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      Man Utd face paying £10million penalty and financial black hole if they miss out on Champions League again

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      MANCHESTER UNITED risk facing huge financial challenges if they go another season without Champions League football.The Red Devils failed to earn a spot in Europe’s elite competition last season after finishing eighth in the Premier League table.Man Utd face losing a huge chunk of money if they do not qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe is in charge of football operations at Old TraffordCredit: AlamyDespite enduring one of their worst campaigns, they managed to earn Europa League qualification by winning the FA Cup.However, securing Champions League football this time around will be imperative for the club’s financial status.Failing to finish in the top four would result in a £10million penalty clause being invoked ahead of the 2025-26 season.When Man Utd penned a 10-year partnership extension with Adidas last summer, it was agreed that failure to qualify for the Champions League on two consecutive occasions would lead to a 30 per cent reduction in annual payments.Read More in FootballUnited will also be penalised for every other season they fail to earn a spot.On top of that, tens of millions more will be lost in broadcasting deals and match day revenue.The Red Devils earned £93.1m from their 2018-19 Champions League run, which ended in the quarter-finals.That figure dropped to £37.5m during the 2022-23 campaign, when they were in the Europa League.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited’s latest annual report reads: “Failure to qualify for the Champions League would result in a material reduction in revenue for each season in which our men’s first team did not participate.”To help mitigate this impact, the majority of playing contracts for our men’s first team include step-ups in remuneration which are contingent on participation in the group stage of the Champions League.Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag speaks after his side’s 3-0 Premier League loss at home to Tottenham “Moreover, because of the prestige associated with participating in the European competitions, particularly the Champions League, failure to qualify for any European competition could negatively affect our ability to attract and retain talented players and coaching staff, as well as supporters, sponsors and other commercial partners.”Man Utd reported a net loss of £113.2m for the 2023/24 financial year.It takes the club’s losses over three years to £254.7m.While the Red Devils have to qualify for the Champions League next season, they face a huge uphill battle.Erik ten Hag and his players have endured a poor start to the season and sit 12th in the table.The Dutchman’s future is now in doubt, with two huge fixtures against Porto and Aston Villa scheduled for this week.Man Utd face four away games in their next five fixtures More

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      Jose Mourinho SLEEPING at Fenerbahce’s training ground as he reveals reason behind gruelling work schedule

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      JOSE MOURINHO revealed he sleeps at Fenerbahce’s training ground so that he “doesn’t waste time”.Mourinho, 61, made a surprise move to Fener in June and has already made an impact with seven wins out of 11 matches across all competitions.Jose Mourinho revealed he sleeps in Fenerbahce’s training groundCredit: GettyFenerbahce boss Mourinho claims he works at least 12 hours per dayCredit: ReutersThe Portuguese tactician suffered his second defeat on Saturday when his team lost 3-1 to bitter rivals Galatasaray but returned to winning ways on Thursday with a 2-1 win over Union Saint-Gilloise.The ex-Manchester United boss put together a long and passionate speech after the Europa League game as he explained the “Mourinho effect”, which sees him winning silverware everywhere he goes.The former Chelsea manager outlined his trophy success at every club he worked for, with the exception of Tottenham who sacked him two days before the 2021 EFL Cup final against Manchester City.The Special One also revealed he is so determined to carry on the “Mourinho effect” at Fenerbahce that he works “at least” 12 hours each day and sleeps in the training ground at night.Read More on FootballMourinho said: “​​I won trophies at every club I went to, only I didn’t win at Tottenham because I left the club two days before the Cup final. “So the Mourinho effect that I created at every club was to win trophies. I’m very sorry. We can’t do that in September. This game had two sides to it: One was the Europa League and the other was the difficulty of the first game after a heavy defeat.”After that game, it was a week in which there was a bit of pleasure in knocking people down. I am not an expert in body language or a judge in a dance competition. I know the emotional side of football well.“Journalists have an effect on the way fans think, the way business is done has something to do with it. Maybe it is you who need to change, you work too much. I don’t know how many hours he works, but I work at least 12 hours a day.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I sleep at the club so I don’t waste time. Istanbul is a beautiful city, but I didn’t come here on holiday, I came to work. Everyone in the club does this, we have a good working environment.“I always try to instil and explain this to people: I can be successful from time to time, but when things go well you don’t go to the moon, and when things go bad you don’t go to hell. Watch Jose Mourinho’s hilarious reaction as former Man Utd midfielder Fred scores hat-trick for Fenerbahce “This is my philosophy. I work hard and I’m not going to go to the moon, nor am I going to go to hell . We want to go to the moon, but it’s too far away.“Sometimes they try to push us into hell, but people try hard not to. European Cups, I say half, because they stole a European Cup from me, I will never forget that. The reason for achieving all this is that I work hard at Fenerbahce, me and everyone at the club work hard.” More

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      Former Man Utd star slams own club’s fans over crowd trouble and fumes ‘what if a child was killed?’

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      ATHLETIC BILBAO star Ander Herrera lambasted a section of his own club’s fans for causing crowd trouble during their Europa League return.Bilbao made their long-anticipated comeback to Europa after a six-year absence on Thursday and took on Roma at the Olimpico where they drew 1-1.A section of Athletic Bilbao fans caused crowd trouble at RomaCredit: RexEx-Man Utd star Ander Herrera criticised the rowdy Bilbao fansCredit: RexThe Giallorossi opened the scoring on 32 minutes with Artem Dovbyk and the visitors equalised with Aitor Paredes five minutes before full-time.And it was after Paredes’ goal when some of the travelling fans started to throw flares and causing an unsafe environment in Rome.Things got so unpleasant that Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde had to walk towards the away end and urge the rowdy supporters to stop.Ex-Manchester United star Herrera was also very frustrated with the incident.Read More on FootballThe midfielder condemned the unruly fans and refused to make any excuses as they could have “killed a child”.Herrera told Cadena Cope: “We have a strange feeling because we played a good game, a positive point but everything is clouded by what we have all seen. “I understand that in a moment of heat, you bring out the worst in yourself in the form of an insult, but it doesn’t enter my mind [to] throw a flare that can kill a person. “It makes you go cold, because it has no explanation.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“The flares used well, when celebrating La Gabarra, give a beautiful colour but in the hands of a person who throws it at the head, you have to cut it out. “A person who throws a flare and you know it can hit someone in the head and you can kill them, what if you kill a child? Or any person? It has no explanation.”Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersHerrera joined United in 2014 from Bilbao and went on to amass a total of 20 goals and 27 assists in 189 appearances.The 35-year-old went on to win the FA Cup, EFL Cup, Europa League and Community Shield during his five-year stint at Old Trafford.The ex-Spain international moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2019 before his return to Bilbao on loan in 2022 which led to a permanent switch a year later. More

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      Football pundit rushed to hospital after he is shot while leaving TV studio following Europa League clash

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      A TURKISH football pundit was SHOT in the foot after covering the Europa League on Thursday night.Former Turkey international Serhat Akin had been working on coverage of Fenerbahce’s clash with Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise in an Istanbul studio.Pundit Serhat Akin was shot in IstanbulAkin, 43, posted a picture of his injuries on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/serhatakin81/?hl=enThe former Fenerbahce star works as a pundit for Turkish broadcaster Sports DigitaleCredit: https://www.instagram.com/serhatakin81/?hl=enAfter finishing up his evening’s work for Turkish broadcaster Sports Digitale, Akin was attacked outside the studio, in the Beykov region of the city.In shocking security footage, a masked figure could be seen approaching Akin.He subsequently fired one shot from his gun, before crossing the street and being escorted away on a motorbike.Passersby then rushed to check on Akin, who had taken cover behind a car.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt later emerged that the 16-cap star had sustained a gunshot wound to his right foot.He was subsequently rushed to a private hospital for treatment.His condition is not believed to be life threatening, although he will have to undergo an operation.The former Fenerbahce star later posted a picture of his injury to Instagram Story.Most read in Europa LeagueHe captioned it: “They shot my foot, our last word is Fenerbahce.”Local cops have launched a probe into the shooting.Jose Mourinho makes dramatic Super Lig debut as huge row sees Special One booked after just 20 minutesAkin has been visited in hospital by his pal, former Middlesbrough and Stoke star, Tuncay Sanli.The ex-forward said of his friend’s condition: “He is currently very well, his morale is low. There is not much to say. He will undergo surgery tomorrow.”I was with my brother because of the situation. He is my brother, we have experienced great things together. We have also experienced sadness.’SAD AND ANGRY'”I came to him as soon as I heard. There is nothing very serious about his condition. He will most likely undergo surgery tomorrow.”I am both sad and angry. Right now, his condition is very good. He is not in a good mood and his morale is low. I hope he regains his health as soon as possible.”In an official statement, Fenerbahce wrote: “We condemn the armed attack on our former football player Serhat Akin.”We wish him a speedy recovery. We expect the perpetrators to be held accountable before justice as soon as possible.”The Turkish Football Federation added: “We have learned with regret that former national team player Serhat Akin was injured in his foot as a result of an armed attack.”We strongly condemn the heinous attack and wish Serhat Akin a speedy recovery.”Jose Mourinho’s side had beaten Union Saint-Gilloise 2-1 on the night.READ MORE SUN STORIESEx-Leicester star Caglar Soyuncu gave them the lead on 26 minutes, before it was doubled by a Christian Burgess own goal.Accrington Stanley old boy Ross Sykes then pulled one back for the visitors in stoppage time.Fenerbahce beat Union Saint-Gilloise 2-1 last nightCredit: Getty More

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      Alejandro Garnacho’s brother gives clear reason to back Erik ten Hag and slams Man Utd flops

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      ALEJANDRO GARNACHO’S brother has backed Erik ten Hag and pointed to the real reason behind Manchester United’s failures.The Red Devils have drawn their last two games, including being held at home in the Europa League to FC Twente.Alejandro Garnacho’s brother came out in defence of Ten HagCredit: GettyUnited have just two wins from five Premier League games and are 11th in the table, sparking criticism of Ten Hag.But Garnacho’s brother Roberto has launched a defence of the Dutchman, arguing the players should be able to beat a side like Twente regardless of the manager.He also highlighted poor finishing against Palace as the reason why United failed to win, and pointed to an individual mistake which led to Twente’s goal.Roberto wrote on X: “Btw you all blame Ten Hag, but 11 United players not being able to smash them at home, I don’t think that’s on Ten Hag mate.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We literally dominated the whole game, we couldn’t score more than a goal, individual mistake makes them score, what’s he supposed to do?”They were not even getting into our box, if we are not able to score more than a goal against Twente, it is not on him (their goal was a mistake from one of our players too).”Same last game btw, dominated but couldn’t score a goal, somehow last week it was the wingers’ fault, this one Ten Hag’s.”If last game we would have gone 2-0 at half-time and won (attackers’ fault because they couldn’t score their chances) you all would say he is being perfect, same today.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMan Utd player ratings vs FC TwenteMANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford.That result dealt a big blow to their chances of finishing in the top eight and avoiding two extra fixtures.See how the players rated on an underwhelming night at Old Trafford.Andre Onana – 6Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 6Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.Harry Maguire – 6Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with a header cleared off the line.Lisandro Martinez – 7Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.Noussair Mazraoui – 6New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front.Christian Eriksen – 7Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser.Manuel Ugarte – 6A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser.Marcus Rashford – 8Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self.Bruno Fernandes – 6Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.Amad Diallo – 6His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund.Find out how the Man Utd subs rated hereGarnacho was brought on as a substitute against Twente shortly before they scored, and pundit Ruud Gullit believes he did not want to listen to the final instructions Ten Hag dished out.Gullit said: “Ten Hag wanted to have a meeting with Garnacho, but he didn’t feel like it at all.Jill Scott ‘reveals’ Roy Keane’s phone pass code leaving Man Utd hardman looking embarrassed “Garnacho was preparing to come on and Ten Hag kept talking to him.“You can just see it when a player thinks: ‘Dude, leave me alone, man!’” More

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      Jordan Henderson gives clear reason why he lashed out at his OWN Ajax team-mate Bertrand Traore in win over Besiktas

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      JORDAN HENDERSON has revealed why he lashed out at Ajax teammate Bertrand Traore in last night’s Europa League win over Besiktas.Former Liverpool captain Henderson played all 90 minutes as his Dutch side fired four goals past the Turkish visitors.Jordan Henderson rowed with teammate Bertrand Traore as Ajax beat BesiktasHenderson has lifted the lid on their public bust-upThe result delighted Ajax fans after Saturday’s disappointing Eredivisie draw against Go Ahead Eagles.But supporters were left shocked when Henderson squared up to Ajax winger Traore on the pitch.The former England midfielder was seething when Traore committed a silly challenge with his side 3-0 up.Henderson shouted at the ex-Chelsea and Aston Villa forward as teammates stepped in to drag him away.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTraore shouted after Henderson as the veteran trudged back while still mouthing off.But the bust-up did not affect Ajax’s performance as they managed to grab another goal at home.And speaking afterwards, Hendo insisted there was no bad blood between him and Traore, insisting he was merely trying to keep standards high on the field.Henderson said: “If you’ve seen me play over the years, that’s normal for me.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”After the whistle, we jumped into each other’s arms straight away. It’s still football. Being 3-0 up is fine, but conceding one goal can turn the game around.”We always have to be alert and sharp and if you sometimes have a discussion with someone, it keeps everyone sharp.”Jordan Henderson’s prickly interview goes viral after seven-word reply to reporter’s blunt question and fans love itHenderson only joined Ajax in January after cutting short his dismal move to Saudi side Al-Ettifaq.The ace failed to settle under Steven Gerrard after moving to the Middle East from Liverpool last summer.And he has already become Ajax captain after just 21 appearances in the Dutch capital.Henderson, who also won 81 caps for England, will hoping to replicate some of his Liverpool success at Ajax.He made 492 appearances for the Reds while winning a Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League and Club World Cup under Jurgen Klopp.And Henderson also showed his loyalty to Ajax by refusing a move away in the summer following reported interest from several European sides. More

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      Tottenham 3 Qarabag 0: Dominic Solanke spares Radu Dragusin’s blushes after bonkers red card in Europa League clash

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      RADU DRAGUSIN’S early red card was so sloppy fans may have suspected he wanted to beat the traffic.But it proved a minor bump in the road as ten-man Tottenham motored to victory on their return to Europe in this heavily-delayed Europa League opener.Dominic Solanke was on fire as he ensured Spurs hit a bullseye on their Europa League openerCredit: RexRadu Dragusin was sent off just seven minutes into the gameCredit: ReutersBrennan Johnson opened the scoring after Solanke set up himCredit: ReutersPape Matar Sarr, bottom, netted from a cornerCredit: AFPTravel chaos involving the trains and major roads meant Qarabag did not arrive from their Stratford hotel until 7.45pm.It pushed the tie’s kick-off off back until 8.35pm – 35 minutes later than planned.The hold-up seemed to affect Dragusin’s concentration as he was caught in possession by Juninho and then hauled down the Brazilian, earning a seventh-minute sending-off.Spurs shrugged off the setback though as Brennan Johnson scored for the third match running just five minutes later.Pape Matar Sarr doubled the lead soon after the break, shortly before Tural Bayramov’s woeful spot-kick hit the bar from the visitors, and then Dominic Solane made it three.Qarabag were staying just six-and-a-half miles away in Stratford yet the issues on the road and train lines meant they were late and had to have a police escort for their final mile.Uefa regulations stipulate that both teams need to be at the ground 75 minutes before kick-off so a warning is set to come the Azerbaijani champions’ way.The wait affected their hosts more though as Dragusin allowed a routine Micky van de Ven pass run across his body, allowing Juninho to steal it off him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSQarabag’s jet-heeled forward then raced away and Dragusin could have taken his chances given how early it was in the game.But instead the Romanian brought Juninho down and was rightly shown his marching orders – earning Spurs’ earliest Euro dismissal.Tottenham legend Gus Poyet explains why Ange Postecoglou can end trophy hoodoo and win Carabao Cup despite Coventry horror showYet Spurs had the lead on 12 minutes after their electric press won the ball back, allowing Solanke to slip in Johnson.The Welshman’s finish was as convincing as the two others he produced against Coventry and Brentford in the last eight days.Qarabag’s man advantage started to tell as the half wore on and Spurs had a fortunate escape when Juninho somehow fired a sitter wide from eight yards.Half-time came at the right time and eight minutes after it, Sarr volleyed home a second after Qarabag failed to clear an inswinging corner from interval sub Dejan Kulusevski. The visitors had a golden chance to get back into the game when Yves Bissouma was adjudged to have felled Elvin Jafarguliyev in the box, but Bayramov ballooned the spot-kick.Qarabag squandered a number of other good chances, with Juninho hitting the post and Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario making a number of top stops.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd they paid for it as Solanke was right on time in this delayed encounter to turn home a rebound after Son Heung-min’s shot was spilled.One concern for Spurs was captain Son Heung-min coming off with some discomfort after unleashing the shot that was parried into Solanke’s path for the third goal.Solanke proved he had not bit off more than he could chewCredit: GettyBut there was one late concern as Heung-Min Son left the pitch in some discomfortCredit: Rex More

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      Furious Jordan Henderson pulled apart from Ajax team-mate as ex-England star loses it during Europa League clash

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      A FURIOUS Jordan Henderson had to be pulled apart from his own team-mate during a Europa League clash.The former Liverpool star was embroiled in a clash with fellow Ajax ace Bertrand Traoré.ScreenshotThe Dutch giants were in a comfortable position against Besiktas when the argument happened.Kian Fitz-Jim had opened the scoring before Mika Godts and Kenneth Taylor made it 3-0.But Henderson, 34, was still not thrilled as he went at team-mate Traore and was pulled away by other Ajax stars.It appears that the midfielder was not happy with the winger’s foul on Besiktas midfielder Gedson Fernandes.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEven after he had walked away, Henderson could be seen yelling to himself in frustration.Ajax continued to impress after the incident as Godts fired in his second in the 73rd minute to make sure of the result.They won the game and earned a vital three points in the new format of the Europa League.The result leaves Ajax top of the table with a superior goal difference thanks to the 4-0 win.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHenderson joined Ajax in January after cutting his time in Saudi Arabia short.The Englishman left Liverpool for the Middle East as he joined Al-Ettifaq in the summer of 2023.Dream Team Transfer Recommendations for Gameweek 5However the midfielder did not stay long before returning to Europe in the following transfer window.Henderson was linked with a move away from Amsterdam in the summer.However, he stayed put and is currently captaining the club.Who are these famous footballers? More