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      First EFL relegation of 2024-25 CONFIRMED as former Man Utd Class of 92 star-turned-boss guides team to drop

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      SHREWSBURY TOWN have been relegated to League Two – without kicking a ball on Good Friday. The Shrews’ ten-year stay in League One ended after Burton Albion drew 0-0 with Exeter City. Michael Appleton’s Shrewsbury are headed to League TwoCredit: GettyThe former Manchester United midfielder only joined the club last monthCredit: RexShrewsbury have been rooted to the foot of the third tier for much of the season. Even if Burton had lost, they knew they would have to win all four of their remaining matches to have any chance of staying up.Current boss Michael Appleton only took charge last month after the sudden departure of Gareth Ainsworth.Ex-Wycombe boss Ainsworth had stepped into the hot seat in November after Paul Hurst left the club. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut he has since joined League Two Gillingham, leaving the door open for Appleton to relaunch his managerial career. Shrewsbury are currently up for sale with several potential investors interested.Appleton told BBC Radio Shropshire: “Talks have been really positive.”I’m enjoying my time here and I’m enjoying the interactions I’ve had with all the staff and the players. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I’m hoping that an agreement will happen over time.”We seem to have a good response from the fans, which is probably the most important thing, and I’m very encouraged by the talks we’ve had.”Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attemptAppleton, 49, had been out of work since January 2024 after leaving Charlton Athletic. The former midfielder played for Manchester United, Preston and West Bromwich Albion before going into coaching in 2011.Over a 14-year career in management, he has also been in the dugout at Portsmouth, Blackpool, Blackburn Rovers, Leicester City, Lincoln and Oxford. More

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      Tottenham set to AXE Daniel Levy’s No2 behind huge backroom shake-up in brutal move after hiring ex-Arsenal supremo

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      TOTTENHAM are expected to part ways with supremo Scott Munn following the appointment of ex-Arsenal man Vinai Venkatesham.Aussie Munn, 51, has been Spurs’ chief football officer – de facto No2 to chairman Daniel Levy – since September 2023.Tottenham are set to axe chief football officer Scott MunnCredit: GettyFormer Arsenal chief Vinai Venkatesham has been announced as Spurs’ new CEOCredit: GettyHis post formally began just a few months after compatriot Ange Postecoglou took charge as head coach.But Munn is now believed to be set for the exit door after the club lured former Gunners CEO Venkatesham to become their new chief executive from this summer.Venkatesham, 44, will be responsible for all operations both on and off the pitch, which supporters quickly realised was a similar remit to the one Munn already held.Former City Football Group executive Munn has overseen a number of reviews in various departments during his time at Spurs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt has seen a number of employees move on, including in the scouting and medical department.Yet despite the changes to the latter, which saw long-serving head of medicine Geoff Scott depart last year, Spurs have suffered one of their most difficult seasons in recent memory when it comes to injuries.Their number of sidelined players over the winter months regularly reached over double figures.They were missing captain Son Heung-min and defender Radu Dragusin for Thursday’s vital quarter-final win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League.Most read in FootballMunn acted as Daniel Levy’s No2Credit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSVenkatesham spent 14 years with arch-rivals Arsenal, including four as chief exec, before stepping down last summer.Speaking on his appointment last week, he said: ” I’m excited to be joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer.”After taking some time to recharge and evaluate my options, I believe this is an exceptional opportunity to work with Daniel [Levy], the Board and all of the staff, to take the Club forward.”’We want Levy out’, chant Tottenham fans as thousands swarm streets in latest furious protest against club’s owner More

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      Marcus Rashford’s WILD stats will stun Man Utd fans before Aston Villa vs Newcastle – Weekend Wager’s best bets

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      SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager uses in-depth stats and detailed analysis to find the best value bets this weekend.There is an “egg-cellent” selection of games to watch over the Easter break and several punts have caught our eye.Marcus Rashford has been backed to play a huge part for Aston Villa versus NewcastleCredit: GettySunSport’s very own Will Pugh was joined by football broadcaster Kweku Afari and Betfair betting expert Sam Rosbottom to discuss this weekend’s tempting selections.The panel discuss Wolves’ trip to Manchester United, Aston Villa facing Newcastle and away from the Premier League, look at the World Snooker Championship and Irish Grand National.Man Utd vs Wolves, Sunday 2pmKweku: Wolves to win 5/2″Aside from Man Utd being awful, the stats back up a Wolves win. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”United have lost 14 Prem games this season, which equals their total from last season and the last time they lost more league games was in the 1989-90 season where they lost 16 games. “Wolves are in-form and have won their last four matches. That’s their best run in the top flight since January 1972.”United are only playing for Europa League football this year. So I think I’m on to a winner in this one.”Will: Over 4.5 goals 11/2Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”Looking at the omens, United have won all four of their home league games played on Easter Sunday by an aggregate score of 9-1 and this is Wolves first ever league match played on Easter Sunday. Totally inexperienced, they are normally at home munching on their eggs.”Wolves have scored nine goals in their last four games and have not failed to bulge the net in their last 11. They haven’t drawn a blank since January 25th against Arsenal.”Since Ruben Amorim’s first game, he’s already lost more league games by three or more goals than he did in 167 games at Sporting.”It could be goals galore between United and WolvesCredit: AFPSam: Wolves to score first 7/5″Obviously a big night for them in the Europa League and I think they’re probably going to have a bit of a hangover.”I think the value is in backing Wolves to score the first goal in the game. When we look at the stats across United’s last nine Prem games at Old Trafford, they’ve only scored the first goal on one occasion, which is a disgrace, isn’t it?”Easter Sunday, United are going to get crucified.”Aston Villa vs Newcastle, Saturday 5:30pmKweku: Aston Villa to win & both teams to score 3/1″Aston Villa have only kept six clean sheets in the last 37 on home soil. “And since losing their first home match of this season against Arsenal, Villa are unbeaten at Villa Park in the league, winning eight, drawing seven. “If you were to put this bet on midweek, you would have won some money. Put this bet on in the weekend, you’re winning some money.”Will: Rashford to score or assist 5/4″The stats show that he’s been progressively better. Per 90 minutes in the Prem this season, Marcus Rashford is having more touches, shots, creating more chances and attempting more dribbles per 90 minutes for Villa than he did at United. “I fancy that will show up again this weekend and he will actually convert that into a goal contribution.”Sam: Murphy to score or assist 13/5″Newcastle are on an incredible run of form. I wouldn’t want to back against them. They’ve won their last six games in all competitions.”Jacob Murphy to score or assist at 13/5, this is ridiculous value for me. “He has had a hand in 13 goals in his last 17 away Prem appearances for Newcastle, scoring four and nine assists. Unbelievable.”Jacob Murphy is in fine formCredit: AlamyWorld Snooker Championship, starts SaturdaySam: “Big price for Ronnie O’Sullivan. But I fancy John Higgins.”He has dropped out the top 16 in the rankings, however, he did bounce back with a win in the Tour Championship. 12/1 could be a nice each-way bet.”Irish Grand National, Monday 5pmSam: “We’ve seen Willie Mullins make history by becoming the only ever trainer to win the English Grand National and the Scottish in back-to-back years. “Everyone’s saying he will add the Irish and it wouldn’t be a surprise. High Class Hero his best shout.”The favourite, Haiti Couleurs, won the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Got loads of stamina.”A brilliant season for Now Is The Hour, a win here would really top that off nicely for Gavin Cromwell.Read More on The Sun”Interestingly, this horse was cruising at the Cheltenham Festival, but fell at the last. Stamina won’t be an issue, just needs to brush up on jumping.”And then something else at a little bit bigger price that is standing out for me. Better Days Ahead for Gordon Elliott could be an each-way shout.” More

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      Arsenal files: Kiwior hands Arteta major dilemma but Williams transfer could be derailed by sky-high wage demands

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      ARSENAL have given themselves a chance at finally tasting European glory with their Champions League victory over Real Madrid.The Gunners swept Europe’s biggest and best aside with ease, doing it with an injury to one of their best players too.Jakub Kiwior was superb as Arsenal completed their 5-1 demolition of Real MadridCredit: ReutersJakub Kiwior stepped in for Gabriel Magalhaes and put up another stellar performance as the Brazilian’s deputy.In this week’s edition of Arsenal Files, Jordan Davies dives into the dilemma that leaves Mikel Arteta with, as well as giving an update on the North London club’s pursuit of Nico Williams and much, much more.JAK TO THE FUTURE?It is not unusual for injuries to provide the perfect platform for Arsenal players to change their fortunes under Mikel Arteta.Bought in the summer for around £32m, Mikel Merino was viewed as a valuable squad player and midfield back-up to the likes of Declan Rice and Thomas Partey.But with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus crocked for the season, the Spaniard has transformed himself into a goalscoring No9 – with six goals in 12 appearances in that position. You cannot picture this Arsenal team without him right now.For Myles Lewis-Skelly, this was meant to be an “easing in” year in the world of senior football, the academy graduate only making his first team debut back in September.But with another summer arrival in Riccardo Calafiori struggling for fitness, the full-back has seized the moment for club and country – a nailed-on starter with 31 appearances in all competitions so far this term.But the most surprising of the lot has been Jakub Kiwior – the Polish centre back stepping in for another long-term absentee in Gabriel during one of the Gunners’ most important weeks of their season, and arguably of boss Arteta’s reign.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKiwior has started Arsenal’s last four games in all competitions – his longest run of the campaign and the longest since an eight-game spell from February 11 to March 31 of 2024.Two draws and two wins, but the latter have been startlingly impressive, earning a clean sheet in their 3-0 quarter final first leg victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League before backing that up once more in the 2-1 second leg win in the Bernabeu this week.Gabriel goes wild with friends and family celebrating Arsenal’s epic win over Real Madrid His critics since arriving at the Emirates in January 2023 for around £20m from Spezia would rightfully point out his flaws – often a nervousness on the ball and a tendency to make rash decisions and costly errors, as well as his positioning in one-on-ones.Most notably in last season’s Champions League quarter final, operating as a left-back in the 2-2 first leg draw, where he was skinned by Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane that led to Harry Kane converting a penalty.As a result, he has been linked with moves away. AC Milan and Napoli have taken an interest with Kiwior said to be keen on a return to Italy for regular first-team action as he looks to keep his starting spot for Poland. Arteta seemingly saw him as one to let go to raise transfer funds.But his performances against Madrid may leave Arteta with a dilemma. His calmness of approach to keep the likes of Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe quiet was just as eye-catching as Declan Rice’s thunderbolt free-kicks and Bukayo Saka’s return from injury.Kiwior is known as one of the quieter members of the Arsenal dressing room, with club sources struggling to get more than a few words out of him at times – hardly a character and a personality that Arteta requires and demands.And yet, would letting him go be a mistake? Someone in the squad who can provide good competition for Gabriel and William Saliba is a valuable asset.Arteta may still deem the 25-year-old surplus to requirements, in which case they could make a decent profit on a player who has certainly raised his game in recent weeks.But should Kiwior carry on his fine form in the semi-finals against PSG – and even go on to start in a back four that wins the Champions League – letting him go could prove to be tougher than first thought.It will certainly test the ruthlessness of Arteta’s ambitions to strengthen an already-strong squad.Kiwior has formed an impressive relationship with William SalibaCredit: ReutersMIK’S BERNABEU SURPRISEJust like his mentor Pep Guardiola, it is often the case that Arteta likes to be in control of a 90-minute performance, preparing for any context, regardless of whether that ties in to the ‘beautiful game’ or not.The Spaniard is not afraid to sit deep and defend and frustrate, nor is he scared of going all guns-blazing and attacking from minute one. To adapt is to survive, and win.So it was a huge surprise to hear Arteta speak after the second leg triumph at the Bernabeu with alarming honesty at how helpless he felt on the touchline this week.He explained: “It was my first time as a coach in that dugout and I realised after three minutes that in this stadium, anything is possible.“I mean, they are specialists in creating such chaos, such a belief, and it’s very difficult to understand really what’s going on in the game and have certainty about how we control it.“I’m here to experience these kinds of games and to go through them. I know that sometimes you’re going to win, sometimes you’re going to lose.”This points to a real maturing and progressive moment in Arteta’s managerial career, forced to sit back and trust his players will make the right decisions, knowing he can have little impact through his ants-in-his-pants behaviour on the sidelines.If he is to lift the Champions League on May 31 in Munich, he will need much more of that.Mikel Arteta didn’t have his usual control from the Bernabeu dugoutCredit: GettyNICO OF TIMEArsenal summer target Nico Williams proved once again why he is wanted by most of Europe with another goalscoring showing in the Europa League this week.In fact, his 80th minute header to make it 2-0 to Athletic Bilbao against Rangers and send them to the semi-finals was a VERY Arteta-style goal from the wing.Coming inside, nipping in front of his defender and heading in at the far post from a looped cross – how many times have we seen the likes of Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard do that in an Arsenal shirt?That was Williams’ fifth goal in Europe, making it 11 goals in 42 games in all competitions – the best return of his career.Despite being happy at his boyhood Bilbao, the 22-year-old expects to leave with the use of his £50m release clause this summer.While he also feels he has done his duty by putting the club in pole position to qualify for the Champions League next term, currently in fourth with seven games remaining and with a chance of winning the Europa League.The fee alone would be ‘cheap’, but Spanish sources have told SunSport he could demand an eye-watering wage of around £250k-a-week. An incredible amount for someone so young and untested in England.That would put the Spaniard up there with Arsenal’s highest earners, and seriously test the willingness of Arsenal as they plan a “big” summer spending spree and aim to bring an elite No9 through the door.And remember, their financial report of 2023/24 showed that they have already increased their wage payments by nearly £100m from £234.8m to £327.8m.Nico Williams could demand mega wages to move to ArsenalCredit: RexA WELL-EARNED RESTArsenal will have a six-day break before their Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain – thanks to Crystal Palace.The Eagles were due to face Arsenal next Saturday on April 26, but the south east Londoners instead have an FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa.Instead, Arsenal will welcome Palace to the Emirates on Wednesday April 23 before hosting PSG on Tuesday April 29.An extra few days of rest and recovery at London Colney will be a blessing for Arteta, and may just give Arsenal the edge.Meanwhile PSG have to play two Ligue 1 games in just THREE days, against Nantes on Tuesday April 22 and then OGC Nice on Friday April 25.On the flipside, Luis Enrique’s men have already won the French title, and will likely rest all of their big hitters before travelling to North London.Arsenal will have a much longer break before their Champions League semi-final against PSGCredit: Getty More

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      Sportswear brand part-owned by England legend Harry Kane lands marquee deal to sponsor ex-Premier League club’s kit

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      A SPORTSWEAR brand co-owned by Harry Kane has landed a huge deal to sponsor Luton Town.England and Bayern Munich ace Kane joined Reflo in February 2024 as an investor and brand ambassador, with the former Tottenham star wearing its golf attire at The Icons Series in 2022.Harry Kane’s Reflo brand has announced a teamwear deal with a former Premier League clubCredit: Instagram @refloofficialReflo have announced a deal with Championship side LutonCredit: RexKane joined the brand as an investor and ambassador in 2024Credit: RefloThe brand, founded in 2021, already have a partnership with Forest Green as their travelwear supplier.The brand say they “specialise in sustainable, premium and technical sportswear for athletes at all levels in an array of sports, from golf and padel, to training and running”.And they have now added Championship outfit Luton to their roster of clients as a new partner from the 2025/26 season.The new teamwear is a world first that will see Luton’s kits made of recycled materials designed to be mechanically recycled at the end of their lifespan to avoid products going into landfill.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is estimated that the sportswear industry is a big part of the one million tonnes of discarded textiles the UK produces every year, with about a third ending up in landfill or incineration.The deal was announced the day before the Hatters’ crunch relegation clash with Derby on Good Friday.A club statement said: “We pride ourselves on doing the right thing for you, our fans – and the environment in which you live and support us.”That is why we are delighted to introduce Reflo as our new official teamwear partner, heralding the start of a new era in our history as we look ahead to our final seasons at Kenilworth Road and our future at Power Court.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”An industry-changing force in the sportswear world, Reflo will work with us to deliver not just eye-catching designs – in collaboration with the Luton Town Supporters’ Trust – but also the most sustainable set of kits in our history.”Club CEO Gary Sweet said: “Luton Town is built on passion, resilience and an incredible fanbase that deserves a kit as bold as the club itself.Harry Kane leaves fans stunned by his German and fans are convinced it is a major hint over transfer future “With Reflo, we’re bringing supporters kits that embody performance, innovation and sustainability.“As we look ahead to an exciting future, both on the pitch and in our new stadium, we’re committed to making Luton Town a club that entertains, competes at the highest level, and leads the way in protecting our planet.”The deal also sees the end of Luton’s tie-up with Umbro, who have worked with the club for the past five seasons.According to Sportcal, Luton’s deal with the supplier saw them land around £330,000 the year they were promoted to the top flight.Rory MacFadyen, co-founder of Reflo, added: “We’re on a journey to becoming the most responsible sportswear brand in the world and that’s why we’ve partnered with Luton Town, a team that shares our commitment to sustainability, innovation and performance.”As well as football and golf, Reflo also have brand deals with Andretti Formula E Team, NISSAN FORMULA E and The Padel Club.Luton are facing the prospect of back-to-back relegations after being dropping out of the Premier League and now finding themselves in the bottom three of the second tier. More

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      Who is Douglas Luiz’s girlfriend Alisha Lehmann?

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      FOOTBALL star Alisha Lehmann is no stranger to the spotlight after her high-profile relationship with team-mate Ramona Bachmann.The former West Ham and Aston Villa Women’s star is now dating Douglas Luiz, having met at Villa Park. Here’s what we know about Alisha.Alisha Lehmann joined Juventus alongside her current partnerCredit: Juventus / GettyAlisha has been open about her dating historyCredit: Getty ImagesWho is Douglas Luiz’s girlfriend Alisha Lehmann?Alisha Debora Lehmann is a Swiss footballer who plays as a forward for Juventus in Serie A and also represents the Switzerland national team.Born on January 21, 1999, she began her football journey at the age of nine with FC Konolfingen, where she played from 2008 to 2011.Before making the move to Italy, Alisha spent two years with West Ham and three years with Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League. The forward made the move to the Women’s Super League in August 2018 when she was signed by West Ham United.Read about Alisha LehmannShe caught the eye of then-West Ham Women’s manager, Matt Beard, with how she played during the 2018 UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship, which was held in her home country.In January 2021, Alisha made a loan move to Merseyside, joining Everton for the remainder of the season.Following that stint, she secured a permanent move to Aston Villa, where she went on to score four goals in 23 appearances during her debut season with the club.On the international stage, Alisha earned her first cap for Switzerland in October 2017, and just a few months later, in March 2018, she bagged her first international goal.Most read in SportThat goal came against Finland during the 2018 Cyprus Women’s Cup.She joined Juventus in 2024 and has scored 2 goals in 15 appearances so far for the Italian side.Alisha Lehmann leaves Aston Villa as she makes history with first boyfriend and girlfriend transferOff the pitch, she’s also a model and is considered Switzerland’s top sporting influencer, making waves both on and off the field.At Aston Villa, it’s believed that Alisha was earning around £160,000 a year, with sponsorship deals from the likes of Adidas and EA Sports giving her income an extra boost. On top of that, she reportedly landed a major deal with sports drink brand Prime, said to be worth over £928,000.As for her current contract with Juventus, the details have been kept under wraps, but it was reported early last year that her net worth was estimated to be around £1.9million.Dubbed the ‘World’s sexiest footballer’, she boasts almost 17 million Instagram followers as of April 2025.Alisha’s off-pitch promotions have got her raking in more than a million poundsCredit: Ben Montgomery / Getty ImagesIn March 2025, she risked a ban on the photo-sharing platform after rocking a daring see-through top with matching black underwear.She captioned the sultry snaps: “Second skin.”One fan responded: “Killing it as always.”Another swooned: “Alisha you look wonderful!”Is Alisha Lehmann in a relationship?The player revealed she is in a relationship with Brazilian international and fellow Juventus star Douglas Luiz.The two actually dated back in 2021 before going their separate ways for a while. Alisha has been open about her past relationships too. She has dated both men and women, including her Switzerland team-mate Ramona Bachmann.Ramona BachmannThe Juventus star dated team-mate Ramona Bachmann for a yearCredit: Instagram / Alisha LehmannTheir relationship was featured on the BBC Three show Britain’s Youngest Football Boss. Ramona and Alisha first met in 2018 when Alisha was playing for West Ham and Bachmann was at Chelsea, and they officially started dating in 2021.Reflecting on that time, Alisha told Marca: “It’s 2025. I think everyone can date whoever they want and be with whoever they want.”It’s important to open your mind and stop seeing this as a problem and instead see it as progress.”Be who you are and who you want to be. Love is love. It’s simple.”That relationship lasted about a year, and after they split, Alisha began dating Douglas again.Douglas Luiz Alisha is now in a relationship with Douglas LuizWhen they first dated in 2021, Douglas was said to be smitten with her.At the time, a source said: “He quickly asked her out and they became a footballing power couple. They were so loved up.”But, sadly, as Alisha became more in demand off the pitch, the cracks started to appear in their relationship.”When asked to do a calendar, she jumped at the chance to show off her sexy side but he was not happy.”He didn’t think it was something she should be doing. They rowed a lot and in the end, Alisha simply had enough.”However, the couple are back together, having spent several years together at Aston Villa.We do the same job, but he gets paid a hundred times more than me.Alisha LehmannThe pair then made the move to Juventus last summer, a switch that reportedly cost the Italian club £60million for both players.Alisha said the move was a mutual decision between her and Douglas, explaining: “I don’t know who convinced whom, it just happened.”So in the summer, she joined her boyfriend in swapping the Midlands for the Old Lady.However, she has been vocal about the gender pay gap in football, especially when comparing her salary to Douglas’s £100,000-a-week contract. Alisha has raised awareness about the gender pay gap in sportCredit: Getty ImagesIn an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, she shared: “Everyone would like to have the same salary.”I often speak to Douglas at home about this and tell him it’s not fair.”We do the same job, but he gets paid a hundred times more than me.”It’s something that affects me because I’m a woman.Read More on The Sun”Obviously, there’s still a long way to go on the path we’re on because there may never be equal pay.”There will have to be a very strong will to make a change in this direction.” More

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      ‘Had to let him go’ – Ruben Amorim gives Victor Lindelof and Noussair Mazraoui update after stars leave Lyon game early

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      RUBEN AMORIM has said he “had to” let his players go after Victor Lindelof and Noussair Mazraoui were forced to leave Old Trafford early last night.The Manchester United defenders both left the ground at half-time as the Red Devils pulled off a miracle comeback to beat Lyon 5-4 and advance to the Europa League semi-finals.Ruben Amorim has given an update on Noussair Mazraoui and Victor Lindelof’s early exits from Old Trafford last nightCredit: GettyNoussair Mazraoui left the stadium at half-time having played the first halfCredit: RexVictor Lindelof was supposed to replace Mazraoui but also had to leave the groundCredit: GettyRuben Amorim’s side were without the pair as they scored THREE extra-time goals to come from 4-2 down and win the game.After the match Amorim revealed that the pair were both forced to exit the Theatre of Dreams due to personal matters.Now the United boss has given another update on the duo, explaining that they will be able to return to action for this weekend’s Premier League clash with Wolves.Asked about Lindelof’s absence, he said: “He’s available. He has personal issues like Nous [Mazraoui] so we had to let him go but everything is OK now.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I know that football is really important but there are things that are more important and then they will be ready to face the next game.”Amorim didn’t divulge exactly what issues the pair had encountered, but reassured fans that they are both fine.”Both [issues came to light] during the game and sometimes you don’t control these things”, he added.”Everything happened this season, but everything is OK now.”Most read in FootballMan Utd ratings vs LyonMANCHESTER UNITED scored three goals in seven unbelievable minutes to beat Lyon in one of the all-time great nights at Old Trafford.The Red Devils looked to be putting in one of their best displays since Ruben Amorim took over as they raced into a 2-0 lead.But after conceding one goal, they let the ground slip from under them, quickly giving away another to allow Lyon to take the game to extra time.Not even a red card for Corentin Tolisso could get United out of their slump as the French side completely dominated most of the additional 30 minutes.Rayan Cherki and an Alexandre Lacazette penalty meant the visitors looked home and hosed before Casemiro was fouled and Bruno Fernandes hit home from the spot.Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire then both netted in stoppage time of extra time to secure a scarcely believable win.Here’s how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the United stars on a night that went from the sublime to the ridiculous and back again.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordSunSport understands that both issues were independent of each other.Lindelof, 30, had been warming up at half-time and was due to replace Mazraoui.Man Utd fans celebrate outside Old Trafford after leaving Lyon game early However, the Swedish international’s emergency meant Luke Shaw had to come on instead.United did just fine in the absence of Lindelof and Mazraoui as they pulled off one of the greatest European nights in Old Trafford history.Amorim’s side had blown their own 2-0 advantage to fall 4-2 behind to their French opponents with just over 10 minutes to play in extra-time.But a 114th minute Bruno Fernandes penalty was followed by goals at the death by Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire to keep Man Utd’s season alive and send Old Trafford into a frenzy of celebration.Amorim had thrown 6ft 4in Maguire up front in the late stages to push for a winning goal.And the gamble paid off when the England centre-back nodded the ball past Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri in the 121st minute to cause utter bedlam in the stands.Read More on The SunExplaining the decision after the game, he said: “We tried to put Harry Maguire up front because he is the only one who can score a goal with a header.”The sounds of the stadium was the best ever. Some people collect shirts, scarves, but I want to keep that sound, it’s the best sound in the world.”Harry Maguire scored a late winner to complete the comebackCredit: Getty More

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      Who is Joe Thompson’s wife Chantelle Perry and how many children did she share with the late Man Utd footballer?

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      MANCHESTER United have paid tribute to former footballer Joe Thompson, who has sadly passed away from cancer at the age of 36.  The club offered their heartfelt support to his family, stating that their thoughts are very much with them during this incredibly difficult time. Here’s what we know about his wife, Chantelle Perry, and their children.Chantelle Perry and Joe Thompson have been married since 2016Credit: Instagram / Chantelle PerryWho is Joe Thompson’s wife, Chantelle Perry?Chantelle Perry is the wife of former English professional footballer, Joe Thompson.The pair married in 2016 after dating for a long time.Sadly, the ex-Rochdale player, who retired at the age of 29 in 2019, faced an uphill battle with his health.He was diagnosed with cancer for a third time in 2024.Read more about Joe ThompsonIn a tribute to her husband, who died on April 17, 2025, Chantelle wrote on Instagram: “Our brave and courageous Joey passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning, he was at home where he wanted to be in a beautiful peaceful setting surrounding by his family when he transitioned. “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.“He was the most Incredible husband,son,brother,friend & father to our beautiful daughters who will now carry his light and legacy on and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joes love every single day.”Chantelle added: “It’s been a long battle, and one that he fought with all his might and he did things HIS way!! Most read in Football“He choose his path and walked every step with courage and pride growing closer and closer to god each day whilst still being there for so many others. “He held on to his plans for the future to continue that legacy but It’s now time for him to rest up and watch over us from heaven.Ex-Man Utd trainee Joe Thompson diagnosed with cancer for 3rd time and says ‘aggressive’ lymphoma has spread to his lungs “I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy. Long may his legacy and impact live on!!”Chantelle herself is a beauty entrepreneur and set up the Perriee Spa back in 2015 in Prestwich. By then, she’d already been styling hair for 13 years and had spent the last decade perfecting her own techniques for fitting hair extensions.According to Company House, she still holds a number of senior roles in her beauty businesses, however, she generally keeps a low profile.She was just 27 when Joe was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013, while he was playing for Tranmere. He was given the all-clear a year later, but sadly had to face the disease again in 2017.Chantelle has stood by him since he was diagnosedCredit: Instagram / Chantelle PerrySpeaking in 2019, Joe said he owed so much to Chantelle and their family for standing by him through it all.He told the Liverpool Echo: “I owe it to my body and also to my family who have all seen me go through hell on more than one occasion. “You have all been my light in my darkest days.”Joe said: “It’s definitely going to be a challenge and of course I get really down some days but what I need is people around me to take my mind off it because if I’m on my own for too long I just think about everything too much.She’s been my motivation through some really dark and hard times.Joe Thomspson“I have my loved ones to keep me strong and I’m so lucky to have such a fantastic family.“As a family we’re all really close. On the day I was told I had cancer my daughter just instinctively knew there was something up and she wouldn’t stop crying. It was so strange because the moment the doctor told us she knew something was wrong.“I guess she just knew there was a twinkle in daddy’s eye which wasn’t there anymore. We all slept crammed on the sofa together that night because Lula wouldn’t settle and she usually goes to sleep like clockwork.’How many children did Joe Thompson have with Chantelle Perry?The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Thailula-Lily, in September 2014.The couple share two daughtersCredit: Instagram / Chantelle PErryWhile saying his statement about his cancer returning, he described his wife and daughter, saying: “I would like to thank my wife, Chantelle, who was my rock in my first encounter and will once again be by my side with the same encouragement, discipline and strength. “Not to mention the love shown to me by both my wife and beautiful daughter Thailula-Lily who are both my motivations daily.”A year later, Thompson said about them: “She means the world to me – and my wife. “She’s been my motivation through some really dark and hard times.”She always makes me smile and hopefully she’ll remember that. She sees Daddy as Superman.”Read More on The SunThey had their second daughter, Athena Rae, in 2022.Tragically, in 2024, Chantelle and Joe shared that they had lost their baby son, whom they named Dre Phoenix Thompson. More