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      Troy Deeney: Being a footballer around Christmas might be the most depressing time of your life – it’s torture

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      BEING a pro footballer around Christmas might be the most depressing time of your life.I’m not asking for huge amounts of sympathy.Footballers do not get time off during ChristmasCredit: AlamyBrighton and Hove Albion were visited by the GrinchCredit: Instagram @officialbhafcWe are very privileged people who get paid extremely well, so I don’t expect the tiny violins to be coming out.But it is not an easy time. Your whole family is buzzing — the Pringles are out, the wine, the beers.So many things that you would normally enjoy but just know you cannot do it.I remember as a footballer having Christmas dinner and knowing we were playing a game the next day.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLI would have to ask for a third of what I would normally stuff on my plate.Now I am retired — my first Christmas away from the game for nearly 20 years — I asked my family to give me a third more than I can even stomach.I was so excited and loved it.But as a professional player, you would be counting how many potatoes you have eaten.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThen the club nutritionists would be on to you.I used to have to jump in the gym straight after my turkey dinner. ‘Who do you think you are’: Sir Alex Ferguson reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears after ‘ripping in’ to Man Utd iconCody Gakpo was one of the scorers on Boxing DayCredit: AFPWho are these famous footballers?Usually, if we had an away game on Boxing Day, we would have to train in the late afternoon or early evening on Christmas Day — and then it was straight to wherever the hotel was.I’d get up in the morning on Christmas Day, do stuff with the kids, have a light breakfast, probably run a 5k on the treadmill, then the family came over to have dinner but you are always watching the time.Let’s say we had dinner at 1:30pm.I would then get on the scales at 2:45pm and I am two kilos over. So, I have to jump in the sauna for 20 minutes.Then it is in the car, down to training, weigh yourself again and into a hotel with 20 other lads who also don’t want to be there.You’re looking on your social media and everyone is posting videos of themselves enjoying some drinks, opening presents, spending time with their kids. It really hits you.By the time Boxing Day comes around, everyone is in the mindset of, ‘Thank God that’s over’.I always tried to have a bigger dinner that day to make up for what I missed.For me and my family, our Christmas Day would be on the 27th, so you could enjoy yourself and have a few days resting before the New Year games.As players, we were generally well behaved during those periods.Sometimes at Watford, depending on the manager we had, we would have to come in for training at 8am on Christmas Day, so everyone would be home by midday.Get in, get out.There used to be a rule whereby you then did not have to report until Boxing Day morning.But that was stopped after a few players would turn up with red eyes after staying out until 2am.Those Christmas Day morning sessions were the worst, because my kids would wake up all excited wanting to open their presents and I would have to say: “No, wait until dad gets home!”It’s torture.And even when I got home, I would have to eat, shower, have a little nap and then drive back to the hotel for 7pm.When I first met my wife, she thought I would only train a couple of times a week and then play on a Saturday.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe then got the biggest shock of her life. My life was so regimented, even at Christmas.Look, it’s part of the gig. You’re paid to put up with it but it was a mental strain at times, especially with kids and those who were really family-orientated. More

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      Fans convinced Jude Bellingham sang X-rated chant about Alan Shearer while watching brother Jobe for Sunderland

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      FANS reckon Jude Bellingham joined in a rude chant about Alan Shearer as he cheered on brother Jobe.The Real Madrid midfielder certainly showed plenty of Christmas spirit as he backed Jobe’s Sunderland at Shearer’s old club Blackburn in a Championship promotion battle.Jude Bellingham spent his time off from Real Madrid watching younger brother Jobe take on promotion rivals Blackburn for SunderlandCredit: GettyBellingham was smartly dressed as he took his seat at Ewood ParkCredit: GettySome fans were amused by the Real midfielder’s reaction when an Alan Shearer chant broke out at the former striker’s old hunting groundCredit: GettyBBC pundit Shearer is an England, Blackburn and Newcastle legend – but he’s not popular with Sunderland fansCredit: GettyAnd many supporters were convinced the smiling England hero jokingly sung along when visiting fans taunted the Toon legend and BBC pundit, who remains the Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer.Bellingham, 21, was captured appearing to playfully mutter some of a chant that normally includes the wholesome words “he wears a magic hat”.The new variant – adapted unseasonally by Sunderland supporters – included: “Shearer is a w****r”.Bellingham’s head was seen swaying in time to the song as he looked to be having fun on his Christmas break – with Real out of action until January 6.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Sunderland fans seemed delighted by his support for Jobe – in whatever way it came.One replied to a clip of the incident by revealing it was “not something that was on my list of things I’d expect to see this Christmas. But here we are. Legend!”Other approving messages included “Can’t love the guy any more if I tried” and “Oh I love you Jude”.Jobe Bellingham was at the front of the celebrations when the Black Cats went 2-1 up, only for Blackburn to grab a late point-saverCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBellingham Senior’s 19-year-old brother Jobe is expected to follow him to the very top.Most read in ChampionshipAnd although for many the Bellingham Boxing Day talking point concerned the chant, the younger brother will be more worried about the dramatic finale on the pitch.Moment Jude Bellingham gives Arsenal transfer hope after fan asks him to join GunnersYuki Ohashi’s deserved opener for Blackburn had been overhauled by a quickfire double after the break, via a Chris Rigg strike and a Wilson Isidor backheel.But Rovers’ late sub Harry Leonard grabbed a 90th-minute point-saver.Sunderland remain fourth – one place but six points ahead of Blackburn.The elder Bellingham brother is enjoying an Xmas break unlike British-based playersCredit: Rex More

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      Man City ace Phil Foden’s kids take a spin in custom-built mini Mercedes G-Wagons

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      FOOTIE ace Phil Foden’s children take a spin in custom-built mini Mercedes G-Wagons.The electric Christmas gifts are modelled on the Man City star’s own £200,000 car.Phil Foden’s children take a spin in custom-built mini Mercedes G-WagonsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DEAfYB_iIqc/?hl=enElectric Christmas gifts are modelled on the Man City star’s own £200,000 G-WagonCredit: BackGridPhil’s son Ronnie unwrapping his pricey Christmas presentCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DEAfYB_iIqc/?hl=en£11million-a-year Man City star Phil had no problem paying for the giftsCredit: ReutersHe posted a clip of Ronnie, five, and True, three, zipping round his Cheshire mansion’s garden.The £11million-a-year star had no problem paying at least £800 each for the gifts.Phil, 24, also has a baby with partner Rebecca Cooke.It comes after Phil moved a chef into the grounds of his home as he attempts to cook up a storm in the Premier League over the coming months.READ MORE ON PHIL FODENThe Manchester City and England striker has recently moved away from his Stockport roots and into a country pile.And Foden, 24, has taken a full-time chef with him who will live in the gatekeeper’s cottage on the Cheshire Estate.A source revealed: “Phil wants to be on top of his nutrition and the chef has a lovely space to prepare all his meals.“It’s the ultimate luxury and because he’s away a lot with the team, having his own chef means he can just focus on his football and young family.”Most read in FootballFoden’s mum Claire recently told Talk Eat Laugh: “The shocking thing is I hear him ordering salmon a lot now and he never used to eat that!”He used to have low iron levels, but that’s all up to scratch now.”Phil Foden’s fed-up neighbours have declared war on the England ace for destroying their neighbourhood and turning it into Skid Row More

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      Real Madrid star Endrick’s ‘brother-in-law’ is shot dead in Christmas Day bar massacre

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      A MAN shot dead on Christmas Day in Brazil has been identified as the “brother-in-law” of Real Madrid star Endrick.Mauricio Nunes Goncalves was killed in a hail of bullets at a street bar in Samambaia near the capital Brasilia.Mauricio Nunes Goncalves, 38, was shot dead in a bar massacreCredit: Lavinia Sudre/InstagramEndrick plays for Real MadridCredit: GettyHe died after receiving several head shotsCredit: Lavinia Sudre/InstagramThe 38-year-old was the brother of the partner of Endrick’s older sister Lavinia Sudre, but is being referred to in Brazil as the footballer’s brother-in-law.Mauricio received several shots to the head as he tried to escape the “targeted” gun attack.Lavinia changed her Instagram profile picture to one showing a black ribbon after learning about the gruesome murder, which happened early yesterday morning.She also posted a photo of the victim, naming him under the pic before adding: “You left beautiful memories in our hearts that we will never forget.”Read More in FootballThe funeral was due to take place this afternoon at 3pm local time.Witnesses have told the police there was no prior argument between the gunman and his victim and described it as bearing all the hallmarks of a cold-blooded execution.No arrests have been made, according to reports.Endrick, reportedly linked last month to a shock move to Southampton, has yet to make any comment.Most read in FootballThe 18-year-old Brazil international moved to Real Madrid from Palmeiras this summer but has been given little playing time since joining the Spanish LaLiga giants.Recent reports in Spain have also pointed to the possibility of a six-month loan deal with Seville side Real Betis as Endrick seeks more opportunities to demonstrate his quality on the pitch.Endrick blows minds with phenomenal skills at Real Madrid training Police were today continuing to investigate the murder. There have been no reports of any arrests in Brazil.Earlier this year, Endrick married his model and influencer girlfriend Gabriely Miranda.The Brazilian wonderkid shared a series of glamorous pictures from the occasion to his social media accounts back in September.Endrick and Gabriely tied the knot less than a year after first meeting.The happy couple were said to have agreed an unusual relationship contract prior to their wedding day.It is said to include a clause dictating that they must say “I love you” in all situations.READ MORE SUN STORIESBizarrely, it also reportedly contains a rule banning Endrick from having a virtual girlfriend on Grand Theft Auto, a game he is a big fan of.The football superstar is also said to be prohibited from commenting on other girls’ Instagram posts.The Brazil star has yet to comment on the death of MauricioCredit: Rex More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson looks in good spirits after Christmas as Man Utd legend is spotted in stands at EFL match

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON was the only family member with a huge smile as he sat in the stands at PeterboroughThe ex-Manchester United boss wore a festive grin – while son Darren’s expression became more like the Grinch.Sir Alex Ferguson went through the emotions at PeterboroughCredit: AlamyFergie saw his son Darren’s side trail 3-0 at half-timeCredit: GettyThe Scot, 82, was well wrapped up against the coldCredit: GettyFerguson Junior’s League One strugglers were thumped 3-0 at home by Mansfield.Sir Alex might not have been beaming quite so brightly later – as 78 miles down the road the Red Devils slumped 2-0 at Wolves.But his son was focused on a festive beast of a display from Peterborough that he called “unacceptable”.His legendary dad, 82, defied the chilly weather as he wrapped up warmly and watched on attentively, suggesting his love for the game is as deep as ever.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSir Alex reigned at Old Trafford like none before or since, finally retiring in 1986 after 27 years dripping in trophies.In contrast, 52-year-old Darren has spent most of his managerial career in the EFL, with brief spells in the Championship at Peterborough and Preston.The ex-United midfielder arrived back at Posh for a FOURTH time in charge in January 2023.And he’ll need another happy new year to turn things round as Peterborough sit 17th in the third tier after their Boxing Day beating.Most read in EFLDarren Ferguson labelled his team’s home performance as ‘unacceptable’Credit: AlamyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA Will Evans double and a soaring header from Baily Cargill showed its not just Santa’s reindeer with sparkling antlers at Christmas – as the Stags romped to a 3-0 half-time lead.Posh defender George Nevett. 16, was then given a straight red for a foul five minutes from time.Sir Alex Ferguson saved my Man Utd career with 10-word comment after I started going out every night, says Rio Ferdinand By that stage Fergie had switched to a more intense look, no doubt in sympathy with his son.And the big question then was: Would Darren give his flops the junior hairdryer treatment?Ferguson had a relaxing start to the afternoon at London RoadCredit: GettyBut Baily Cargill then put Mansfield on the way with a sixth-minute openerCredit: Alamy More

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      Most successful Premier League club on Boxing Day revealed – and they’re not even in the top half of this year’s table

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      THE most successful Premier League club on Boxing Day has been revealed and they’re not even in the top half of this year’s table.Analysts looked at more than 32 years of data to work out a host of fascinating stats to reveal the teams with the most wins and losses.Take the quiz hereCredit: gettyIt turns out that Manchester United fans have it best at Christmas – as they’ve won more Premier League Boxing Day games than any other club.United have not only won the most games with a whopping 21 victories, but they’ve also scored the most goals, hitting the net 76 times on December 26th.At the other end of the table, Newcastle have lost more than any other side when playing on Boxing Day, going down 15 times in 32 games played – and conceding as many as 45 goals.Four teams – Manchester City, Everton, Chelsea and Aston Villa – feature in both top 10 lists due to having a high number of wins and losses from the festive fixture over the years.read more in premier league The findings come after research of 2,000 footie fans found four in 10 look forward to Boxing Day football more than any other day on the footballing calendar.The festive footie beat out transfer deadline day (13 per cent) and even the Carabao Cup final (10 per cent) as the day in the season fans enjoy most.Among the best things about the day are the fact almost every side plays and being able to chow down on turkey sandwiches while watching.It also emerged the typical football fan will watch as many as five matches over the packed festive schedule, racking up more than 10 hours of live sport in total.Most read in FootballA spokesperson for Lottoland.co.uk Sportsbook, which commissioned the study and also created a tool to allow fans to try and predict the scores for this year’s matches, said: “It’s truly a late Christmas gift to football fans.“While the occasional player may moan about having to train and eat pasta throughout the festive period, fans get a feast of football to enjoy.Man Utd player ratings: Tyrell Malacia hooked after first-half disasterclass as Bruno Fernandes offers glimmer of hope“There’s just so much to love about it, and the Boxing Day fixtures are among the first people will look out for when they are released.”The research found most fans don’t have a huge amount of sympathy for Premier League players who have to ‘work’ on Boxing Day, unlike most of the rest of the country having the day off.With 27 per cent admitting they don’t have very much sympathy, while 34 per cent feel none whatsoever.Other reasons people love the season’s sport include having people around the home to watch games with (22 per cent) and finally saying goodbye to “Christmassy” TV and films (17 per cent).While 13 per cent see switching off from family duties and on to 90 minutes of sport as a great way to have a break from their nearest and dearest.It also emerged 29 per cent are even likely to tune into games their team isn’t playing, just because they’re on TV.And 34 per cent are particularly looking forward to this year’s December 26 fixtures because the title race is so intriguing.Nearly a fifth (17 per cent) even enjoy the sport on the day after Christmas more than they do opening presents.But three in 10 claimed their favourite team losing on Boxing Day has the power to ruin the entire festive season for them, according to the OnePoll.com figures.Lottoland.co.uk Sportsbook’s spokesperson added: “Of course, watching loads of football is lots more fun if your team happens to be winning.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Losing two or three games in quick succession is nobody’s idea of a good time.“But for the neutrals who don’t have a particular horse in the race, the endless supply of action can only be a good thing.”TOP 10 TEAMS WITH THE MOST WINS ON BOXING DAY:Manchester United (21 wins)Liverpool (17 wins)Arsenal (16 wins)Chelsea (13 wins)Tottenham Hotspur (13 wins)Everton (11 wins)Manchester City (11 wins)Blackburn Rovers (7 wins)West Ham United (7 wins)Aston Villa (5 wins)TOP 10 TEAMS WITH THE MOST LOSSES ON BOXING DAY:Newcastle United (15 losses)Aston Villa (14 losses)Leicester City (11 losses)Everton (10 losses)Middlesbrough (9 losses)Manchester City (7 losses)Sunderland (7 losses)Norwich City (7 losses)West Bromwich Albion (7 losses)Chelsea (6 losses) More

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      Michael Olise looks incredibly awkward as Bayern Munich stars get into Christmas mood by singing Jingle Bells

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      HE could have Olise tried to look interested.But instead Michael Olise just looked incredibly awkward as the Bayern Munich squad belted out ‘Jingle Bells’ in a recent Christmas shoot.Michael Olise has well and truly hit the ground running at Bayern MunichCredit: EPAThe winger is seemingly getting on swimmingly with his new team-matesCredit: GETTYOlise looked incredibly awkward during a recent photo and videoshoot with his team-matesCredit: BAYERN MUNICHThe France international has been in Bavaria for five months following a £50million move from Crystal Palace.Olise has got on swimmingly with his new team-mates on the pitch, bagging nearly double-digit goals and assists in his debut season.But the 23-year-old looked somewhat awkward as the squad posed for Xmas photos and sang ‘Jingle Bells’ during a recent clubshoot.Footage of the German giants singing the Christmas classic went viral on social media.READ MORE ON OLISEAnd all of the squad, including England skipper Harry Kane, got into the spirit of things – except Olise.He looked vacantly towards the camera as the rest of his team-mates gleefully belted out the song.Footie fans were quick to react to his apparent non-enjoyment of the festivities, with one saying: “Man don’t dance.”Another said: “Nonchalant final boss.”Most read in FootballAnd another said: “He’s so cool.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMichael Olise has been one of Bayern Munich’s star performers this seasonCredit: APOne remarked: “I swear every video I see of Olise, he looks so annoyed.”Bro looking like he don’t wanna associate with anyone, just play ball.”Michael Olise completes £49.5m Bayern Munich transfer as Crystal Palace release classy farewell statementAnother chimed in: “He’s just a shy guy who needs time to get comfortable.”Wing wizard Olise has taken to life in the Bundesliga like a duck to water.The London-born Frenchman has scored nine goals and provided nine assists in 23 appearances in all competitions this season.Bayern boss Vincent Kompany wasn’t at all surprised by Olise’s incredible start, saying in September: “It’s exactly what we were expecting.”I think he’s really playing a big role, which isn’t easy when you’ve arrived in the Bundesliga and at a club like Bayern.”He will take further steps.READ MORE SUN STORIES”From my point of view, it’s very positive, but I stay calm as well.”Because I know it’s important to continue the way he does in order to experience good times.”Michael Olise is seemingly enjoying his time at Bayern MunichCredit: AFP More

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      Inside Man Utd’s 12 months of Ineos, from PR disasters to 2 major sackings.. but hope for future under Sir Jim Ratcliffe

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      CHRISTMAS EVE marks exactly one year since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival at Old Trafford.And it is fair to say it has been a rather chaotic 12 months.Sir Jim Ratcliffe arrived at Old Trafford on Christmas Eve a year agoCredit: PAThe first 12 months have plenty of PR own goalsCredit: AlamyIt has been a difficult year on the field for the Red DevilsCredit: ReutersThe British billionaire, 72, stumped up more than £1billion to take a 27.7 per cent stake in his beloved Manchester United.His minority ownership was officially ratified in February – but the announcement from the Red Devils came late on Christmas Eve in 2023.Pretty much every single Manchester United fan was delighted by the news of the Ineos chief’s arrival and received it as the best Christmas present imaginable.With his successful business and sporting background – plus his promise to invest heavily into the crumbling Old Trafford infrastructure – it felt like a major turning point for the club after years of regression under the Glazers and various managers since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe reality, though, has been quite different from what the United supporters were hoping. The Glazers still own the club.United had their worst Premier League finish ever last season – and a lowest position at Christmas in 35 years in this campaign.There has been major sackings galore in the boardroom and dugout.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFans are unhappy thanks to several PR own goals.And for the staff who still have their jobs, morale is through the floor. Man Utd fans launch foul-mouthed protest at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and call him a ‘c—‘ over ticket price decisionSo, what has happened in this tumultuous first year for Ratcliffe?Well, it all started very positively indeed with CEO Richard Arnold resigning before the Ratcliffe news was even announced and United managed to poach Omar Berrada from rivals Manchester City in January. In the same month, Ratcliffe and his right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford were pictured smiling as they met Erik ten Hag and other staff at Carrington.Then in February, Arnold quit the board and left the club for good while Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin were added as Ratcliffe continued to stamp his mark and influence. But there were the first signs that things weren’t completely going swimmingly as early as March.On one hand, Ratcliffe gave fans a major boost by announcing his grand plans to replace the dated and leaking Old Trafford by building an epic new stadium dubbed a ‘Wembley of the North’.But on the other, United’s share price on the New York Stock Exchange dropped to just $13.71 – down from $20.52 immediately after the takeover was announced just three months earlier. And in a slightly strange twist, it came out that Ratcliffe had banned words such as “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” as part of a very corporate lingo drive. What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. It was in April, though, that the ruthless businessman started to wield his cost-cutting axe when he cancelled company credit cards and private cars for senior members of staff.Around the same time, there were more changes upstairs as football director John Murtough followed Arnold out of the exit door and Jason Wilcox arrived as technical director once a compensation package with Southampton was agreed. Concurrently, the highly-coveted former FA and Brighton chief Dan Ashworth was on gardening leave from Newcastle.May proved to be a crucial month for United – and for Ratcliffe.On the pitch, the club followed up their nightmare Prem season where they came eighth by shocking City to win the FA Cup final, making it two major trophies in two years for Ten Hag, who had been on the brink of the sack. Off the pitch, it was a catalogue of errors. The extent of the leaking roof was laid bare as heavy Manchester downpours prompted waterfalls on the seats – before construction crew were pictured finally getting to work on fixing it. Elsewhere, Ratcliffe started making himself not-so-Mr-Popular with the club’s staff.It started with sending a strongly-worded email to employees slamming the “disgraceful” lack of cleanliness around both the training ground and the stadium, prompting a “toxic” atmosphere around Carrington.He then announced plans for redundancies, giving staff just one week to decide if they would accept packages to leave. And to make things worse, the new owner slashed FA Cup final benefits, limiting staff to just one ticket each and forcing them to pay for their own transport to Wembley. The pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before the final was also axed – although a night of celebration in the capital did go ahead after the goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. Ratcliffe doubled down on his cut-throat approach in June when he introduced the “back to work” policy, forcing all staff to be in the office every day – or else they could leave for good. He also announced plans for a £50m Carrington upgrade but scored an own goal with disparaging comments about the women’s team. Ashworth finally made his long-awaited arrival in his role as sporting director after four months of gardening leave and a £3m compensation package agreed with Newcastle. Jobs slashedRatcliffe made the most of the off-season to oversee a major overhaul of staff roles in July. He kicked things off by slashing the number of staff to travel on the tour to the USA down to 125 and then made plans to make 250 employees redundant.That included the departures of popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex Wylie in subsequent months as Ratcliffe showed he was at Old Trafford for business, not for sentiment. Jean-Claude Blanc joined the board and ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell came in on a short-term basis as interim director of recruitment.The month also saw a merry-go-round in the coaching staff – but crucially one man kept his job.A new ‘Wembley of the North’ could replace Old TraffordCredit: Lord PingRatcliffe and right-hand-man Sir Dave Brailsford were all smiles on their arrivalCredit: GettyRatcliffe showed no mercy as he stopped paying Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2m-a-year ambassador contractCredit: GettyErik ten Hag won the FA Cup, signed a new contract then got sackedCredit: GettyTen Hag was tipped to get the boot regardless of the result in the FA Cup final but the club made a major U-turn and offered him a contract extension until 2026 – which he duly signed.However, his backroom team underwent a major reshuffle. Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake were appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson a first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar the goalkeeper coach.Darren Fletcher – previously the technical director – came into the coaching staff as a first-team coach, too.Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy all departed – the former taking over as Jamaica’s head coach. By the end of August, the new-look board had given the green light for £199m on transfer signings in the summer window.But that coincided with Ratcliffe ditching lunchboxes for matchday staff – with reports that some were even forced to eat hospitality suite leftovers beside the toilets. Fergie axedRatcliffe once again demonstrated his ruthless streak by stopping the payment of Ferguson’s £2million-a-year salary as a United ambassador in October.He also cancelled the staff Christmas party in yet another measure that infuriated those working for the club behind the scenes. But all those savings were offset with the £15m pay-off for Ten Hag, sacked with the club 14th in the Premier League table just three months after putting pen to paper on his new deal. And it emerged that the “back to work” policy was actually costing United a fortune – because there was not enough desks at Old Trafford so hospitality suites were being temporarily converted into offices between home matches. November saw the arrival of Ruben Amorim as Ten Hag’s successor on a deal until 2027 but only after United were forced to stump up £10m to activate his release clause.Amorim axed legend Van Nistelrooy, who oversaw three wins and a draw from his four matches in interim charge, to bring in his own coaching staff. But despite the excitement of a new manager, friction from the former regime still lingered with Manchester United’s board members and chiefs locked in a bitter blame game over the summer shambles including transfer signings and the Ten Hag saga with his new contract and subsequent dismissal. And while most of Ratcliffe’s policies had largely impacted staff and the playing squad, his actions towards the end of his first 12 months at Old Trafford started to directly affect fans.Reports emerged he plans to cut the £40,000 budget paid to the Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association in half. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherThen in December, supporters marched and protested against Ratcliffe after he scrapped OAP and children’s concessions tickets for home matches and simultaneously increased the minimum cost of a home ticket to a whopping £66. And he showed his Scrooge side by slashing the staff’s traditional £100 Christmas bonus, replacing it with a measly £40 M&S voucher. Then in a shock twist, £3m man Ashworth was suddenly sacked after just five months as sporting director. In the final match before the first anniversary of Ratcliffe’s arrival, it was somewhat fitting that United lost 3-0 at home to Bournemouth, one of their summer signings gave away a penalty and the ceiling leaked during Amorim’s press conference. Ratcliffe ended the year by investing an extra £79m and increasing his stake in the club to 28.94 per cent.But both he and those watching on know this first year has not gone as he would have hoped or envisaged. Gary Lineker labelled the Ashworth rigmarole “bloody embarrassing”, “laughable” and a “terrible look” while Michael Owen insisted the way Ratcliffe has “ripped out” the core of the football club is “heartbreaking”.And Ratcliffe himself admitted “mediocre” Manchester United is “still in the last century”. READ MORE SUN STORIESSo, will he be able to turn things around on and off the pitch in his second year at the helm? Everyone connected to the Red Devils will certainly hope so…Ruben Amorim came in as the new manager in NovemberCredit: GettyThe roof at Old Trafford leaks a waterfall when it rains heavily in ManchesterCredit: GettyThere have been major changes in the boardroom at Old TraffordCredit: GettyDan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox were both brought in – but the former got the bootCredit: GettyA 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth was the final match before the anniversaryCredit: AlamyThere hasn’t been much to celebrate for United so farCredit: AlamyCan Ratcliffe turn things around in his second year in charge?Credit: Alamy More