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      How Man Utd’s tearful security guard inspired FA Cup final victory over Man City after Erik ten Hag’s genius trick

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      MANCHESTER UNITED were inspired to FA Cup glory after receiving a heartfelt message from a club security guard.The Red Devils clinched a shock 2-1 win over local rivals Manchester City last week to win the FA Cup in spectacular style.Erik ten Hag inspired his team with a recorded message from a security guard before the FA Cup finalCredit: AlamyMan Utd went on to win the matchCredit: GettyHaving been deemed the underdog ahead of the Wembley clash, Erik ten Hag was desperate to fire his team up.The Dutchman set out to find unorthodox methods to inspire his team – and he sought help from a member of security.According to The Athletic, Ten Hag walked around the club’s Carrington training base with the officer in the run-up to the match, asking about her experiences and background.After being moved by her story, the United boss asked his colleague to record a video for the squad.Read More on FootballIn the clip, the staff member opened up about her experiences in the military.She revealed that one day in Afghanistan, she became trapped in a village with her platoon.Nobody thought they had a chance of escaping, but after working together some managed to fight their way out.However, a small number of her colleagues died in the attempt.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe overarching message of the story emphasised the importance of teamwork and sticking together.Many players were inspired by the video.Sir Jim Ratcliffe sets five strict rulesThe security officer in question was guarding the Royal Box at Wembley during the match and, when the United stars found out, they invited her down to the dressing room at full-time to say thank you.Goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo fired United to the FA Cup win.However, Ten Hag’s future at the club is still in doubt. More

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      Chelsea plunged into further financial woe as Man Utd’s FA Cup win costs Blues £7MILLION and dents future earnings

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S FA Cup final triumph cost Chelsea £7million – and added to the Blues’ Profitability and Sustainability issues.The Stamford Bridge side’s sixth place Prem finish would normally have been enough to earn them a Europa League spot alongside Spurs.Man Utd’s FA Cup win has put Chelsea into deeper financial woe due to being bumped into the Europa Conference LeagueCredit: RexChelsea have lost £7m as a resultCredit: PABut United’s Wembley win earned the Old Trafford club a place in Europe’s second competition – and sent Chelsea spinning into the Conference.And that will have a significant knock-on financial impact on BOTH clubs next term – with the biggest impact on the London club as they seek to balance their books after their £1bn transfer splurge over the past two years.Uefa have redrafted the cash distribution for the three competitions with the expansion to a 36-team initial league phase.The vast bulk of that cash pot – totalling £2.82bn – will go to the Champions League, with the Europa League prize fund £481m and the third competition worth just £243m.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it means a huge £36m difference in the guaranteed money Manchester City will get without kicking a ball and the MAXIMUM Chelsea can earn if they win the Conference League.No matter what happens, City will earn a minimum £53.7m from the qualification bonus and the new merged TV and coefficient pool.Liverpool will bag £52.1m, Arsenal £46.3 and Aston Villa, back in Europe’s senior competition for the first time since they were defending European Cup holders in 1982-3, £31.1m.Depending on their progress, all four Prem sides could add a maximum £68.2m in prize money.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPremier League sides deducted points and others at risk
      Nottingham Forest
      Deducted four points during the 2023-24 season for breaching Premier League spending limit by £34.563m. Failed in their appeal with decision upheld.
      Everton
      Initial 10-point deduction for 2021-22 Premier League breaches reduced to six points on appeal. Were deducted a further two points later in the 2023-24 season. Appealed, but since withdrawn following Prem survival.
      Sheffield United
      Hit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022-23 EFL season. Will begin the 2024-25 Championship season on -2 points following their relegation from the Prem.
      OTHERS WHO COULD FACE PUNISHMENT…
      Manchester City
      Etihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.
      Chelsea
      Blues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.
      Leicester
      Foxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction for the 2024-25 season following their return to the top flight.
      Everton (again)
      The Toffees are again at risk of breaking PSR rules and are in a race against time to raise funds and balance the books. Not only could that lead to another charge but also administration. That would lead to an automatic nine-point deduction for the 2024/25 season.

      United, who would not have qualified for Europe at all without their Wembley success, will bank an initial £12.8m, compared to Spurs’ £12.4m.Further prize money could add an extra £21.3m to their coffers if they win every game in the initial phase and go all the way.Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaBut that means Villa would have to lose almost EVERY match to gross less than the absolute maximum either United or Spurs could earn in the Europa League.And Chelsea, who would have started with United’s £12.8m boost if City had won the Cup Final, will start with just £5.3m guaranteed and with a MAXIMUM total prize money of £17.3m, less than a third of the amount City are certain to take.United’s win also cost Newcastle a fraction under £5m and up to £17m after the Toon were evicted from the Conference League and any European football.Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo Maresca
      ENZO MARESCA is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.
      Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.
      His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.
      He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.
      His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.
      Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.
      He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.
      He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.
      Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.
      He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”
      During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi. More

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      Man Utd fans spot moment FA Cup final was ‘won before the game even started’ as footage from Wembley emerges

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans reckon they’ve spotted the real moment they won the FA Cup final.The Red Devils denied their local rivals Manchester City of a domestic double last weekend thanks to a shock victory at Wembley.Erik ten Hag guided Manchester United to FA Cup final glory last weekendCredit: GETTYManchester United’s stars arrived suited and booted for the Cup finalCredit: GETTYCity, on the other hand, donned incredibly casual attire for the Wembley occasionCredit: GETTYErik ten Hag’s troops ran out 2-1 winners thanks to goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.No one saw a United win materialising, although some of the Old Trafford faithful reckon the writing was on the wall when the teams made their respective arrivals to Wembley.United’s stars arrived at the home of English football suited and booted and dressed as if they could be heading out for a wedding.City’s players, however, were dressed incredibly casually for the match – turning up in a T-shirt and jeans combo.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd after seeing the footage of the team’s respective arrivals, United fans reckon City were too confident going into the match.One wrote on X: “We won before the game started.. the difference in class.”Another said: “They thought it would be easy until we turned up with style.”And another said: “That city team fit is shocking.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne remarked: “Who uses T-shirts? They didn’t rate us or the competition!!”Another chimed in: “They disrespected the FA Cup.”Erik ten Hag’s record as Man Utd bossThe Red Devils’ pre-match confidence was boosted by personalised messages from their partners, which they received when they arrived at the team hotel in London on Friday.They were then, according to the Daily Mail, surprised with video messages of support from their friends and family on WhatsApp.Despite getting his troops to fire on all cylinders against City, SunSport understands Ten Hag’s FA Cup triumph WON’T save him from the axe.The Red Devils brass decided weeks ago that the final would be the Dutchman’s last game in charge.But Johnny Evans hopes the club performs a U-turn, saying: “I hope so.“He’s been amazing for me this season, bringing me back in.“I’ve only got good things to say about him and over the last month I think he’s showing incredible tactical flexibility.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen asked directly if he wants Ten Hag to stay, Evans added: “He’s been amazing for me and I can only thank him for that and I have a good relationship with him.“So I hope he stays.”Erik ten Hag’s winning of the FA Cup final won’t save him from the axeCredit: Getty More

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      Tom Heaton tells Rasmus Hojlund ‘I remember my first beer’ as Man Utd star responds to team-mates Instagram post

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      RASMUS HOJLUND was the victim of a cheeky dig from team-mate Tom Heaton following Manchester United’s FA Cup final win.Hojlund came on as a substitute at Wembley as United stunned rivals City to a 2-1 victory. Harry Maguire shared a picture with Scott McTominay and an excited Rasmus HojlundCredit: Instagram harrymaguire93And the celebrations from the red half of Manchester were jubilant with Erik ten Hag’s men enjoying a boozy party. Hojlund posed with a bottle of champagne alongside Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire. United’s third-choice keeper Heaton posted a picture in the aftermath of Ten Hag’s side celebrating with the cup at Wembley. He captioned it: “Winning.” READ MORE ON MAN UTDHojlund then replied: “Biggin.” To which Heaton jibed: “I remember my first beer.”Hojlund – signed by Ten Hag for £72million last summer – ended the season as United’s top scorer on 16 goals. But whether the man who brought him to Old Trafford will remain in charge is unclear, despite Ten Hag making it two trophies in as many seasons.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Dutchman looked to be heading on the way out before the final even kicked off. Former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna and unemployed Graham Potter have all been linked. Erik ten Hag’s record as Man Utd bossBut it now appears as though United are at least considering giving Ten Hag another chance to turn things around next season. More

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      Watch ‘wholesome’ moment Kobbie Mainoo asks Man Utd fan for THAT bucket hat he wore after FA Cup final heroics

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      KOBBIE MAINOO celebrated Manchester United’s shock FA Cup final success in a bucket hat – thanks to a little help from a Red Devils fan.United shocked footie fans around the world last Saturday by ending Manchester City’s hopes of a domestic double with a 2-1 win at Wembley.Kobbie Maino celebrated Manchester United’s FA Cup triumph in styleCredit: GETTYThe teenager midfielder asked a fan to give him their bucket hat to wearCredit: X@UNITEDEDITS_The Red Devils supporter duly obliged and tossed Mainoo the cool capCredit: X@UNITEDEDITS_Mainoo fired the Red Devils into a 2-0 lead in the 39th minute with a neat finish following a sensational no-look assist from Bruno Fernandes.The teenager was proud as punch after the final whistle and went over to celebrate with the travelling Old Trafford faithful.Mainoo then asked one of the fans if he could pinch their bucket hat, which he ended up donning for the majority of the celebrations.And the Red Devils fan had no issue giving United’s burgeoning midfield star his sunwear.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe heartwarming moment was captured on camera, prompting one United fan to say: “That bucket hat is iconic now.”Another said: “Good rapport with the fans.”And another said: “The cap fits perfectly in there.”One remarked: “He’s loved by the fans… you love to see it.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother chimed in: “That’s wholesome as well!.”Mainoo’s cup final heroics have seen him go up even higher in the estimations of excited United fans.Man Utd fans gush ‘just a top guy’ as they spot Kobbie Mainoo’s dressing room gesture to Amad DialloBut after the match, manager Erik ten Hag said: “I think we have to keep it calm.”You are very good here in England to push players and managers very high, and then you hammer them after one or two bad performances. “I think we need to keep it very calm.”He was [magnificent]. It was really so enjoyable to watch Kobbie at his age.”But he’s also an example [of problems].”We wanted to play him in the second game [of the season], but then he got a bad injury. It was a long time until he came back.” More

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      Moment Scott McTominay appears to struggle with leg injury on holiday by pool with ex-Man Utd team-mate Michael Carrick

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      SCOTT McTOMINAY is seemingly still nursing his war wound from the FA Cup final on holiday.The Scotland international played 90 minutes of Manchester United’s shock Cup triumph over rivals Manchester City last Saturday.Scott McTominay hobbled off the pitch in the closing moments of the FA Cup finalCredit: GettyThe midfielder was spotted in Ibiza just hours after Manchester United’s triumphCredit: INSTAGRAM@BENCHVIEWS.TVMcTominay appeared to be moving gingerlyCredit: INSTAGRAM@BENCHVIEWS.TVMcTominay, 27, hobbled off the pitch in added time and was replaced by Mason Mount.The midfielder is currently enjoying a well-earned holiday in Ibiza with some of his pals, including former Red Devils midfielder Michael Carrick.And worryingly for Scotland fans, he appears to still be moving gingerly.Footage of an uncomfortable-looking McTominay sitting poolside at a plush hotel on the Balearic island went viral.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn the clip, the Scot appears to show Carrick that his right leg is still bothering him.United and Scotland fans were quick to comment, with one writing on X: “They got to Spain from the UK within 24 hours.”Another said: “Wasted no time.”And another said: “Get in. He can’t be that injured.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother chimed in: “I saw that [Diogo] Dalot was at the FI in Monaco.”Just seems strange that within 24hrs of winning a cup they are all off elsewhere. Fans convinced Scott McTominay shouted X-rated blast at Liverpool fans after Man Utd’s epic FA Cup win”Hardly had time to celebrate as a team.”One furious Scotland fan said: “Get your a**e to the Scotland camp!”Scotland manager Steve Clarke will no doubt be sweating on the fitness of McTominay, who fired the Tartan Army to Euro 2024 with seven goals in ten qualification matches.It’s unclear at this moment in time if McTominay will play in the Scots’ warm-up matches against Gibraltar and Finland next Monday and Friday respectively.Scotland kick off their Euro campaign with a daunting Group A match against tournament hosts Germany. More

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      Watch scary moment Jack Grealish nearly FALLS OFF Man City title parade bus TWICE as he’s caught by team-mates

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      JACK GREALISH nearly took a tumble as he was saved from falling during Manchester City’s open-top bus parade on Sunday.The Cityzens were denied a double, double 24 hours earlier after they were beaten 2-1 by Man United in the FA Cup Final.Jack Grealish suffered two scares during Man City’s title-winning trophy paradeCredit: GettyThe star was in the party mood dancing away on the top of the bus last nightAs the bus jolted forward, he took a tumble but was saved by Jeremy DokuHe was also saved from taking a tumble a second time by team-mate RodriCredit: https://x.com/centregoalsDespite that, Pep Guardiola’s side still made history by becoming the first team to win the title four years in a row after they defeated West Ham 3-1 on the final day to pip rivals Arsenal.And City’s squad and staff were keen to celebrate their latest Premier League crown by taking the trophy on tour across the city in front of thousands of their fans.Just like the scenes we witnessed 12 months ago amid their treble-winning exploits, it was England star Grealish, 28, who was the star of the show.He famously enjoyed a three-day bender ahead of last year’s title parade before featuring in an iconic photo on top of the bus.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut this time the experience was a whole lot scarier for the fun-loving attacker as he narrowly escaped complete disaster TWICE.Numerous clips went viral on social media of Grealish dancing with his hands in the air as the players took in the adulation from supporters.However, after being a stop, the bus suddenly moved forward and nearly sent Grealish flying off it.Fortunately, winger Jeremy Doku managed to quickly catch him and guide him back safely.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut it seems that the star had not learned his lesson as another clip later surfaced of him having another narrow escape.This one was shot from a supporter on the ground and showed Grealish and Rodri standing up singing along with fans on top of the bus.Champs Manchester City refused to let the weather rain on their parade yesterday ­during an open-top bus victory tourBoth men were taken by surprise when the bus jolted forwards again but this time the fast-reacting Spaniard Rodri managed to stop Grealish from falling by sticking an arm across his team-mate.Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne were both also spotted enjoying themselves during yesterday’s parade.While Footballer of the Year Phil Foden hailed another “special season” at the Etihad.He said: “It’s been a special season. Nobody has done it before, it’s an unbelievable season.“It’s the hunger inside me. We’ve got great players, we want to win more next season.”Meanwhile, Grealish was named in Gareth Southgate’s preliminary Euro 2024 squad despite barely featuring in City’s run-in.The £100m man featured for just 10 minutes of City’s five games in May and was an unused sub during the FA Cup Final.However, his boss has backed him to bounce back after he produced just three goals and the same amount of assists.Guardiola said: “He will be back.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He’s struggled this season and Jeremy has made an incredible step forward as everyone has seen in the last games.“But Jack will be back at the level of last season, I’m pretty sure.”Man City’s five key moments this seasonA look at the five key moments in Man City’s title winning campaign…

      Luton 1 – 2 Man City: City bounce back from a run of four games without a win to kick-start their unbeaten run.
      Newcastle 2 – 3 Man City: Kevin De Bruyne returns from injury to come off the bench and inspire a late turnaround against the Magpies.
      Man City 3 – 1 Man Utd: Phil Foden puts on a masterclass as City lay down a marker on their title ambitions and breeze past their local rivals in the process.
      Man City 0 – 0 Arsenal: A goalless draw that, although disappointing, meant City were still keeping pace with the teams around them and could maintain their spot in the title race. A loss could have put Arsenal out of sight of the Cityzens.
      Man City 4 – 1 Aston Villa: Following consecutive draws against title rivals Arsenal and Liverpool, City bounce back with a thumping of Unai Emery’s high-flying Villa to keep the pressure on the Gunners. More

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      Fury as footie fan spotted wearing Man Utd shirt with ‘Hamas 7’ printed on back

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      A FOOTIE fan wearing a Manchester United shirt with Hamas 7 on the back has sparked fury.A Jewish man saw the top worn in London’s Oxford Circus on Friday — a day before the team won the FA Cup final.A football fan wearing a Manchester United shirt with Hamas 7 on the back has sparked furyCredit: SWNSA witness fears the number might reference terror attacks against Israel on October 7Credit: SWNSThe witness, who wants to remain anonymous, fears the number might reference terror attacks against Israel on October 7 which killed 1,139.He said: “It was un­believable. I followed the man for two minutes and took photos.“I think he was aware but didn’t seem to care.”He doubted Hamas was the fan’s name.READ MORE ON MAN UNITEDIt is illegal to show support for the banned group.Cops are trying to identify the shirt wearer.Man Utd does not allow political slogans on its shirts.Hamas is a prescribed terrorist organisation in the UK, and was responsible for killing 1,139 people and taking 250 Israeli hostages on October 7, 2023.Most read in FootballMembership and expressing support for Hamas is an illegal act in the UK and punishable by up to 14 years in prison.A spokesperson for the Met Police said: “On Friday, 24 May police received a call from a member of the public reporting that a man was walking in Oxford Street, W1 wearing a football shirt with an offensive message on it.’Palestine will never die’ Anti-Israel demos rock cities across US with 100 protesters arrested”Enquiries are under way to try and identify the man.”Cops are trying to identify the shirt wearer, snapped at London’s Oxford CircusCredit: SWNS More