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      ITV commentator Sam Matterface forced to apologise twice live on air during Portsmouth vs Leeds

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      SAM MATTERFACE had to apologise to viewers TWICE during ITV’s live coverage of Portsmouth against Leeds.Tensions were high as Colby Bishop sunk the Championship leaders.Sam Matterface said sorry to viewers of the Championship gameCredit: GettyColby Bishop celebrates a winner that put Portsmouth 17thCredit: RexThe striker’s neat finish ended Leeds’ 17-game unbeaten run.And defeat left Daniel Farke’s men above Sheffield United only on goal difference.Burnley are just another two points adrift in a tight battle for the two automatic promotion spots.But on a couple of occasions commentator Matterface had to say sorry to armchair observers amid a frenetic clash.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoth times it was due to swearing from the Fratton Park crowd.TV viewers could clearly make out the foul language.And despite Portsmouth’s joy over their match-winner, the words were certainly unsuitable for a family audience.Having already apologised once, Matterface did it again in stoppage time.Most read in FootballLeeds were gutted as defeat means it’s tighter than ever at the topCredit: RexBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe intervened after Portsmouth midfielder Freddie Potts was booked.The unflattering, X-rated verdict of fans following that decision boomed out from the stands.’Leeds fans better than Sunderland’ plus bust ups and bug pranks | Jack Grimmer – What the EFL?!Matterface responded by handing out some ref justice of his own.He said: “It’s a yellow card for him (Potts) and we are going to have to give a yellow card to the crowd that keep swearing, I am afraid.”Because once again it seems the industrial language has crept out onto our broadcast and again we apologise if any offence has been taken.”It is one of those games, though, where it is getting the better of you.”Pompey keeper Nicolas Schmid produced vital saves to thwart Leeds – either side of Bishop lifting the only goal on 61 minutes.Beaten Whites’ boss Farke said: “I was fully aware this would be one of the toughest if not the toughest game in our run-in.”They are in red hot form at home and we expected how they played – physical, direct and aggressive.”We coped with many situations really well but we have created so many good chances in this game and you just have to put them to bed.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd with his team rising to 17th, Portsmouth manager John Mousinho said: “We were superb, for the goal, the performance, it was all excellent.”I’m thrilled we got the three points because that will give us so much confidence going forward.” More

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      Chelsea line up shock Jobe Bellingham transfer as Man Utd eye goalkeeper – latest exclusives from The Sun’s Alan Nixon

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      SUNSPORT’S Alan Nixon is the Boss of Goss.Check out this week’s red-hot transfer whispers from our man in the know…Chelsea have joined the fight for Jobe BellinghamCredit: RexBlues co-owner Todd Boehly would love to buy BritishCredit: GettyTODD BOEHLY is lining up a bid for Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham as Chelsea look to sign English.England hero Jude’s kid brother could be sold by the Black Cats this summer.German giants Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are already on his trail.The Blues have decided to enter the chase, though, and are willing to top offers to bring the 19-year-old into the Premier League.Chelsea have been busy signing players from all around the globe under  billionaire Boehly and his US investment group. Now they want a strong domestic presence in Enzo Maresca’s squad.Ex-Birmingham whizkid Bellingham is in England’s Under-21 set-up and one of the better players emerging, so he fits the bill perfectly.Jobe moved to the Stadium of Light in 2023 for £3million and has already been linked with a string of Premier League side.During the summer, Jobe signed a new deal at Sunderland keeping him tied at the club until 2028.Sunderland hope to win promotion and make a go at keeping him. But a sale looks certain if they fall short.Moving to Bundesliga side Dortmund worked wonders for Jude,  while Jobe may be happy to go his own way and play in the top flight here. Tottenham and Crystal Palace are also interested in Bellingham.However, Chelsea joining the race is being seen as a game changer.He could join Cole Palmer and new Brazilian wonderkid Willian Estevao in a new-look midfield next season.Could Jobe be as good as Jude?Jude and Jobe Bellingham are both Birmingham academy products with glowing Championship records.Red Devils have taste for Pears MANCHESTER UNITED are  looking for a home-grown keeper to join their squad next season — with Blackburn’s Aynsley Pears on the shortlist.Specialist scout Tony Coton has been watching the experienced Championship stopper.Man Utd squad is worse than Tottenham despite £553million MORE in transfer spending in last decade, says Gary NevillePears, 26, was previously at Middlesbrough  like dad Stephen, who ironically started his career at Old Trafford.United want a seasoned pro to compete for Andre Onana’s No 1 slot, though realistically he would be a reserve and play in cup ties.Turkey’s Altay Bayindir has been overlooked by both Ruben Amorim and Erik ten Hag, while Tom Heaton’s time may be up.Blackburn keeper Aynsley Pears is on Man Utd’s radarBrighton battle Belgians for MillerBRIGHTON and Belgian sister club Union Saint-Galloise are working on a deal for Motherwell’s exciting young midfielder Lennon Miller.The Seagulls see Miller, 18, as a  long-term prospect who may not be ready for the Premier League next season.So Saint-Galloise could buy the Scotland Under-21 star —  for around £7million — and bring him through before a switch to Albion. He also has major interest from Celtic.Lennon Miller might be set for a major move in the summerCredit: SNSAngus Leeds way for ToffeesANGUS KINNEAR plans to take some of his Leeds backroom team with him to Everton.Kinnear, 47, is set to join Toffees as CEO in a major move by the new American owners.But there is trouble brewing over the  number of Whites staff he wants to follow him across the Pennines in the summer.Kinnear could take two or three key allies in his behind-the-scenes switch and that may anger Championship title favourites  Leeds ahead of a huge season of their own.FA get their Brass in gearCHRIS BRASS will leave Nottingham Forest for a senior  post at the FA.Brass, 49, holds a major recruitment role at the club, having previously worked as a coach.Now he has been headhunted by the FA and  the Prem club are looking internally to replace him.Walsall have Hind sight for the futureTEEN talent Hindolo Mustapha is wanted by promotion-chasing Walsall for next season.Crystal Palace midfielder Mustapha, 18, almost joined the League Two side in the  winter window — and they plan another loan bid.The Sierra Leone-born ace hit a belter against Arsenal Under-21s last week.Walsall are tipped to come back in for Hindolo MustaphaCredit: RexSwans look overseasSWANSEA will search abroad for a new coach after firing Luke Williams two weeks ago. Caretaker Alan Sheehan has some support but the Swans’ hierarchy are keen to explore foreign markets for a fresh face in the dugout.Whistleblower out of puffWHICH EFL referee is facing the axe because of his fitness levels?The official has raised red flags with some recent displays, which have been called alarming and get worse the longer the game goes on.The fear is that the whistler runs out of puff because of his lack of ability to cover the ground.And he may live up to the song “You’re not fit to referee” next time he is assessed.Prest into action as an accidental spyDIRECTOR Peter Ridsdale spied on Preston’s FA Cup quarter-final rivals Aston Villa — by accident! The former Leeds supremo was in London on EFL business last month and took in Villa’s 4-1 defeat at Crystal Palace  — BEFORE the two sides were drawn together.O’s eye Josh DEFENDER Josh Dacres-Cogley has been targeted by Leyton Orient for next season. The Bolton right-back, 28, will be out of contract at the end of June.Josh Dacres-Cogley is already being eyed by OrientCredit: RexBrotherham?TWINS Cole and Dylan Williams, 17, are checking out Rotherham as they prepare to leave Airdrie. Celtic also fancy the midfielders but they are keen on England for a quicker route to first-team football.Hyam off the hookBLACKBURN’S Dom Hyam will not be punished for an elbow on Norwich keeper Angus Gunn last weekend. The EFL’s Key Match Incidents panel decided to take no action — and insiders say the pair were later seen laughing over the incident. More

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      Ex-Championship striker facing jail time after raping woman he met on night out while she slept in Airbnb

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      A FORMER Championship striker is facing jail after he was convicted of raping a drunk woman in her bed while she slept at an Airbnb.Oluwasanmi Odelusi, known as Sanmi, retired from the game in 2020 due to injury after playing for clubs including Bolton Wanderers, MK Dons and Coventry City.Former pro-footballer Sanmi Odelusi is facing jail after being convicted of rapeCredit: LinkedinSanmi Odelusi in action for Wigan Athletic back in 2015Credit: GettyThe former pro, 31, announced the retirement to his 11,000 followers on Instagram and now helps youngsters get into the sport and is a “devout Christian” and church usher.Prosecuting, Charles Evans said the victim, then 27, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was visiting London from the USA with two female friends.The woman had come with her pal for a week to celebrate Thanksgiving in November 2021 when she was raped, Snaresbrook Crown Court heard. Mr Evans said: “They stayed in an Airbnb flat with three bedrooms in Shoreditch, east London, and on the evening of Friday November 26 decided to go clubbing.Read More in Football”The complainant had a friend in London she wanted to meet so they all went to Reign nightclub in Piccadilly.”Mr Evans said the victim and her friends were drinking quite heavily.He said: “The complainant couldn’t remember how many shots of tequila she had but says that she did have quite a few.”They then went to the club in Piccadilly, arriving there some time after midnight. More alcohol was consumed and the complainant was feeling drunk but not to the point of blacking out.”Most read in FootballInside the club one of the victim’s friends kissed Ryan Sellers, a footballer friend of Odelusi’s and when it was time to leave the club, the two men were invited back to the Airbnb with the three women, arriving there at 4am or 5am.The victim said her memory “let her down a little” due to the alcohol and she did “not recall much of the taxi ride home,” but she could clearly remember the subsequent rape.Mr Sellers went into one of the girl’s rooms and Odelusi first went into the victim’s, but she explained she was not interested, and he was, instead, welcomed into her other friend’s bed, the court heard.Odelusi had consensual sex with the friend, but after a while she asked him to stop, which he did, the court heard.He then went into the victim’s room and raped her at about 6am, the court heard.She awoke and realised someone was having sex with her, but she was unable to speak.Odelusi then returned to the friend’s room, while the victim went back to sleep, the court heard.HORROR ATTACKOdelusi and Mr Sellers later then left the flat, the court heard.Mr Evans said the victim awoke at 11am and felt confused.She only told another female friend about the rape, when she met her in Stratford, later the same day, the court was told.The friend urged her to report it to police, but she was scared she might not be able to identify her attacker, even though she knew he was black, Mr Evans said.At about 12:50am on November 28 police received a call from friends of the complainant, to report the offence, as she was too upset.The three women were due to leave the country later that day.One of her friends had a video interview with police before they left, but the victim later was interviewed by Met Police officers who travelled to Beverly Hills police station.The interview was video recorded on April 19 2022.The CPS used a new system in the trial whereby the video of the victim’s interview was played and the witness did not have to give live evidence.Odelusi was identified from CCTV at the club and from a photograph one of the girls had taken on the night.DNA MATCHOdelusi was invited to attend a voluntary on November 29, and made no comment. His DNA was later matched to semen traces.Mr Evans said: “A sleeping person cannot give consent. It is that simple.”It is not the Crown’s case that the complainant was toointoxicated to consent, but it is the Crown’s case that her intoxication certainly contributed to the circumstances whereby the defendant was able to rape the sleeping complainant.”Odelusi, vehemently denied this, and insisted she was awake and had consented before anything happened.Defending Claire Cooper, told the court the victim had shown interest in Odelusi in the taxi and had shown him her Instagram account and he complimented her pictures, but they “did not add each other.”She said: “He was shocked and surprised when he was asked to attend the police station. “He cooperated with the police. He was not been proud of himself after sleeping with both women, but his actions were not of someone who was guilty of rape.”She said the sex had been consensual with both women and he had initially stayed at the flat after both encounters.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe jury found him guilty by a ten to two majority verdict. Odelusi was released on conditional bail ahead of sentence in May.Sanmi Odelusi of Blackpool back in 2017Credit: Getty More

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      Former Championship star, 39, working TWO international manager jobs at once ahead of World Cup qualifiers

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      SCOTT WISEMAN has seen his workload double after landing a SECOND international management job.The former Championship star was already the boss of Gibraltar’s women’s team.Scott Wiseman has two head coach roles in GibraltarCredit: YoutubeHe enjoyed a solid career in the EFLCredit: PA:Press AssociationWiseman (back row second from left) earned 38 caps for GibraltarCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowNow the 39-year-old has taken charge of the men’s team too.Wiseman retired from playing back in May 2023, having played in England’s second tier with Hull and Barnsley.He hung up his boots following a three-year spell at Lincoln Red Imps in Gibraltar.He was a full international for the British territory as he collected 38 caps.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWiseman took up a job with the national set-up as he started coaching the Under-16s.Not long after retiring, he was made the head coach of the Gibraltar women’s team as well as the U19 women’s team.He now has an even bigger workload as he has landed the top job in the men’s team.The Gibraltar FA confirmed his appointment with a brief statement and confirmed that his role with the women remains “unaffected.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt read: “The Gibraltar Football Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Wiseman as Interim Head Coach of the Gibraltar Men’s National Team for the upcoming Fifa World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers against Montenegro and Czechia later this month.”Scott’s current role with the Women’s National Team remains unaffected.”Football Fixers | Cutting it with Premier League Football StarsWiseman’s playing careerHere is a look at Scott Wiseman’s playing career before he went into coaching…Club career:Hull City, 2003–2007Appearances: 17Goals: 0Assists: 0Boston United, 2005 loanAppearances: 2Goals: 0Assists: 0Rotherham United, 2006–2007 loanAppearances: 21Goals: 1Assists: 0Darlington, 2007–2008Appearances: 20Goals: 0Assists: 0Rochdale, 2008–2011 and 2018 loanAppearances: 127Goals: 1Assists: 8Barnsley, 2011–2014Appearances: 111Goals: 1Assists: 4Preston North End, 2014-2015Appearances: 48Goals: 2Assists: 2Scunthorpe United, 2015-2017Appearances: 5Goals: 2Assists: 4Chesterfield, 2017-2018Appearances: 29Goals: 0Assists: 1Salford City, 2018-2020Appearances: 81Goals: 4Assists: 7Lincoln Red Imps, 2020-2023Appearances: 75Goals: 3Assists: 8International career:Gilbraltar, 2013–2023Caps: 38Goals: 0Assists: 1He will be trusted straight into the deep end with two World Cup qualifiers around the corner.Wiseman will be in the dugout for Gibraltar’s matches against Montenegro and the Czech Republic on March 22 and 25.Following those fixtures, he will have to switch his focus back to his duties with the women’s team.He has already led them into the first Nations League clashes and will have the second round of fixtures in April.The first game ended in a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Moldova, which was then followed by another close loss to the Faroe Islands.Speaking after the Moldova match, Wiseman hailed how far the team had come.He said: “When they realized how far they’ve come, they had their own personal win and their own team win despite the result.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It was a tough end to the match in Moldova in our opening group game, but a great team performance.”I think there were only positives; the disappointment of conceding so late subsided pretty quickly after the game.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      How Frank Lampard has transformed Coventry after blowing owners away with sales pitch and ZERO expectations

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      FRANK LAMPARD is on a mission to prove people wrong at Coventry.Firstly, to fans that said sacking predecessor Mark Robins was “ridiculous” and secondly to those that claim England’s so-called Golden Generation are all managerial flops.Frank Lampard has taken Coventry from a relegation threat to play-off hopefulsCredit: GettyThe club’s move to sack Mark Robins was initially unpopularCredit: PAOnly Leeds can match Coventry’s from since the turn of the yearCredit: PALampard inherited a Coventry side that was languishing in 17th just two points above the Championship relegation zone in November.But the 46-year-old has overseen a stunning upturn in form and the Sky Blues now sit fifth with promotion aspirations via the play-offs.Despite the team’s woeful start to the season, the majority of fans wanted Robins to be given more time and were fuming over his sacking.They felt the former Manchester United player had enough credit in the bank, having taken them from League Two to a play-off final defeat on penalties to Luton in 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut owner Doug King made the bold decision to axe Robins without a replacement lined up.Lampard applied and blew chiefs away with a stunning sales pitch, getting the job with “no expectations” this season.But the former Everton and Chelsea boss has taken a hands-on approach to coaching and transformed Coventry’s fortunes.Eight wins in 11 games since the turn of the year means they have the joint-most points in 2025 – level with table-toppers Leeds.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLampard has focused on improving Coventry’s defence and has jumped between a back three and four formations.Left-back Jake Bidwell told SunSport: “We’ve done a lot of work on that as a group, especially defending the box, just making sure everyone is on the same page.Rooney Loses Plymouth Job After Frank Lampard’s Coventry 4-0 Demolition”Making attacks for other teams as predictable as we can so you know what to expect, you know where to be.”There’s been quite a lot of detail around that. It’s stood us in good stead.”They say the shape looks different at times. I’d say there are minor tweaks around it. But in terms of the principles, not a lot really changes.”Every time you speak to him, he’s a man of his word. He says exactly what he says he’s going to do and it transpires.Bidwell on Lampard Lampard has also immediately connected with his players and is getting the best out of them.Bidwell explained: “He’s come in and he’s managed to build personal relationships pretty quickly, build the trust pretty quickly.”If the lads are on the training pitch, just pulling them for a couple of minutes here and there. “Pulling them up to the office to show clips, showing exactly what he wants and just doing it that way, really. “There was no big team get-together or anything like that. I think it’s just picking and choosing his times, one-on-ones with people.”From my point of view, the trust has been built solidly pretty quickly because every time you speak to him, he’s a man of his word. “He says exactly what he says he’s going to do and it transpires.”Jake Bidwell has been full of praise for his new managerCredit: GettyLampard has quickly built relationships with his playersCredit: GettyCoventry chief King told talkSPORT: “He’s been great around the place, positive, a really good people person and tactically we’ve got results in difficult moments when we didn’t have a full squad.”I didn’t really put any expectations out there, I felt that we needed to change it. I did it without having a placement in mind.”Frank was the outstanding candidate. Frank applied and we got on.”Here we are three-and-a half months later on one of the best runs we’ve been on in 50-odd years.”During his time away from the dugout, Lampard took to the BBC and Sky Sports studios as a pundit.He admits media life is “easier”, but he “loves the challenge” of management and could not care less about the money.After mixed spells at Chelsea and Everton, Lampard has set out to prove his doubters wrong.Management has been brutal to his old England Golden Generation team-mates like Gary Neville, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney.“It’s just a really lazy thing to say great players don’t make great managers.Frank Lampard But the weight of being one of the best English players ever is not felt by Lampard.He told SunSport: “I don’t feel like I’m the one left holding the torch for the Golden Generation. It’s a lazy generalisation.“Anyone that goes into this job as an ex-player who’s had a highly regarded career should get a lot of credit because you understand that there’s a bigger fall for you.“There’s a bigger level of interest. Maybe we will succeed but what about if we fail?“It’s a little bit of a cultural issue. I think we’re all a bit guilty of that in our British culture.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So I don’t listen to the Golden Generation stuff.“It’s just a really lazy thing to say great players don’t make great managers.”Lampard says it is ‘lazy’ to say you can’t be a good player and good managerCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Clearly insufficient’ – FA looking to increase Millwall ace Liam Roberts’ three-match ban after horror Mateta challenge

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      THE FA has warned Millwall keeper Liam Roberts to expect a long ban after his shocking foul on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.In a statement released Wednesday morning, the FA announced that “in the circumstances the standard punishment is clearly insufficient”.Roberts collides with Mateta on SaturdayCredit: GettyMateta was hospitalized to receive specialist treatmentCredit: ReutersMichael Oliver needed to check the VAR monitor before sending Roberts offCredit: Pro SportsThe current sanction is a standard three-match ban, which saw Roberts miss last night’s Championship tie against Bristol City.He will also miss upcoming trips to Watford and Leeds.Roberts was given until Thursday March 6 to respond to today’s statement by the FA.But Millwall have immediately issued a statement of their own.Read more football storiesIt reads: “Millwall Football Club acknowledges the FA’s statement and will continue to support Liam who has been subjected to horrendous online abuse since Saturday’s collision.”The clash came just eight minutes into Millwall’s FA Cup tie at Selhurst Park, a first South London derby since 2022.As Mateta chased a high ball into the box, Millwall goalkeeper Roberts leapt to clear it, kicking Mateta in the head in the process.Mateta was rushed to hospital for “specialist treatment”, where he received 25 stitches on his left ear.Most read in FA CupReferee Michael Oliver did not initially give a foul but sent Roberts off after a short VAR review.The FA have now submitted a claim to increase Roberts’ sanction.Millwall supporters have rallied behind their keeper, holding a minute of applause in the eighth minute of Tuesday’s 2-0 loss to Bristol City.It comes after they chanted “let him die” as France international Mateta received treatment on Saturday.The club has also released statements in his defence, referring to reporting and punditry on the foul as “unwarranted character assassination”.Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish appeared on BBC One at half-time to discuss the foul, saying: “In all the time I’ve watched football, I’ve not seen a challenge like it.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim defends Patrick Dorgu after error and red card against Ipswich “That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen, and I think [Roberts] needs to have a long, hard look at himself.”Millwall manager Alex Neil rebuked that statement post match, saying Roberts simply “misjudged [the clearance] and caught the lad”.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “I don’t think it is meant. I don’t think there is any intent, why would there be intent?”It is not yet known when Mateta will return to play.Millwall had a minute’s applause for Roberts in the match against Bristol More

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      Man Utd’s history means nothing – thinking they can win the league in three years is arrogant and delusional

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      IT was an FA Cup weekend which showed just how far Manchester United have fallen.Which showed how little their history means, how shockingly bad their recruitment has been — and how many clubs have overtaken them.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim is underestimating the size of his taskCredit: GettyWayne Rooney was correct to warn the Red DevilsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @BBCMOTDRooney was also spot-on to say United could do with Danny WelbeckCredit: GettyAnd it showed how correct Wayne Rooney was to criticise the naivety of United’s hierarchy for targeting the Premier League title within three years.In a fascinating quarter-final line-up, there are four clubs — Bournemouth, Brighton,  Fulham and Crystal Palace — who have never won the Cup but who have realistic ambitions of doing so on May 17.All four are infinitely smaller than United but sit above Ruben Amorim’s men in the  Premier League table.So when Rooney doubts United’s stated ambition of winning the title in their 150th anniversary year of 2028 — chief executive Omar Berrada’s so-called ‘Project 21’ — he is absolutely right.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRooney called it ‘naive’. He might have added ‘arrogant’ and ‘delusional’.United haven’t won it in 12 years and are now further away from doing so than at any point during that time.Portuguese Amorim is a searingly honest press-conference operator but he was wrong to sneer at Rooney with his ‘that is why I’m manager of Manchester United at 40’ jibe.That Rooney’s managerial career has stalled after four underwhelming jobs by the age of 39 does not mean his comments lack credibility.Most read in FootballUnited face more high-pressure games this monthBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAre only successful football managers allowed to assess football managers?Sir David Attenborough has never been a Rwandan mountain gorilla but he made a decent fist of talking about them.Man United fan The United Strand vows to not cut his hair until Red Devils win FIVE games in a rowAmorim claims being a pundit is easy — which doesn’t explain why so many ex-players are so bad at it.Rooney, meanwhile, is far more articulate and insightful than he’s often given credit for.He’s United’s record goalscorer and he understands that the club’s fame, its history, means little to current footballers — especially those from overseas.“If I’m a player and United try to sign me, I’m thinking, ‘I’m not sure’,” said Rooney. “The top players want Champions League.”United’s 13 titles under Sir Alex Ferguson are an irrelevance to the elite young players they want to recruit.Those potential transfer targets will instead regard a shell of a football club, stuck in the bottom half of the table.The idea of United targeting the title in 2028 is nonsense.Before they can even think about challenging Liverpool, Arsenal or Manchester City, they must get past that little lot of FA Cup quarter-finalists — Brighton, Bournemouth, Fulham and Palace.Joshua Zirkzee was gutted after a shootout miss as Fulham KO’d UnitedCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford is flourishing on loan for Aston Villa from UnitedCredit: GettyAll are well-run clubs benefiting from the ‘levelling up’ effect of Premier League TV revenue and Profit and Sustainability Rules.United are not experiencing a one-season blip. They are suffering from a dozen years of rank boardroom mismanagement.Would you bet on them finishing above Brighton, Bournemouth, Fulham or Palace next  season?When Fulham won at Old Trafford on Sunday, United cast-off Andreas Pereira shone, as did Sander Berge, the holding midfielder United tried and failed to sign from Burnley last summer.Fulham manager Marco Silva was one of several bosses United sounded out before they offered a new contract to Erik ten Hag.Silva is a gifted coach, who prioritised the Cup by resting several first-choice players for last Tuesday’s visit to Wolves, a match which Fulham won after their manager changed his favoured formation — showing an admirable flexibility which seems alien to Amorim.Fulham beat United without playing well. Despite three key injuries of their own, they had a far stronger bench than United.They are nine points clear of United because they are simply better.United would love a forward as good as Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert, Evanilson or Dango Ouattara, or a winger anywhere near the standard of Brighton’s Kaoru MitomaThis is the Premier League’s new order. Smaller clubs have strong squads, well-scouted, recruited, assembled and coached. They don’t often need to sell their best players either.They can work without the white noise that  surrounds United, because of a history which only serves to drag the club further down.Earlier on Sunday, United old boy Danny Welbeck scored an excellent winner for Brighton at Newcastle.And at 34 Welbeck would still be a huge improvement on what Amorim has at his disposal — as Rooney pointed out.On Friday night, Marcus Rashford was enjoying his freedom at Aston Villa — who haven’t won the Cup since 1957 but also have a decent chance of doing so.And how United would love a forward as good as Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert, Evanilson or Dango Ouattara, or a winger anywhere near the standard of Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma.Bournemouth and Brighton are diamond miners in the global transfer market, Fulham are more adept at recycling unwanted Premier League players and at Palace it’s a mix of the two approaches.But all have succeeded while United have continually failed.And these are the clubs United must surpass before they even think about challenging to be champions of England again.Champions by 2028? Naive isn’t the half of it.Mocking was sickWHO says FA Cup romance is dead, when Saturday brought us a kung-fu kick at Crystal Palace v Millwall, a headbutt at Bournemouth v Wolves and a racism row at Preston v Burnley?If the assault by Millwall keeper Liam Roberts on Palace striker Jean- Philippe Mateta wasn’t bad enough then the sick mocking songs of Lions fans were even more reprehensible.Amazingly this challenge on Palace attacker Jean-Philippe Mateta by Liam Roberts wasn’t the worst aspect of the FA Cup derbyCredit: GettyPalace supporters did retaliate sarcastically with a similar ‘let him die’ chant when a Millwall player was receiving treatment for a far less serious injury.The FA say Millwall chants, which gloried in Mateta’s trip to hospital, cannot be punished because they do not breach their rulebook.Well, either update your rulebook or use some common sense.Millwall can have all the community initiatives they like but while they  continue to be followed by such a high percentage of moronic lowlife, they will continue to be the pariahs of English football.Mint’s missed momentBRIGHTON’S Yankuba Minteh really should have celebrated his goal against former club Newcastle on Sunday.It’s not just that Minteh, 20, was flogged in the summer without having ever played a minute of first-team football for the Magpies.Yankuba Minteh had extra reasons to enjoy his goal at NewcastleCredit: AFPIt’s that the talented Gambian winger refused a move to Lyon after realising Newcastle merely regarded him as a saleable commodity to help them comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules.Even though a £40million fee had been agreed, Minteh held out for the Premier League move he wanted and proved his worth with a goal which helped knock Toon out of the FA Cup.He should have fully enjoyed his moment because he owed his opponents nothing.Stat’s it, big AngeIF Ange Postecoglou does not last as Tottenham boss, can we please beg all major broadcasters to offer him a blank cheque to head into punditry?Because nobody cuts through football’s mountain of bulls**t quite like Big Ange.Postecoglou’s disdain for VAR already earned the Aussie immense credit from this column — and now he has weighed in on the myth of ‘assist’ stats.Ange Postecoglou is rightfully disdainful of statistics for assistsCredit: Alamy“The assist is the most useless statistic in world football,”  said the Spurs chief. “It could come off your backside, fall to somebody on the halfway line, he scores, and it’s an assist. So it doesn’t impress me.”As usual, the big man is bang on.Now blame the robo-flopTHE problem with VAR is the personnel, not the system, they lied.Just wait until robot linesmen come in, with 30  high-speed cameras tracking 10,000 data points on every player — that will speed up checks, they promised.READ MORE SUN STORIESYeah, because that’s the thing you find with technology in your everyday life — it never fails, does it?And then the robot linesmen arrived — and malfunctioned — and we waited for EIGHT minutes to find out whether a Bournemouth ‘goal’ against Wolves had been offside. More

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      All this week’s transfer exclusives from SunSport’s man in the know as Aston Villa battle Everton for Mings replacement

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      ALAN NIXON is SunSport’s Boss of Goss.Check out this week’s red-hot transfer whispers from our man in the know…Joel Ordonez is wanted by both Aston Villa and EvertonCredit: GettyTHRILLY JOELASTON VILLA are fighting Everton for Joel Ordonez — who stands between them and Champions League glory.The Club Brugge star, 20, can play centre-half and right-back and looks ideal for the Premier League with his ability and strength.Ecuadorian international Ordonez helped shut Villa out in the group stage and they have been on his trail ever since.The sides meet again on Tuesday in their last-16 first leg — and Everton will be watching closely as they are desperate to land him, too.Ordonez, 20, is rated at £40million by the Belgian side and Villa see him as an ideal replacement for Tyrone Mings.The Toffees also plan a summer revamp and fancy him as the right-sided centre-back in a five at the back.Everton also rate Maxime Esteve, 22, at Burnley but he plays on the left.ROB’S JOB WAITRob Edwards could be forced to wait for his next jobCredit: GettyFORMER Luton boss Rob Edwards faces a frustrating wait for a new job because of a huge compensation fee on his head.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSInterested clubs were told the 42-year-old would cost them £1million as part of his Hatters exit package.Blackburn overlooked Edwards and has been linked with Middlesbrough — but may be sitting it out until the ‘transfer’ fee drops in the next 12 months.MOYES IN DARKDavid Moyes made his return to Everton earlier this seasonCredit: ReutersNEW Everton owners The Friedkin Group are looking for a football supremo to be overlord for their whole organisation.The Americans also own Roma and want someone to run both clubs in the future.Director of football Kevin Thelwell is set to leave his role at Goodison — as we revealed — and now boss David Moyes is waiting to learn what structure the new owners plan to put in place . . . and where it leaves him.MAXED OUT IN MILAN SPREEMaxime Estève is a target for AC MilanCredit: GettyAC MILAN scouts made a shock visit to check out Burnley centre-half Maxime Esteve.The classy Frenchman, 22, may move in the summer — and will definitely do so if the Clarets fail to win promotion.Crystal Palace star Mateta stretchered off with horror injury after shock kung-fu kick from Milwall keeper who sees redEverton are keen on Esteve while Crystal Palace have shortlisted him.But the Italians are on the trail of a player too good for the second tier.CATS CHASE QUICK CASHKyril Louis-Dreyfus owns 64 per cent of SunderlandCredit: ReutersSUNDERLAND are in talks with US financiers MSD Holdings about a quick £35million loan.Wealthy Kyril Louis-Dreyfus owns Black Cats yet they are still seeking funding — even with interest at £5m a year.The timing is odd as Sunderland chase a Prem jackpot and have players to sell for big money this summer.But the cash is wanted quicker than that.A REAL DEAL BUT NOT FOR HORNETSMillonarios striker Neyser is wanted by WatfordCredit: ConmebolWATFORD’S chances of signing young Colombian star Neyser Villarreal look slim — as Porto set up a deal.The Portuguese giants have been ‘promised’ striker Villarreal, 19, by his agent and could get him for nothing at the end of the year.Brazil’s Vasco da Gama made a £3million bid plus extras that his club Millonarios accepted but the player and agent refuse to speak to them.WHICH Premier League sporting director is making a fool of himself in the VIP box at games?The foreign wheeler-dealer is given to celebrating goals wildly and arguing about refereeing decisions with rival fans and even directors.This loud chap was recently seen gesturing so much that a ‘minder’ in the entourage was forced to calm a brewing row with home supporters.ROBINS KEEN ON NEW RECRUITSMark Robins is concerned by the squad at Stoke CityCredit: PASTOKE boss Mark Robins will look for a major change in recruitment plans in the summer.Robins, 55, has been alarmed by a thin squad bulked out with young players and loan captures.The Potters have tried to sign their own players but ended up with a mixed bag.That is partly because of so much upheaval with Robins their third boss this season.PRODIGAL SONDavid Moyes Jr is wanted by Hull CityCredit: AlamyHULL are after David Moyes Jr for a top scouting role.The Everton manager’s son has previous experience with West Ham, where he worked for his dad.Now the Tigers hope to tempt the ex-agent to their transfer team, which has changed regularly over the past couple of years.ROVERS RETURNValerien Ismael is looking to add to his staff at BlackburnCredit: GettyBLACKBURN boss Valerien Ismael will bring in coach Adam Murray in the summer.Eastbourne gaffer Murray worked with the Frenchman at Barnsley and Besiktas and will join Rovers No .2 Dean Whitehead at Ewood Park.Ismael took over last month and is happy with the rest of his staff. More