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    Sir Jim Ratcliffe slammed over ‘laughable’ start to Man Utd reign as Gary Lineker reveals ‘the worst thing of all’

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has been slammed over his “laughable” start at Manchester United. The British billionaire completed a 25 per cent takeover at Old Trafford in December and assumed control of football operations.Sir Jim Ratcliffehas been slammed over his ‘laughable’ start at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyDan Ashworth left his role as sporting directorCredit: PAErik ten Hag was sacked as Utd bossCredit: GettyBut things have gone from bad to worse with sporting director Dan Ashworth’s exit the latest to cause controversy in the red half of Manchester. It followed less than two months after Erik ten Hag was sacked with Premier League legend Alan Shearer full of criticism. He said on The Rest is Football podcast: “It’s not a good look at all for them is it?”It’s pretty bloody embarrassing what’s gone on with Dan Ashworth leaving and the decisions that since they’ve been in there in terms of the money that they’ve spent.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”The decisions that they’ve made with Ten Hag extending his contract, sacking him, paying him off, giving him the players that they have in the summer, then getting rid of him.”Then putting Dan Ashworth on gardening leave, getting him out of Newcastle, paying compensation for him, then getting rid of him after five months.”It is laughable really, it’s such a terrible look. So yeah, I dunno, it’s not a good look.”Ratcliffe sanctioned five big signings since his arrival last year. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSInside Man Utd chaos with Dan Ashworth axed just five months into jobBy Neil Custis The blame game has another victim as things go from bad to worse at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s first sporting director, Dan Ashworth, arrived in the summer and is gone before Christmas.SunSport exclusively revealed in November that there was trouble at mill.That the new senior management team were already blaming each other for the mess the club were in.Chief executive Omar Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.New part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said making decisions was all down to them.Meanwhile, Jason Wilcox thought it was all a mess under previous boss Erik ten Hag but was part of the team that encouraged him to stay after every other candidate ran for cover.Defeat Nottingham Forest in December, after their second-half capitulation at Arsenal a few days previously, proved too much.READ MORE ON MAN UTD’S CHAOS Man Utd signings under Sir Jim Ratcliffe Leny Yoro: £52mManuel Ugarte: £42mMatthijs de Ligt: £45m Noussair Mazraoui: £15m Joshua Zirkzee: £36.5m.Leny Yoro cost £52million, Manuel Ugarte was signed for £42m, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui both joined from Bayern Munich for £60m and Joshua Zirkzee was £36.5m. And Gary Lineker believes the wasteful spending is among United’s biggest sins under Ratcliffe – who hired Ruben Amorim as Ten Hag’s successor.Sir Alex Ferguson saved my Man Utd career with 10-word comment after I started going out every night, says Rio Ferdinand He said: “Ultimately, the worst thing of all is the recruitment and the amount of money that they’ve paid out for players that have not realised what they obviously thought was good potential.”So it just shows you down to football, whoever comes in you’ve got to get that side of it right. “Whatever your budget and it’s not easy because you can never be sure how a player’s going to perform at a football club till he gets there.”But Micah Richards argued: “The only thing I would say on that one, in their defence the players that they’ve bought at the time were playing really well.”Where I think they’ve got it wrong is they’ve not bought players for a system, they’ve just bought individuals who have not performed which has just made them look ridiculous.”If you look at someone like Antony, when he was at Ajax he was on fire but where was he playing? READ MORE SUN STORIES”And the new manager now, he likes to play three at the back, four in midfield and three up front, what is his strategy going forward now?”That is what we have to see because you’re right Gary, there’s been a lot of big decisions that have just been awful.”Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker and Micah Richards criticised Man UtdCredit: The Rest Is Football More

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    Spurs star James Maddison slashes price of his £2m mansion after bizarre feature puts buyers off

    ENGLAND star James Maddison has slashed £200k of the asking price for his mansion – after buyers were put off by his initials being printed onto the football pitch.The Spurs midfielder has ‘JM10’ etched into the centre circle at his four-bed luxury home in the Midlands – his initials and shirt number.James Maddison has dropped £200k of the asking price for his modern mansionCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingThe house comes with a swimming pool and its own football pitchCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingMaddison was told by agents to drop the asking price over concerns that the astroturf eyesore could put buyers offCredit: GettyBut agents have told the maestro to cut his asking price after feedback would-be buyers were unimpressed by the reminder of Madder quitting Leicester in a £40m deal.The multi-million pound house, in Nottinghamshire, features a 5G pitch with goalposts next to the outdoor heated pool and is now on the market.And one local said: “It’s a great property if you’re a football fan and want a kickabout every day – but not everybody is.”The kind of person who has millions to spend on a house probably isn’t going to want a big astroturf pitch, especially a personalised James Maddison one.read more on james maddison”To have that ripped up and replaced would cost an awful lot of money, which is apparently why the house hasn’t sold yet.”It is a large space and would make a really nice lawn, but if you are already spending that much I guess you don’t have to spend thousands more on landscaping.”However, the house is still a stunning place and I don’t think it will be too long before it’s snapped up by someone, particularly if James keeps dropping the price.”Although maybe a Spurs fan will come along and be happy to pay full price and keep it as it is. I suppose it would be pretty good to play on the pitch where he honed his skills.”Most read in FootballThe price-cut is almost the average house price of a property in the region – but just a fraction over Maddison’s £170,000-per-week salary.Described by estate agents as a “beautiful Grand Designs-style home”, the property boasts a gym, bar, and games room – where Maddison displayed an impressive collection of pros’ football shirts.Speaking about the set-up previously, Maddison said: “I think if you look around and you see the garden, it’s everything that I probably would’ve dreamed of having as a young boy.”Maddison, 28, has posted videos of the pitch on his Instagram profile in the past, with girlfriend Alexa Kennedy seen taking a series of penalties.Anyone hoping to buy the 4,000 square foot property via a mortgage would face eye-watering repayments of around £14,000 per month.The football pitch could be a hit with football fans and kids who enjoy a kick aboutCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingThe house lets in plenty of natural light and is filled with modern twistsCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingThe kitchen diner is lit by decadent chandeliers and has marble flooringCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingThe owners of the new home would have their own heated pool and fire pitCredit: Jam Press/ FHP Living More

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    Man Utd set to include exciting 6ft 5in wonderkid, 16, in squad vs Arsenal as Red Devils hit with defensive crisis

    MANCHESTER UNITED look set to name 16-year-old wonderkid Godwill Kukonki in Ruben Amorim’s squad to face back in-form Arsenal.It comes after the Red Devils were again hit with a defensive crisis after Luke Shaw’s injury set-back and Lisandro Martinez’s suspension.Man Utd look set to name 16-year-old Godwill Kukonki in their squad to face ArsenalCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeTowering youngster Kukonki was given a chance to impressKukonki, who hails at 6ft 5in, was pictured travelling down with the squad to North London on Tuesday afternoon.He also went along to Portman Road for Amorim’s Prem debut against Ipswich but was not included in the matchday squad.But given United’s lack of depth at the back, Kukonki looks set to be named in his first Prem squad against Arsenal, according to Manchester Evening News.Left-footed centre-back Kukonki is highly rated at the club, having impressed with the Under-18s, who look to be heading to their second successive Premier League this season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt is believed that he has the “technical and physical qualities” needed to star in senior football before he turns 17 in February 2025.It comes as United are missing FIVE defenders for their trip to the Emirates.Shaw, 29, had just returned to action late last month following a nine month spell on the sidelines due to problems with his knee and calf.The full-back made three appearances from the bench against Ipswich Town, Bodo/Glimt and Everton since his return to fitness.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, the England international suffered another minor injury after the weekend, with fans hoping he’d start in the back-three in the absence of Martinez.Argentinian star Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo are both suspended after picking up their fifth yellow cards of the season against Everton.How Ruben Amorim unleashed Rashford with game-changing Zirkzee role ahead of Man Utd v ArsenalVictor Lindelof’s groin issues has left him ruled out, while Jonny Evans is still being assessed following a knock against Ipswich.Amorim could be eyeing his first defeat in the United dugout tonight.Evans was not included in United’s 4-0 win over Everton on Sunday and summer signing Leny Yoro is working his way back to fitness.The Gunners are looking to extend their run to four consecutive wins as they climbed to second in the Prem.Mikel Arteta’s side have scored 13 GOALS in their last three games against Nottingham Forest, Sporting and West Ham.Man Utd ratings vs Everton as Zirkzee answers his critics in style… but one midfielder strugglesRUBEN AMORIM celebrated his first Premier League game at Old Trafford with a stunning 4-0 victory over Everton.Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee shook off questions over their recent form with two each at a thrilled Old Trafford – as the Red Devils won a Prem game by four goals or more since the opening day of the 2021-22 season.Here’s how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the Red Devils…ANDRE ONANA – 6Called into action early and showed growing his growing composure as No 1.NOUSSAIR MAZROUI – 6Has rapidly become one of the United faithful’s favourites doing himself no harm again.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Stretched at first by bustling Beto but beginning to look like he’s settling down in a back three.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Once again looking like the master and commander of the United rearguard.AMAD DIALLO – 8Went from wasteful to the plundering terror of centre backs Branthwaite and Tarkowski.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Quiet, calm, controlled, no panic, no loss of possession, no problem for the midfielder.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like his lack of pace might be a problem again in central midfield but ground it out.DIOGO DALOT – 6Enjoying life in his new left-side forward role and didn’t really put a foot wrong.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 8Transformed himself from headless chicken to tripling his whole United tally with two clinical strikes.MARCUS RASHFORD – 9Ruben Amorim has gone out of his way to big up the front man and he’s responding in style.BRUNO FERNANDES – 6Wasteful for a while but got his head down to have a real influence by the end.SUBSLUKE SHAW (Mazraoui 56) – 5Comfortably easing himself back.HARRY MAGUIRE (de Ligt 56) – 5Looked happy to be out there.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (Fernandes 66) – 5Got bustling off the bench.MANUEL UGARTE (Casemiro 66) – 5Will be wanting more minutes than this.MASON MOUNT (Mainoo 80) – 5Sharp and up for it. More

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    We live by Chelsea training ground – we HATE their ‘obscene’ plan to ‘take over’ our tiny village & ruin our way of life

    RESIDENTS living near Chelsea’s training ground have voiced their strong opposition to “obscene” expansion plans.The club asked for permission to build a boutique housing estate in Stoke D’Abernon, Surrey – but those plans have now been rejected by the council.Chelsea Football Club’s plans to demolish farm buildings (pictured) on a stable yard in Surrey have been terminated by the local councilCredit: Gary StoneCleaning boss Sally Judd was among the local residents to come out against the club’s expansion over recent yearsCredit: Gary StoneChelsea had planned to expand around their training ground in CobhamCredit: GettyLocals feared the development would see their house prices soar, trigger traffic chaos and ruin their leafy suburb.Chelsea have no current official plans to expand the ground – but that hasn’t stopped residents from worrying.Another local amenity is threatened for the benefit of Chelsea Football clubAnonymous resident Local Angela Johnstone, 65, said: “The knock on effect of all of it isn’t good.”They take us as a job lot. Everything in this area goes up accordingly, they all think we are married to Chelsea footballers and we are not.Read more Football News”They think we are being paid megabucks, the ordinary person feels a bit left out. The traffic is already horrendous.”We are trying to keep housing in this area down because the traffic is already horrendous. You need to ask Elmbridge Borough Council what they class as affordable housing, who they think can afford their affordable housing because it is still extortionate.”Neither of my sons would have a hope in buying anywhere around here. The youngsters are moving out because the area is getting too expensive for them.”The application, put forward in November 2022 and terminated by Elmbridge Borough Council, was for six new homes – a one bed, two bed, three three beds and one four bed home on the other side of Stoke Road to the training ground.Most read in FootballFour “unsightly” low-rise stables would need to have been demolished and three Grade II listed Victorian-era barns gutted and “sensitively” turned into homes, a Planning, Design and Access Statement said. Jamie Carragher says ‘players should stop joining Chelsea’ and ‘sign a four-year deal at a proper club’ in stunning rantSome locals were fearful about the lack of affordable housing in the area – with homes in the village averaging a staggering £1,247,917, according to figures from RightMove.Sally Judd, who works at a laundrette on Cobham High Street, said: “The village has gone downhill. People have bought their houses on the council estates but being Cobham, the pricing of the houses have gone up so much.”My daughter is 33 years old and still lives with me, with a child, in a two bed flat. She can’t even get on the council housing list.”The price of everything in Cobham has gone up now. They keep saying about affordable housing but nothing is affordable around here.”Another resident fumed “another local amenity is threatened for the benefit of Chelsea Football club” in one of dozens of objections to the homes.Mr McWaed was concerned about traffic in the area as a result of the expansionCredit: Gary StoneChelsea have no current official plans to expand the ground – but that hasn’t stopped residents from worryingCredit: Gary StoneLocal Angela Johnstone worried about affordable prices and more traffic congestionCredit: Gary StoneElmbridge Borough Council rejected the plans, submitted in November 2022Credit: Gary StoneMaureen Christmas, 75, who lives a street over from the Chelsea training ground, added: “There are so many houses around here now, it’s so built up.”I’ve noticed how crowded the roads are here. If it’s these great big mansions that only millionaires can afford to live in, no, I’m absolutely against it.”The roads are jammed with cars coming too and from, the roads are covered with parked cars.”Mr McWaed, who’s lived in Cobham for decades, was also worried about traffic chaos.Chelsea cleared by Premier League after controversial £76.5m sale of two hotels to sister companyIN September, Chelsea was cleared by the Premier League following an investigation into the sale of two hotels to help them comply with profit and sustainability rules.Company accounts in April showed that the Millennium and Copthorne hotels next to Stamford Bridge had been sold for £76.5million.Clubs are allowed to lose up to £105m over a three-year period under PSR rules.The sales of the hotels helped the Blues avoid a potential loss of £166.4m loss, instead reducing the figure to an allowable £89.9m for the financial year.The hotels changed hands from Chelsea FC Holdings Ltd to BlueCo 22 Properties Ltd, both companies under the control of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership.However, the sales have now been ratified by the Premier League under a “fair market valuation” relating to the league’s associated-party transaction rule.It is unclear whether the £76.5m figure has changed.Chelsea maintained confidence that they were within compliance of PSR rules, with certain costs for infrastructure, academy and women’s football allowed to be deducted.Such transactions are not allowed in Uefa competitions or the English Football League, who closed the loophole in 2021.He explained the area was already struggling with congestion due to a combination of major roadworks on the M25, A3 and more newbuilds across Surrey.’THIS TOWN CENTRE IS THRIVING’Despite backlash over Chelsea’s now rejected plans, not all locals were opposed to the idea of expansion.Russell Benzies, 65, hailed the club and claimed it had a positive impact on Cobham.He added: “Since Chelsea has moved in, I can’t see any damage they have done. Cobham employs 150 people.”Chelsea are developing the area, of course, if you live around the ground, you probably aren’t going to be happy, you’ll be a bit worried.”In the 25 years I have lived here there has been a lot of development and obviously you’re concerned, the build-up of traffic, but this town centre is thriving. “There’s lots of things that impact the house prices here more than Chelsea.”Meanwhile, Chelsea believed the now axed development would “make a valuable contribution of housing” to the area.The west London side, whose last trophy was the Champions League in 2021, was acquired by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital in May 2022.When contacted by The Sun for comment, a spokesperson for Elmbridge Borough Council reiterated its reasons for terminating the stable yard plans.They said: “It was ‘disposed of’. This means no decision was made and it is taken off the planning register.”This is where an application has been with the council for a long period without being determined and is beyond the period where the application can be appealed for non-determination.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The applicant was given a number of opportunities to address issues with the application with no response.”Chelsea Football Club and Clearlake Capital declined to comment.Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is thought to be at the forefront of the development plansCredit: AlamyThese farm buildings were due to be demolished in order to build a new housing estateCredit: Gary StoneLocals feared traffic chaos if the plans had gone aheadCredit: Gary StoneLife near Chelsea’s Surrey training groundsTHOSE living near Chelsea FC’s Surrey training grounds, dubbed the “Beverly Hills of Britain”, have told how they rub shoulders with Premier League footballers and Hollywood actors.Homeowners in the sleepy villages of Oxshott and Cobham spot stars, flanked by 24/7 security, on the daily.Peter Crouch, Jorginho and Raheem Sterling are just some of the players calling the Surrey area home, along with former Hollywood veterans Stanley Tucci and Antonio Banderas.Tree lined roads and protective gates give privacy to the mansions worth millions of pounds.Oxshott has just a few shops, including a luxury coffee house and a fancy butchers – with owners spotting blacked-out Bentleys and Jaguars cruising past.In nearby Cobham, the high street is filled with pilates studios and juice bars.Local butcher Joe Harrington, 21, who grew up in the area, regularly sees flash cars and recognisable faces from behind the counter.He said: “We see a lot of football players hanging about, and their friends and family.”We get a couple in the shop, but people usually pop in on their behalf, we don’t see them directly every time.”There are a few big names and faces hanging about, someone came in the other day who had seen Raheem Sterling at the petrol station down there.”You see a load of faces pulling out of the training ground over the years, I remember seeing Jorginho pull out in a red Ferrari.”It’s full of them round here, everyone’s got big four by fours, Bentleys, any BMWs, Audis, Jaguars.”I did some landscaping jobs and there are some massive houses.”Many Chelsea players are regulars at Cobham restaurant Grappelli, an Italian in the centre of the village.Manager Eddie Alves, 36, said Jorginho came particularly often, adding: “We even became good friends, we went out together, my kids are friends with his kids, he is an amazing guy.”He even did a charity event here with us, celebrated his birthday here with us, so I love all of them, but I have a special attention for Jorginho.”He is an unbelievable guy, he is number 1 for me.”He said Ashley Cole, John Terry and Robert Sanchez – as well as former players Roberto di Matteo, Jimmy Hasselbank, Glen Johnson and Peter Crouch – also dined there a lot. 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    The Sun’s Footie for All campaign wins prestigious award after handing £300k grants to grassroots kids’ clubs

    THE Sun’s amazing Footie for All campaign has won a prestigious award honouring campaigning journalism.Our campaign which ran during the last football season in partnership with Tesco handed out grants totalling £300k to hundreds of grassroots kids’ football clubs across Britain.Pop star Olly Murs has joined in on The Sun’s amazing Footie for All campaign which has now won a prestigious award honouring campaigning journalismWest Ham and England footballer Jarrod Bowen visiting Brent Cross football academy as part of The Sun’s Footie For All campaignCredit: Paul EdwardsFormer Premier League manager Harry Redknapp is also a huge advocate of the campaignCredit: Chris BalcombeWe launched our ‘Footie for All Fund’ after a Sun investigation found financial pressures triggered by the Cost of Living Crisis were forcing kids to ditch recreational football.The initiative was backed by England footballers such as Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden, John Stones, and Harry Maguire.Former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp is also a huge advocate of the campaign.The Sun has officially won the Making a Difference Award, organised by News Media Association (NMA), for the brilliant scheme.read more in football The award highlights how journalism benefits society.NMA chief executive Owen Meredith said: “The Making a Difference shortlist this year has highlighted the exceptional dedication from UK news brands, who have worked tirelessly to inform and engage the public.“The Sun can take great pride in their achievements. “The ‘Footie For All Fund,’ serve as prime examples of how journalism can effectively spotlight critical issues, demonstrating to us all the vital role of trusted, independent journalism. Most read in Football”My congratulations to you.”Our Footie for All Fund was voted for by members of the public.Strictly Star Kai Widdrington goes back to his roots for Sun footie campaignIt came about when local football clubs told how they’d seen a membership drop as parents struggled to find the cash to pay for their kids sport fees.Some even said they were tragically forced to stop their child playing sport as they couldn’t find enough money for a bus fare.Tesco went on to provide us with our grants through its Stronger Starts programme which funds healthy activities for kids.Celebrities across the country also dropped into regular footballing sessions to see how the funds were being spent.They noted how good it was to see the difference it has made to the children who could still play.It was also supported by singer Olly Murs, 40, who visited Crown and Manor football club in Hackney, London.He said: “In 2024 the cost of living is so high for so many families.“For the kids to suffer and not be able to come and play football because their parents cannot afford it would be such a tragedy.“So the fact The Sun and Tesco did this will help families to get their children playing football.”That’s the good thing about this campaign. The grants are there to ensure no kid gets left behind.”Harry took part in a coaching session earlier this year as part of the schemeCredit: Chris BalcombeChelsea legend John Obi Mikel, 37, visited Wapping FC in East London last November as he hailed the scheme as very importantCredit: Paul EdwardsChelsea legend John Obi Mikel, 37, also visited Wapping FC in East London last November.He greeted 20 excited children who were bounding with enthusiasm when the beloved ex-Chelsea ace went to meet them.Obi Mikel said: “For many kids, growing up nowadays you play a sport or you’re on the street.“I chose sport, just like these kids, and it completely changed my life. I don’t know what I would have been without football.“I remember being this age like it was yesterday.“It’s great to still see kids running around and enjoying themselves. That’s the most important bit.”Founder Nahimul Islam, 25, started Wapping FC, in Mile End, East London, when he was just 17 to give kids a place to play football and stay out of trouble.Now more than 250 children are on their books – including 50 girls and 16 players with a range of disabilities.Nahimul said: “We operate in one of the most deprived areas of the country, and this incredible grant will help us give the boys high-class training and facilities without passing that cost on to mum and dad back home.“Having someone like Mikel come visit the club is inspirational to our players. It shows them just what is possible.”One grant recipient Mike Smith, 54, who runs Curzon Ashton FC in Ashton-Under-Lyne promises income is no barrier to playing with the club. They also take children with disabilities.READ MORE SUN STORIESMike used the club’s Footie for All grant to start a new girls team. He said: “Thanks to the funding from The Sun and Tesco we’re able to give girls the opportunity to play and learn new skills.”Nicola Mclean visits the Flackwell Heath girls teamCredit: Olivia WestStrictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington helped to put young kids through their paces at a training sessionCredit: Simon Jones More

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    The Sun’s brilliant Footie for All campaign up for award after being hailed by Harry Redknapp & Olly Murs

    THE Sun’s brilliant Footie for All campaign has been nominated for a prestigious award honouring campaigning journalism.Our brilliant campaign which ran during the last football season in partnership with Tesco gave grants totalling £300k to hundreds of grassroots kids’ football clubs across Britain.Olly Murs hailed The Sun’s Footie For All campaign, which funds grassroots clubs across the countryCredit: Paul EdwardsHarry with young Milford footballer Jack Gunner after joining kids on the pitch in April this yearCredit: Chris Balcombe – Commissioned by The SunNow it is up for the ‘Making a Difference’ Award as part of Journalism Matters week – and you can VOTE NOW.England football stars including Phil Foden, John Stones and Harry McGuire backed our drive to fund kids football.We launched our ‘Footie for All Fund’ after a Sun investigation found financial pressures triggered by the Cost of Living Crisis were forcing kids to ditch recreational football.Tesco provided our Footie for All grants through its Stronger Starts programme which funds healthy activities for kids.Celebrities and stars of the game dropped in on our grant recipients for suprise training sessions and to find out how funds were being used.Harry Redknapp,77,  visited Milford-on-Sea Youth Football club in Hants, which was awarded one of our Footie for All grants.He said: “I saw The Sun’s Footie for All campaign in action and it has done so much good.”It has provided much-needed funding to grassroots kids football during a tough time. Most read in Football”Making sure all kids get the chance to play is massively important and has so many benefits.”Meanwhile, singer Olly Murs, who played semi-professional football before becoming a singer, also hailed our campaign.Olly Murs supports The Sun’s Footie For All campaignOlly, 40, visited Crown & Manor football club in Hackney.He said: “In 2024 the cost of living is so high for so many families.“For the kids to suffer and not be able to come and play football because their parents cannot afford it would be such a tragedy.“So the fact The Sun and Tesco did this will help families to get their children playing football. “That’s the good thing about this campaign. The grants are there to ensure no kid gets left behind.”The Making a Difference Award, organised by News Media Association, highlights how journalism benefits society.One grant recipient Mike Smith, 54, who runs Curzon Ashton FC in Ashton-Under-Lyne promises income is no barrier to playing with the club. They also take children with disabilities. Mike used the club’s Footie for All grant to start a new girls team. He said: “Thanks to the funding from The Sun and Tesco we’re able to give girls the opportunity to play and learn new skills.”READ MORE SUN STORIESTo vote for our Footie for All campaign visit here and click on option two: Vote for your favourite national media campaign. You can then select The Sun’s Footie for All campaign. Voting close 5pm on Wednesday 30th October.The 77-year-old former Premier League manager visited Milford-on-Sea Youth Football Club in HantsCredit: Chris Balcombe – Commissioned by The SunOlly enjoyed a kickabout with young players from Crown and Manor football club in Hackney earlier this yearCredit: Paul Edwards More

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    Huge Arsenal blow as Gabriel Magalhaes forced off in Liverpool clash to deepen defensive crisis

    GABRIEL MAGALHAES has become the latest Arsenal player to fall foul of injury.The defender was forced off the pitch during the Sunday afternoon 2-2 draw between the Gunners and Liverpool at the Emirates.Gabriel is the latest Arsenal injury set to cause Mikel Arteta a headacheCredit: GettyHe was forced to leave the pitch following a tussle with Darwin Nunez which left him grimacingCredit: GettyGabriel could be out for at least six weeks depending on the severity of the injuryCredit: ReutersMikel Arteta’s defensive options had already been depleted with injuries to Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kieran Tierney and the suspension of William Saliba.However, following a second-half tussle with Darwin Nunez, Gabriel appeared to feel something and was then seen grimacing.He then fell to the floor in pain before receiving treatment to try and help him to carry on.But it proved to be ineffective, and Gabriel was taken off through injury in the 54th minute and replaced by Jakub Kiwior.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe knock was reported to be a knee injury sustained after it was jolted during his duel with Nunez.Footage of Gabriel while receiving treatment saw him holding his left knee, seemingly confirming this assessment as the club doctor also checked for a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury.He was able to walk off the pitch and down the tunnel, but could now face weeks on the sideline.If Gabriel has suffered an MCL injury, then the amount of time he will miss will depend on the grade of the blow.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA grade 1 issue will heal within 1-3 weeks while a grade 2 could take between four and six weeks and a grade 3 will take at least six with proper treatment.Jurrien Timber then added to these problems when he was replaced by teen Myles Lewis-Skelly in the 75th minute after the Dutchman was also forced to the floor with injury and received treatment.Arsenal fans say ‘time to upgrade the wardrobe’ as Gunners release ‘orgasmic’ new clothing range Gabriel returned to the side of the pitch later on to see out the remainder of the match.While Arteta will see the return of Saliba following his one-game suspension, Calafiori, Tomiyasu and Tierney remain out.Arsenal were also dealing with knocks to Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka before the Liverpool game.However, star player Saka was deemed fit enough to play before he opened the scoring with a vicious close-range shot after ten minutes.Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk scored from a set-play to level the score.Arsenal ratings vs LiverpoolARSENAL lost further ground in the title race with a 2-2 draw with Liverpool.Arne Slot’s side are a top team, but it will still frustrate Mikel Arteta that his team couldn’t clinch all three points having twice led the match.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Arsenal players…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Very little he could do for Liverpool’s equaliser, forced to stay on his line from the flicked-on corner, and the same goes for Mohamed Salah’s tap in from a speedy counter.JURRIEN TIMBER – 7Kept Salah quiet for the majority and proved his worth with ball at feet, but starting him was clearly a risk as he hobbled off late on.BEN WHITE – 7He may have been at centre back but his telepathy with Saka remained, curling a peach of a ball over the top for the opener and remained solid even when those around him chopped and changed.GABRIEL – 7Missed his centre-back partner but did well until he worryingly limped off. No surprise that Salah and Darwin Nunez found space when he was absent.THOMAS PARTEY – 8Was targeted in his unnatural position within the first 30 seconds but held his ground for the most part. One of Arsenal’s best players.MIKEL MERINO – 8A stray touch gifted Salah a great chance to score before getting a bang to the same shoulder that kept him out at the start of the season. And then, after a so-so performance, he steps up with a thumping header just before the break to regain the lead.DECLAN RICE – 8Did the nitty-gritty very well in the middle of the pitch with some crucial interceptions and timely tackles. Carried on covering every blade of grass until the very last.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Drifted in and out of the game as a floating 10 and striker but got stuck in when needed and pressed like a rabid dog. Still, was quiet given his recent form.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Lively enough without creating too many clear-cut chances in the first half. Unlucky not to win a penalty after being hauled down by Ibrahima Konate.BUKAYO SAKA – 9Injury? What injury? His hamstring seemed right as rain as he cruised in behind Andy Robertson, cutting it back through the full-back’s legs and firing into the roof of the net.Was understandably taken off in the second half with a need to protect him going into a hectic period of the season.KAI HAVERTZ – 7Given freedom to roam and drop deep. Missed a sitter in the box after Martinelli’s penalty shout but lacked the service via crosses to really be effective in the first half.Remained a physical nuisance after the break but never had that one golden opportunity.SUBS:JAKUB KIWIOR (GABRIEL, 54) – 6Impressive to come in out of the cold to stay firm, but again, his work with the ball at his feet left a lot to be desired.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (TIMBER, 76) – 6Caught out of position for Liverpool’s late leveller but showed signs of real maturity too.GABRIEL JESUS (SAKA, 85) – N/AETHAN NWANERI (MARTINELLI, 85) – N/AClick here for more Arsenal news.But the hosts responded with a free-kick of their own as Declan Rice’s superb free-kick was headed home by Mikel Merino shortly before half-time, and then confirmed following a lengthy VAR check for offside.Liverpool equalised for a second time in the 81st minute through Mohamed Salah.Arsenal did get the ball in the net through Gabriel Jesus in injury time, but the goal was ruled out for a foul earlier in the move.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe result leaves Liverpool a point behind Manchester City at the top of the table, while Arsenal are now five adrift of the league leaders.Jurrien Timber was also forced off through injuryCredit: GettyGabriel returned to the Arsenal bench later on More

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    Outrageous cost of pint at Premier League stadiums in 2030 predicted with fans to be hit in the pockets

    FOOTBALL fans will have to start preparing for even higher beer prices at stadiums.It has been predicted that some Premier League grounds will charge more than £13 per pint by 2030.Arsenal fans could be charged up to £13.12 per pint by 2030Credit: GettyFans at the London Stadium will be expected to pay the same for their beerCredit: ReutersBrentford fans will have the cheapest pints in the capitalCredit: GettyOld Trafford is one of the cheaper stadiums to buy a drinkCredit: PAWest Ham and Arsenal currently have the most expensive pints in the top division.On average the rivals charge £7.57 on each pint, which is an increase of £1.27 since 2022.A recent assessment of the current prices across all the grounds and the average inflation rate could shock some match-going supporters.Football shirt retailer UKSoccerShop has claimed that in six years, many clubs will be sharing at least £10 per pint.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe study claims that fans at the Emirates and the London Stadium will have to fork out £13.12 per pint.The Hammers also have the most expensive pie prices in the Premier League.Other London grounds will also be pricey, with only Brentford’s Gtech Community stadium charging less than a tenner.In 2030, a pint at the Bees’ venue is predicted to cost £8.33 which is up from the current average price of £4.80.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSUp and down the country, prices will vary, but London will remain the most expensive.In Manchester, prices will almost hit £10 per pint with the Etihad expected to reach £9.58, it’s predicted.Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirtHowever, at Old Trafford, the price will only be £6.25, which will make it one of the cheapest in the Premier League.Teams that would be charging over £10 include the likes of Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Fulham, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest.The study was based on the inflation rate of alcoholic drinks in data collected by the Office for National Statistics.A spokesperson from UKSoccerShop said: “Drinkflation is on the rise.”With UK households feeling the cost of living squeeze, hospitality services trying to work around spiralling costs, with some choosing to serve weaker beer.”It’s likely to affect our stadiums, too. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Using inflation figures from the ONS, we can estimate what prices football fans could pay for a match day pint.”We found that over £6 could become the norm up north and over £10 in London – some may even get closer to £15 by the end of 2030.” More