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      Sir Alex Ferguson’s former coach reveals catch-up with Man Utd title-winning duo as they prepare to go head-to-head

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      TWO STARS of Manchester United’s final title-winning side go from midfield partners to Championship rivals on Saturday.Red Devils legend Michael Carrick, 43, and Tom Cleverley, 35, go head-to-head nearly 150 miles away from the Old Trafford pitch they graced under Sir Alex Ferguson.Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick (right) were midfield partners for Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man UtdCredit: PAThe two will come face-to-face in Championship when Boro travel to WatfordCredit: GettyEric Steele was United’s goalkeeper coach during Fergie’s last few seasons in charge and got to know both the current Middlesbrough and Watford managers both on and off the pitch.The 70-year-old, who also worked for Man City and England during his time at the FA, says he always felt that Carrick was destined for the dug-out.He told SunSport: “If you looked around the dressing-room then I’d have said you could see Darren Fletcher going into it, certainly Michael. The way he played, top player, the way he thought and cared about the game – so Michael more so than Tom.“The nice thing about working where we worked at Manchester United is that you got to meet a lot of good and nice people and Michael, as a Geordie, is naturally going to be a good lad.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“I know his family well and his dad, Vince, all the way through Wallsend Boys Club for years. “They are good, genuine people who care and the thing that I like is that they have a love for the game or they wouldn’t be doing it.“Michael is very much inclusive with his staff, the decision-making, and has good people around him. He takes precedent when he’s going to step in.“He’s still very much a young coach finding his way. It’s been a tough upbringing so far at Middlesbrough but all credit to him.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSteele now works as a radio pundit covering Derby County and that has led to him catching-up with both men recently.He said: “I met up with Tom before Derby played Watford in August and it was brilliant. My dad was a deaf footballer and I have epilepsy but I’ve scored against Man Utd and now I’m going to play against Messi”A great insight into how he wants to play, coach and it was a lovely surprise because he is a good guy. He’s got the game at heart and wants to do it his way.“I was really impressed with how he set the team up and changed things tactically in the second half.“Then, a week later I met up with Michael before Derby hosted Middlesbrough, so I’ve been in touch with both of them this season.“They’ve probably both been real students of the game which I perhaps didn’t realise just how much so at the time.”Carrick is, remarkably, the third-longest serving boss in the Championship having taken charge of Boro just under two years ago.He led them from fighting relegation to the play-offs during his first season but missed out on the top six last term by six points last term.Cleverley, meanwhile, took over permanently after a short stint as interim in the summer.His team go into this clash sitting eighth, a point and a position behind Boro.It was a brave move by him to accept the job as the Hornets’ 11th permanent boss since Javi Gracia departed in September 2019.Steele said: “Watford’s actual success, or failure, whichever way you want to look at it, the number of managers they have had is quite large. You must be constantly looking over your shoulder.“But when I spoke to Tom he was very much determined to do things his way. He knew the squad and he has a good blend of pace, power, and very fit physically.”Former Man Utd goalkeeper coach Eric Steele recently caught up with both menCredit: PA:Empics SportCarrick is eight years older than the man who will be in the opposition technical area today, but the combined ages of the pair is still short of the man that shaped their careers at the Theatre of Dreams.And the two former England internationals both know that the 82-year-old legendary Fergie is never far away if they need some more of his guidance.Steele said: “The great man is always there to support any of the players. Any of them that have gone into management or coaching know they always have the support of Sir Alex.“I’m sure he’ll have spoken to both of them when they got their jobs.“It’s unbelievable for them both. If they have any problems or any doubts, they know they can pick up the phone to one of the very greatest that the game has known.”Steele refuses to risk upsetting either one when pressed for a prediction, but he is just as intrigued as Sir Alex will undoubtedly be to see who comes out on top.He added: “It will be a really good contest when they face Boro. I just hope that it will be a good game.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Isn’t it great that you have two ex-Manchester United midfield players going head-to-head tactically.“It’s refreshing for me seeing these young managers coming in and I think it will be a great contest and may the best coach win.” More

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      Man Utd legend jokingly blames himself for losing Villa sensation Morgan Rogers after watching him down Bayern Munich

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      MICHAEL CARRICK revealed he congratulated Morgan Rogers on his Champions League success – a year after benching him.Boro took a punt on the then Man City youngster when paying £1.2 million for him in July 2023.Morgan Rogers starred as Aston Villa downed Bayern Munich on WednesdayCredit: AlamyMichael Carrick named him on the bench a year ago for Boro against CardiffCredit: RexAfter initially taking a few weeks to find his feet at the Riverside, the 22-year-old attacker’s form soon picked up and he left the North East club after just six months.Aston Villa snapped him up in February in a deal that could rise to £15m and he instantly shone on the Premier League stage to help Unai Emery’s side finish fourth.Now Rogers is starring in the Champions League and was one of Villa’s best performers in Wednesday’s 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich.It marked a huge 12 month turnaround for the England U21 international as exactly one year to the day earlier he only appeared for the final three minutes of a 2-0 Boro win.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter watching his display against Bayern, his former Boro manager Carrick said: “I actually messaged him and said this time last year you were coming on as sub against Cardiff. It’s probably my fault [he left] for not starting him.“It’s fantastic to see. We’d have loved to have kept him longer, and I told him that at the time, but the way that he’s kicked on is a credit to him.“He was a joy to work with and try and help and he’s gone to a whole new level now. Just watching him on Wednesday, he looks so at home and comfortable in them surroundings.“He’s not fazed by it and he’s getting the recognition he deserves.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAs part of the deal that took him to Villa, Boro would receive a further payment if Rogers makes an England appearance.And Carrick backed him to achieve that, saying: “If he keeps doing the right things, for sure.Prince William wildly celebrates historic Aston Villa win against Bayern Munich “I do think that to get in the England squad you have to earn that over time and he’s certainly on track to take that next step as long as he keeps doing the right things. And, at the moment, he’s doing just great.”Carrick is hoping he can lead his current Boro players to the top-flight to play against Rogers.They travel to Watford on Saturday, managed by his ex-Man Utd team-mate Tom Cleverley, on the back of successive victories over Stoke and West Brom.Carrick said: “Of course it’s a test. Every game is a test. I know Tom very well. The work that he’s doing is good.“They’re a good team and we know we’re in for a tough game. But we’re going there confident within reason and we need to be near our best again to try and get the right result.” More

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      EFL icon recalls his wildest stories, including spiked team-mate turning into Spider-Man and hothead boss’ topless rant

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      EFL legend Darren Pratley has revealed his team-mate once turned into Spider-Man after being spiked on a night out.Pratley helped Swansea up the divisions earlier in his career and played one season in the Premier League for Bolton.Darren Pratley shared a deep dive on his career in ‘What the EFL?’Credit: PA:Empics SportEx-team-mate Rory Fallon acted like Spider-Man after being spikedCredit: GettyBut it is Swansea where he has some of his fondest memories – including his funniest training ground story.He shared some tall tales from his career with SunSport as part of the “What the EFL?” series.From topless manager rants to a moment that still haunts him, Pratley shared all on his 21-year career.WILDEST TRAINING GROUND TALERory Fallon, and we always used to go on a jog. He’d been out the night before, came to training late, he’d been spiked, so he was Spider-Man the night before, apparently jumping around and doing crazy stuff.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBEST EFL PLAYERAdel Taarabt played against him. I played in that game that they keep showing on the EFL where he nutmegs Joe Allen and cuts inside and scores.BEST EFL FANSI’d have to go Swansea, wouldn’t I? Swansea, Swansea, Jacks. Yeah, apart from Leyton Orient, I’d have to go Swansea.DODGIEST EFL FACILITIESAgain, probably be Swansea. We used to train at the David Lloyd gym, so we would be showering after training with the public.If you didn’t have a good result, they would be asking you why when you’re naked in the showers.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEFL FANS WHO LIVE RENT FREE IN YOUR HEADI’d say Millwall. I’ve scored a few goals against them. Six-, seven-, eight-year-olds who give you a bit of stick when you warm up. It’s an intimidating place to go, so probably I’d say Millwall.EFL star banned for eight matches for biting Liverpool legend Ian Rush’s nephew MOMENT THAT STILL HAUNTS YOUWe played Blackpool in the last game of the season. I think we just had to get a win. So they turned up, Phillips, Ince and all them, and it was 3-0 down after, I think, 15 minutes, and then we ended up missing out on goal difference, I think, on the play-offs.MADDEST DRESSING ROOM TALEIn my first loan at Brentford, at half-time, Martin Allen sits in the centre of the room on a chair with his top off, screaming, shouting at everyone. Didn’t know what was going on.MADDEST TRANSFER STORYAt Charlton, David Cotterill, he was texting me the night before saying that Charlton had offered him a contract, a couple of years and all that, and good money and that, and I was quite shocked, to be fair. And then he turned up the next day at the gates, thinking that he was coming in to sign a contract. Lee Bowyer had come to the gates and was like, show me the emails you’ve been getting, I have a messenger. It wasn’t the manager who he’d been speaking to, someone had pretended to be the manager on an email. He had to go home.WILDEST OWNER ANTICSAt Bolton, Lee Anderson, so he used to come in, we’d be in the changing room, the boys would have discussions whether they were going on a strike, whether they were going to train today.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe wasn’t paying wages for the players. We were in a good time at that time, when he wasn’t paying the players, so I just have to say, Lee Anderson.WILDEST NIGHT OUT”I’ve had a few. Got to say Marbella. We got promoted here, at Leyton Orient. We went to Marbella as a team and staff and had a good time.” More

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      EFL star banned for EIGHT MATCHES for biting Liverpool legend Ian Rush’s nephew

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      PRESTON striker Milutin Osmajic has been banned for EIGHT MATCHES for biting Blackburn’s Owen Beck. The incident took place during the 0-0 draw at the end of September. Milutin Osmajic seen biting Owen BeckCredit: GettyOsmajic has now been banned for eight games and fined £15,000Credit: RexBeck was the one initially shown redCredit: PAFootage live on Sky Sports showed Osmajic charing into Beck – nephew to Liverpool legend Ian Rush – before biting him in the back. Beck was shown red for initially kicking out at American midfielder Duane Holmes – sparking Osmajic’s raging reaction. And despite Beck pointing towards the bite mark and the subsequent replays, Osmajic was only shown yellow. The Montenegrin forward escaped an initial ban and played Preston’s next two games – scoring in his most recent match against Watford. READ MORE ON footballBut the FA did launch an investigation into the bite and he was subsequently charged. Now, the FA have confirmed his eight-man suspension and £15,000 fine. A statement from Preston read: “Preston North End acknowledge the decision of an independent Regulatory Commission to give Milutin Osmajić an eight-match suspension and fine the striker £15,000.”The Montenegro international has been sanctioned after admitting he had committed an act of violent conduct around the 87th minute of the recent Sky Bet Championship match against Blackburn Rovers.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The suspension means Milutin will be unavailable for selection until Saturday 23rd November for the home clash with Derby County.”PNE will be making no further comment until the independent Regulatory Commission’s written reasons have been published.”Preston signed Osmajic from Spanish side Cadiz and he has scored 13 goals in his 47 appearances across two seasons. He has also been capped 23 times by Montenegro with two international goals to his name. Transfer fees could be scrapped in biggest change to football in 30 years after landmark court case brought against Fifa More

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      Abandoned ‘ghost stadium’ of EFL club gets new lease of life with fans given once-in-a-lifetime chance to play on pitch

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      SUPPORTERS longing for yesteryear can step back into the past on Friday as a “Ghost ground” re-opens its doors.Millmoor was the home of League One Rotherham United for 83 years until 2008.Rotherham United played their football at Milmoor for 83 yearsCredit: MARK ROBINSONBut they abandoned the ground in 2008 to move to a new stadiumCredit: MARK ROBINSONBut the ‘Ghost Ground’ is set to re-open its doorsCredit: MARK ROBINSON THE SUNFollowing a row over rent, the Millers moved out as their famous old ground was left desolate and decrepit.Rotherham now play in the 12,000-seater New York Stadium, which opened in 2012, and is situated just yards away.However, it is impossible to miss their former home on any visit to Rotherham and now you can take a look inside it from 2pm.After years of being known as the “Ghost ground”, long-standing landlords, the Booth family, have overseen the refurbishment to restore it to its former glory and bring it back to life.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd now the doors will be opened for visitors to see the old stands, take a walk on the pitch – which is now being put into use for hire by local teams – and reminisce about the glory days.A host of the club’s heroes will also be in attendance to add to the nostalgic event.It is in conjunction with Millers legend John Breckin, 71, as part of his dementia awareness work.A spokesman said: “This is a chance for older Millers supporters to re-visit a place where they spent so many happy times and for the younger generation who have no doubt heard all about Millmoor, to get a better idea of what it is actually like.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMilmoor is to re-open its doorsCredit: MARK ROBINSONThe ground is is now being put into use by being hired by local teamsCredit: MARK ROBINSON”Hopefully, there will be a good turnout.”Millmoor was first used in the 1890s when it was used by the Rotherham Church Institute in the Sheffield Association League, before then being used by Rotherham County before United. Shock moment stadium bigger than Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium demolished after falling into disrepairIt was home to seven promotion campaigns, eight relegations and also staged the first League Cup final in 1961 when Rotherham beat Aston Villa 2-0 in the first leg. More

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      Jude Bellingham’s stunned reaction after brother Jobe scores Sunderland screamer as fans say ‘what are these genetics’

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM was stunned by his brother’s wondergoal for Sunderland.And fans asked “what are these genetics” as the siblings’ success continues to soar.Jobe Bellingham scored a belter for Sunderland against DerbyCredit: GettyThe strike got the seal of approval from brother JudeCredit: RexJobe Bellingham, 19, scored a screamer to break the deadlock in Sunderland’s 2-0 win over Derby on Tuesday night. He let fly and rifled into the top corner from 25 yards out five minutes before the break.Wilson Isidor got the second on 55 minutes and the win sent the Black Cats to the top of the Championship table.But it was the younger Bellingham brother’s first goal of the season that grabbed the attention – including from his Real Madrid sibling.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLJude retweeted a video of the goal and captioned it with three emojis blowing a puff of air – showing his approval.He then followed that up by sharing a picture of his brother celebrating the goal and adding: “Boy is different,” followed by a rocket emoji.Fans also took to social media to heap praise on the Sunderland star’s heroics.One said: “Jobe Bellingham with an absolute SCREAMER. What are these genetics?”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother wrote: “Like his big bro, that.”A third added: “He’s going to be better than his brother.”Watch Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham roll his eyes at how he is introduced to fans at EA FC 25 launchAnd a final user replied: “@England Might as well put him in the side now lads because he’s going to be in it anyway soon enough.”Jobe, who joined Sunderland from Birmingham in 2023, is an England Under-20 international.Bellingham said: “I’ve got to be a bit more mature and disciplined and I had to slot in as a No6 against Portsmouth. That was a good lesson for me and I really enjoyed it.“I enjoy getting up and down the pitch, which I’ve still got the licence to do, but off the ball I can make tackles but I’ve got to be a bit more deep, which I don’t mind. I’m really enjoying it.”He continued: “My all-round game has definitely improved from last year and the one part that was missing, which was one of my best parts from last year, was arriving in the box.“That’s something that I want to keep doing, I don’t want that to leave my game because that’s how you impact the outcome of the game and you help your team.“So, I wanna keep on scoring goals but it’s not the be all and end all as long as we are winning games but I’m really glad that I can help the team in other departments.”READ MORE SUN STORIESJude will be hoping to replicate his brother’s antics when holders Real Madrid take on Lille in the Champions League on Wednesday night. The £115million man is yet to find the net in his six appearances so far this term. Brother Jude shared the goal on social mediaCredit: XHe was full of praise for his younger brotherCredit: InstagramThe Sunderland teenager’s shot flew into the top cornerCredit: Sky SportsHe opened his account for the seasonCredit: Getty More

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      EFL duo risk wrath of their manager for breaking club rule after playing bizarre on-field game

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      COVENTRY duo Milan van Ewijk and Brandon Thomas-Asante risked enraging boss Mark Robins with a bizarre on-field game last night.The Sky Blues took on Blackburn at the Coventry Building Society Arena, with the visitors going into the night unbeaten this term.Milan van Ewijk was in action for Coventry against Blackburn last nightCredit: PABrandon Thomas-Asante was also in action in the Championship clashCredit: PARobins’ men have struggled so far this season, only winning one of their opening seven Championship games.But they produced a much-improved performance last night against John Eustace’s Rovers.With their side 2-0 up courtesy of goals by Jake Bidwell and Haji Wright, however, Van Ewijk and Thomas-Asante may have produced one small blot on Robins’ copybook.After Coventry earned a free-kick in a dangerous position, both men fancied a crack at goal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn order to decide who took it, the pair played rock, paper scissors.Van Ewijk, 24, came out on top – but could only strike his subsequent effort straight at goalkeeper Aynsley Pears.The Dutchman appeared to see the funny side, smiling after botching his attempt.But his manager may view things differently.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMark Robins’ side were in great form to beat BlackburnCredit: PABack in February, Robins threatened to kill Wright and Callum O’Hare after the duo used the same game to determine who took a penalty during a clash at Millwall.Even after Wright tucked the spot kick away, his boss said at the time: “Rock paper scissors? I’m going to kill them.Shocking moment Coventry boss wildly celebrates in ball boy’s FACE after FA Cup winner – then accuses him of ‘smirking'”For me, it’s about who’s confident to take the penalty. Now, Callum’s confident, Haji was a regular penalty taker in Turkey, so I’ve got no problem and then if I get involved with that then it obviously puts doubt in somebody’s head.”So, let them sort it out and if they miss it then they’re in trouble, aren’t they, but thankfully they’ve got the wherewithal and the calm heads to deal with that situation.”The good thing is they both want to score, they both want to take the penalty, they both want to get on the scoresheet.”Just four minutes after Van Ewijk wasted last night’s free-kick, Thomas-Asante scored to make the three points safe.Following his side’s 3-0 win, Robins said: “We were looking for a performance – and it was a big performance.”We played really well, but I think we’ve played well in a number of games this season.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I knew they were going to give a really good performance and that’s exactly what we got.”Coventry’s win saw them climb to 16th in the table after eight matches, while Blackburn missed the chance to go top.Coventry beat previously unbeaten Blackburn 3-0Credit: Rex More

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      Luton star sent off SECONDS after coming on in moment of madness as fans fume ‘get out of my club’

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      LUTON fans were left furious after substitute Liam Walsh was sent off just seconds after coming on against Oxford.Walsh, 27, arrived on a free transfer in August having left Swansea at the end of last season.Liam Walsh enters the pitch in the 77th minute against OxfordCredit: X/ itvfootballLiam Walsh flies into a horror tackle 36 seconds after coming onCredit: X/ itvfootballLiam Walsh’s challenge left Siriki Dembele down in a heapCredit: RexWalsh was shown a straight red card by referee James BellCredit: RexLast night he replaced former Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba in the 76th minute, after Luton had surrendered a 2-0 lead at Kenilworth Road.Moments later things went from bad to worse for Rob Edwards’ side.Just seconds after being introduced, Walsh lunged in on Oxford substitute Siriki Dembele.Referee James Bell was given no option but to produce a red card.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe match went on to finish 2-2, leaving Luton 18th with just two wins from eight games.After the contest, Edwards told the BBC of Walsh’s red: “It’s probably some frustration at not starting or whatever it is.”The rush of blood can happen. No complaints. We probably looked better when we had 10 men, which is credit to the players.”Jordan Clark had given Luton the lead on 10 minutes after an Oxford defender had been pick-pocketed on the edge of his own penalty area.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTom Krauss then doubled the Hatters’ lead on 37 minutes with a smart finish.Oxford ace Tyler Goodrham gave his side a lifeline on the stroke of half-time with a magnificent curling finish.Former Chelsea star Victor Moses makes shock return to English football as fans say ‘this came out of nowhere’And Ruben Rodrigues then prodded the visitors level nine minutes after the break.The Hatters had gone into the match having been beaten 3-1 by Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle on Friday night.And fans were left further disgruntled by Walsh’s brief cameo.One harshly fumed: “@LutonTown get Liam Walsh out of my club.”While a second called it the: “World’s worst cameo.”A third joked: “Solid cameo for Liam Walsh tonight for Luton…”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd another blasted: “Liam Walsh should be deducted a week’s wages. Disgraceful.”Luton return to action against unbeaten Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday, with Walsh set to miss out through suspension.The midfielder trudged off the pitch just seconds after coming onCredit: GettyRob Edwards’ side surrendered a 2-0 lead at homeCredit: Rex More