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    How Bruno Fernandes’ ‘Steven Gerrard syndrome’ is spoiling Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd system

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    MANCHESTER UNITED are looking to find a silver lining in their woeful season by winning the FA Cup but will need to beat Fulham in the fifth round on Sunday to move a step closer to that goal.The Red Devils beat Ipswich 3-2 earlier this week despite being down to ten men, but are still flattering to deceive in many ways.On today’s Tactics Exposed we break down why Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 is not workingCredit: GettyBruno Fernandes’ ‘Steven Gerrard syndrome’ is both a blessing and a curse for UnitedCredit: ReutersRasmus Hojlund will need a big turnaround to prove he is the solution at Man UtdCredit: EPAA young, talented Portuguese manager could prove a huge thorn in the side of Man Utd when Marco Silva’s Fulham visit Old Trafford.The Cottagers have gone under the radar for how good a season they are having, sitting in the top half of the table.Meanwhile, Man Utd’s various shortcomings have been well-documented with Ruben Amorim’s system still failing to get the best out of this squad.So how might the ex-Sporting boss look to tackle the next match against Fulham? Our latest episode of Tactics Exposed, in association with Betfair, will hopefully have the answers to all your questions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhy is 3-4-3 not working?Amorim’s 3-4-3 system worked wonders at Sporting Lisbon, winning two Portuguese titles and many other accolades. So why is it yet to translate over to England?We took a range of questions from fans about Man Utd’s tactics ahead of their clash with FulhamThe simple answer to start with is that many of these players have never played the system before.Manuel Ugarte, Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt to a lesser extent are the only players familiar with the system, and the lack of specialists in various positions including central midfield and wing-backs are a huge issue.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSo why does Amorim insist on playing 3-4-3? Well the idea is quite simple: Because the wing-backs provide overloads in all positions on the pitch.When defending, you have a back five, when in possession, you have a four-man midfield instead of two, and when attacking, you have a front five.Roy Keane slams Man Utd in angriest ever rant and has bust-up with Wright over BrunoBefore signing Patrick Dorgu, United lacked a specialist wing-back. Amad Diallo was tried out there before he was moved into the front three, Alejandro Garnacho did not work there, while Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are not quick enough to excel.At Sporting the system worked so well because there was a lot of trust given to players.We should note this was often against sides who many would consider inferior opposition, which is not a luxury as readily extended into the Premier League.Ultimately, as Amorim has warned, it will take time.Players have been left isolated by moving out of their positionsAnother reason this system is failing is that players are moving out of position, leaving them overloaded instead of the opposition.For example, if a long ball is played into the right channel for Rasmus Hojlund to run on to – which prompts a wing-back, one of the tens and a midfielder to step up – when possession is conceded back to the opposition they end up being overloaded and exposed on the other side of the pitch.This happened five or six times against Ipswich, where Ugarte moved out to right wing-back to get the ball, but the wing-back was out wide, so he did not get the ball.Fulham will doubtless look to block the passing lane off which will then leave them outnumbered in trying to find passing solutions.This all comes from the simple fact United players are not being utilised properly when building up.Is Bruno Fernandes overrated?We looked at whether Fernandes is doing too much at Man UtdOur latest episode of Tactics Exposed, in association with Betfair, has given us the chance to directly answer some of your questions.And one of the most heavily debated stars in the Premier League is Bruno Fernandes, as seen with Roy Keane’s explosive argument with Ian Wright earlier this week. The raw numbers tell a story of Fernandes being the star man of Man Utd’s team, with six goals and seven assists in the Premier League and 23 goal contributions across 39 games in all competitions this season.However, as is always the case in football, you have to look a bit deeper to find the real answer, which can often have more than one truth.In one sense, the stats are completely right and you can’t fault his effort.But in his duty as club captain, Fernandes is actually taking on too much responsibility and is therefore disrupting Amorim’s system which is actually quite rigid with defined roles for a number of players.Fernandes has recently been the left-sided midfielder in the central pivot after moving back from one of the two attacking midfield roles. But that has created its own new problem.In the system, the central centre-back, two central midfielders and striker should generally remain in a set position.But Fernandes is suffering from something I will dub “Steven Gerrard syndrome”, where he is trying to do everything and putting the team off balance.While it means he gets on the ball a lot and has a heat map across the entire pitch, Fernandes’ effort ends up creating an overload which favours the opposition.Against Ipswich he would often move into the back three, therefore creating a four, which paired with Ugarte drifting out wide it ends up allowing the opposition to have many extra numbers in attacking areas.So how do you fix this issue? As we mentioned earlier, it comes down to trust.Most teams defend in a 4-4-2 shape, and if Fernandes remains disciplined by staying in his area, it can open passing lanes and create the overloads the Amorim system is designed to create.Of course there is the argument Fernandes is only doing too much because those around him are not pulling their weight. Again, this may be true, with many United players seemingly playing in a cowardly manner and lacking courage.Fernandes needs to learn to trust his team-mates more by handing them more responsibility, but at the same time they need to step up their game to get near the 30-year-old’s level.Rasmus Hojlund is not the answer, is he? More

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      Politicians are bad at running trains, building cars & installing phones – why would they be better at running football?

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      THERE are plenty of things wrong with this country. Our schools, trains and courts are underperforming.The Football Governance Bill is a prime example of unnecessary regulation by politicians seeking to showcase their man-of-the-people credentialsCredit: GettyNo foreign equivalent comes close to the popularity of the Premier League, which is watched by an incredible two billion people all over the worldCredit: GettyWhy tinker with what is working well? Why regulate something that, without ­regulation, has become England’s most popular export?Many civil servants have not bothered to return to the office. Our healthcare system is pitied around Europe.But our football leagues are world-beating.No foreign equivalent comes close to the popularity of the Premier League, which is watched by an incredible two billion people all over the world.Indeed, not only is the ­Premier League the most ­popular in the world; the lower tier English Football League is sixth.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWhy tinker with what is working well? Why regulate something that, without ­regulation, has become England’s most popular export?The Football Governance Bill, currently in its final stage in Parliament, is a textbook example of needless and ­meddlesome regulation by politicians wanting to flaunt their man-of-the-people credentials.Price of failure It is a non-solution to a non-problem which is bound to have unintended consequences. MPs are using a sledgehammer to miss a nut.Most read in FootballThe new law will create a new ­regulator with 250 staff. (So much for Keir Starmer’s claim that we should focus on growth.)Those staff will be able to tell clubs where they play, in what strip and on what terms.Unify League explained after European Super League launches again in new format They will even be able to commandeer some of their assets to give to other clubs.This is more shocking than people realise.It won’t be long before the state is telling clubs what they must do in terms of gender quotas, Net Zero, ticket prices — you name it. It is one thing for successful clubs to make voluntary ­“parachute payments” to those facing relegation. It is quite another for the Government to help itself to their cash.Regulators never offer to reduce their role. They always want more power. It won’t be long before the state is telling clubs what they must do in terms of gender quotas, Net Zero, ticket prices — you name it.To what problem is this measure a ­solution? Are our clubs facing ruin? Far from it.The taxes they generate are bigger than the employer National ­Insurance rise, the extension of VAT, the farm estate tax and the scrapping of Winter Fuel ­Payments combined.English clubs are successful precisely because the price of failure is high.Two events are cited by ­supporters of the law. One did not happen at all and the other was much less of a problem than is claimed.The one that did not happen was the proposal for a European Super League in 2021, a breakaway group of 20 top clubs, six of them English.Among other things, it is now proposed that clubs should monitor the diversity of their season ticket holders. There was a backlash, and the idea was dropped within weeks.But not before MPs had jumped on the Something Must Be Done bandwagon.The one that did happen was the bankruptcy of Bury FC, which was ­traumatic for many in the town.But Bury is still playing at the same ground and in the same colours — albeit as a new legal entity that must work its way back up from the lower leagues. All that happened without any regulator. Indeed, of all the teams that were in the ­Football League in the Sixties, not one has disappeared.Is one case really enough to justify handing control to the government? Apparently so.The financial collapse of Rangers in 2012 might seem a bigger deal but ­Scotland is outside the scope of this Bill and, in any case, the Gers have also climbed back.The legislation started life under the Conservatives, and has been beefed up by Labour since the election.Create problemsAmong other things, it is now proposed that clubs should monitor the diversity of their season ticket holders.Of course it is. This is how all ­regulators operate.They start with a limited role — in this case, stopping the financial collapse of a club — and end up extending their powers across the board.Let me make a prediction. This regulation will fail in its own terms, creating more problems than it solves.If MPs think that fans are angry now about the occasional rogue proprietor, just wait until they see the relative decline of English football and turn their anger, not against the occasional absentee owner, but against the ­politicians who foisted the ­system on them.The worst sequence in politics goes like this: “Something must be done. This is something. Let’s do this.”READ MORE SUN STORIESPoliticians were bad at ­operating trains, building cars and installing telephones. What makes them think they’ll be any better at running football?Bury FC’s bankruptcy was traumatic for the town, but the club was ultimately saved by fans – not meddling politiciansCredit: AlamyAmong other things, it is now proposed that clubs should monitor the diversity of their season ticket holders.Credit: AFP or licensors More

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      Inside Mason Greenwood’s sheltered family life abroad as ex Man United ace ‘ditches parties & gives up on England dream’

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      HE has wiped the slate clean after leaving Manchester for a new life abroad.And it appears that Mason Greenwood is enjoying his fresh start in France, where he is said to have put his party lifestyle behind him and become a “homebody”.Mason Greenwood and partner Harriet have just welcomed a second daughterCredit: FacebookGreenwood looks over the moon as baby Summer clings to himCredit: Instagram/hasrobsonMarseille bosses are protective over new signing GreenwoodCredit: AFPThe striker – who was accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive control in January 2022 – was sold last summer to Marseille in a deal that netted boyhood team Manchester United £23.3 million.And this week, it was revealed that the 23-year-old and partner Harriet Robson have just welcomed their second daughter in the French city.The couple have carved out a new life 700 miles away from Old Trafford, after Greenwood was moved on by United following pressure from domestic abuse campaigners when the abuse charges were dropped in February 2023.A source told The Sun Greenwood was never likely to return to a British club after the furore.read more Manchester UnitedThey said: “Mason should be Manchester United’s star striker but the reality is he seemingly has no way back.  “He got one cap for England and it’s unlikely he will ever add to that. “The scrutiny he faces in England would be a million times more than he’s had in France. For instance, he was once walking into a petrol station and someone called him a rapist and videoed it.“That doesn’t happen in Marseille where he’s most likely to be stopped and told what a great player he is.Most read in Football“He’s not being asked questions by the press and can focus on his football.”Bradford-born Greenwood was on loan to Spanish side Getafe for a season before his move to Marseille.Man Utd braced for Mason Greenwood lawsuit after Mendy successfully sued City over £11m unpaid wagesInstagram images show him and Harriet enjoying the simple life at home with their eldest daughter Summer and Greenwood looks every inch the doting dad, talking softly to her as a newborn, bottle-feeding and taking her for walks in a buggy.Before leaving Spain, the couple enjoyed a sunshine-soaked Mediterranean holiday and pictures show them relaxing on a private yacht, Greenwood’s arm draped around Harriet, who he has dated since the age of 16.Just before the move to France, he also enjoyed what looked like a solo trip to Tokyo where the £70,000-a-week player went on a shopping spree, buying Harriet an Yves Saint Laurent handbag and a pair of designer toddler shoes for Summer. Our source said Mason has been enjoying football abroad because it gave his family more anonymity, but he is still said to be slightly nervous about going out and about alone.They said: “When he went to Spain he wasn’t playing for a massive club like Real Madrid and what Mason loved was being able to do normal family things, like going out for meals or shopping with Harriet and not be recognised.“He is a lot happier now. His career is not going to be what he expected it to be, which is hard for a player like Mason, who knows how talented he is. Greenwood is a star at MarseilleCredit: AFPHe last year called Harriet the best mum in an Instagram postCredit: InstagramMason at the birth of his first daughterCredit: Instagram/hasrobson“He’s now having to assess what’s more important; does he play for the best team he can or does he just need to play and have a more stable, structured home life?“In France, he’s got good influences around him.”Manchester is a small city and you might wonder about whether the people who surrounded him there had his best interests at heart.“In Marseille he will be going out with teammates and not really hanging about with anyone else.”They are older, more mature, more sophisticated and appear more protective of him.”If they go out for a team meal, Mason isn’t likely to end up partying.”The couple announced Summer’s birth with a sweet imageCredit: Instagram/masongreenwoodSources say Greenwood is enjoying an element of anonymityCredit: Instagram/hasrobsonBaby Summer watches dad playCredit: Instagram/hasrobsonGreenwood had the world at his feet when he enjoyed his breakout season for United in 2019.He was flying high when, in January 2022, he was arrested for attempted rate, assault and coercive control. He was quickly dropped by sponsor Nike.Police charges against him were dropped a year later after a “key witness withdrew their involvement”, according to the Crown Prosecution Service.United flirted with the idea of bringing Greenwood back but, after pressure from domestic abuse campaigners, he was put out on loan.He’s happier and team mates are protectiveClub sourceIt wasn’t the first time Greenwood had been in hot water with the club.In September 2020 he and midfielder Phil Foden were sent home from England’s hotel in Iceland for breaking Covid-19 guidelines.The scandal saw the pair sneak two Icelandic girls into the England team hotel, which resulted in pictures of the Three Lions stars being leaked on social media.Greenwood was then accused of flouting restrictions again by throwing rowdy parties at a 13-bed Airbnb in Manchester.Since arriving in Marseille, he and model Harriet, who has worked with brands like Fashion Nova and Pretty Little Thing, are said to be enjoying the “simple life”.An insider this week said: “They are both delighted with the safe arrival of their second child. Mason is performing well on the pitch and then he comes home to Harriet and his children.Scandal-hit timelineHere’s how the Man United striker’s career unfolded Oct 2018: Signs his first professional contract with Man United.Sept 2020: Makes his senior international debut for England in Iceland but is sent home for breaking covid rules.Jan 2022: Arrested by Manchester cops after a woman accused him of a number of assaults via social media. She posts video and pictures on Instagram. He is suspended and dropped by Nike.Feb 2022: All charges against Greenwood are dropped after the Crown Prosecution Service says key witnesses withdrew their involvement and new material came to light.August 2023: He is loaned to Spanish club Getafe for the 2023-24 La Liga season.July 2024: Leaves Man United in a five-year deal with Marseille.“Life is simpler and they have less distractions, which is suiting the both of them.”Bosses at his new club have made it clear they support their new signing while dressing room sources say he is a “very polite and kind young man”.They added: “If he ever goes out, he is never alone. He is always a little worried and vigilant.”His move to Marseille caused controversy as some fans protested the move and city mayor Benoit Payan claimed he would bring “shame” to the club.Greenwood has previously said that he understood “people will think the worst” of him but his new team’s president Pablo Longoria says fans are being won over by his footballing.He told Spanish outlet Relevo: “His behaviour has been excellent since arriving… we are very proud to have Mason among us.”New manager Roberto De Zerbi said: “He’s a champion, an international level player.“I don’t know what happened (in the UK), I’m not concentrating on private lives.READ MORE SUN STORIES“When a player sings for the club I consider him my child.“Even if I can pull his ear in private, I will defend him publicly. My players are like my sons.” More

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      I jumped in front of a lorry after blowing my life savings at casino – now it’s a joy to be alive, says Clarke Carlisle

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      AFTER being released from his club ten years ago, former footballer Clarke Carlisle lost a £100,000-a-year TV job and blew much of his life savings in one trip to a casino.The same night as that loss, the ex-Premier League star, who was battling depression, went missing before jumping in front of a truck in an attempt to end his life.Ex-Premier League star Clarke Carlisle and wife CarrieCredit: Richard WalkerClarke went missing in 2015 before jumping in front of a truck in an attempt to end his lifeCredit: *Clarke in action for football club BurnleyCredit: PA:Empics SportBut today, the 45-year-old speaks of the joy of being alive — and explains that instead of turning to gambling in his dark days, he now seeks solace . . . by hiding behind the fridge.Clarke and his wife Carrie work to help others facing suicidal thoughts, holding online talks and courses for people dealing with mental health issues.The defender, whose clubs included Blackpool, Burnley and QPR, said: “I have been to the edge of existence.”Now I can proudly say I’ve not had an episode of depression for years. I’ve not needed meds for three years. I am the most well I’ve ever been.”Read more on Clarke CarlisleCarrie added of one of his new coping mechanisms: “He literally goes and hides behind the fridge. He goes there and takes a little moment.“I won’t even know he’s there, and I’ll open the fridge and the fridge light will go on and I’ll see the ears from his Batman onesie.”Clarke, who has two children with Carrie and three from previous relationships, added: “I know when I start coming down and I need to withdraw. I would stand in the dark, on my own and in my own thoughts.“So I would stand there when I needed to with-draw. The key part of it, it is also where the radiator is. When I do experience depression, I physically get cold. It’s about finding the way for you to deal with things.”Most read in FootballClarke, who was chairman of the Professional Footballers’ Association and has also appeared as a contestant on TV game show Countdown, said: “I was a perfectionist as a footballer, critical of things that I would do.“I was in an environment where it is about wins and losses. I tried to replicate that in normal life and in my relationships. My self-worth was governed by results and performances on this pitch.Clarke Carlisle joined Jim White on talkSPORT to discuss mental health and his own battles“So if we won, I felt great. I was a good human and then that would give me positivity going into all my wider interactions, because in my head, that makes me a good dad, a good husband, a good son.“If we lost, that meant I was a terrible human because other people were sad and I’d let them down, which made me a bad dad, a bad husband, a bad brother.“Now I prioritise the things that matter. I meditate a lot, I pray, I prioritise family. I make sure I put the kids to bed at least once a week.“I make sure that they can come into my bedroom and jump on me in the morning. And Carrie and I make sure we have monthly date nights.”With the annual mental health awareness Time To Talk Day next Thursday, Clarke said he still finds exercise triggers pressures he felt in his playing days and gets PTSD around the anniversary of his suicide bid.He is now calling for an independent body to oversee the mental health of all footballers in the UK.‘Terrible human’Ex-TV presenter Carrie, a former alcoholic, said starting the process of writing a series of self-help material, such as Shut Up, Alcohol, played a part in helping Clarke get better.Clarke was released by Burnley in 2012 and in 2014 lost his £100,000-a- year ITV Champions League pundit role before that fateful trip to the casino. He then went missing before throwing himself in front of a lorry on the A64 Leeds to York dual carriageway.Clarke was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary. He suffered cuts, bruises, internal bleeding, a broken rib and a shattered left knee.On Christmas Day 2014, he was admitted as an in-patient to a psychiatric unit in Harrogate and placed on suicide watch.He remained there until he was discharged in February 2015, when, shortly after, he did an interview with The Sun.Ten years on, Clarke said: “After that, I knew I was very unwell. In the lead-up to that, I was being very negative, hypercritical, insular.“I’d never done anything about my depression, and I was clinically depressed.Clarke and Carrie getting married in 2016Credit: SuppliedClarke revealing superman-style vest in game for QPR in 2002Credit: Getty”I didn’t take medication for a myriad of reasons but predominantly because I thought, ‘I’m a man and a Premier League footballer’. I didn’t understand that my thoughts were different or dangerous.“A lot of it was tied into self-worth. I do have an analytical mind. I was using alcohol so that my brain stopped thinking. I was using gambling so that my brain was thinking about something else.“I’m really blessed I never got into drugs. If I had I would be dead now.“Football was pretty much the only thing I thought gave me value. So when I left, I was totally bereft of anything that anyone else valued about me.“I brought my football home, the perfectionism, the autistic portion, compulsive aspect, the need for everything to happen at this time, at this pace, immediate success or failure. There’s no middle ground.I knew then he was an amazing, handsome man. And I know that even more to this dayCarrie“And it’s a dynamic that is ingrained within you, and everything falls into these two categories.”For the first year of my therapy, I had to discover this middle ground of things just being OK, being good enough.“Because in football that had never been good enough, because it’s not the best, it’s not perfect. This transferred into relationships. It was so, so destructive. It was dangerous.”In 2016, Clarke met Carrie, who worked as an ambassador at football anti-racism charity Kick It Out.She said: “It was a whirlwind romance. We gave each other our business cards and I don’t think we ever thought we’d see each other again.‘Dead by tomorrow’”But he emailed and we went for dinner. Within five minutes of sitting down for dinner, he was like, ‘We are gonna get married, have babies’. On the second date he brought his psychiatric papers.“We moved in together three weeks later. Then we got engaged a few months later. And then nine weeks after, we got married.“I knew then he was an amazing, handsome man. And I know that even more to this day. I’m obsessed with him.”The pair worked with each other to support their needs, Carrie with her anxiety and Clarke with his depression.But in 2017, Clarke went missing again and was eventually found in Liverpool before being taken to a psychiatric facility in Blackburn.Carrie said: “When Clarke was found, I wanted to bring him home. I was six months pregnant and I was like, ‘Let’s just go back to this place’, because up to 24 hours ago, I didn’t know anything was wrong.“Luckily, someone took me aside and said, ‘OK, Mrs Carlisle, if you take him home, he’ll be dead by tomorrow’. And that was a slap in the face that I needed.”Clarke then began counselling. He said: “I started to dig deeper and realised I needed to be well.Clarke on TV’s Countdown in 2010Credit: Channel 4“I needed to be alive. I wanted to be here.”Carrie asked him to read through some thoughts she had around her Shut Up, Alcohol method, which she developed in 2006.Clarke said: “The incredible thing about my awesome wife is that she’s been able to put that into a clear and really quite simple process of self-progression and self-accountability, and it brings the power back when you’re talking about your mental health.”You’re not waiting on the NHS to come and fix you.“She asked me to read something she was writing about other issues and it helped me with my attitude to gambling.”Using her Shut Up method, Carrie has written more than 20 books, as well as devising courses to accompany each one.The pair offer online talks and courses for issues such as alcohol, gambling and suicidal thoughts.Carrie said: “Most people don’t want to die.“They just can’t live like this any more. We aim to guide them on their own journey out of it.“We both see it as a great opportunity to pay our own lived experiences forward.”I do miss certain moments of footballClarke CarlisleClarke, who now has a degree in psychology, says he is in the best shape mentally he has been for years. He is “finally able” to enjoy watching football again.But he said: “I can’t go and do a simple run without thinking, ‘Oh, you’re only cheating yourself. You can go faster than this’, or ‘You should have been in the Olympics next year’.”“But I do miss certain moments of football — the first day of the season, a magnificent end of the season, a successful season.”Last week, ex-Premier League referee David Coote said he would be prioritising his mental health after a series of scandals led to him being stripped of his job.And Clarke now wants an independent advisory board for players and referees to help them deal with mental health.He said: “It would great to see a new independent body. They need to stop acting in silos, whether it’s the individual organisations — EFL, Premier League, the WSL, the Championship, the PFA, the FA.“They’re all individual things and giving cursory nods to each other’s activities.“But there is no continuation of care. We need an external third party, an advisory board.“But everyone, even if you are not in football, should be aware that there is help out there.“I have a professional coach. I have the people who I trust. I prioritise the things that make me feel good and keep me well, irrespective of what’s going on.“I am proof that you find a path. You just need to talk to the right people.”READ MORE SUN STORIES Find out more about Clarke and Carrie’s work at clarkeandcarrie.com.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Help for mental healthIf you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.The following are free to contact and confidential:Mind, www.mind.org, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email info@mind.org.uk or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales. More

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      Inside Marcus Rashford’s demise from one of football’s biggest stars to a £60m problem for Man Utd

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      EIGHTEEN months ago, having signed a contract worth £84.5million, it seemed Marcus Rashford could do no wrong.Now, with the transfer window closing on Monday night, the Manchester United striker faces being left out in the cold for the rest of the season — with only the size of his bank balance for comfort.Marcus Rashford faces being left out in the cold for the rest of the seasonCredit: BackGridVideo grabs show Rashford in Belfast heading into a nightclubRashford’s car crash after the Burnley game in 2023It’s a dramatic change of fortune for the former academy prodigy, who scored 30 goals in 56 games before signing a five-year deal in 2023.The life-changing contract guaranteed Rashford £325,000 a week if he stayed at Old Trafford until 2028 — and millions more in bonuses if he helped Manchester United back to its glory days by winning trophies.With 178 weeks left on his contract, he is guaranteed to earn £57.85million — unless he leaves the club.Off the pitch, his campaigning on child food poverty earned Marcus widespread plaudits and an MBE.Read More on SportThe footballer also became a bestselling children’s author too, with his Breakfast Club novels drawing on his own upbringing in Wythenshawe, Manchester.Not bad for a kid from a tough part of town who made his Old Trafford debut in 2016 aged just 18.But now Rashford, 27, has become a £60million problem for United.The Sun understands the multi-millionaire player may have met his match in the club’s billionaire minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who he feels wants him out as part of his cost-cutting regime.Most read in Football‘He feels picked on’And the speed of the star striker’s fall to persona non grata has left him “bewildered and devastated”, a source said.They added: “Marcus thinks Sir Jim wants him out of the club and has basically told head coach Ruben Amorim to get him out.’It must be embarrassing,’ says Wayne Rooney as he opens up on seeing Marcus Rashford on visit to Carrington“He might just have met his match with Sir Jim.”The England international has been bombed out of the team for the past 12 games under Amorim and is likely to miss a 13th on Sunday when United play Crystal Palace.The first signs of Rashford’s demise from one of football’s biggest stars to the founding member of United’s “Bomb squad” can be traced back well before Amorim’s recent arrival.Respected United We Stand fanzine editor Andy Mitten recently told TalkSport: “Every previous manager has had issues with Rashford. They’ve told me in confidence going back years and years and years.”Under Erik ten Hag, he was twice admonished by the Dutchman for nights out.He described Rashford enjoying himself at Manchester’s Chinawhite following a 3-0 defeat by Man City in October 2023 as “unacceptable”.Three months later, Rashford was fined two weeks’ wages after calling in sick for training after a tequila-fuelled two-night bender in Belfast.His career on the pitch has never recovered, while off it further problems have mounted up.In July he was given a six-month driving ban after being caught doing 104 mph on the M60 in December 2023.District judge Lucy Hogarth handed him six penalty points which saw him banned, as he had already been hit with six points in February 2023 after exceeding the 20mph limit in Manchester city centre.And in September 2023 his Rolls Royce was written off after he collided with a grandmother while driving home late at night.Work on a luxury mansion on a former golf course has also placed a strain on Rashford’s finances and appears to have ground to a halt, with the property lying empty.New Utd manager Ruben Amorim gives instructions to RashfordCredit: APRashford and his mum MelanieCredit: APPrince William awarded Rashford an MBE in 2021 for his work on child food povertyCredit: PAFamily relations have also been put under strain when his agent brother Dane was arrested — and later cleared — on suspicion of domestic assault while on holiday in Miami in November 2023.Marcus and his other brother and fellow agent Dwayne attempted to distance themselves from Dane before he was brought back into the fold ahead of a potential transfer.Rashford — awarded an MBE in 2021 for his work on child food poverty — has always maintained football always comes first.But his off-pitch distractions have coincided with an extended loss of form which has seen some fans turn on the star, posting videos on social media of him highlighting what they say is a lack of commitment. Portuguese manager Amorim this week warned: “Rashford has to change. We have to set some standards.“We are waiting for Marcus if he wants it really bad.”Rashford has to change. We have to set some standards. We are waiting for Marcus if he wants it really badRuben AmorimDays earlier, Amorim said he would rather pick his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach than a player “who doesn’t give the maximum every day”.The insider added: “Marcus feels like he is being picked on.“In the early days of training under Amorim, he was trying to learn new systems and other players were also struggling — but he was the one who was getting more vocal criticism.“He knows he needs to leave but he’s shocked that no big team has pulled out all the stops to get him. There’s been interest but financially it’s a complicated deal and that’s put quite a few teams off.“Marcus has been left bewildered by how quickly his relationship with Amorim has disintegrated.”Just 13 days after Amorim started at United in November, Rashford scored against Ipswich within two minutes of kick-off.Rashford teamed up with fashion house Burberry to get kids readingCredit: The Mega AgencyA source said: ‘Marcus thinks Sir Jim wants him out of the club and has basically told manager Ruben Amorim to get him out’Credit: PAHe got two more goals against Everton on December 1 and praised the new manager’s “exciting” ideas.The Sun can reveal problems between Amorim and Rashford came to a head when the manager accused him of going out two nights before the Everton game.During a tense conversation, Amorim accused Rashford of behaving unprofessionally. The source said: “Marcus got called in by the manager who said he believed he had breached discipline by going out.“Marcus denied it and was adamant he had done nothing wrong. He asked the manager to show him the proof he’d been out and said something along the lines of, ‘Are you calling me a liar?’“Their relationship has never recovered, and it’s hard to see how it ever will now.”The pair endured an uneasy truce before Amorim dropped Rashford — and winger Alejandro Garnacho — from the squad for the derby game against City on December 15, which United won 2-1.Their relationship has never recovered, and it’s hard to see how it ever will nowSun sourceAfterwards Amorim explained his decision, saying: “The performance in training, the way you eat, the way you push your team-mates — everything is important at the beginning of something.”Two days later, Rashford hit back with an unscheduled interview which caught the club by surprise.Visiting his former primary school to hand out Christmas presents, he told journalist Henry Winter: “I think I’m ready for a new challenge.“When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United.“If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse.“I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person. When I leave I’ll make a statement and it will be from me. I don’t have any regrets from the last nine years.”This week Winter said: “Rashford is on a lot of money. For Amorim to invest in the squad and for the type of players he wants, they need to move some players out.”Rashford, who has few close friends in the dressing room, has been advised by United legend Wayne Rooney to find a new club.Rashford is on a lot of money. For Amorim to invest in the squad and for the type of players he wants, they need to move some players outHenry WinterWayne said on the Stick To Football podcast: “I’ve spoken to Marcus a couple of times.“For him to have a fresh start, he needs to leave the club. The fact that your manager is coming out and saying that you’re not training right is crazy.”The comments came after Rashford’s brothers Dwayne and Dane spent the last few weeks courting top European clubs including AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona in an attempt to strike a move away from Old Trafford.A £35million-a-year contract from an unnamed Saudi club has also been mooted but was turned down as Rashford still hopes to add to his 60 England international caps.Now the rumour mill is tipping him for a move to Aston Villa.‘I’ve made sacrifices’Understanding Rashford’s current mindset is difficult, with the player keeping his cards close to his chest and only trusting a small circle of mostly family members who help with his career.But in February 2024, the player gave a rare insight by penning an article for the Player’s Tribune.He said: “I’m a human being. I’ve made mistakes that a lot of lads in their 20s make, and I’ve tried to learn from them. But I’ve also made sacrifices that nobody sees.“Money is not what keeps you playing through the hard times. It’s the love of the game, plain and simple.“If you back me, good. If you doubt me, even better.”Rashford, who has won the FA Cup twice with United, is regarded by some at the club as a player who struggles to build relationships and lacks leadership skills.The disconnect was highlighted recently when pictures were released of Rashford greeting teammates in the dressing room ahead of United’s clash against Newcastle United on December 30 — while still wearing his headphones.Sir Jim and Rashford can only hope that over the next 48 hours, they can reach a mutually satisfactory conclusion, because rekindling the once-warm relationship between club and player seems unlikely.Our source said: “Marcus is determined that he’s not going to do what the club want to do unless it is the right thing for him.READ MORE SUN STORIES“There is no happiness any more. Marcus is a £60million problem for United. But the onus is on the club to solve it.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Rashford became a bestselling children’s author too, with his Breakfast Club novels drawing on his own upbringing in Wythenshawe, ManchesterCredit: Amazon More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Kyle Walker & Annie Kilner’s move to Milan to put sex scandals behind him – but will he escape Lauryn Goodman?

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      TOUCHING down in Italy to embark on a new chapter of his career, Kyle Walker now wants to say “arrivederci” to his scandals back home.The England defender, 34, sealed his loan move to Serie A giants AC Milan on Thursday after eight highly successful but incident-packed years with Manchester City.Kyle Walker sealed his loan move to Serie A giants AC Milan in ItalyCredit: AlamyLong-suffering wife Annie Kilner will keep close eye on Kyle as he enjoys life in the new cityCredit: BackGridKyle, Annie and their kids in Christmas PJs on InstagramCredit: InstagramReality star Lauryn Goodman continues to make their lives a misery and told pals she wants to follow the footballer wherever he goesCredit: AlamyHe hopes to start afresh by moving away from the goldfish bowl of Cheshire and the constant noise ­surrounding his dalliances with Lauryn Goodman — mistress and mother of his two love-children.Kyle’s marriage to embattled wife Annie Kilner, 33, is dangling by the thinnest of threads.An insider told The Sun: “Annie has made it clear to friends she is making the move to Italy for the sake of her family, telling them, ‘I’m doing it for the boys’.“Getting away from the UK and the noise surrounding Kyle’s sex scandals is what they desperately need. They feel smothered.Read More on Sport“It’s been a traumatic 12 months and they now just want to put it behind them and attempt to lead some sort of normal existence for a while.”Last night Kyle said on Instagram: “Signing for this incredible club in 2017 was a dream come true.“Seven years later, winning 17 trophies . . . is something I could only have dreamt as a child.“To my teammates: from the moment I walked through the door, thank you for the great memories and all the success we have shared.Most read in Football‘Annie feels terrorised by it all’“To [manager] Pep Guardiola, thank you for believing in me . . . your guidance has helped shape me into the player I am today. I’ll be forever grateful.“To Annie and all my family who have been there and supported me on this journey, thank you.Kyle Walker lands in Italy to complete AC Milan loan deal“Lastly, to the fans — thank you for embracing me as one of your own from day one.”The insider added: “Annie is still intent on going through with the divorce, which Kyle won’t oppose, but the longer they remain together, the more chance they have of eventually reconciling against the odds.“Kyle accepts that he is taking his problems with him and won’t ever escape what he has done.“This is an opportunity for him to get some breathing space and for the couple to work out their next steps.”Annie and their four boys will fly to Italy by private jet from Manchester Airport ahead of Milan’s Serie A showdown against Parma tomorrow.They will be in the San Siro to watch Kyle unveiled to the Rossoneri but will return to the UK hours later as Kyle settles into life in Milan with his new teammates.Wag Zoe Cristofoli is the partner of French defender Theo HernandezCredit: Instagram @zoe_cristofoliStunning Instagram model ­Agustina Gandolfo is the wife of Inter captain Lautaro MartinezCredit: https://www.instagram.com/agus.gandolfo/?hl=enIlaria Belloni is the partner of Kyle’s new captain with the Rossoneri, Davide CalabriaCredit: InstagramCatwalk queens at Milan Fashion Week last yearCredit: GettyThe star cannot play for the seven-time European champions until next month, due to Brexit red tape.The full-back’s new club is finding the couple and their four children a mansion to live in, rather than a hotel, which is a more common move for new signings.The pair are already eager to start ­getting used to Italian culture.For now, Annie is said to be keen to maintain their kids’ schooling in the UK until they have found a home in Milan — but that will hinge on Kyle securing a permanent move.Annie will begin making plans, while back in the UK, to move the family. She is keen for them to begin a new life abroad as soon as possible — once schools have been identified and they have worked out where they want to live.AC Milan’s English trio includes Ruben Loftus-CheekCredit: RexTammy Abraham also plays for the RossoneriCredit: GettyFikayo Tomori will also be one of Walker’s new teammatesCredit: GettyIn the meantime, they expect to fly between the UK and Italy, to be with Kyle as he begins the next chapter in his footballing career.Once they do find a home, would-be interior designer Annie will have the chance to put her own stamp on the property and turn it into a proper home, where their three eldest children Roman, 12, Riaan, eight, and six-year-old Reign, will be home-schooled, while she dotes over five-month-old Rezon.If the move to Milan works out, sparking an extended spell beyond this season — his £4.2million loan deal includes an option for him to stay permanently until 2027 — it is likely they will be enrolled in a top international school nearby.The move to Italy also means that the couple will have put several countries between themselves and reality star Lauryn, 34, who continues to make their lives a misery.The influencer has told pals she wants to follow the footballer wherever he goes in a bid to force him to have a relationship with their two young kids — Kairo, four, and one-year-old ­Kinara.And that is despite Kyle paying for her £2.4million West Sussex mansion and providing £12,500 a month in child maintenance.They could go to the ends of the Earth and still not escape LaurynAn insiderThe insider added: “They could go to the ends of the Earth and still not escape Lauryn.“Because of what he’s done, she is going to be in their lives for a long time to come and there’s nothing they can do about it.“It’s all Annie thinks about. She feels terrorised by it all and worries constantly about what Lauryn is likely to do next.”Kyle informed Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola of his wish to move abroad earlier this month after he was left out of the Premier League champions’ squad for their FA Cup third-round clash against Salford City, despite being fit and available to feature.The Catalan manager said at the time: “Two days ago Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad at the end of his career.“He arrived eight years ago with us and we start to win, win, win, win, and he has been important for the national team and, of course, with our team.“But he has said he wants to explore in his mind and in his heart.”The switch comes 12 months after the defender told The Sun in a bombshell interview in January last year that he was close to agreeing a move to top German outfit Bayern Munich in July 2023 to escape his looming baby scandal.Packed with lavish nightclubs and barsClubs in the lucrative Saudi league were first mooted as his likely destination, buoyed perhaps by an expensive impending divorce.But Kyle’s determination to remain playing at the top level and win 100 caps for England (he’s just seven appearances away from the feat) under new boss Thomas Tuchel made the move to Italy a more attractive option.And he did not need much ­persuasion to join, as both Milan clubs — AC Milan and Inter — are top-tier sides, while the city is regarded as a Wags’ paradise.After all, it is the home of luxury fashion brands including Prada, Versace, Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci, and their respective stores are commonly ­visited by Wags with expensive tastes who also compete for front-row seats during the star-studded Milan Fashion Week shows.The cosmopolitan nightlife is also a big pull, as locals identify with the “work hard, play hard” mantra, while the city is packed with lavish nightclubs and bars, often frequented by footballers and their glamorous partners.Kyle and Annie will have help settling into their new surroundings courtesy of AC Milan’s English trio Tammy Abraham, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Fikayo Tomori. Striker Tammy, 27, who joined Milan from Serie A rivals Roma, has a long-term partner in lifestyle blogger Leah Monroe, 25, and is the father of her one-year-old son Amari.His former Chelsea teammates Ruben, 29, and Fikayo, 27, both appear to be single.But they have been previously linked with Love Island stars Amber Davies and Amber Gill respectively.The two Milan clubs currently possess some of Italy’s most talked-about Wags, who will soon be mingling with the Walkers at the San Siro — the iconic 80,000-seater stadium both teams share.Annie feels terrorised by it all and worries constantly about what Lauryn is likely to do nextAn insiderStunning Instagram model ­Agustina Gandolfo, 29, is the wife of Inter captain Lautaro Martinez, 27 — the Argentinian striker who won the World Cup alongside Lionel Messi in Qatar in 2022.The blonde boasts her own brand as a fitness and healthy lifestyle expert — and an impressive one million followers on Instagram.She also runs her own restaurant in Milan called Coraje.A regular sight in the Wags’ section at Walker’s AC Milan, meanwhile, is tattooed model Zoe Cristofoli, partner of French defender Theo Hernandez, 27.The influencer, 29, loves getting inked so much she even owns her own parlour Ink Studio Lagrange, based in Turin. She is also a part-time DJ.Then there’s Ilaria Belloni, the partner of Kyle’s new captain with the Rossoneri, Davide Calabria, 28.The pair are considered to be one of Italy’s most glamorous couples and have attended Milan Fashion Week’s Giorgio Armani catwalk show together. And with a Master’s degree in marketing, communication and ­digital strategy, Ilaria, 28, is no ordinary Wag.The city’s footie partners are also no strangers to their own sex scandals.The wife of former Inter striker Mauro Icardi, 31, was rumoured to have been having an affair with his teammate Marcelo Brozovic, 32, which forced the Argentinian striker out of the club in 2019.READ MORE SUN STORIESWanda Icardi, 38, who was previously married to her husband’s international teammate Maxi Lopez, 49, sued an Italian gossip website for allegedly claiming the pair enjoyed a steamy affair.By the sounds of it, Kyle’s going to fit right in.Both Milan clubs — AC Milan and Inter — are top-tier sides, while the city is regarded as a Wags’ paradiseCredit: GettyThe two clubs share the San Siro — the iconic 80,000-seater stadiumCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Inside the toxic world of Misfits boxing…from OnlyFans star ‘choked unconscious’ to vile revenge porn to promote bouts

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      IT’S been at the centre of the controversial new era of boxing with online celebs stepping into the ring to fight anyone who is willing to say yes.But despite scandal after scandal, Misfits boxing attracts millions of fans the world over – and earns eye-watering figures for the fighters on the cards.October 2023’s fight between YouTuber KSI and Tommy Fury was one of the most watched boxing events of the yearCredit: ReutersLogan Paul’s partner Nina Agdal was subjected to misogynistic harassment by Paul’s opponent, ex-MMA fighter Dillon DanisCredit: Instagram / Nina AgdalEx-England footballer Wayne Bridge had to be pulled apart from KSI after the Misfits founder made a brutal John Terry jibeCredit: X formerly Twitter / @@MF_DAZNXSeriesFounded as a way of bringing ‘non-traditional’ fighters together in the ring – meaning YouTubers, TikTokers, and other internet stars – it’s divided sports fans, with some seeing it as having given boxing a new lease of life, while others think it’s made a mockery of the sport.But their taste for controversy and over-the-top hype has seen bouts marred by scandal, while questions have been raised over the dangers of putting inexperienced fighters in the ring.Build-ups to fights have even seen an OnlyFans star get choked unconscious and bitter rivalries that cross the line into harassment – with claims that revenge porn was used to psych out opponents. Yesterday, the spotlight was once again on the promotion company when it was announced that YouTuber KSI – who also founded Misfits – is set to fight former England footballer Wayne Bridge in a bout on the 29th March.Read More FeaturesComing face to face in the AO Arena in Manchester, KSI mocked Bridge over 2010 claims that Chelsea-teammate John Terry had an affair with Bridge’s ex-girlfriend Vanessa Perroncel – which both have since vehemently denied.“Wayne Bridge, aren’t you the guy that let John Terry smash your ex? That is what you are known for,” KSI said, leading to security stepping in to separate the pair.That same evening, boxer Anthony Taylor worried fans after collapsing unconscious, and needing oxygen, following a defeat against ex-UFC fighter Darren Till.And an earlier fight saw AfghanDan and Little T – grime artists from Blackpool who went viral in 2016 – step into the ring with AfghanDan receiving a dislocated shoulder.Most read in BoxingChoked for viewsSince being founded in 2022, Misfits has gone on to some of the most-viewed fights of recent years, many of which have involved KSI, and other celebrities such as Logan Paul and his brother Jake.But it has also been at the centre of plenty of scandals that many people fear is damaging the credibility of the sport.Misfits Boxing star speaks out after collapsing following loss to Darren TillIn October 2023, at the Misfits open workout being held in Manchester ahead of a fight between Dillon Danis and Logan Paul, Ella Brooke was conducting interviews when she put in a bizarre – and highly dangerous – request.She asked fighter Dillon Danis, to “choke her unconscious.” He held her neck in his arms until she was out cold – but after being shaken back to her senses she couldn’t hide her excitement.Viral Blackpool Grime rappers Little T and Afghan Dan met in the ring on SundayCredit: PAFootage from the Manchester event shows the moment Brooke allowed Danis to put her in a headlockCredit: SuppliedThe OnlyFans star then passes out, before claiming it had felt “better than drugs”Credit: Supplied“Oh my God, that is so much better than drugs,” she exclaimed.And this is far from the only scandal the pair have been at the centre of.Brooke, a law student turned OnlyFans creator, has come under fire for using boxing to promote her content – though she is laughing all the way to the bank, claiming that she earns at least £30,000 a month from selling adult videos.The 27-year old has also cultivated an intense rivalry with fellow OnlyFans star-turned boxer Astrid Wett, known for posing in football shirts – and not much else.”Revenge porn”Danis, meanwhile, was at the heart of an even more toxic feud that saw him launch vicious attacks on his rival’s fiancee ahead of his boxing debut with Misfits.Brazilian jiu-jitsuist and MMA fighter Danis had long been in a quarrel with YouTuber Jake Paul and brother Logan – who was slammed for posting a video which appeared to show the dead body of a suicide victim.“The Pauls and I have had beef since forever,” he posted on social media when announcing his fight against Logan.I just got another absolute nuke pic of Nina this one might be worse than the other oneDillon Danis“Logan ridiculed me for years, attacked Floyd (Mayweather’s) wife, filmed a deceased person, scammed millions. KSI went after my mom, the list goes on,” he added.The more cynical among boxing fans would see it as little more than savvy marketing, with both Logan and Dillon all too aware of how much exposure a public feud could bring them.And it wasn’t long before the rivalry turned from a friendly one to genuine nastiness in the lead up to their 2023 fight.Only a few days before meeting in the ring in Manchester, during an attempt at a face off, Logan threw a bottle at Dillon, getting a microphone to the head in return.But what really shocked fans was the way in which Dillon dragged Logan’s fiancee, Nina Agdal, into their spat. After the announcement of their fight, Danis launched a hateful social media offensive against Agdal in an effort to mess with his opponent’s head.The MMA fighter posted pictures of Agdal with Leonardo DiCaprio, with whom she had a year-long relationship that ended in 2017, as well as bizarre photoshopped pictures of her with other men, including Brad Pitt.One fake image even had him cuddling up to his rival’s girl. The build up to Paul and Danis’ fight saw the pair engage in a bitter rivalry that for many crossed the lineCredit: AlamyThe harassment prompted the model to take out a restraining order against DanisCredit: InstagramDanis was disqualified after six rounds after the fight descended into a mass-brawlCredit: AlamyBut despite already having harassed her with hundreds of hateful comments and memes, Danis stooped even lower and claimed he had explicit photos of the former Victoria’s Secret Model.“I just got another absolute nuke pic of Nina this one might be worse than the other one. Wow this girl is actually wild,” Danis posted.“Logan, on a man level you need to call this marriage off now.”He then went on to put up am X-rated video of Nina in which she is talking about how she is craving sex.In response to Danis’s harassment of her, Nina filed a lawsuit for “revenge porn”, claiming that his posts had caused her to “suffer humiliation, emotional distress, and reputational harm.”Agdal took out a restraining order against Danis, alleging that he’d posted a sexually explicit photograph of her that was “obtained without consent.”The lawsuit is ongoing, with lawyers alleging that Danis had damaged his own phone to prevent evidence from being collected.Dillon Danis shared this picture of himself with Nina, which was branded fakeCredit: TwitterA fan shared the original picture which shows him with another womanCredit: TwitterKSI’S Business EmpireKSI is one of Britain’s richest YouTubers, estimated to be worth just under £20million according to Forbes.And much of his wealth was made long before moving into boxing.Born Olajide “JJ” Olatunji in 1999, he attended Berkhamsted School in Hertfordshire before becoming a founding member of YouTube group the Sidemen, known for their football and comedy videos.Since creating his channel in 2009, KSI has racked up nearly six billion views and has over 25 million subscribers.KSI also branched out into rapping, with his debut EP Keep Up topping the UK R&B albums chart in 2016. He has since gone on to achieve fourteen top 40 singles.In 2022, he launched Prime energy drink in collaboration with Logan Paul.Following social media hype around its release, some people paid up to £100 for a single bottle, while others sold it at inflated prices on places such as eBay.He also founded Lunchly along with Paul and MrBeast, a kids lunch kit company.The YouTuber is also known for his flashy car collection, which has included a Lamborghini Aventador, a Porsche 718 Boxster, and Rolls-Royce Wraith.He also revealed in a 2020 interview that he owns over ten properties around England with a combined worth of over £10million.Ring brawlCommentators and boxing fans condemned the behaviour, while the fight itself also descended into farce.After six rounds of prancing around, tensions boiled over with both fighters’ security teams becoming entangled in a brawl and Danis putting Paul in a headlock. Danis was disqualified.The toxic feuds are all part of the game to the fans – and one of the reasons many tune in.“Danis got this fight because he’s great at being a troll, he quadrupled his following because he’s great at being a troll,” commented MMA reporter Aaron Bronster.“He got sued because he’s great at being a troll, he showed up and made this a terrible match because he’s great at being a troll.”Founder vs FuryThe match between Danis and Paul was the under card for a bout between Misfits’s founder, KSI, and the boxer and Love Island contestant Tommy Fury.KSI was criticised for using homophobic slurs against Tommy Fury’s dad, John FuryCredit: GettyKSI’s meeting with the ex-Love Islander was derided by former world champion Carl FrochCredit: GettyAt least 1.3 million people tuned in to watch the October 2023 fightCredit: ReutersAt the face-off ahead of the much-anticipated fight, a clip of Fury’s father, John Fury, headbutting a Perspex screen in cartoon-like rage went viral. KSI also spat at the senior Fury from a balcony and launched a volley of homophobic slurs against him.Fury eventually emerged victorious by unanimous decision but the pair were soon met with criticism from long-time professionals of the sport.“It’s a load of crap as far as I’m concerned,” former world champion Carl Froch commented shortly after.“They’re not qualified, they’re not experienced or good enough to be in a boxing ring,” he added.You like pork, right?Alex SteinBut while the criticism from the more traditional parts of the boxing world was harsh, no one could deny how successful the event was for Misfits.More than 1.3 million pay-per-views were bought ahead of the fight, potentially generating at least £25million in revenue.And that’s on top of the 21,000 spectators who crammed into Manchester’s AO Area to see the pair battle it out.Racist abuseOther press conferences and fights have also been marred by controversy.In July 2023, right-wing Youtube personality Alex Stein had been due to fight Muslim Youtuber MoDeen.However, Stein ended up being removed from the undercard after throwing hotdogs at his opponents during a press conference and saying, “You like pork, right?”MoDeen, a Muslim TikToker, was subject to racist abuse at Misfits press conferenceCredit: Twitter / Alex SteinRight-wing YouTuber Alex Stein carried out the stunt, which saw him get dropped from the fight cardCredit: Twitter / @StokeyyG2Controversial social media star HSTikkyTokky clashed with his opponent in a hotel lobby after his fight was called offCredit: tiktok/hsboxertokkyMoDeen then had to be held back by security, with the press conference falling apart in the chaos.Other participants in Misfits boxing matches include the social media personality Harrison Sullivan, better known by his username of HSTikkytokky.The controversial influencer was due to face court after allegedly crashing his £220k McLaren, but fled the country.He had been set to get into the ring with opponent Masai Warrior in Qatar, although their fight was called off at the last minute.But this didn’t stop the pair from clashing in the lobby of a hotel in the Gulf state.Masai later commented: “You cancelled the fight, you don’t want to get into the ring, but you’re OK to push and shove in front of your girl. Don’t make no sense to me, Harrison.”Sullivan also spat at and attempted to punch a fan minutes after his victory at another Misfits event in August.READ MORE SUN STORIESA mass-brawl also broke out among the crowd for a Misfits event in London in May of last year.Chairs were thrown at the event at The Troxy before security stepped in and separated those involved. More

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      in Soccer

      From quirky diets and raps to secret baby and THAT obsession with Hannah Montana – inside weird world of Erling Haaland

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      A GOAL machine with the flowing blond locks of his Viking heritage, Erling Haaland likes to tell rivals to “stay humble”.Now — after landing a deal that dwarfs anything seen before in British football — he may need to heed the advice himself.Erling Haaland and girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen at the 2023 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in ParisCredit: GettyErling pictured relaxing on a sunshine breakCredit: InstagramToddler Erling was destined to be a footballerCredit: InstagramErling pictured yesterday after signing until 2034Credit: instagram/erlingThat’s because the attention that comes with such a huge contract will propel Haaland, 24, and his 21-year-old partner Isabel Haugseng Johansen into fame’s premier league.A source close to the couple said: “They are going to be a bigger than the Beckhams. They will be the wealthiest, most famous couple in the world of football.”Backed by Abu Dhabi petro dollars, Manchester City have signed Haaland on a new reported £500,000 a week, nine-and-a-half-year deal.Pre-tax, that’s £260million before his lucrative endorsements and win bonuses are factored in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL That’s around £71,000 a day, nearly £3,000 an hour and 83p per second.The minimum wage for ordinary folk rises to £12.21 an hour in April. Haaland earns that in 15 seconds.It takes Haaland six seconds to earn the cost of a pint and just under two and half days to make enough to afford a new Ferrari ­Portofino M Convertible.City are said to have backdated the deal to the start of the season which means Haaland will pocket £3.25million in wages he is owed since then.Most read in FootballTellingly, the striker said yesterday: “Now I am City no matter what.”For the Manchester club still awaits the verdict after being charged with 115 breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules.Erling Haaland talks about his contract extension at Man City to 2034 Possible sanctions include a points deduction or even relegation from England’s top division.‘We’re like any couple’It means that Haaland could be turning out at Millwall’s New Den or Oxford United’s Kassam Stadium rather than Anfield or Old Trafford with his deal that stretches to 2034.One fan tweeted: “By the time his contract ends, I’ll have grandkids, and they’ll still be watching him pad his stats against Burnley!”The deal comes after Haaland and glamorous Isabel had their first child shortly before Christmas.Although the couple are said to live quietly at their six-bed Cheshire mansion, they enjoy spending the wealth they have amassed.They pair have taken lavish holidays including breaks in Marbella, where Haaland owns a £6million villa, and on a yacht in Capri, Italy.He’s been pictured pairing a £300,000 watch with a Burberry pyjama set. In 2023 he was caught using his mobile phone at the wheel of his £300,000 Rolls Royce Cullinan SUV.Just before Christmas, Isabel spent more than £6,000 at ­Selfridges. Her items included a £2,700 Gucci bag, a £1,670 backpack and a £950 Gucci hoodie in the online spree.Details of Isabel’s spending blitz emerged after blundering Selfridges staff sent her receipt to another customer by mistake.Isabel and Haaland first met when they both played in Byrne, Norway, at the local football youth academy.Haaland seems to have retained at least some of the down-to-earth nature of a lad from a small town.Haaland plugged his monster new deal with an Instagram video, in which he wore white shorts, sitting cross-legged in the snow in a meditation poseCredit: instagram/erlingThe ace on holiday in Capri, Italy, with Isabel last yearCredit: BackGridThe pair larking around on the tripCredit: BackGridDuring his first weeks at City he was spotted shopping at Sainsbury’s. He later mocked those who expressed surprise at seeing him in a regular supermarket by tweeting: “At M&S. Bought a bag of Percy Pig. Don’t tell anyone.” Isabel has said: “We just want to live our lives without too much fuss. At the end of the day, we’re just like any other couple.”Now I am City no matter whatErling HaalandNot every other young couple starting a family will earn £260million in the next decade, of course.A source said: “Isabel absolutely loves sport and football — that’s how they met. “She’s amazingly fit as well as stunningly beautiful and the brands are going to be all over her — not just sporting names but beauty too.”Haaland plugged his monster new deal with an Instagram video for his 38.5million followers. Fans saw him in nothing but white shorts, sitting cross-legged in the snow in a meditation pose that he has used as a goal celebration.Ethereal music plays before the star says: “I’m here to stay.”One fan posted: “My day is made! Thank you Erling.”Another added: “Stay humble.”It’s a reference to Haaland’s “stay humble” advice to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta after City’s 98th-minute ­equaliser against the London club at the end of September.Let’s be clear. The reason Haaland is being paid this obscene amount of money is because he’s worth it.Arguably the greatest striker in the world’s best league, his goal record at City is astonishing. He is one of the reasons why the Premier League is sold around the globe — from Laos to Uzbekistan and the Pacific islands — for £10.4billion in TV rights.Arriving at City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 for £51.2million, he scored 52 goals in all competitions — including a single-season record of 36 in the Premier League. That season the team won the league, FA Cup and Champions League to land the Treble.Last season he scored 38 goals in 45 appearances and he has 21 goals already in this campaign as he goes for a third straight Golden Boot in the ­Premier League.Haaland said yesterday: “For two and a half years as a City player I have been winning loads of trophies, playing good football, having so many great moments together with the whole club and with the fans.”The £260million deal is a ­defining moment for a sport which has deep roots in working-class communities in the 19th Century mill towns of Lancashire.Players who turned out for Accrington and Preston North End when the Football League began in 1888 would scarcely believe the riches now drenching the game.When Everton signed Nick Ross from Preston that year, he was paid £10 a month. Haaland will earn that in around 12 seconds. By the late 1960s players still earned comparatively little, despite drawing huge crowds.When City club legend Mike Summerbee signed from Swindon Town in 1965, his wages increased from £35 to £40 per week.Yet Haaland’s salary is relatively paltry compared to global sport’s top earners.Baseball star Shohei Ohtani from the Los Angeles Dodgers is pocketing £57.4million a year over a ten-year contract.Juan Soto from the New York Mets picks up £41.8million over 15 years, totalling £627million. And Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez has a £60million-a-year deal with broadcaster DAZN for five years, while Formula 1’s Max Verstappen is earning £45million per year over six years with his team Red Bull.For two and a half years as a City player I have been winning loads of trophies, playing good football, having so many great moments together with the whole club and with the fansErling HaalandWith skin like white marble and shoulder-length blond hair, Haaland is the archetypal Norseman.Yet he was born on July 21, 2000, in Yorkshire, where his father — Norwegian international Alfie Haaland — was playing for Leeds United.In the mid-1990s Alfie had ­married Gry Marita Braut — a Norwegian heptathlete — and had children Astor, a finance student, Gabrielle, a healthcare assistant and Instagram personality, and finally Erling.Erling’s Yorkshire birth made him eligible to turn out for England’s Three Lions.In 2000 Alfie signed for ­Manchester City, where he would remain for three years.A simmering feud with hardman midfielder Roy Keane would come to a head in April 2001 when the Manchester United star brutally raked his studs into Haaland senior’s leg.The United man was sent off for the tackle, which was revenge for Alfie accusing him of feigning an injury — which was in fact career-threatening — more than three years previously.Keane would later write in his autobiography: “I f***ing hit him hard. The ball was there (I think). Take that you c***.”Bad blood still lingers.United fans goad Erling with chants of “Keano” — and Keane hasn’t spared his criticism.The pundit told Sky Sports: “In front of goal he’s the best in the world, but his general play for such a player — it is so poor. He’s almost like a League Two player.”‘I’m super-happy, proud’Alfie was said to be “really p***ed off” with the comment.When Alfie’s Premier League career ended in 2003, the family returned to his home town of Bryne in Norway.Young Erling loved running and was a natural athlete. Aged five he is said to have broken the world standing long jump record, leaping 1.63 metres.In front of goal he’s the best in the world, but his general play for such a player — it is so poor. He’s almost like a League Two player.”With ten members of his extended family who were professional footballers, he was drawn to the game and proved a natural.Joining Byrne’s football academy aged five, Haaland met Isabel, another football-mad youngster.The new mother once said: “We were just kids, kicking a ball around without a care in the world.“We were inseparable on the pitch. We didn’t know it back then, but those moments were the foundation of something much ­bigger.”In 2016 he and two friends from Norway’s youth team released their own hip-hop song on YouTube under the name Flow Kingz.Calling himself “Lyng”, Haaland raps in a baseball cap and hoodie while pretending to flip burgers and bouncing on a trampoline.His lyrics include: “I even look good when I eat”.It’s just as well his football career took off.Signing to Molde in 2017, the club put the 6ft 3ins gangly youth on a high protein diet — including reindeer steaks — to bulk him up.After moves to Red Bull Salzburg and Dortmund, he arrived in Manchester.Yesterday Haaland said: “I’m super happy, proud.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m looking forward to staying here for a long time.”The next decade will certainly bring him untold riches and, just maybe, a spell playing Championship football.Erling with Oasis star Noel GallagherCredit: Tim StewartThe star pictured pairing a £300,000 watch with a Burberry pyjama setCredit: Tim StewartErling lifting the Champions League trophy with Isabel in 2023Credit: GettyThe pair having a private moment under the flagCredit: Getty More

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      Five reasons Arsenal were Myles better than Tottenham as Mikel Arteta’s side dominate Postecoglou’s flops

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      ARSENAL proved themselves to be Myles better than underperforming Tottenham in the North London derby earlier this week.Spurs took an early lead at the Emirates through Son Heung-Min but were undone by a Dominic Solanke own goal and Leandro Trossard arrow late in the first half.Myles Lewis-Skelly put in a performance of the highest quality against TottenhamCredit: GettyThe teen shushing the Spurs fans after being subbed off was reminiscent of Jack Wilshere and Aaron RasmeyCredit: GettyMikel Arteta found five ways around Ange PostecoglouCredit: RexAnge Postecoglou’s side then had no answers to reverse the score in the second half as Mikel Arteta’s side put in a mature, if unremarkable, performance.Yet it was Hale End graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly who proved to be the star of the show as he put in an assured display well beyond his years.There was also a noteworthy showing from Declan Rice and a new-look pressing system deployed.There were also the usual suspects of set-piece tweaks, and below our tactics guru Dean Scoggins looked at how Arsenal punctured Ange-ball.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMyles clearLewis-Skelly has stepped into Arsenal’s backline masterfully despite being just 18 years of age and naturally a midfielder.And when he came off the pitch after giving it large to the Spurs fans it was reminiscent of Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey doing similar in years past.Lewis-Skelly carried the ball an incredible amount during the gameThe 18-year-old was superb both going forward and defensivelyArteta made the decision to select him ahead of a more natural option like Oleksandr Zinchenko, and it proved dividends.Lewis-Skelly was excellent up against Spurs’ dangerman Dejan Kulusevski.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut tactically, the star did not fully invert.Instead, Lewis-Skelly went halfway with the role, leaving Kulusevski with a conundrum on whether to mark him or not, whereas a fully inverted role would have allowed another player to pick him up.The teen did not completely invert, meaning Dejan Kulusevski was forced to pick him upLewis-Skelly was then able to pick up the ball and stride forwardsFans can’t get enough of Arsenal star Lewis-Skelly’s ‘wholesome’ interview about his grandma after win over Tottenham The teenager’s ball-carrying exploits were particularly impressive during the game, going on to carry the ball more than Rice throughout the game.A number of times he would pick up the ball from Gabriel Magalhaes or the goalkeeper before moving forward into acres of space.This was helped by a particularly poor display by Yves Bissouma and a Pape Matar Sarr yellow card.Lewis-Skelly also worked well in tandem with Rice in neutralising any Spurs threat down that side.It will do his England chances a world of good given how Thomas Tuchel was in the stands.And it may also see Rico Lewis – who plays a similar role – lose his spot, with the Arsenal star being streets ahead of the Manchester City star.He partnered up well with Declan RiceAnd the pair ensured they cut off any supply to the forward ranksIt ensured Spurs’ wheels of chaos were flattenedRice masterclassAgainst Tottenham, Rice proved why he is one of the best midfielders in the world.The former West Ham seemed to cover every nook and cranny of the Emirates to snuff out Tottenham threat. He was in his own area making challenges and clearances and helping Lewis-Skelly. The midfielder then surprised everyone by popping up in the Spurs penalty area in a lung-busting display.Rice had his own masterful display in midfield as he proved to be a disruptive presence to SpursHis breathless display saw him popping up all over the pitchSuch was his full-gusto performance that it was like Arsenal played with an extra man – not the referee to be clear.Early on Spurs did a good job of defending the edge of their area, particularly in the first 15 to 20 minutes.But it was the presence of Rice which disrupted the flow of the defence, pushing back the Spurs midfield by making runs from deep.And it also proved effective in throwing the balance out of Spurs’ attack.Arteta punctures Ange-ballOne thing Spurs can take away from the game is that Postecoglou does not have just one way to play.They would have been disappointed to not go into half-time level, given the corner incident and a goalkeeping error from youngster Antonin Kinsky, since their tactics seemed to work for the most part up to then.The issue, however, that because it is such a rigid structure teams can plan to play against it – not that it means it can always be stopped.Arsenal executed one such plan for it to brilliant effect, with the “Wheels of Chaos” we mentioned in our last show rearing their head after the break.Arsenal were able to counteract Ange-ballMartin Odegaard and Declan Rice had important games tracking their runnersWhile the likes of Trossard would drop in to cover for the inverting Pedro PorroBut this meant the wheel of chaos was left disjointedYet it was the aforementioned Rice and Martin Odegaard who did brilliant jobs in midfield keeping tabs on the inside right and left players respectively. As we mentioned, not tracking the runner from the wheel would be fatal from a defensive point of view.But with Odegaard and Rice tracking their men along with Raheem Sterling and Trossard also doing superb defensive work, it meant Spurs often had to rush their attacks.And the consequence of this was an effective counter-attack propped up by strong performances by Odegaard and Jurrien Timber on one side and Rice and Lewis-Skelly on the other.New look pressAfter coming under scrutiny for failing to beat ten-man Manchester United in the FA Cup, Arteta came up with a superb plan to beat Tottenham and claw themselves back into the title race.Out of possession Arsenal have been known to operate in a 4-4-2 pressing structure.But for this game, Arteta switched that system to a 4-3-3 press instead, with Trossard tracking Porro into an inverted position.Sterling, Odegaard and Havertz were then able to go and press as a three-man unit which stopped Spurs playing first-time balls out from the back and nullifying one of their most effective weapons.Arsenal switched to a 4-3-3 press against SpursThis prevented the visitors from playing out from the backSet piece tweaksArsenal are known as the king of set pieces for a reason – not that it stopped Gary Neville from slamming Arsenal set piece coach Nicolas Jover again.They are top of the table for goals scored from set pieces and corners, and whether you want to level criticism for it or not, there is absolutely no denying its impact on getting the Gunners points.And Jover cooked up something special against Spurs, not that the visitors didn’t have some set-piece tricks up their own sleeve.Spurs knew Arsenal packed both boxes at corners so sent two players out to be the corner takers to help drag some defenders out, while two more stars lurked on the edge of the area.This was exactly where Son scored from with no one picking him up after Sterling, who had picked him up the corner before, was dragged away by another dummy run.But at the other end, Gabriel came in like the unstoppable force he is to force a goal over the line.Spurs left two players upfield in the hopes that Arsenal would commit fewer players forward, but the home side bravely left their players one-on-one, rather than have a spare man as extra cover.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnfortunately for Spurs, there was also very little chance the goalkeeper would manage to catch any of the crosses due to the crowding around his six-yard area.Therefore, Jover did not allow Spurs to derail Arsenal’s dominance at corners by showing bravery in attacking set pieces.Arsenal player ratings vs TottenhamBy Dan KingARSENAL came from behind to defeat Tottenham 2-1 in the North London derby. Son Heung-Min had given the visitors the lead in the 25th minute against the run of play.But as they have done so often, the Gunners scored from a corner as Gabriel Magalhaes’ header was bundled in as an own goal by Dominic Solanke.Leandro Trossard then put the home side ahead on the stroke of half-time with an fine finish.Here’s how the players rated…David Raya – 6Spectator until kept out Kulusevski shot midway through first half, then beaten by deflection for Son goal. Didn’t make a save in second half.Jurrien Timber – 6Solid enough defensively to keep Son Heung-Min mostly quiet but less sure of himself going forward, wasting good chances to cross.William Saliba – 6Untroubled until Son’s shot went in off him. Started second half hesitantly but kept his concentration to minimise Tottenham openings.Gabriel Magalhaes – 8Brilliant interception to deny Solanke then decisive at other end to force equaliser. Excellent against Solanke twice more in calm and steadfast second half.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8Fine pass to play in Sterling set tone for excellent, mature, all-round display from second youngest Arsenal player to start a North London derby.Thomas Partey – 7Strong presence who won the ball back well, not least ahead of Arsenal’s second goal. But sometimes looked vulnerable to Spurs’ pace on break.Declan Rice – 7Covered lots of ground and finally found a good set-piece delivery to create equaliser. Still not quite at his best, but much closer.Raheem Sterling – 5Saw plenty of ball, but with little end product, including golden chances at start of both halves. Curiously reluctant to take on his man. Deservedly hooked.Martin Odegaard – 6Prompted and probed without finding killer pass but released Trossard for second goal. Missed chance to make it 3-1, fewer signs of return to form than Rice.Leandro Trossard – 6Frustrated home fans with lack of killer instinct and poor decisions until he fired Arsenal in front. Did little after break to merit staying on for so long.Kai Havertz – 4Barely involved first half apart from nicking ball off Spurs keeper Kinsky. Headed wide from close range early in second. Nothing coming off for him.SUBSGabriel Martinelli (for Sterling, 61) – 5Slow to get up to speed and contributed little apart from one penetrating run into the box and a blocked shot.Kieran Tierney (for Trossard, 77) – 6Brought on to shore things up and did it well enough.Oleksandr Zinchenko (for Lewis-Skelly, 87) – 6Useful legs for dying minutes, almost created chance.Mikel Merino (for Rice, 87) – 6Good booking to stop Solanke getting away in stoppage time. More