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    Man Utd legend Nicky Butt cautioned for head-butting security guard at his 50th birthday party with other football stars

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    EX-England and Manchester United star Nicky Butt has been given a police caution for head-butting a security guard at his own 50th party.The Sun revealed in January that the guard was treated for a suspected broken nose — and can today name Butt for the first time.Manchester United legend Nicky Butt has been cautioned for head-butting a security guard at his 50th birthday partyCredit: PAButt helped United win a host of trophies under manager Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe accepted the criminal sanction for actual bodily harm over the attack at Soho Farmhouse near Great Tew, Oxfordshire.The former Manchester United star also agreed to donate to charity.He had snapped and attacked the security guard during a seven-hour bash on January 24.Today we can reveal bar staff refused to serve him any drinks shortly before the incident.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTrouble erupted between 7pm and 8pm after the ex-midfielder left the bar for a courtyard.The guard was said to have seen Butt relieving himself against a wall.A row developed and sources said Butt lashed out in a fury.The guard was treated in hospital for facial injuries amid fears of a broken nose.Most read in FootballA source said previously: “There was blood everywhere. People were shocked as the guard came inside with his face a mess. It ruined a lovely day.”The guard took time off work but later returned.Man Utd star Nicky Butt’s 50th party at centre of police probe after ‘head-butt’ left security guard with ‘broken nose’Butt was first quizzed six days after the assault.The Sun understands he accepted the caution within the last month.Police retain the details and flag them in criminal record checks.A caution can only be given if the perpetrator admits the offence.Thames Valley Police confirmed: “The investigation has now concluded. A man was given a caution for the offence of ABH.”Butt had turned 50 three days before the party.Guests included David and Victoria Beckham, and fellow United Class of ’92 stars Paul Scholes and Gary Neville and their partners.The group of around 30 guests dined in a private room before moving to the bar.Former teammate David Beckham attended the do at Soho Farmhouse, OxfordshireCredit: PAMan Utd’s Paul Scholes was another of the Class of ’92 to attend the bashCredit: AlamyPundit Gary Neville was in attendance at the partyCredit: GettyPolice were then alerted by the club at 9.15pm — around two hours after the assault.Butt helped United win a host of trophies under manager Sir Alex Ferguson.He won 39 England caps from 1997-2004 and played for Newcastle before finishing his playing career in China in 2011.Butt had been CEO of League Two Salford until quitting last year.In 2019 he was charged with assault on ex-wife Shelley.The CPS later dropped the case owing to insufficient evidence.However, Butt was given a caution for causing £800-worth of criminal damage to her iPhone.Last June he got a year’s road ban and 100 hours’ unpaid work after admitting causing serious injury by careless driving.Read More on The SunHis Land Rover collided with motorcyclist Andrew Fielding in Burnley, leaving the biker needing metal rods in a broken leg.His Land Rover collided with motorcyclist Andrew Fielding in Burnley, leaving the biker needing metal rods in a broken leg.The incident occurred at Soho Farmhouse, OxfordshireCredit: soho farmhouse More

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      ‘At times I hated him’ – Josh Warrington vows not to follow his dad’s ‘horrible’ coaching techniques with his own son

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      JOSH WARRINGTON has finally got a little boy in his family corner but could never coach him like his dad did.The 34-year-old suffered his third consecutive loss, to Anthony Cacace, last September but ended the year with the Christmas gift of son Oran.Josh Warrington is not a fan of his dad Sean’s training techniquesCredit: AlamyThe Leeds star recently became a dad to baby boy OranCredit: Instagram / @j_warringtonSean (right) and Josh’s relationship almost broke down over his coaching styleCredit: RexThe two-time featherweight world champion already had twin daughters with wife Natasha and now has a male heir to the Warrington legacy.But the Leeds hero, who fights Asad Asif Khan on Saturday, doesn’t think he could ever coach his lad, after the partnership almost destroyed the relationship with him and dad and trainer Sean.”There were horrible and hard times when I hated my dad,” he told SunSport.”Boxing can do that to a father and son, no matter how close they are and how much they love each other.READ MORE ON BOXING”There were times when my dad had to push me to breaking point – mentally and physically – and times when he had to be brutally honest with me.”Those moments made me a world champion and I am grateful for them and they made our successes even more meaningful.”But I don’t think I could do that with my son.”The high points in boxing are brilliant and sharing them with your dad, in your corner, is great.Most read in BoxingBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”But the lows are horrible and going through that with your dad – and not just a trainer – is a very difficult thing to manage and cope with.”Sadly the lows have come thick and fast for the Elland Road regular.Josh Warrington’s top-flight boxing career ends after suffering his third fight on the spinA hat-trick of losses, after a magnificent career, led to him laying down his gloves in the Wembley ring after the Irishman dominated him at his new super-featherweight.The tough Yorkshireman could not bottle up his emotions any longer and was devastated for weeks.But an outpouring of support and the X-rated backing from his old-school father helped him get back in the ring and a fight with Mick Conlan is now being targeted.He told us: “When I laid down my gloves, I meant it.”I then spent about three weeks just crying. I hid away and didn’t want to see anyone.”But slowly I started seeing people and getting messages and dad told me to stop being a ‘silly c***’ and I got back in the gym and got focused again.I don’t know how I or anyone can fill the void of a sport and a job that has been all I have known since I was nine years old.Josh Warrington”I am not silly and I am not deluded and the people around me care about me and are honest with me.”When I said I wanted to carry on, my dad and my wife and my manager backed me and that’s what I needed.”British fight fans don’t like to see their heroes – like Warrington, Joe Joyce and Derek Chisora – go on too long and spend the rest of their lives suffering.The business has a horrible way of chewing up even the biggest and bravest men.But Warrington – who admits the idea of retirement scares him – insists he will not be abused by the hurt game.He said: “I don’t know what I will do without boxing, even with a lovely family and other interests and hobbies.”I don’t know how I or anyone can fill the void of a sport and a job that has been all I have known since I was nine years old.”I understand why some fighters end up using drink and drugs and lose their way and it’s such a shame.Read More on The Sun”But I will know when to hang my gloves up – I will not become a stepping-stone opponent.”I just want to finish on a performance that I and the fans can be proud of and I know I still have that in my locker.”Asad Asif Khan faces Warrington at the weekendCredit: Getty More

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      Marcus Rashford’s £700k Rolls-Royce towed AGAIN after second tyre blowout in three weeks – just 10 yards from the first

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      MARCUS Rashford’s £700,000 Rolls-Royce had to be towed AGAIN after a second tyre blowout in three weeks — just ten yards from the last. The same tyre – on the driver’s rear side – burst on Monday morning, resulting in the Mansory Wraith being towed for a second time in 24 days. Marcus Rashford’s £700,000 Rolls-Royce had to be towed again after a second tyre blowout in three weeks — just ten yards from the last flatCredit: ZenpixThe Rolls-Royce Mansory Wraith hitches a lift off the M60 hard shoulderCredit: mancpicss66A source said: “I bet he can’t believe his run of bad luck. “It’s such a fancy car but Rashford’s had his fair share of problems with it. “He only just got it fixed and now it’s needing to be repaired again. “Let’s hope he has more luck on the pitch.” READ MORE ON MARCUS RASHFORDIt’s not known who was behind the wheel when it broke down – just a mile from where the Rolls has twice been towed. His first Mansory Wraith was written off. The forward, 27, who is on loan from Manchester United at Aston Villa, was forced to replace the vehicle after it was involved in a collision on the M60 in September 2023. The motor was wrecked during a horror crash with a 74-year-old gran as he left United’s training ground in Carrington. Most read in FootballPhotos showed the car took a pounding, with extensive damage to the front, left front wing and a mangled rear left wheel and bumper. Both drivers escaped without injury. Rashford in court Rashford sold it for a hugely discounted £184,000 at auction – more than half a million less than he paid for it – and replaced it with an almost identical vehicle last May. Rashford, who pockets £350,000-a-week, ordered his new Rolls-Royce almost immediately – choosing white instead of grey. But his new model was seen being towed away on March 21 after breaking down on the same road for over an hour. The 6.6-litre ultra-luxury supercar can do 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 155mph. Rashford also owns a £390k Black Badge Cullinan and a £560k Cullinan Blue Shadow. His luxury car collection also boasts a £280,000 McLaren 765 Long Tail and a £350,000 Lamborghini Urus Performante. In July last year he was handed a six-month driving ban for speeding on the M60. He was travelling in his Rolls-Royce Cullinan Blue Shadow when clocked exceeding the 70mph limit. Last month, he was hit with a £800 fine for failing to give Cheshire Police information about who was driving his £100,000 electric BMW I7 motor on October 30 last year. At the time he was banned from the roads after being clocked at 104mph on a motorway in December 2023. Read More on The SunCrystal Palace are said to be lining up a Rashford transfer if Villa don’t sign him at the end of the season. A tyre fitter gets to work on yet another blowout on the footie aces’s carCredit: ZenpixThe Sun reported on the previous flat tyre near the latest one on the M60 motorwayAnother one of the star’s cars after being involved in a nasty shuntRashford will be hoping he has more luck on the pitch during his loan to Aston VillaCredit: GettyUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Ex-England boss Gareth Southgate changes career as he turns back on football, according to paperwork seen by The Sun

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      GARETH Southgate looks to have retired as a football manager — by changing his profession on paper to “company director”.His last match in charge of England was last summer, when Spain beat the Three Lions 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final.Gareth Southgate looks to have retired as a football manager — by changing his profession on paper to ‘company director’Credit: GettyThe 54-year-old said after leaving the England job that he would not return to a coaching role for at least a year.Now former England defender Gareth has given his clearest indication yet that he is packing in football management for good.Documents for MAS Inv­estment Holdings Limited — the business that handles his £6.2million property portfolio — reveal he has changed his profession from “football manager” to “company director”.The move seems to back up Gary Lineker, who said after the Euro 2024 final: “I suspect this might be his last game in management.”Read More on SportGareth, who lives in North Yorkshire with wife Alison, had been tipped for a Premier League job, and was linked with Man United before they hired Ruben Amorim.Instead, he has been taking on temporary roles. Gareth is a technical observer for European football’s ruling body Uefa and a visiting lecturer at Harvard Business School in the US.He is also writing a self-help book, which is to focus on leadership.Most read in FootballIt is expected to feature some of the lessons he learned while guiding the Three Lions to two successive European Championship finals.Sir Gareth Southgate fears boys are watching too much porn instead of ‘expressing their emotions’ More

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      Mum of Man City star Phil Foden puts £3m mansion up for sale after clashing with neighbours over ‘noise’

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      MAN City ace Phil Foden’s mum is moving home — after a week in which she was abused by fans.Footie star Phil bought the five-bed mansion in 2021 and lived there with mum Claire Rowlands and dad Phil Sr.Mum of Man City star Phil Foden has put her £3m mansion up for sale after clashing with neighbours over ‘noise’Credit: Peter Powell LimitedClaire and Phil Sr have been caught up in noise rows with neighbours after hosting several partiesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/BrOHNDrgVS0/?hl=en&img_index=1But he later moved out with fiancée Rebecca Cooke, with whom he has three young children.Now the property in the North West is on the market for offers in excess of £3million — £150,000 more than he paid for it.It boasts a swimming pool, gym, cinema room, golf simulator and a wine cellar.But Claire and Phil Sr have been caught up in noise rows with neighbours after hosting several parties.READ MORE ON PHIL FODENA source said: “Phil and his family had some great times in that house. He then moved out but it was nice that his parents were just round the corner.“They had some issues with neighbours, but Phil has now moved away to the countryside so perhaps his parents are following suit.”Phil, who was not in City’s squad yesterday for the 5-2 win over Crystal Palace, was contacted for comment.He was upset following last Sunday’s Manchester derby after United fans chanted slurs about his mother.Most read in FootballYesterday, his gran Mary Keates said: “These people need to have a good look at themselves. Claire is a wonderful woman and mother.“It really upset the whole family, it’s disgusting. It makes me feel sick.”Moment Pep Guardiola launches furious F-word rant at ‘unacceptable’ Phil Foden captured in Man City documentary More

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      in Boxing

      My fiancé’s OnlyFans nude pics had huge impact on relationship, reveals Olympic boxer Nicola Adams after love split

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      BOXING champion and Strictly star Nicola Adams has opened up about her heartbreaking split from girlfriend Ella Baig.In an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday, the Olympic fighter has revealed that she struggled with ex-fianceé Ella’s work as an OnlyFans model during their seven-year relationship.Boxing champ Nicola Adams has split from her fiancee Ella BaigCredit: SplashNicola admits that Ella’s OnlyFans had a big impact on their relationshipCredit: ella.baig/InstagramElla posts nude snaps on the ­platform and engages in explicit chat with fans.Nicola said: “I have always been incredibly supportive of Ella’s career and the choices she has made, including her work on OnlyFans.“She is an amazing woman, and I admire her confidence and ­independence.“However, as much as I respect what she does, I can’t deny that it has had an impact on our relationship.”READ MORE ON NICOLA ADAMSThe couple have a two-year-old son, Taylor Nate, born via IVF using one of Nicola’s eggs.The 42-year-old former flyweight, who is the first British woman to win an Olympic boxing gold medal, said: “I’ve always considered myself to be mentally strong, but I’ve found this situation challenging at times and have had to reflect on how ­sustainable it is — especially as we raise our son together.“Parenthood changes your perspective on so many things, and I’ve had to be really honest with myself about my emotions and what’s best for our family.‘Both been to therapy’“Ella and I have shared so much love and happiness and, no matter what happens, my respect and admiration will never change.Most read in Boxing“Right now, we’re navigating this as openly and honestly as possible, with the priority being our little boy.”Speaking from her home in Dubai, Nicola revealed that the couple tried several months of therapy before calling it quits.Olympic boxing champ Nicola Adams on becoming a mum through IVFShe said: “The decision to split has been a gradual process.“We first discussed the notion of breaking up five months ago and came to the decision over a period of time.“We’ve both been to therapy, ­separately and together, to try to help heal our trauma, and we decided that it would be easier for us to split.“We need to be apart — it’s a lot easier to fix yourself.“It’s been hard because Ella has been my best friend for so long, so not having her there has been a big change for me and I’m still getting used to it. We’ve tried to keep it amicable and do things as a family for Taylor.”Nicola has been open in the past about her difficult childhood, ­growing up in poverty and pain in Leeds, throwing herself into boxing as protection from her violent father, named Innocent.A 2021 Prime Video documentary — named Lioness after her old nickname in the ring — also highlighted a rift with her mother and long-time supporter, Dee, who she is estranged from.Nicola believes she is still coming to terms with what she went through as a child.She said: “I have a lot of childhood trauma. I don’t want to pass any of it on to Taylor.“I do a lot of meditation and see a therapist to help me combat it. I can also see trauma in other people too.”Nicola is determined to give her son the best childhood possible. She said: “Our early years experiences are worlds apart.“I grew up on a council estate in Leeds in a single-parent household, I didn’t have anything to do.Ella posts nude snaps on the ­platform and engages in explicit chat with fansCredit: instagram/ella.baigNicola on her way to beating Sarah Ourahmoune to retain Olympic flyweight title in Rio in 2016Credit: Getty“There were people in my neighbourhood drug dealing and stealing cars — it was very different to how he is living now.“Even as a two-year-old he has a full social life, going swimming, having golf lessons and listening to music.“Thanks to the career I have had, I don’t have to work as hard as my parents did. I never got to see them, whereas I can spend so much time with Taylor.“Taylor is super-happy and ­confident. He is really independent and I love the person he is evolving into. He is a bundle of joy.”In 2020, Nicola made TV history when she became the first same-sex pairing on Strictly Come Dancing with Russian pro dancer Katya Jones.Unfortunately the pair had to pull out of the competition when Katya caught Covid, but Nicola thinks they could have won the Glitterball trophy.I do a lot of meditation and see a therapist to help me combat it [trauma]. I can also see trauma in other people too.Nicola AdamsShe said: “It was such a cool ­experience.“Learning how to open up and perform was awesome.“People still recognise me from the show and they have no idea about my sporting history.“I still talk to Katya. She really got the best out of me, and I liked the fact she had just as much energy as I did, so we were able to really get the dance moves right. It was a good partnership.“I definitely think we would have made the finals. I’m confident we’d have won. It was just unlucky that she got Covid.”Nicola admits that Ella struggled with the show as they were isolated during the height of the pandemic.The former couple have a two-year-old son, Taylor Nate, born via IVF using one of Nicola’s eggsCredit: Nicola Adams/InstagramNicola said: “It was lonely for Ella. We filmed during lockdown so we had to be in a bubble.“Ella wasn’t able to go see friends, so when I’d be out training from like 9am to 9pm, I think it was quite tough for Ella being alone for that amount of time.“Then the only people she’d get to see when we came back was either me or Katya.“I think it would have been a nicer experience if we’d have done Strictly now, where you can talk to everyone.“We couldn’t even interact with the other dancers or contestants — it wasn’t as social as the show normally is.”But she did not fall victim to the Strictly curse and enjoyed later ­teaching Ella the dance moves.Nicola said: “In some ways there are some good points as I was able to teach her all the dances.”Read More on The SunWhile Nicola is not currently ­dating, she is looking forward to new work projects this year, including ­acting in a movie and launching a podcast with the BBC.She said: “I don’t want a rebound relationship, I just want to focus on my work and being a good mum.” More

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      in Soccer

      Stop obsessing over set-piece coach ‘messiahs’ – top-class football will always be about special stars like Declan Rice

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      DO you want to know the best thing about Declan Rice’s two magnificent free-kicks against Real Madrid?It’s that we can all now stop obsessing about set-piece coaches — and Arsenal’s supposed ‘Messiah’ Nico Jover in particular.Football will always be about the top starsCredit: GettyWe need to stop obsessing over so-called set-piece ‘messiah’s’ like Nico JoverCredit: RexGreat players do great things in the heat of the momentCredit: GettyI loved the fact that Declan came out in his post-match TV interview and revealed Jover had wanted him to cross the ball rather than shoot from 28 yards.And also that Declan, 26, had told Bukayo Saka: “I fancy this.” And Saka had replied: “Go on, then. Have a go.”The statisticians, sports scientists, number crunchers and coaching gurus would have said: “You’ve played 400-odd games as a professional footballer, Declan, and you’ve never scored a direct free-kick, so you ain’t taking one against Madrid in a Champions League quarter-final.”But here were two excellent footballers, Rice and Saka making an instinctive, off-the-cuff, on-field decision in a hugely consequential match.That is what top-class football will always be about: great players doing great things in the heat of the moment. And even more special was the fact that Declan went and did it twice.The coverage of football is becoming far too intellectualised by people in the media who want to make themselves sound clever by over-complicating a game which is both simple and chaotic.Great coaches can rein in that chaos factor but most goals come from elements of individual brilliance which cannot be coached, or from serious defensive errors which can’t be predicted.Arsenal’s supporters painted a mural of Jover on a wall near the Emirates. But surely we can now stop mythologising these blokes?BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Gunners are good at set-pieces for the same reason that certain teams have always been good at set-pieces — great delivery and great heading ability.Saka, Rice and Martin Odegaard can all deliver a wicked dead ball and Gabriel, in particular, is seriously good at heading them in. Jover’s routines are not rocket science.’Get off the phone’ snaps Troy Deeney after his wife called him out live on air over Arsenal commentFrom corners, Arsenal usually position a bunch of players beyond the back stick, a couple move to the near post, a couple to central areas and a few remain at the far post so that all areas are covered.It’s pretty much the same as it ever was. Set-piece coaches became a major part of the game about seven or eight years ago, when I was playing in the Premier League.The best ones are the guys who realise they are not the stars of the show, that they are at training to deliver a short, sharp 20-minute session without trying to bore the pants off of everyone — because very few footballers enjoy practising set-pieces.These coaches can sometimes give a team an extra one per cent. But they aren’t reinventing the wheel.I reckon Newcastle’s set-piece coach must keep to himself because when Dan Burn scored the opening goal in the Carabao Cup final, we didn’t hear about coaching genius.We just saw Kieran Trippier — one of the best dead-ball merchants in the business — crossing it to the tallest bloke on the park, who nutted it in.When it comes to taking direct free-kicks, that is a true art form.I’d have fancied myself to score them in training but doing it in a match, getting the ball up and over a wall of 6ft 3in blokes — or round them — in front of a full house is a different matter.At Watford we had three particularly good free-kick takers — Gerard Deulofeu, Tom Cleverley and Jose Holebas.There were times when, as captain, I had to intervene when they were arguing about who was going to take one.And given that I was substantially bigger than all three of them, that was where the argument ended.Gerard would want to take every single one but some days he just wasn’t at it and I’d have to tell him as much.Before Rice’s first goal against Madrid, he and Saka had a conflab with Odegaard and Mikel Merino.Skipper Odegaard was telling them that Jover wanted the ball crossed, while Rice was simply going with his gut instinct.He doesn’t think he is anybody special, even though he is a very special player. Troy DeeneyOn Declan RiceBut if Arsenal get a free-kick around 25 yards out against Brentford today, no conversations will be necessary. Declan will take it.For Declan to have scored two direct free-kicks in 12 minutes made Tuesday a career-defining night for him.Having played against him and met him, it is impossible not to like Dec. I was just delighted that it was him.Here is a kid who fully appreciates the life of a professional footballer and who thoroughly enjoys it.There is no sense of entitlement. He doesn’t think he is anybody special, even though he is a very special player. It’s lovely when good things happen to good people.Especially when they’ve treated a crucial moment in a Champions League quarter-final as if they were having a kickabout with their mates at the park.“I fancy this, I’m going to have a pop here” — and not just once, but twice. That is the sort of instinct you simply cannot coach.Rice revealed Bukayo Saka told him to ‘go for it’ More

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      in Motorsport

      ‘She didn’t know who I was’ – Bellingham & Kane’s pal George Russell shares wild story of meeting influencer girlfriend

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      GEORGE RUSSELL will not rest until he becomes world champion.And he has Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane in his corner — who both know a thing or two about goals.George Russell has opened up on how he met girlfriend Carmen Montero MundtCredit: InstagramThe pair met after Russell’s mate could not make the dateCredit: InstagramRussell is a friend of Jude Bellingham, who gifted him a bespoke ‘George 63’ Real Madrid shirtRussell has also done some charity work with one of Harry Kane’s charitiesThe 27-year-old from Kings Lynn has never been one to be daunted by big reputations.Russell is back in Bahrain this weekend — scene of his sensational 2020 Mercedes debut as a stand-in for Lewis Hamilton, where he was only denied victory by a pit-stop blunder and a slow puncture.Handed a permanent drive by the team in 2022, he went wheel-to-wheel with ­seven-time world champ Hamilton during their three years as team-mates.And he told Max Verstappen to stick it where the sun doesn’t shine after the pair were hauled before stewards following a feisty Qatar Grand Prix in December.READ MORE IN F1Having done the hard miles with a struggling Williams team before making his mark alongside Hamilton, Russell now has the biggest opportunity of his career as he leads the iconic Mercedes team.There is still a feeling he remains in the shadow of fellow Brits Hamilton, now fulfilling his ambition of driving for Ferrari, and Lando Norris, this season’s F 1 world championship leader after four races.But Russell told SunSport: “I’m not underestimated by the people that know me in this paddock.“The paddock knows what I’m capable of and that’s why I remind myself of my very first race with Mercedes five years ago.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“I have been team-mates with the greatest of all time for three years.“And my stats speak for themselves, so I don’t think anybody in the sport should underestimate me.”George Russell furiously hits back at Max Verstappen after the F1 world champion’s stinging criticism of him Wolves fan Russell has taken inspiration from his friendships with England football heroes Bellingham and Kane.Bellingham gifted the driver with a bespoke ‘George 63’ Real Madrid shirt, marking his car number, earlier this year.Russell said: “I’ve met Harry, I did some work with one of his charities.“I always keep up to date with the Bayern Munich scores and his personal stats — and I’m desperate for them to win the league.“Me and Bellingham started to get to know each other recently.“He’s a great guy, we have an ­adidas connection and I’ve promised to get him to a race this year.”While Kane and Bellingham hope to land England’s first trophy since 1966 after a string of near misses, Russell will not rest until he has secured Formula One’s ultimate honour.Asked if he is satisfied with his progress since his Mercedes drive, he admitted: “Yes and no because I want to be a world champion, I want to be fighting every year.“But it would be irrational of me to say I’m not where I want to be, because in these past five years I could not have fought for a world championship.Carmen hails from Jerez in southern SpainCredit: InstagramHe admitted Carmen had no idea who he was when they first metCredit: Instagram“I didn’t have the machinery to do that, the same way as Lando for two years did not have the machinery and now he does.”Russell keeps his circle small but his rock is his fashion influencer girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt, who has been with him every step of the way for the past five years.Montero Mundt, 26, who hails from Jerez in southern Spain — where Russell raced many times in his younger years — was supposed to meet a friend of his for a date in London in 2020.Russell revealed: “My mate couldn’t make it, so I thought I’ll swing along to see how it goes.“She told me she’s from the south of Spain and she wouldn’t ever expect someone to know the small place she’s from.“I knew exactly where she was from, so it was quite coincidental.”Montero Mundt attends nearly every race with Russell and was by his side when he was left hyper-ventilating after overheating in the Singapore Grand Prix last year.Russell lost NINE POUNDS in the extreme heat conditions during the race and had to recover in an ice bath afterwards.He added: “I’m so fortunate with Carmen because we met before the craziness of F 1. We met organically and it wasn’t a set up.But Russell won’t rest until he wins a World Drivers ChampionshipCredit: AFPGeorge Russell F1 career stats (pre-Bahrain 2025)Races – 132 Wins – 3Podiums – 17Pole positions – 5Fastest laps – 8 Williams 2019 – 2021Mercedes 2022 – 2025*F2 Champion in 2018 – field including Lando Norris and Alex AlbonGP3 Series champion in 2017“She didn’t know who I was, she didn’t know F 1 and wasn’t even bothered by any of that. She is a very down-to-earth individual and we share values.“She’s such a hard worker, wants to achieve so much and she really recognises what it takes in my position to be at this level.“Having her on this journey means an awful lot to me because even though we are living our dream it can be a lonely lifestyle.“Having somebody to help you disconnect from that actually brings performance as well.”Russell is out of contract at the end of the season but is in no rush to put pen to paper on a new deal.He said: “I know that I’m going to be in this sport next year and I only want to focus on the performance.“If a driver starts stressing about his contract it shows they may not have the confidence in their ability.“I’m certain I have no concerns about my contract situation.”Russell is going about his business impressively enough this season.Read More on The SunHe trails third-place Oscar Piastri by just four points in the standings and could do with another big drive in Bahrain to close in on the top-two of Norris and Verstappen.And in a season which is already shaping up to be the most open for years, there is every reason to think Russell can fulfil his world title dream. More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd files: Mainoo contract stand-off update, Garnacho replacement lined up and shattered stars hit by travel chaos

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      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE’S first season in English football has hardly gone to plan – but he could be key to another United raid on Bologna this summer.Swiss winger Dan Ndoye is being watched by the Red Devils and has been shining for the Italian club this season.Man Utd have lined up a replacement if Alejandro Garnacho leavesCredit: GettyFormer Joshua Zirkzee teammate Dan Ndoye is being targetedCredit: RexHe is being targeted by Napoli coach Antonio Conte as he looks to replace Kvicha Kvaratshkelia.But also on their list for that role is United’s Alejandro Garnacho – who was the subject of a £40million bid in January.If they do come back for Garnacho then Ndoye, 24, could be of interest to United and Zirkzee would have a vital role to play.The pair are friends after their time together in Italy and the Dutchman could help turn his head towards Old Trafford.Bologna do not want to sell but would have to listen if offers of around £30m come in for him.Mainoo contract standoffKobbie Mainoo is currently in a contract standoff over his futureCredit: AlamyKOBBIE MAINOO’S return to action after two months out injured is certain to bring his future back into focus.Last month, it was revealed he is weighing up a move abroad with United’s new contract offer short of what he was hoping for.Mainoo – who turns 20 this month – has two years left on his contract and currently earns around £20,000 a week.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHis representatives want terms that would reflect the England international’s standing in the squad.Their demand for around £180,000 per week is unlikely to be met by United as they look to get control of their wage bill. Why Ruben Amorim’s Man United system is brokenBut there is still hope an agreement can be reached to keep the man who scored in last season’s FA Cup final at Old Trafford.If not then it gives United’s hierarchy a big dilemma – they know selling a homegrown talent, who is valued at more than £70m, would be huge for the bottom line on their profit and sustainability sheets.As well as clubs around Europe, Chelsea are likely to be watching the situation closely.On the way?Andre Onana could soon be replaced as Man Utd No1Credit: PABrighton’s Bart Verbruggen is being tracked by the Red Devils and AC MilanCredit: ReutersANDRE ONANA was described as “one of the worst goalkeepers in United’s history” by one of the club’s former players this week.But according to reports in Italy, he could soon be replaced as Old Trafford number one by Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen.AC Milan are pushing to sign the Dutch goalie, 22, but are concerned that they could face competition from the Red Devils for his signature.Dutch delightMatthijs de Ligt is undergoing personal recovery work at the Hale Country ClubCredit: AlamyDUTCH star Matthijs de Ligt is doing all he can to get back from his injury after turning his ankle in the closing stages of the first half of the defeat at Forest last week.The 25-year-old defender was spotted this week being put through his paces in the pool by a United physio at the luxury Hale Country Club.A fan who saw him feared the rehab session meant the pool at United’s Carrington training complex – famously slammed by Cristiano Ronaldo for its condition when he returned to United for a second time – was again in a state of disrepair.But sources confirmed the pool is open and De Ligt was just doing extra work in the hope of getting back on the pitch soon.Wayne’s worldWayne Rooney enjoys returning to Croxteth to have a couple pints with matesCredit: GettyMAN United legend Wayne Rooney has millions in the bank following his hugely successful playing career.But while he’s out of management after leaving Plymouth four months ago, Wazza loves nothing more than going back to his home area of Croxteth and having a couple of pints with his mates.A source said: “Wayne is really enjoying his down time while he waits for his next management job. “He could go afford to go anywhere in the world, but he is a frequent visitor to Croxteth. “He loves it because he can be himself and enjoy a drink with his old pals.”Traffic troublesMan Utd face travel woes with building works meaning they can no longer drive directly to the airportCredit: AlamyEUROPA League trips for Manchester United’s stars just got more gruelling – after building work at a private terminal means they can no longer drive directly to Manchester airport.For the game against Lyon, the players had to park at Carrington and then be bussed to the airport, adding around 45 minutes to the journey time.It means when they return home, they will then have to go back to Carrington to collect their vehicles and then drive home, pushing back their bedtimes and affecting their recovery work on Friday.Toothless devilsMan Utd are on course to have their lowest-ever Premier League goalscoring seasonCredit: GettyNO wonder United have got Ipswich forward Liam Delap and other forwards in their sights ahead of the summer transfer window.This will be their worst EVER season for goal-scoring in the history of the Prem – unless they can manage to get 17 in their final seven league games, starting at Newcastle on Sunday.Their current low is 54 – when Jose Mourinho sacrificed their league campaign to go for glory in the Europa League instead and the current squad – who will be thinking along similar lines – currently have just 37. Sunday’s goalless draw with City was the 12th time they have drawn a blank this season.Rasmus Hojlund has copped much of the blame for United’s lack of goals – after going on a 21-game drought.That ended at Leicester before the international break but the Dane admitted he asked himself some searching questions.He said: “It was a vicious circle. We didn’t play that well as a team, and it also affected me. But I’m not the type to lie down and give up.“That’s also why I played and started in those games. It’s because I’ve continued to work for the team and on my own game.“I don’t just sit down and say: ‘It’s great that I haven’t scored in 21 games’. I sit myself down and look at my game to see what I can do better.“I also stand somewhere and think: ‘Why the hell is it that I can’t score?’ Where is it that it’s going wrong?’ “Pat on the backPatrick Dorgu’s old club Leece have not won a game without himCredit: GettyPATRICK DORGU has hardly set the world on fire in his first couple of months since his £30m move to Old Trafford in January.Yet his former club Lecce have been lost without the Danish winger – and have not won a game since his departure.They now sit dangerously close to the drop zone in Italy so the money they raised from Dorgu’s sale might come in very useful. More