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    ‘Not a football club’ – Former Man Utd boss launches scathing attack on old side while heaping praise on bitter rivals

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    LOUIS VAN GAAL has launched a stunning broadside on former club Manchester United.The Dutchman was in the Old Trafford hotseat between 2014 and 2016.Louis van Gaal has hit out at the way Manchester United operate behind the scenesCredit: APRuben Amorim has struggled since joining the club last NovemberCredit: Shutterstock EditorialCo-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has also been criticised for cost-cuttingCredit: Shutterstock EditorialVan Gaal, 73, won a solitary FA Cup during his tenure as United boss.And he’s been watching their horror 2024/25 season from afar with interest. The Red Devils finished without silverware last term, languishing 15th in the Premier League.Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe – who has embarked on controversial cost-cutting across the club – employed Ruben Amorim midway through the season to stop the rot.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut results continued to slide under the former Sporting Lisbon chief. Van Gaal told Sky Sports: “It is still a commercial club.”It is not a football club. I have said that before – and that’s always difficult.”The 73-year-old believes United will never find success unless Amorim is given the chance to choose his own players. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe continued: “When [it’s] not the manager deciding which player has to come, it’s very difficult.”I think that is the way it should be. Bruno Fernandes reveals role his wife played in £200m Al-Hilal transfer snub even though Man Utd were ready to cash in”Because then you can fire the manager because he’s not getting results.”When other people buy the players, then you have a problem.”You need to have the knowledge [of the manager] because he has to train them.”Van Gaal also begged United chiefs to “pay attention” to the way Premier League champions Liverpool are operating under Arne Slot.He added: “Arne Slot is the man who says to his technical manager, you need to buy this player.”Pay attention to [that].”Van Gaal won 54 of his 103 games in charge at Old Trafford. His overall win percentage with the club stands at 52.43 per cent.That figure is lower than three United managers who have followed him through the door at Old Trafford.Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Erik ten Hag all boast higher win percentages.But current boss Amorim has the lowest of all five.Read More on The SunThe Portuguese manager has won just 16 of his 42 games in charge – a paltry win percentage of 38.10 per cent.That’s the worst of any permanent United manager since Frank O’Farrell in 1971. More

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      ‘I want to suffer, I want to feel bad’ – Pep Guardiola reveals he struggled to eat during Man City’s horror season

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      PEP GUARDIOLA struggled to eat during Manchester City’s miserable campaign.The Etihad boss oversaw a first trophyless season since 2017 with a third-placed Prem finish, shock FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace and play-off round Champions League exit to Real Madrid.Pep Guardiola struggled to eat last seasonCredit: AlamyHe endured only his second trophyless season as a managerCredit: AlamyIt was only the second time in Guardiola’s managerial career he failed to win any silverware — and he hopes to get his appetite back for City’s Club World Cup bid this month.The Spaniard, 54, said: “I want to suffer when I’m not winning games. I want to feel bad. I want to sleep badly.“My food, it tastes worse. I don’t need to eat much as I need to feel that [anger].”Yet Guardiola does not think he needs to prove people wrong next season.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSHe added: “It’s to prove to myself that I can do it. I don’t want to have those feelings that last season left.“When we win, the wine tastes better afterwards, you sleep better. I don’t know a manager who loses and sleeps like a baby.  You’ve got to worry. It’s part of your life.“I will not judge myself or my team because of bad seasons or good seasons…“Maybe finishing third in a season and never giving up —  otherwise you finish tenth or 12th — maybe that’s a better season than when we won the fourth Premier League in a row.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“We faced many difficulties that were higher due to injuries, relaxation. I was not good enough… for many reasons.”Guardiola quoted former Uruguayan president Jose Mujica,’I will quit’ – Pep Guardiola gives Man City ultimatum over squad issue that is ‘impossible for my soul’Guardiola is reinforcing his team for next seasonCredit: EPA“Success is how many times you stand up when you fall down” as he bids to learn from the season’s setbacks.The Etihad chief, who has won 12 domestic league titles across spells in Spain, Germany and England, added: “Fall down, stand up. Fall down, stand up.“That is the biggest success. Winners are boring. It’s nice to see the losers. That’s when you really learn.”Guardiola dismissed the idea he is an exceptional manager.Speaking to Reuters during a break in Barcelona, he said: “Do you think I feel special because I won a lot of titles? No! Forget about it.“Special is the doctor who saves lives. People who invented penicillin. That’s a genius. Me, genius? Come on.”Guardiola hopes to have an injection of new blood when City kick off their Club World Cup bid in America on June 18 against Moroccan side Wydad AC.He is set to sign AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, 26, and also wants 21-year-old Lyon winger Rayan Cherki and Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, 23.Guardiola added: “The new players will bring us energy that we need to lift the team again. We can lift trophies.”The ex-Barca and Bayern Munich manager has no plans to leave City anytime soon.Read More on The SunBut he added:  “I’d love to be in a World Cup, in a Euros, a Copa America. I have always thought about it…“Stress is always there but nobody put a gun to my head forcing me to choose this job.”Tijjani Reijnders is expected to be confirmed as a Man City playerCredit: GettyRayan Cherki is also close to moving to the Etihad StadiumCredit: AFP More

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      Crystal Palace could be THROWN OUT of Europa League with fierce rivals benefiting as owners jet to emergency summit

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      CRYSTAL PALACE will meet with Uefa in a bid to avoid missing out on European football.The Eagles must convince Uefa’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) that co-owner John Textor’s position does not breach their rules – and failure to do so could allow rivals Brighton a route into Europe.Crystal Palace could be prevented from playing in the Europa LeagueCredit: GettyPalace co-owner John Textor’s stake in Lyon has caused a problemCredit: GettyAmerican billionaire Textor is Palace’s largest shareholder and also owns French side Lyon – who have also qualified for the Europa League.Uefa rules prevent two clubs from the same ownership group from participating in the same competition and where there is a conflict the spot will go to the team who finished highest in their domestic league.Palace finished 12th but qualified for Europe due to their shock FA Cup victory over Manchester City, while Lyon finished sixth in Ligue 1.They will also not be able to drop into the Conference League due to Textor’s stake in Danish side Brondby, who qualified for that compeition by finishing third.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Eagles are confident that they have a strong case, though a result is not expected for around two weeks.While Textor owns around 43 per cent of the club via his Eagle Football Group, he has just 25 per cent of the voting share – the same as other shareholders.An individual holding the majority of the shareholders’ voting rights at both clubs is against Uefa’s rules.While Textor has operational control at Lyon, chairman Steve Parish runs Palace on a day-to-day basis.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe two do not have a good relationship and Textor has long been looking to sell his stake after complaining about a lack of control.Palace will also argue that there are no shared assets or player trading between the two clubs.Crystal Palace stars lift FA Cup trophy as they win first major honour in club’s history with win over Man CityOwners of both Manchester City and Manchester United have had to take steps, including placing shares in blind trusts, to avoid such issues in recent seasons.Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis placed his shares in the club into a blind trust when it looked like they would qualify for the Champions League alongside the Greek businessman’s other club, Olympiakos.However, it is thought to be too late for Textor to use the option of a blind trust – with rules dictating that move would have had to have been made by March this year to satisfy Uefa.Were the CFBC to find against Palace, Forest would move up into their Europa League spot from the Conference League while Brighton would find themselves in Europe. More

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      Oliver Glasner stalling on new Crystal Palace contract after transfer woes with deal up in just 12 months

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      CRYSTAL PALACE boss Oliver Glasner will hold off signing a new deal at the club until he sees how serious the board is about backing him in the transfer market.The Austrian manager has been a massive success in south London, defying the odds and delivering the club’s first major trophy in its history.Oliver Glasner has transformed Palace by winning the FA CupCredit: EPAStar player Eberechi Eze is attractiing interest from SpursCredit: GettyTrevoh Chalobah arrived at Palace on deadline day last summerCredit: PAHis FA Cup success has seen him linked to jobs elsewhere, but he has recently stated that he will remain at the club for the upcoming season.However Glasner is in no rush to commit long-term with just over a year remaining on his current deal.SunSport sources say he wants clear assurances that summer signings will be completed in good time before contract talks progress to the next stage.A Palace insider told SunSport: “He has a year left on his deal and is just waiting to see how this summer goes before signing a new one.READ MORE IN FOOTBAL“He was very critical of last summer, so the onus is on Parish to get deals done in time for pre-season.“Waiting until the last couple of days to bring in four players wasn’t ideal.”Eddie Nketiah, Maxence Lacroix, Matt Turner and Trevoh Chalobah all arrived at the club on transfer deadline day.Something Glasner himself highlighted during his press conference last season: “It’s not a public discussion- I’ve already mentioned it several times. We could have done better in the transfer window.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“With four signings on deadline day, it’s not how you wish a transfer window would work.”‘Raiders of The Selhurst Park’ – Bidding war for Guehi and Eze imminient?The Eagles are keen to build on a promising end to the campaign and Sunsport exclusively reported last month that Glasner was willing to sanction the sale of the duo to fund a rebuild.Eze has interest from Tottenham and Guehi from Newcastle.SunSport has been told Glasner wants serious reinforcements, particularly in midfield and up front, to help Palace climb the table and mount a strong Europa League campaign, following their FA Cup triumph.Talks between Glasner and the board are ongoing, but for now, all eyes are on the transfer window- before any pens come out. More

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      Chelsea Champions League winner Salomon Kalou reveals surprising new business after retirement from football

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      EX-CHELSEA forward Salomon Kalou, 39, has stunned fans by revealing his new venture – running a chocolate business.The former Ivory Coast international, best known for helping the Blues lift the Champions League in 2012, has traded boots for sweet treats.Salomon Kalou (right) spent seven seasons at ChelseaCredit: GettyHe was part of a Chelsea side that conquered Europe for the first timeCredit: AP:Associated PressThe Ivorian has always had a thing for unusual hairstylesCredit: INSTAGRAMHis brand is called Oume, named after his birthplace in the Ivory Coast with Kalou keen to emphasise the importance of his homeland in the chocolate world.He told The Telegraph in an interview: “My uncle had a cocoa farm, and I grew up around the farm.”We went to school and at the weekend we would be helping him.”Growing up, I don’t remember eating chocolate and didn’t know what it was.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS “It was expensive more of a privilege for people who can afford to buy it.”People don’t know that what they produce on their farms is used for chocolate. “But we (Ivory Coast) contribute a big percentage of the world’s production. We also have great footballers.”The surprise career move has raised a few eyebrows among fans who remember the pacy winger’s dazzling runs down the Stamford Bridge flanks – not cocoa beans and hand-tempered truffles.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKKalou, who also enjoyed spells at Lille, Hertha Berlin and Botafogo, says he hopes to one day see his chocolate in some of the UK’s most prestigious shops.From embarrassing Chelsea pal to interview with dad – Five times Cole Palmer stole show AFTER Conference League finalsHe added: “One day I’d like to see Oume in Waitrose, Selfridges, or Harrods. That would be a proud moment.”It is a tough market with the price of cocoa increasing due to extreme weather and under-investment.”The Ivorian started and won the Champions League final with Chelsea in 2012, making a total of 254 appearances for the Blues. More

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      Erik ten Hag ‘makes first transfer signing’ for Bayer Leverkusen as he raids Premier League – but it’s not from Man Utd

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      ERIK TEN HAG is on the verge of confirming his first signing at Bayer Leverkusen.The Bundesliga side have agreed a deal in principle to sign Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken.Erik ten Hag is on the verge of signing Brentford keeper Mark FlekkenLeverkusen looked poised to sign Flekken in a transfer worth around £8.4millionTen Hag replaced Xabi Alonso as Leverkusen manager this week after the Spaniard joined Real Madrid earlier this month.Ten Hag was sacked by Manchester United last November, six months after lifting a shock FA Cup trophy against Manchester City.While many expected the Dutchman to continue his trend of signing former players to his new club, Ten Hag will first welcome Flekken.The German giants, who finished second behind Bayern Munich this season, look poised to sign Flekken in a deal worth £11 million. READ MOR FOOTBALL NEWSBut Flekken’s move won’t go ahead until the West London club have secured a replacement.The Bees, who finished 10th in the Premier League this term, have just agreed a deal with Liverpool to sign Caoimhin Kelleher for £12.5million.Anfield chiefs initially valued the 26-year-old Irish stopper, who is second in the pecking order behind Alisson, at £20million.Flekken enjoyed a solid season as the Bees narrowly missed out on European football and was a dream for fantasy footie managers.Most read in FootballThe 31-year-old, who kept eight clean sheets, started his career in the academy of Dutch side Roda JC.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut he has spent the bulk of his career in Germany with Freiburg, Duisburg, Greuther Furth and Alemannia Aachen.He joined Brentford from German side Freiburg in May 2023 and succeeded Arsenal-bound David Raya as Thomas Frank’s No 1.’With you, I started to smile again’ – Tearful Antony announces Real Betis exitMeanwhile, Ten Hag is set for a huge squad reshuffle next season.The Bundesliga side are likely to have a busy summer transfer window after Jeremie Frimpong joined Liverpool and centre-back Jonathan Tah went to Bayern Munich.The Prem champions are also in talks over a £126m move for playmaker Florian Wirtz. More

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      Final Premier League table revealed with nine teams in Europe and Man Utd finishing in embarrassing position

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      THIS is how the final Premier League table looks – after a dramatic race for Champions League on the final day of the season. Liverpool already had the title wrapped up in April and finished on 84 points after drawing with FA Cup winners Crystal Palace at Anfield.The two will now rematch at Wembley in August when the Community Shield kicks off the new season. Arsenal came second for the THIRD campaign in a row having also bailed out in the semi-finals stages of the Champions League.The Gunners ended their campaign with a 2-1 win at rock-bottom Southampton. The tension came in the race for Europe’s elite next season as FIVE clubs looked to book their place in the Champions League. Most read in FootballAnd Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle all booked their place following final day chaos. City – who surrendered the title to Liverpool – had no problems seeing off Fulham 2-0 at Craven Cottage. And Chelsea held their nerve to beat Nottingham Forest away from home thanks to Levi Colwill’s winner.Aston Villa looked on course to take fifth spot despite keeper Emi Martinez getting sent off.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMorgan Rogers put the ball in the net after United stopper Altay Bayindir fumbled the ball. But VAR intervened to adjudge that the keeper was impeded and dispossessed while the ball was in his hands.And just moments after the controversial call, Amad Diallo opened the scoring for United before a Christian Eriksen penalty sealed the game.It meant Newcastle – who lost at home to Everton – snuck into the top five and secured the remaining Champions League spot.United came 15th – the club’s worst Prem finish – off the back of Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.And Spurs – who won their first trophy in 17 YEARS – ended 17th after losing 4-1 at home to Brighton to also make unwanted history. Already relegated were Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton. Palace, who held champions Liverpool 1-1, took the ninth European spot in England after winning the FA Cup.Forest and Villa settle for Europa League football too, with Spurs earning a Champions League spot after their Europa League triumph. Man City secured Champions League footballCredit: APChelsea also secured a place in Europe’s eliteCredit: GettyNewcastle got the fifth and final Champions League spot despite defeatCredit: AFPAston Villa’s 2-0 loss at Man Utd meant they blew itCredit: Getty More

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      Liverpool and Crystal Palace in never-before-seen DOUBLE guard of honour before final day clash

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      LIVERPOOL and Crystal Palace performed a never-before-seen DOUBLE guard of honour on the final day of the season. Arne Slote’s Premier League champions were honoured by Oliver Glasner’s FA Cup-winning Eagles. Liverpool and Crystal Palace performed a never-before-seen double guard of honourLiverpool returned the favour for FA Cup-winners PalaceBut Liverpool then returned the favour with a guard of honour in the wake of Palace’s cup victory against Manchester City earlier in the month. The two teams will play each other again in the season opening Community Shield in August.But for now, it was mutual respect between the two clubs as one said: “Nice gesture from both teams!”Another added: “Mutual respect strong sportsmanship shown.”READ MORE IN football One hailed: “Double guard of honour is f***ing class! Special special day.”Another said: “Love the double guard of honour!”Elsewhere, Tottenham were due to get a guard of honour after ending their 17 YEAR wait for silverware. Their 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Bilbao won them the Europa League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNorth London was gridlocked on their Friday bus parade – two days before hosting Brighton. And the Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler planned for his players to give Spurs a guard of honour at Spurs’ stadium. Inside Tottenham’s wild Europa League open-top bus parade as 200,000 fans greet heroesHe said: “Like we did against Liverpool, if great clubs achieve great things then it’s always a positive thing and also if English clubs achieve great things in the international cups.”I’m very happy for them. Of course, they deserve it, so we will do it.”But Spurs were not given the honour before the match. More

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      Marc Guehi posts emotional message to ‘show love’ to Chelsea star after historic FA Cup triumph

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      CLASSY Marc Guehi has paid a stunning tribute to Chelsea star Trevoh Chalobah after Crystal Palace’s historic FA Cup triumph.England international Guehi captained the Eagles to their first-ever major trophy by winning the FA Cup final 1-0 against Manchester City last weekend.Marc Guehi has paid a classy tribute to Trevoh ChalobahCredit: AlamyChalobah starred alongside Guehi for Crystal Palace earlier in the season while on loan from ChelseaCredit: GettyBut he was recalled by the Blues in January to cover defensive injuriesCredit: GettyChalobah will not earn a medal for Palace’s FA Cup victoryCredit: GettyEberechi Eze’s first-half strike and Guehi’s heroic defensive display were key to the victory, along with Dean Henderson VAR controversy and penalty save.Palace have also enjoyed a steady Premier League season under manager Oliver Glasner, with the club finishing no lower than 12th place when the final games of the season are played out on Sunday.Chalobah was a Palace rock from September through to mid-January after being sent on loan to the south London club by Chelsea.After appearing not to have a future under Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge, the 25-year-old played 14 times for Palace, often alongside Guehi, Maxence Lacroix and sometimes Chris Richards at the heart of defence.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was not included in the matchday squad when Palace faced Stockport in the third round at the start of their FA Cup run.Instead, Chalobah’s only FA Cup appearance this season came for Chelsea after he was recalled from his loan at Selhurst Park in the winter transfer window, owing to the Blues’ defensive injury crisis.But Guehi, 24, paid a touching tribute to his former team-mate on Instagram.He shared a photo of the pair on the pitch together, before he captioned the post: “I know he’s a Chelsea player right now, but let’s show some love to Trevoh Chalobah for also playing a big part in our success this year, thank you brother.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKChalobah responded to the post in the comments, replying: “My brother what a season and glad to have played alongside you.”The tribute earned Guehi praise for the classy gesture, including from Eddie Nketiah, who said: “My captain.” Dean Henderson leads celebrations with X-rated song as Crystal Palace stars party long into night after FA Cup finalPalace legend Clinton Morrison added: “This is why you’re my favourite footballer, always keeping it 100.”Unfortunately for Chalobah, he will not receive an FA Cup winners’ medal due to not participating for the Eagles in the competition.On the other hand, fellow Chelsea loanee Ben Chilwell WILL receive a medal after playing 11 games for Palace, including three times in the FA Cup.However, a report from the Daily Mail suggests Chalobah, who is contracted to Chelsea until 2028, could be the subject of a bid by Palace.The club are said to be considering entering talks over a permanent move after securing their spot in the Europa League next season with their FA Cup triumph.But whether Chalobah would line back up alongside Guehi remains to be seen, with the England star looking set to be sold with just one year left on his contract with the club.Guehi has courted significant transfer interest from many of England’s top clubs, including Newcastle, Liverpool and Chelsea, while European heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona are also interested – as exclusively revealed by Sun Sport last week. More