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    Man Utd confirm 200 MORE job losses as devastating financial situation hits home amid latest Sir Jim Ratcliffe cuts

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    MANCHESTER UNITED have confirmed as many as 200 staff will lose their jobs as part of a second wave of cost-cutting since the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos.Last summer saw 250 staff made redundant in a brutal first wave to save costs.Man Utd are cutting another 200 jobs under Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: PAIt comes as part of the latest round of cost-cutting made by the clubCredit: GettyThe statement revealed the club had been running at a lost for five consecutive yearsCredit: AFPBut the list of casualties is now set to increase by between 150 and 200 after a statement revealed the next steps in the club’s transformation plan.A club statement released this afternoon said: “Manchester United is to transform its corporate structure as part of a series of additional measures to improve the club’s financial sustainability and enhance operational efficiency.”The transformation plan aims to return the club to profitability after five consecutive years of losses since 2019. “This will create a more solid financial platform from which the club can invest in men’s and women’s football success and improved infrastructure.”As part of these measures, the club anticipates that approximately 150-200 jobs may be made redundant, subject to a consultation process with employees. “These would be in addition to the 250 roles removed last year.”SunSport exclusively revealed how lunches for all but the first team had been reduced to to soup and sandwiches — and that includes coaches and analysts, with a later report from The Guardian revealing the staff canteen was set to CLOSE altogether.Ending free lunches for staff is estimated to be saving the club £1million a year, while the club will also be scaling back its London presence, according to BBC Sport.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMeanwhile, SunSport also exclusively reported how the Under-18s were denied the chance to play at Old Trafford in the FA Youth Cup fifth round, with the game played at Leigh Sports Village to save £8,000.Other cuts have seen Ratcliffe cancelling the club’s annual Christmas party, raising concession ticket prices and cutting funding for a charity helping former players.Ruben Amorim admits Man Utd were invisible in first half at Everton Sky Sports report the club remain committed to a £40,000-a-year donation to their Disabled Supporters’ Association, but are considering reducing payments to the MU Foundation.Reports revealed without a £240m investment from new minority owners Ineos Man Utd would have “run out of money”.Financial figures for the second quarter of the 2024/25 financial year revealed just how bad the situation had become, with interest costs since the Glazers took over in 2005 now reaching more than £1billion.The report also revealed that without an £80m investment from Ineos in the quarter the club would be down to just £15m in cash.CEO Omar Berrada laid out the devastating impact of years of mismanagement has had on the club after running at a loss for five consecutive years.He said: “We have a responsibility to put Manchester United in the strongest position to win across our men’s, women’s and academy teams. “We are initiating a wide-ranging series of measures which will transform and renew the club. “Unfortunately, this means announcing further potential redundancies and we deeply regret the impact on those affected colleagues. “However, these hard choices are necessary to put the club back on a stable financial footing. We have lost money for the past five consecutive years. This cannot continue. “Our two main priorities as a club are delivering success on the pitch for our fans and improving our facilities. We cannot invest in these objectives if we are continuously losing money.“At the end of this process, we will have a more lean, agile and financially sustainable football club, while continuing to provide a world class service to our valuable commercial partners. “We will then be in a much stronger position to invest in football success and improved facilities for fans, while remaining compliant with UEFA and Premier League regulations.”A damning statement from the Man Utd Suppoters Trust (MUST) following the publication of the second quarter financial results said: “Today’s financial results lay bare the scale of the financial mismanagement we have seen at Manchester United…”Fans should not pay the price for a problem that starts with our crippling debt interest payments and is exacerbated by a decade or more of mismanagement. “It’s time to freeze ticket prices and allow everyone – players, management, owners and fans – to get behind United and restore this club to where it belongs.”If the off pitch situation was not bad enough, things on the pitch could not be much bleaker.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe club is enduring its worst season on the pitch since they were relegated in the 1970s and every position lower they go costs them £4m in prize money.By sitting 15th in the table, level on points with 16th place West Ham, the Red Devils could also be left without European football next season unless they win the Europa League.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 voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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      Prem star’s brother hasn’t paid penny towards our daughter despite living in six-bed £2.9m mansion, says his furious ex

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      A PREMIER League star’s ex-footballer brother has yet to pay a penny towards his child’s upbringing — despite living a luxury lifestyle in a £2.9million mansion and carrying a £3,000 manbag.Fisayo Adarabioyo, brother of Chelsea defender Tosin, lives in a six-bed, five-bathroom mansion.Nadia Messaoud says Fisayo Adarabioyo has yet to pay a penny towards his child’s upbringing — despite living a luxury lifestyleCredit: PP.The 30-year-old ex-pro was seen carrying a £3,140 Bottega Veneta leather briefcase last weekCredit: PP.Last week the 30-year-old ex-pro was seen carrying a £3,140 Bottega Veneta leather briefcase. But his ex Nadia Messaoud, 41, said despite his millionaire’s lifestyle he has failed to pay any child support for his two-year-old daughter Anara.She said: “I’ve not received a penny from Fisayo to help with our daughter. I’ve been rebuffed at every opportunity.“I have offered contact because I believe my daughter should know her paternal family, but it was declined.Read More on Sport“She is almost three years old and I also have a young son. All I want is a reasonable level of financial support and I don’t understand why I’m not getting it when he’s living a footballer’s lifestyle.”According to Land Registry documents, Adarabioyo’s 27-year-old brother, thought to be on £120,000 a week at Chelsea, owns the Cheshire mansion in which Fisayo lives.The Department of Work and Pensions has awarded unemployed Adarabioyo a “nil rate” on child support for the past three years because he claims he does not earn enough to pay.Adarabioyo was convicted of harassment without violence in 2022 after turning up at Nadia’s terraced home in Cheshire, banging on her door and leaving her terrified.Most read in FootballHe also bombarded her with texts, saying he hoped she miscarried the baby and threatened to kill her.Striker Adarabioyo started his career at Manchester City’s youth academy and has been on the books of Birmingham City and Crystal Palace.Why Chelsea v Brighton hangs on Tosin v Rutter battle – Experts pick the best bets | Weekend WagerHis last appearances were for non-league sides Altrincham FC and Ashton United in 2021. He has been approached for comment.Adarabioyo was seen with a £3,140 Bottega Veneta leather briefcaseAdarabioyo in action for Altrincham’s clash with HartlepoolCredit: Getty More

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      All this week’s red-hot transfer exclusives from SunSport’s man in the know including Liverpool’s shock goalkeeper swoop

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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…Everton are keen on Maxime Esteve from Burnley if they lose Jarrad BranthwaiteCredit: RexMAX EFFORTEVERTON want Burnley’s centre-half Maxime Esteve — but will need to sell Jarrad Branthwaite.French defender Esteve will be a big target for many clubs in the summer, whether Scott Parker’s side go up or not.But the 22-year-old is rated in the £30million-plus class so David Moyes may need to balance their books.Everton accept that Branthwaite, 22, will likely leave for financial fair play reasons this summer — but a £60m pricetag will fund two or three signings.Everton are eyeing Rotherham teenager Harrison Duncan as one for the future.Millers boss Steve Evans has had the 16-year-old centre-back on the bench in League One and he started in the EFL Trophy against Newcastle in October.Toffees are keen to have a close look at the defender, who is in the John Stones mould.And they may ask for him to spend some time with them.Duncan has an amazing record at youth level, scoring 11 goals this season.Declan Rice’s cringeworthy Valentine’s Day pick-up lines re-emerge in incredible video years before Arsenal transfer KOP SHOP FOR KOBELLIVERPOOL are taking a shock interest in Borussia Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel.Kop spies are hot on the trail of the Swiss international, 27, ahead of a summer move.The Reds fear Alisson Becker will be tempted to leave Anfield by a lucrative deal.They already signed Giorgi Mamardashvili, who arrives in July, but the Georgian has been in below average form for struggling Valencia in LaLiga.He is still due to come but may not be first choice.There will have to be a decision on Kobel soon as Chelsea and Barcelona have shortlisted him for a move too.Liverpool are looking at Dortmund keeper Gregor KobelCredit: GettyFOXES OSO KEENLEICESTER hope to make a £10million bid for red-hot Chile winger Dario Osorio.The Foxes have tracked the international’s progress at Danish side Midtjylland and a work permit will not be an issue.Osorio, 21, joined from Universidad de Chile in 2023 and fancies bigger things — with the Prem in his sights.Leicester will still have a crack even if they do not stay up.Dario Osorio is a target for LeicesterCredit: AFPDERRY WELLCHELSEA  have  their  eyes  on   controversially raiding Crystal Palace for young winger Jesse Derry.Derry can operate on either side and has been with the Eagles since he was a kid — his dad Shaun played and worked there.But Derry Jr, 17, is out of contract in the summer — and Palace will only get minimal training compensation.The Blues also signed Reggie Watson, son of Palace old boy Ben, when he was 14.YOU WAT?BRIGHTON plan to offer LESS for winger Tommy Watson at Sunderland.Albion’s £8.5million-plus-extras January bid for Watson, 18, was turned down.A smaller summer offer will follow as they are out of the frantic market.And Watson may not even get a game to up his value.WHICH top manager is giving all his players major concerns about his well-being?The gaffer has been around for years but his team are now concerned he starts sentences but does not then complete them.The situation is a bit more serious than just dressing-room banter and nobody is laughing.Some have known the chief for years — and are feeling on edge about it.WELL-WARNEPAUL WARNE will be top of the list at Rotherham if manager Steve Evans cannot turn round their League One season.Warne, 51, is still admired by the Millers from his previous spell in charge and knows the club inside out.His reputation has not been hurt by his Derby spell.WELL INLEYTON ORIENT have put a £250,000 pricetag on the head of their manager Richie Wellens.Wellens, 44, is on the shortlist to take over at managerless Blackburn.He has caught the eye during Orient’s surprise League One play-off bid this seasonJohn Eustace quit Ewood Park for Derby last week.And Rovers are due to meet candidates this week, including Gary O’Neil and some foreign hopefuls.Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens is wanted by BlackburnCredit: RexBrighton are looking for a permanent home for Valentin BarcoCredit: GettyVALENTIN’S DAYBRIGHTON will sell Argentinian left-back Valentin Barco for the right price.Barco, 20, cost £7.8million from Boca Juniors in January 2024 but has failed to reach the levels wanted.The wing-back spent the first half of this season on loan in LaLiga at Sevilla.But he is now in the shop window with French club Strasbourg.And the Seagulls are attempting to find him a permanent home.SHOR THINGHUDDERSFIELD are keen to move for teenage midfielder Jackson Shorrocks.The Blackburn academy youngster captains Rovers’ under-18 side but has been told he can leave Ewood Park.And the Terriers will be first to have a look. More

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      Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs’ restaurant ‘suddenly CLOSES’ as devastated workers ‘told by text they’d been sacked’

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      A RESTAURANT co-owned by Premier League legend Ryan Giggs has closed with “immediate effect”, it is claimed.Staff of George’s Dining Room and Bar in Worsley, Manchester, were reportedly told by text they’d been sacked yesterday.Ryan Giggs at George’s with his two fellow co-ownersCredit: MEN MediaGeorge’s Dining Room in Worsley, ManchesterCredit: www.georgesworsley.co.ukThe note left at the restaurant on Friday nightCredit: MEN MediaThe ex-Reds midfielder, 51, opened the venue on Barton Road in 2014 with two old school pals.Signs on the door on Friday night said it was closed for the weekend “due to unforeseen circumstances”.However, texts sent to staff by bosses said the restaurant has closed for good, reports the Manchester Evening News.The messages reportedly stated they “regret to announce that with a heavy heart we have no alternative but to close George’s effective immediately”.READ MORE ON RYAN GIGGSThey added: “This is due to the obvious reduction in trade and business against the huge increases in costs of operating the business and the ongoing cost of living crisis.”Staff are said to have also been told they will be paid any outstanding wages in “due course”, as well as notice payment, as well as redundancy pay for “those to whom it applies”.One staff member told the news outlet: “It came totally out of the blue, we were all supposed to be working today and then we got the text messages through, we are all stunned.”When George’s opened over a decade ago, Giggs said it had been a lifelong dream of his to own a restaurant alongside childhood friends Kelvin Gregory and Bernie Taylor.Most read in FootballHe had described it as a “really different offering for the area”, with a launch event attended by former Manchester United teammates Bryan Robson, Nicky Butt, and Gary Neville.In 2015, a new terrace was added to the restaurant.Ryan Giggs helps with training session for Salford CityGiggs has also since teamed up with Sky Sports pundit Neville on the GG Hospitality Group, which launched Hotel Football at Old Trafford and the Stock Exchange Hotel in the city centre.The Sun has approached George’s and Giggs’ reps for comment.RETURN TO DUGOUTElsewhere, Giggs has helped to transform Salford City FC after returning to the dugout for the League Two outfit almost three years after stepping down as Wales head coach.He has taken a more hands-on role with the first team in recent months and has been spotted in the dugout alongside manager Karl Robinson during games.The Wales and Manchester United legend is a co-owner of the Ammies alongside his former Red Devils teammates Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and investor David Beckham.Giggs also began working as the club’s director of football last year.However, the former Welsh national team manager now seems to be lending his experience of coaching to the staff at Moor Lane too as he takes up a match day role on the touchline.The star became manager of his country in 2018, before being arrested on assault charges two years later.READ MORE SUN STORIESGiggs, who has always denied any wrongdoing, stepped down from the role in June 2022 ahead of his trial, where a jury failed to reach a verdict.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Giggs in the dugout for Salford City this monthCredit: RexGiggs playing for Manchester United in 1991Credit: GettyGiggs with Manchester United’s Class of 92 who went on to dominate the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty More

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      Cheapest Premier League club to support home and away revealed – how much do your team’s fans fork out?

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      BRENTFORD is the cheapest Premier League club to support home and away, analysis shows — and Newcastle the dearest.Diehard Bees fans typically spend £4,128 a year, with travel costs kept down as they play several London derbies.Brentford is the cheapest Premier League club to support home and awayCredit: GettyCrystal Palace is the second-cheapest Premier League club to follow — at £4,157 a year.Meanwhile, Toon fans living in the North East fork out £7,455 for their footballing passion — with long distances travelling to away games costing £5,440 alone.Second-biggest outlays come from Bournemouth supporters who spend £6,704 ­following their side, with several mammoth trips from the South Coast.Cherries fans cough up an average of £61.94 on merchandise, the most of any top-flight supporters.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIn terms of share of income, Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea are the most affordable, partly because of all the local derby matches in London.Fulham have the highest average season ticket cost at £1,869 while Manchester United’s home shirt is the most expensive at £110.Manchester City were the third most expensive club to support – £6,037 annually – while their fans spent 30p less than Bournemouth’s in club shops.Southampton have the cheapest full kit at £97.Most read in FootballUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.I’ve spent £10k travelling to 118 football grounds around the world… but tickets aren’t my only eye-watering expense More

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      Every Premier League club’s ticket prices compared including Man Utd’s unique strategy and sky-high Arsenal season costs

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      THE cost of following our favourite football teams is on the rise.The heartbreaking truth is that legions of loyal fans are being priced out of the stadium.Arsenal fans can certainly bemoan sky-high season ticket costs – but are there bargain one-off tickets to be hoovered up?Credit: GettyMan Utd implement a unique ticket policy when it comes to single tickets – but fans aren’t happyCredit: ReutersIn fact, some Premier League season tickets are on sale for more than £3,000 – the equivalent of £160 per home game.And while that’s the upper-end of the spectrum, it’s a worrying trend for fans of elite English football.Nevertheless, there are still some bargain tickets up for grabs – either single or season – if you know where to look.So SunSport has run down every Premier League club’s cheapest and most expensive tickets, including a handy table below, according to data from Ticket Compare.READ MORE SPORT STORIESLet’s start with the good news… for just £26.50 you can head to Molineux to catch a glimpse of Wolves, with Brentford, Bournemouth and West Ham offering £30 single tickets.Even Arsenal have some matchdays available for just £30.30.However, the Gunners also offer the second-most-expensive single tickets, with some going for £141 – behind only Fulham’s £160 offering.Manchester United offer a unique take on single tickets – with every seat available for £66 following a recent price hike which led to a furious rant from club legend Paul Scholes, with fans slamming Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co for “exploiting loyalty”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSo while a trip to Old Trafford is the priciest cheap ticket, it’s also one of the more affordable options for the best seats in the house.Everton, Chelsea and Fulham are the only other teams whose cheapest single ticket costs £50 or more.Man Utd fans launch foul-mouthed protest at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and call him a ‘c—‘ over ticket price decisionPaul Scholes reacts to Man Utd ticket price hikeHow can you ask Manchester United fans to pay more money with what is on the football pitch?£66 for a ticket is ridiculous. If you think of Manchester, there are so many deprived areas.Sir Jim Ratcliffe himself is from Failsworth, which is a deprived area.If you take one kid with you, that is £120, if you take a family, you are looking at £300-400 – it is just not right.Where do these owners get the front to put ticket prices up?For the value – we’re probably having our worst ever Premier League season and they’ve got the cheek to put the prices up.There is nothing positive happening with that football club. The team look bang average. They are not doing anything for fans.If we have got Sir Jim Ratcliffe, compared to all these American owners, who has been a United fan since growing up in an area in Manchester – he is still hiking prices up.It just shows that they don’t care.On the flip side, Ipswich (£48) and Bournemouth (£49) are the only clubs whose most expensive one-off ticket costs less than a red note.Fulham (£160), Arsenal (£141), Tottenham (£109) and West Ham (£105) prove that London clubs charge the most for the top-end day tickets.But what about season ticket costs?The Hammers actually have the most-affordable season ticket – available for a mere £345 – a delicious £18 per home game at the London Stadium.Only Brentford (£494), Ipswich (£381), Leicester (£404), Man City (£425) and Southampton (£499) have offerings of under £500 for the full 19-game home schedule.Incredibly, Arsenal’s CHEAPEST season ticket is the league’s costliest at a whopping £1,073 – more than three times as expensive as West Ham’s bargain offering.At the other end of the scale, Fulham (£3,000+), Tottenham (£2,367) and the Gunners (£2,050.50) are miles ahead when it comes to the most-expensive options.READ MORE SUN STORIESWorryingly, a total of NINE Premier League clubs charge over £1,000 for a top-end season ticket.West Ham (£1,720), Leicester (£1,289), Newcastle (£1,163), Man City (£1,122), Man Utd (£1,057) and Chelsea (£1,015) are the other six.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. More

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      Everton takeover COMPLETED as crisis club release statement with new owners set to bring ‘immediate financial stability’

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      EVERTON’S takeover has officially been completed as the club finally part ways with Farhad Moshiri after a turbulent eight years.The Friedkin Group (TFG) finalised it’s majority takeover in a deal which is believed to be worth in excess of £400m.The Friedkin Group (TFG) has completed its takeover of Everton, ending the Premier League club’s long search for new ownershipThe takeover ends the eight year turbulent tenure of Farhad MoshiriThe Texas-based group is led by billionaire chairman Dan FriedkinRoundhouse Capital Holdings Limited, which is an entity within The Friedkin Group, have bought Moshiri’s 94.1 per cent stake in the club.The group reached an agreement with Moshiri on 23 September and were awaiting regulatory approval, with the Premier League having the final say on the deal, which has now been granted.Formal confirmation that the deal could go ahead came on Wednesday from the Premier League’s independent oversight panel.As part of the takeover agreement, TFG will significantly reduce the debt burden at the previously cash-strapped club.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe owners have committed to paying off the £200m owed to American insurance firm ACAP via a series of instalments, and refinancing a further £150m owed to another lender, Rights and Media Funding, on long-term, low interest rates. TFG’s own loans to the club, which have since risen by the tens of millions in recent months, will now be treated as a mix of equity and long-term senior debt, secured against the new stadium.The Texas-based group is led by chairman Dan Friedkin and also owns Italian Serie A club Roma.Friedkin has a net worth of £6.1bn, according to Forbes.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFriedkin has been proposed as the chairman of Everton’s board, with Marc Watts serving as executive chairman. Friedkin said in an open letter: “I take immense pride in welcoming one of England’s most historic football clubs to our global family, the Friedkin Group. Arsenal player ratings vs Everton”Everton represents a proud legacy, and we are honoured to become custodians of this great institution.”Whilst we are new to the club, we fully understand the vital role Everton plays in local culture, history, and the lives of Evertonians here and around the world.”We are deeply committed to honouring this legacy while contributing positively to the community, economy, and people of this remarkable city.”Watts will be responsible for the management of the club.He said: “Today marks a momentous and proud occasion for The Friedkin Group as we become custodians of this iconic football club.”We are committed to leading Everton into an exciting new era both on and off the pitch. “Providing immediate financial stability to the Club has been a key priority, and we are delighted to have achieved this. “While restoring Everton to its rightful place in the Premier League table will take time, today is the first step in that journey.”British-Iranian businessman Farhad Moshiri has sold his 94.1 per cent stakeThe Friedkin Group’s proposed £800million takeover of the Toffees fell apart in July over concerns about the club’s debt to 777, an investment firm based in Miami.The debt was said to come from a series of loans taken out by the club from the firm last season and was worth £200m.TFG will be looking to clean up the club’s balance sheet and reduce debt of about £600m.The incoming new owners will also be overseeing the grand opening of the Merseysiders’ new 52,888-seater stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock which will be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season.Everton’s new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium will open at the start of the 2025-2026 seasonCredit: GettyRepresentatives are in the UK and will be at Sunday’s Premier League match with Chelsea at Goodison Park.The focus will be on maintaining the club’s position in the Prem and the Blues are 16th, three points above the relegation zone.It ends the Premier League club’s long search for new ownership.The Toffees become the 10th club in the Premier League under majority American ownership.British-Iranian businessman Moshiri first bought a 49.9 per cent stake in Everton for £87.5m in 2016, before increasing his holding to 94.1 per cent in 2022.While no sums have been disclosed, Moshiri will walk away having made a significant loss. Everton fans have held numerous banners up protesting the old ownershipIn all, Moshiri invested around £750m in his dream but ended with little or no financial return as the blue side of Merseyside spiralled downwards.Moshiri said: “I truly believe that the transaction with The Friedkin Group is the best outcome for the club and its future success.”I now hand over to new owners confident in the outlook for the club and that our incredible fans will see the success on the pitch that they so thoroughly deserve.”Ana Dunkel, TFG’s chief financial officer and Colin Chong, the club’s interim CEO, will also serve on the board. Additional appointments will be made in the coming weeks.Houston-based TFG made money through its subsidiary Gulf States Toyota before branching into other spheres including film and entertainment.The group posted revenues of over £10bn for the last financial year.Fans inside Goodison frequently protested against Farhad Moshiri’s ownershipWhat happened under Farhad Moshiri’s reign?Everton were regarded as a model of stability during the 11-year reign of David Moyes from 2002-13.However, Moshiri replaced this bliss with a rapid-fire revolving door approach during which he made seven full-time appointments.The first six lasting an average of only 309 days each between their first and final games before current gaffer Sean Dyche.Many supporters protested about his ownership, with Moshiri mostly absent from matches at Goodison Park since October 2021.He and the club were hit hard by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with Everton suspending commercial sponsorships with USM Holdings, which was part-owned by Alisher Usmanov.The billionaire had his assets frozen by the European Union and Moshiri resigned from his role as chairman in the company when Usmanov was sanctioned.Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s 85th minute winner kept Everton in the Prem in May 2022Moshiri had been looking for a buyer and agreed to sell his stake to 777 Partners in September 2023.But eight months later it missed a deadline to complete the takeover.Last season, Everton were deducted points twice – amounting to a total of eight after an appeals process – for breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules.The club have been flirting with relegation since the 2021-2022 season.Moshiri made his most controversial move that season by appointing former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, who departed within seven months.Frank Lampard came in January 2022 and helped Everton to preserve their top-flight status on a dramatic final day of the season with a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Lampard was sacked in January 2023 and replaced by Dyche, who also battled hard to keep them in the Prem.The Toffees again had to secure survival on tense a final day in May 2023, with a 1-0 win over Bournemouth getting them over the line.Toffees fans reacted furiously to the club’s point deductions last season More

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

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      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

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      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