, with Isabel last yearCredit: BackGridThe pair larking around on the tripCredit: BackGridDuring his first weeks at City he was spotted shopping at Sainsbury’s. He later mocked those who expressed surprise at seeing him in a regular supermarket by tweeting: “At M&S. Bought a bag of Percy Pig. Don’t tell anyone.” Isabel has said: “We just want to live our lives without too much fuss. At the end of the day, we’re just like any other couple.”Now I am City no matter whatErling HaalandNot every other young couple starting a family will earn £260million in the next decade, of course.A source said: “Isabel absolutely loves sport and football — that’s how they met. “She’s amazingly fit as well as stunningly beautiful and the brands are going to be all over her — not just sporting names but beauty too.”Haaland plugged his monster new deal with an Instagram video for his 38.5million followers. Fans saw him in nothing but white shorts, sitting cross-legged in the snow in a meditation pose that he has used as a goal celebration.Ethereal music plays before the star says: “I’m here to stay.”One fan posted: “My day is made! Thank you Erling.”Another added: “Stay humble.”It’s a reference to Haaland’s “stay humble” advice to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta after City’s 98th-minute ­equaliser against the London club at the end of September.Let’s be clear. The reason Haaland is being paid this obscene amount of money is because he’s worth it.Arguably the greatest striker in the world’s best league, his goal record at City is astonishing. He is one of the reasons why the Premier League is sold around the globe — from Laos to Uzbekistan and the Pacific islands — for £10.4billion in TV rights.Arriving at City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 for £51.2million, he scored 52 goals in all competitions — including a single-season record of 36 in the Premier League. That season the team won the league, FA Cup and Champions League to land the Treble.Last season he scored 38 goals in 45 appearances and he has 21 goals already in this campaign as he goes for a third straight Golden Boot in the ­Premier League.Haaland said yesterday: “For two and a half years as a City player I have been winning loads of trophies, playing good football, having so many great moments together with the whole club and with the fans.”The £260million deal is a ­defining moment for a sport which has deep roots in working-class communities in the 19th Century mill towns of Lancashire.Players who turned out for Accrington and Preston North End when the Football League began in 1888 would scarcely believe the riches now drenching the game.When Everton signed Nick Ross from Preston that year, he was paid £10 a month. Haaland will earn that in around 12 seconds. By the late 1960s players still earned comparatively little, despite drawing huge crowds.When City club legend Mike Summerbee signed from Swindon Town in 1965, his wages increased from £35 to £40 per week.Yet Haaland’s salary is relatively paltry compared to global sport’s top earners.Baseball star Shohei Ohtani from the Los Angeles Dodgers is pocketing £57.4million a year over a ten-year contract.Juan Soto from the New York Mets picks up £41.8million over 15 years, totalling £627million. And Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez has a £60million-a-year deal with broadcaster DAZN for five years, while Formula 1’s Max Verstappen is earning £45million per year over six years with his team Red Bull.For two and a half years as a City player I have been winning loads of trophies, playing good football, having so many great moments together with the whole club and with the fansErling HaalandWith skin like white marble and shoulder-length blond hair, Haaland is the archetypal Norseman.Yet he was born on July 21, 2000, in Yorkshire, where his father — Norwegian international Alfie Haaland — was playing for Leeds United.In the mid-1990s Alfie had ­married Gry Marita Braut — a Norwegian heptathlete — and had children Astor, a finance student, Gabrielle, a healthcare assistant and Instagram personality, and finally Erling.Erling’s Yorkshire birth made him eligible to turn out for England’s Three Lions.In 2000 Alfie signed for ­Manchester City, where he would remain for three years.A simmering feud with hardman midfielder Roy Keane would come to a head in April 2001 when the Manchester United star brutally raked his studs into Haaland senior’s leg.The United man was sent off for the tackle, which was revenge for Alfie accusing him of feigning an injury — which was in fact career-threatening — more than three years previously.Keane would later write in his autobiography: “I f***ing hit him hard. The ball was there (I think). Take that you c***.”Bad blood still lingers.United fans goad Erling with chants of “Keano” — and Keane hasn’t spared his criticism.The pundit told Sky Sports: “In front of goal he’s the best in the world, but his general play for such a player — it is so poor. He’s almost like a League Two player.”‘I’m super-happy, proud’Alfie was said to be “really p***ed off” with the comment.When Alfie’s Premier League career ended in 2003, the family returned to his home town of Bryne in Norway.Young Erling loved running and was a natural athlete. Aged five he is said to have broken the world standing long jump record, leaping 1.63 metres.In front of goal he’s the best in the world, but his general play for such a player — it is so poor. He’s almost like a League Two player.”With ten members of his extended family who were professional footballers, he was drawn to the game and proved a natural.Joining Byrne’s football academy aged five, Haaland met Isabel, another football-mad youngster.The new mother once said: “We were just kids, kicking a ball around without a care in the world.“We were inseparable on the pitch. We didn’t know it back then, but those moments were the foundation of something much ­bigger.”In 2016 he and two friends from Norway’s youth team released their own hip-hop song on YouTube under the name Flow Kingz.Calling himself “Lyng”, Haaland raps in a baseball cap and hoodie while pretending to flip burgers and bouncing on a trampoline.His lyrics include: “I even look good when I eat”.It’s just as well his football career took off.Signing to Molde in 2017, the club put the 6ft 3ins gangly youth on a high protein diet — including reindeer steaks — to bulk him up.After moves to Red Bull Salzburg and Dortmund, he arrived in Manchester.Yesterday Haaland said: “I’m super happy, proud.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m looking forward to staying here for a long time.”The next decade will certainly bring him untold riches and, just maybe, a spell playing Championship football.Erling with Oasis star Noel GallagherCredit: Tim StewartThe star pictured pairing a £300,000 watch with a Burberry pyjama setCredit: Tim StewartErling lifting the Champions League trophy with Isabel in 2023Credit: GettyThe pair having a private moment under the flagCredit: Getty More

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      Captaincy options for Gameweek 20: Erling Haaland seeking hat-trick repeat against Ipswich

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      IT’S once again time for Dream Team managers to elect a captain for the Gameweek ahead.The gist of last week’s captaincy article was that gaffers who bet against Mohamed Salah (£8.1m) were likely to be rewarded and so it proved to be.Liverpool’s main man mustered just five points after being rested against Accrington Stanley and constricted by Nottingham Forest.Salah was guilty of a rare off-day against ForestCredit: GettyAll the alternatives we recommended – Bruno Fernandes (£6.2m), Alexander Isak (£6m) and Eberechi Eze (£4.9m) – registered at least twice as many points as Salah in Gameweek 19.But that was then and this is now.Should gaffers go against the Egyptian superstar again or trust he’ll bounce back in Gameweek 20 versus Brentford and Lille?The Bees boast a formidable home record but they have conceded plenty of goals at the Gtech this season.Liverpool’s spot in the Champions League round of 16 is essentially guaranteed but it would be a surprise if Arne Slot eased up in Europe; he’ll want to finish the league phase on top.All things considered, Salah is a considerably stronger captain for Gameweek 20 than he was in Gameweek 19 and that will be enough for many Dream Team bosses.Haaland took home the game ball last time he met IpswichCredit: GettyThere are still gaffers who refuse to strip Erling Haaland (£8m) of the armband and these loyalists have every reason to feel confident of substantial returns in the coming days.Most read in FootballManchester City are still making too many errors but they have scored more than their fair share of goals lately – 16 in their last four games to be precise.Pep Guardiola’s travel to Portman Road this Sunday and their big No9, fresh off a new long-term contract, will be hopeful of getting on the scoresheet having bagged a hat-trick against Ipswich in the reverse fixture back in August.Wednesday’s trip to the French capital to face PSG can hardly be considered a favourable match-up but the Ligue 1 giants have fared even worse than City in the Champions League this season.Alternatively, Phil Foden’s (£6.2m) backers might be tempted to double his points this coming Gameweek.The England international has banked 60 points from his last six outings via four goals and two assists.A man in formCredit: AlamyBold managers might seek a captain among Tottenham’s ranks.Spurs are languishing 14th in the table after their defeat in the North London derby but the Dream Team Stats Centre paints a brighter picture with several of Ange Postecoglou’s favourites among the top performers.With a double header against Everton and Hoffenheim (16th in the Bundesliga) in the diary, Dominic Solanke (£4.6m), Son-Heung-min (£4.8m) and Dejan Kulusevski (£4.3m) are all viable options for skipper, if a tad leftfield.Amad Diallo’s (£4.1m) hat-trick against Southampton has put him in the mix too.Manchester United’s saviour will surely start against both Brighton and Rangers.Hat-trick heroCredit: GettyIt’s important to note that popular captains Cole Palmer (£6.1m) and Alexander Isak (£6m) have just one fixture to fulfil in Gameweek 20.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoth are capable of massive double-digit hauls but it’s more logical to select a captain among the top stars set to pull double duty.Make sure to confirm your captain (and vice captain) for Gameweek 20 before Saturday’s 11am deadline.Score 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

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      Highest-paid Premier League players revealed as Erling Haaland signs Man City deal worth £26MILLION per year

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      ERLING HAALAND’S mind-boggling new £500,000-per-week deal has made the Norwegian the highest-paid Premier League player EVER.Manchester City have announced that the goal-scoring machine has signed a 10-year-contract worth £26million per season.Erling Haaland has penned a ten-year contractCredit: RexHe has been tied down to the club until 2034The 24-year-old’s record breaking deal, which runs until 2034, has knocked City team-mate Kevin De Bruyne off his perch as the Prem’s top earner.It puts the total value close to £250million and overtakes Chelsea’s nine-year-deal for Cole Palmer to become the longest contract in Prem history.Haaland, who was previously contracted until 2027, has proved a phenomenon at City, scoring 111 goals in only 126 games since signing from Borussia Dortmund for £50million in summer 2022.And now SunSport has taken a look at the revised 10 biggest earners after twice Golden Boot winner Haaland’s mammoth new deal.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS10) Kai Havertz – £280k-per-weekArsenal forked out an initial £60million and an additional £5million in potential add-ons to sign Havertz from Chelsea in the summer of 2023.He usurped Gabriel Jesus as the highest-paid player at the Emirates and his contract also includes an additional £50,000-per-week in potential bonuses.The Germany international silenced his critics in his debut season, but has faced horrific abuse from Arsenal fans for his poor finishing as Mikel Arteta’s men were dumped out of the FA Cup by Man Utd last Sunday.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKai Havertz is the highest-paid full-time Arsenal playerCredit: Getty=7) Jack Grealish – £300k-per-weekJack Grealish, 29, penned a £300,000-per-week contract when he joined City in 2021 in a deal from Aston Villa worth £100million.Most read in FootballHe is the third highest-paid man in Pep Guardiola’s squad, but 15 goal contributions in 145 games is under-par for what many expected.Jack Grealish is the joint-third highest-paid Manchester City playerTop ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spot=7) Bruno Fernandes – £300k-per-weekBefore Amad Diallo’s recent heroics, club-captain Fernandes was one of the only Man Utd players worth their salt.The midfielder has been Old Trafford’s standout performer in recent years, winning the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Season award in 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2023/24.The Portugal international is now earning a base salary of £300,000-per-week, which equates to around £15.6million-per-year. He can also get another £75,000-per-week in bonuses.Bruno Fernandes recently signed a new deal at Old TraffordCredit: Getty=7) Bernardo Silva – £300k-per-weekYou’ll notice City account for a sizeable portion of this list. Silva was offered a £500,000-a-week contract by Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in 2023, but he rejected that lucrative offer and signed a contract extension with City.The Portuguese winger was previously linked with a move away, as his current City contract ends next summer.Bernardo Silva’s current City deal expires next summerCredit: Getty=5) Marcus Rashford – £325k-per-weekMarcus Rashford earns £25,000 more per week than club captain Fernandes, placing him second on Man Utd’s books.But the England international, 27, has been iced out of Ruben Amorim’s squad and is linked with several January moves.The wantaway star has fallen out with yet another United manager and told Henry Winter: “I’m ready for a new challenge.”Marcus Rashford is another player earning in excess of £300,000 per week=5) Raheem Sterling – £325k-per-weekRaheem Sterling’s eye-watering wages are currently split between Chelsea and his season-long loan club Arsenal.Reports suggest that both London clubs pay the former Man City winger, who has scored just one goal this term, around £162,500-per-week.If he’s forced back to Stamford Bridge in the summer, he’ll replace Reece James as Chelsea’s top earner.Raheem Sterling’s wages are split between Chelsea and loan club ArsenalCredit: Getty=3) Mohamed Salah – £350k-per-weekLiverpool legend Mo Salah is into the final year of the £350,000-per-week contract he signed in 2022.It remains to be seen whether the Egyptian, 32, who joined in 2017, will leave in the summer.Liverpool fans are desperate for Salah, who has 38 goal contributions in 29 appearances this season, to pen a new deal as Saudi Arabian clubs step up their pursuits.Mo Salah has the biggest wages of any player at AnfieldCredit: Getty=3) Casemiro – £350k-per-weekCasemiro, 32, impressed after joining United for £70m from Real Madrid, but soon endured a torrid 2023/24 campaign as he received huge criticism.But the five-time Champions League winner has been reduced to just 21 appearances this season – and mostly from the bench. Casemiro is the best-paid Manchester United playerCredit: Getty2) Kevin De Bruyne – £400k-per-weekDe Bruyne’s title as highest-paid Premier League player could was stripped away after Haaland’s new deal this week.The Man City man, 33, will go down as one of the all-time greats in English football if he leaves at the end of his contract in the summer after 10 incredible years at the Etihad.Kevin De Bruyne is now the second highest earner at City and in the PremCredit: Getty1) Erling Haaland – £500k-per-weekNo Prem player has ever earned more than HALF-A-MILLION QUID in weekly wages before Haaland.After signing his record-breaking deal, Haaland said: “I am super happy. I am proud. It is difficult to put into words because it is a big moment. I am happy and that is the right word to use.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In the end, speaking with the people I spoke with, the hunger and the support that I have been getting for the last couple of years from the board, from the bosses and from Pep, it was an easy decision. I am delighted.”The Norwegian superstar, who has the most goals for his country at the age of 24, will earn £71,000-PER-DAY. More

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      Neymar lifts lid on PSG ‘fights’ with Kylian Mbappe ‘jealous’ of Lionel Messi and why it was ‘impossible’ to succeed

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      NEYMAR has opened up about his relationship with Kylian Mbappe, which he reckons went downhill after Lionel Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain.The trio were made up the French champion’s electrifying strike force from the summer of 2021 to 2023.PSG had a star-studded front three of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar from 2021 to 2023Credit: GettyBut it was claimed Neymar and Mbappe developed a feud during that periodCredit: APBut all their talent couldn’t deliver the club’s ultimatum goal – the Champions League trophy.And Neymar believes Messi’s arrival to the Parc des Princes as a free agent in the summer of 2021 proved detrimental to his partnership with Mbappe – with whom he allegedly developed a feud.During an appearance on a podcast hosted by Brazil icon Romario, he said: “No, he (Mbappe) is not annoying].”I have my things with him, we had a little fight, but he was fundamental for us when he arrived.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”I used to call him golden boy. I always played with him, said he was going to be one of the best.”I always helped, talked to him, he came to my place, we had dinner together.”We had some good years of partnership, but after Messi came he was a little jealous.”He didn’t want to split me with anyone. And then there were some fights, a change in behaviour.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSNeymar believes his relationship with Kylian Mbappe went south after Lionel Messi’s arrivalCredit: AFPNeymar was no stranger to playing in a star-studded team prior to Messi’s arrival at PSG having played in a front three with the Argentine and Luis Suarez during his time at Barcelona.Both experiences, however, have left him adamant that having too many “big egos” in a team is a recipe for disaster.Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn square up as Neymar ‘acts like guest referee’ in baffling scenesThe 32-year-old added: “It is good to have egos. But you have to know that you don’t play alone.”There needs to be another guy by your side.”[Big] egos were almost everywhere, it can’t work. “If nobody runs and nobody helps, it is impossible to win anything.”Neymar departed PSG in August 2023, moving to Saudi Arabia to join Al-Hilal.Injuries – including a torn cruciate ligament – have restricted him to a mere 11 appearances for the club.Mbappe, meanwhile, now plies his trade with Real Madrid – while Messi is in the MLS with Inter Miami. More

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      Transfer recommendations for Gameweek 20: Morgan Rogers & Phil Foden among smart options

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      THE return of the Champions League and Europa League means six clubs are set to pull double duty in Gameweek 20.Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester United will also play twice in Gameweek 21 so Dream Team managers would be wise to focus on this sextet for the remainder of January.You don’t need us to tell you that the likes of Mohamed Salah (£8.1m), Erling Haaland (£8m) and Bruno Fernandes (£6.2m) are well placed to provide points but allow us to present some transfer recommendations that aren’t quite as obvious.Back among the goalsCredit: AlamyPhil Foden (£6.2m)Manchester City’s No47 might be the biggest name who currently features in fewer than 10% of teams.Pep Guardiola’s side still have problems in defence but their attack once again looks difficult to resist.Foden has banked 60 points in his last six games via four goals and two assists; he’s not shy of a bonus point either.City are due to face Ipswich and PSG this coming Gameweek and they can’t afford to ease up in the Champions League with their spot in the knockout stage at serious risk.The England international is very expensive and so some Dream Team bosses might consider Savinho (£4.3m) a more realistic avenue into City’s midfield.Spurs StarsLook at their points, not the league tableCredit: ReutersIt might sound counterproductive to heavily rely on a team currently 13th in the table, fresh off an unconvincing FA win over non-league Tamworth and defeat in the North London derby, but hear us out.Ange Postecoglou’s side are far from the complete package but several players have made waves in Dream Team this season.Most read in FootballPedro Porro (£4.2m) and Dominic Solanke (£4.6m) rank fourth in their respective positions while Brennan Johnson (£3.7m), James Maddison (£4.1m) and Dejan Kulusevski (£4.3m) are all among the top seven midfielders.Antonin Kinsky (£2.8m) made fans sweat on a few occasions at the Emirates but the fact is the Czech goalkeeper has been a Dream Team asset for two Gameweeks and racked up 25 points.Spurs are due to play Everton, Hoffenheim (16th in the Bundesliga), Leicester and Elfsborg before the end of the month.Morgan Rogers (£3.5m)Cold celebration, hot formCredit: GettyThe Aston Villa midfielder is a class act who has offered excellent value for money since August.Rogers was the most transferred-out player prior to Gameweek 18 because of a suspension but now that he’s back to playing almost every minute that matters for the Villains, gaffers who ditched him should consider bringing him back into mix.Managers who wisely recruited the silky 22-year-old prior to Gameweek 19 were rewarded with a 17-point haul.He scored the winner against West Ham in the cup and brilliantly assisted the game’s only goal at Everton on Wednesday night, finished off by Ollie Watkins (£5m).Gameweek 20 isn’t all that favourable for Villa as it features away days to Arsenal and Monaco but the broader picture shows Rogers with four fixtures to fulfil at a time when most teams will play just twice – West Ham and Celtic are due in the midlands before the end of the month.Chris Wood (£3.9m)ProlificCredit: AlamyWe always try to include leftfield option and who better than Nottingham Forest’s talismanic target man for Gameweek 20?Granted, the New Zealander doesn’t have a midweek fixture but on current form he will back himself against lowly Southampton at the City Ground on Sunday.Wood has arguably been the most clinical finisher in the Premier League this season with 13 goals from 37 shots.For comparison, Cole Palmer (£6.1m) has scored 14 league goals from 74 shots.Assuming high-flying Forest are able to engineer plenty of chances against relegation-bound Saints, Wood could easily overtake several Golden Boot rivals come full time.READ MORE SUN STORIESWithout additional fixtures the 33 year-old striker’s long-term viability is limited but he’s a tempting option for Gameweek 20.Calling back to last Thursday’s transfer tips, our one-week punt suggestions, Eberechi Eze (£4.9m) and Daniel Munoz (£4.2m), combined for 38 points in Gameweek 19 – proof that there’s more than one way to play this game!Score 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

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      Many of Dream Team’s most popular defenders are floundering but is it time to panic?

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      DREAM TEAM managers are facing a crisis.Points are drying up for many of the game’s most popular defenders and it’s not all that clear whether gaffers should stick or twist.Slim pickingsCredit: Dream TeamTrent Alexander-Arnold (£5.7m) remains the most selected defender with an ownership of 26% but he’s immune to this trend because he capitalised on a favourable FA Cup match-up with Accrington Stanley with a goal and clean sheet for a 17-point return on Saturday.But for William Saliba (£4.9m), Virgil van Dijk (£5.1m) and Josko Gvardiol (£4.3m), the second, third and fourth most popular defenders, it’s been slim pickings of late.Arsenal’s French centre-back has mustered nine points from his last four outings while Liverpool’s captain has scraped eight points together from his three most recent games.Manchester City’s Croatian left-back has registered 17 points from his last five appearances.It’s a similar story for Rico Lewis (£3.1m), Noussair Mazraoui (£2.9m), Diogo Dalot (£3.2m) and Andy Robertson (£4m), who are all within the 15 most selected defenders at present.Gvardiol’s returns have dried up during Man City’s slumpCredit: GettyGabriel (£5m) is exempt because he scored against Manchester United last time out, his fifth goal of the season, but his owners received just six points from his previous three outings.Pedro Porro (£4.2m), Lewis Hall (£4.4m) and the aforementioned Alexander-Arnold are the only (relatively) popular defenders who have provided healthy returns lately.That’s the state of play but how should Dream Team bosses react?Most read in FootballThe first thing to note is that Gameweek 19 is not yet complete.A clean sheet for Arsenal in the North London derby this evening will put Gabriel and Saliba’s backers at ease.Ruben Amorim will be hopeful of a stress-free win at home to Southampton on Thursday night given Saints are rooted to the bottom of the table with just six points to their name.Gabriel and Saliba have been short on clean sheets latelyCredit: GETTYFurther blanks for the Gunners and Red Devils will really set the cat among the pigeons.Gaffers will be understandably reluctant to ditch most of the aforementioned defenders because the upcoming schedule favours Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Man United and Tottenham.These six teams have four fixtures to fulfil across Gameweeks 20 and 21 because of Champions League and Europa League commitments – the other 14 clubs will play just twice in the same time frame.UPCOMING DOUBLE GAMEWEEKSMANCHESTER CITY vs Ipswich (a) & PSG (a), Chelsea (h) & Club Brugge (h)ARSENAL vs Aston Villa (h) & Dinamo Zagreb (h), Wolves (a) & Girona (a)LIVERPOOL vs Brentford (a) & Lille (h), Ipswich (h) & PSV (a)ASTON VILLA vs Arsenal (a) & Monaco (a), West Ham (h) & Celtic (h)MANCHESTER UNITED vs Brighton (h) & Rangers (h), Fulham (a) & FCSB (a)TOTTENHAM vs Everton (a) & Hoffenheim (a), Leicester (h) & Elfsborg (h)There are plenty of points on offer there for Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs on paper but gaffers stacked with Man United and Man City defenders will probably be more keen on replacements.Mazraoui is a tackle machine but his points have dwindled in recent GameweeksCredit: RexPep Guardiola’s side just aren’t right at present, particularly at the back where they’re still conceding far too many clearcut opportunities.14.1%-owned Lewis didn’t play a single minute in Gameweek 19.Whereas Man United haven’t kept a clean sheet since December 1st.READ MORE SUN STORIESDepending on what happens at the Emirates tonight, Porro is likely to be a popular recruit ahead of the Gameweek 20 deadline.While others have floundered, Spurs’ right-back has notched 31 points from his last four games and is up to third in the defensive rankings.Score 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

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      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘rolled his eyes’ whenever Man Utd team-mate spoke in the dressing room

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly rolled his eyes in the dressing room when one specific star team-mate spoke.Ronaldo, 39, made an emotional return to United in 2021, 12 years after the end of a first stint that saw him winning three Premier League titles, the 2008 Champions League and the 2004 FA Cup.Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo used to roll his eyes when Harry Maguire spokeCredit: GettyRonaldo wasn’t shy in expressing his displeasure with the state he found Man Utd upon his returnCredit: ReutersHowever, CR7’s second spell at Old Trafford didn’t live up to expectation and came to a dramatic end in 2022 after a bombshell interview in which he lambasted the club from top to bottom.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s scintillating 19-year career in Europe then came to an end as he moved to Saudi Arabia where he joined Al-Nassr, while the Red Devils’ struggles have since persisted.According to The Telegraph, the star forward wasn’t shy in expressing his displeasure with the state in which he found the club upon his return.And the Portugal captain didn’t seem too excited to have Harry Maguire as his captain.Read More on Man UtdThat is why Ronaldo apparently rolled his eyes when Maguire, 31, gave a team talk.The England international ended up losing the armband during former United manager Erik ten Hag’s tenure following a series of dismal performances.However, the centre-back has turned things around under new boss Ruben Amorim.Maguire has started the last five Premier League games and convinced the Manchester giants to trigger a one-year extension in his contract.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesThe defender was also a focal point in United’s impressive performance against rivals Liverpool two weeks ago.In fact, Maguire almost scored the winner that would have seen his team beating the Prem leaders 3-2 at Anfield. ‘Who do you think you are’: Sir Alex Ferguson reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears after ‘ripping in’ to Man Utd iconThe same source claims that the ex-Leicester star’s comeback has been so impressive that now “no one is rolling their eyes in that dressing room” when he speaks as Ronaldo “was known to do”.Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as Maguire and Co dig deep to win after Dalot’s moment of madnessMANCHESTER UNITED produced a heroic effort to squeeze past Arsenal and into the FA Cup’s fourth round on penalties.The Red Devils were forced to dig deep at the Emirates following Diogo Dalot’s 61st minute red card.On a freezing cold afternoon in North London, SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rates and slates each United performer…ALTAY BAYINDIR – 8Poor punch up in the air which allowed the ball to fall nicely for Gabriel to finish.Redeemed himself with a brilliant penalty save to keep the score level, before superbly denying Declan Rice twice.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7Was assured on and off the ball if unspectacular. Got his body on the line as the Gunners pushed for a winner.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 8Solid in defence and kept the backline well organised. Produced the best tackle of the match on the goalline to deny Leandro Trossard a certain goal.HARRY MAGUIRE – 8Commanding in the air and made several key blocks but gave away the penalty which Arsenal missed to go in front.Got away with an earlier error as he failed to clear – the ball landed at Kai Havertz’s feet but he somehow skewed wide with his effort.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Had to be on high alert to deal with the movement of Arsenal forwards but it was a task he managed well.DIOGO DALOT – 3Booked for a mistimed lunge on Lewis-Skelly. He followed that up with another silly, late foul on Merino with the ball about to go out of play for his second yellow. Stupid red card.MANUEL UGARTE – 7A firefighter all across the pitch for his side, although spent most of the match in his own half given Arsenal’s dominance.Was booked for one foul too many just before the hour mark and was lucky to escape a red card as he went head-to-head with Havertz after the penalty incident.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Lively in the middle and kept a close eye on Jorginho. Looked sharp on the ball and showed some clever touches.Should have done better to head clear before Gabriel’s equaliser.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7Always an outlet on the counter which was much needed for the Red Devils.Made the most of a Gabriel error to burst in on goal and pass across to Fernandes to score.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Was booked for throwing a trademark tantrum after claiming he was fouled on the edge of the box when lining up a shot.Showed his class with a brilliant first-time finish which he bent around a defender into the far corner.RASMUS HOJLUND – 3Failed to provide the focal point that United badly needed, which meant almost every pass forward was dealt with by the Arsenal centre-halves. Was fortunate there was no VAR to take a look at his apparent elbow on William Saliba, which left the Arsenal star bloodied.SUBSTITUTESAmad (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Lively on the counter too but just lacking a bit of quality – though was outnumbered every time he got the ball.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 80mins) – 6Some very clever touches when he came on and provided a presence up front at a time United badly needed it.Toby Collyer (for Mainoo, 80mins) – 5Showed plenty of energy but was missing quality in some areas.Tyrell Malacia (for Ugarte, extra-time) – 6Stuck to his task well.Leno Yoro (for Maguire, 104) – 6Did his job well during the closing stages of the match. Converted his penalty in the shoot-out with aplomb. More

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      Pep Guardiola still wearing his wedding ring for Man City clash hours after news of shock split from wife Cristina Serra

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      PEP GUARDIOLA wore his wedding ring as he was seen for the first time since reports he has split with his wife Cristina Serra.Spanish newspaper Sport were the first to say the pair have ended their relationship after more than 30 years. Pep Guardiola seen in public for the first time since reports he has split with his wifeCredit: ReutersGuardiola was all smiles while arriving at BrentfordCredit: ReutersHe wore his wedding ring despite reports of a splitCredit: ReutersGuardiola put the personal news behind himCredit: RexBut Guardiola had to put it behind him as for Manchester City’s trip to Brentford. Guardiola was all smiles as he arrived at the Gtech Community Stadium – despite reports of his split. He even wore his wedding ring for the game in West London.However he wasn’t totally happy at full-time after seeing his side throw away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Brentford.READ MORE IN football Sport reported that the couple decided to end their relationship in December while both in Spain over the Christmas period. The Barcelona-based paper wrote their relationship is still “cordial, stable and friendly” despite deciding to part ways.The report also claims they have been living apart for nearly five years after Cristina moved back to Barcelona to run her fashion company.But she has been moving from Spain to London – still spending time with City manager Guardiola.Most read in FootballCity declined to comment when approached over reports of the split.Guardiola is believed to have met Cristina in her family’s clothes store called Serra Claret when he was just 18.Man City boss Pep Guardiola’s recen struggles could be a response to the end of his marriage to teenage sweetheart  Cristina SerraHe was modelling for designer Antonio Miro in Serra’s shop when he first met Cristina.And even as recently as January 2024, the former midfielder revealed Cristina helps pick out his matchday outfits.Serra Claret stock many brands he has worn on the touchline, such as Dsquared2, CP Company and Armani.He told Men In Blazers: “My wife is the best in the world at many things, but especially in fashion.”So she says normally to me, don’t wear this or wear that, so I follow her.”I am smart enough to know that when people are much much better than me, follow their advices, and hers is really good.”Despite meeting as teens, they waited a long time to get married.They tied the knot in 2014 in an intimate ceremony in Spain – a private service just for close family in Catalonia.And the two have three children, Maria, Marius and Valentina.Pep Guardiola and Cristina in July 2024Credit: RexThe couple met as teenagersCredit: GettyThe two pictured in 2013 in MunichCredit: Bongarts – GettyEldest daughter Maria, 24, is a model who has over 900,000 followers on Instagram.Son Marius, 22, currently resides in Dubai and runs three companies – one of them dedicated to advertising and marketing.And youngest Valentina, 17, is focused on studies.Cristina supported Guardiola as a player and then manager – his career as a boss starting with Barcelona in 2008.He won three LaLiga titles and two Champions League trophies with Barca before moving to Bayern Munich in 2013.He left Germany in 2016 after three seasons – in each of which he won the Bundesliga.Guardiola joined City in 2016 and has won SIX Premier League titles during his reign – and also a Champions League in 2023 to complete an historic Treble.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut this season has seen a dip in form, with with six losses leaving the club in sixth – 12 points adrift of leaders Liverpool.Guardiola with Cristina and their three kids in 2018Credit: PA:Press AssociationEldest Maria is a modelCredit: INSTAGRAM More