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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Man Utd’s £2billion ‘New Trafford’ to be England’s Eiffel Tower and attract one billion tourists

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE wants Manchester United’s new £2billion home to be the north of England’s answer to the Eiffel Tower in Paris.And the club’s co-owner claims ONE BILLION United followers will want to visit the ‘New Trafford’ tourist attraction — despite some fans branding it a “CIRCUS TENT”.Manchester United have announced plans to build a new 100,000 seater stadiumThe ground will be built on land adjacent to Old TraffordThe new home of the Red Devils will be the second biggest stadium in EuropeThe Old Trafford faithful might be sceptical — given the Red Devils also sit 14th in the Prem table.What’s more, Ratcliffe claimed on Monday afternoon the club would have gone bust by Christmas had they not brutally slashed costs.Yet here he was, a few hours later, unveiling the plans for a 100,000-seater stadium — which they hope can become reality by the start of the 2030/31 season.The Ineos owner said: “It’s obvious that the more iconic or more extraordinary that the stadium is, the more successful the regeneration scheme will be.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“A really good example is the Eiffel Tower. Everybody around the world knows the Eiffel Tower.“I’m sure many people here who have visited Paris, you stay in a hotel, you go to the Eiffel Tower.“We have one billion people around the world who follow Manchester United. They will all want to visit this stadium.”The Manchester-born Ineos magnate does not feel the region he hails from has a stadium it merits — but he aims to put that right.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsManchester United are hoping to complete their new ground by 2030The stadium be situated under a large umbrella, which will harvest energy and rainwaterThat is why he asked architect Norman Foster — another who grew up in the city — to come up with the plans.Ratcliffe added: “The north of England has won ten Champions League medals and London has won two but London has Wembley, and Twickenham, and Wimbledon and the Olympic Village.Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains his plans for the new Man Utd Stadium “The North deserves to have a stadium where England can play football, where we can hold the Champions League and a stadium befitting of Manchester United’s stature.”He feels the same way about the English top flight, too, adding: “The Premier League is indisputably the best football league in the world — maybe the best sport’s league in the world.“It must have a stadium that is at least the equal of the best in Europe.“Today it has some great stadiums but it doesn’t have a Bernabeu or a Nou Camp.“They are bigger and more interesting than the stadiums we have in the Premier League.”United have studied those two Spanish venues while working out their own plans — as well as the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and the Olympic Stadium in Munich.But they wanted something unique to United — and the three big-top style tents, to signify the ‘trident’ on their badge will make sure of that.Not to mention the enormous umbrella that will cover a huge area of the complex — surely a nod to the famous Manchester weather.With 170,000 on their waiting list for season tickets, United are convinced they can sell the extra 25,000-plus tickets that would be added to their current capacity.They need to make sure they have a team worthy of performing on such a grand stage, though — and chief exec Omar Berrada says they will not lose sight of that.He said: “It is clear that our ambition is to have the best team in the world with the best and most iconic stadium in the world.“We want to have some of the best players playing at Old Trafford in front of our fans.Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Manchester United’s new stadium to a must-visit attractionCredit: PA“Our fans deserve to see a team that they can be proud of and can connect with — and to be able to do that in an amazing venue like the one we have shown.“We obviously want the stadium to give us additional revenues for us to be able to invest into the team, and I think that’s going to help.“One of the biggest upsides is to give the best experience to our fans, to be able to accommodate more fans into the stadium.“But it is true that the additional revenues will help finance the talent that the fans will see on the pitch.”He also played down concerns over how a club that was apparently heading for the wall can finance such an enormous project.Berrada added: “The way the club was tracking, with all the losses that have been accumulated — more than £300million in the last five years — was not sustainable.”So all the plans we’ve been putting in place over the last months really address the short-term issue, which is that the club was losing money.“Once we stop losing money, we then put ourselves in the best financial position to continue investing in our team and also to allow us to be able to have the ambition to build a new stadium.”United have yet to decide what will happen to the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ — their home since 1910 and the setting for countless iconic moments.But yesterday was a clear sign that its days are numbered.READ MORE SUN STORIESBerrada said: “We want a stadium that’s befitting of the stature and history of this club.“Old Trafford is 115 years old, so we want to build a stadium that is going to last for another 100 years.” More

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      ‘We’re just so used to it’ say fans as Burnley admin makes bizarre blunder after West Brom draw

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      BURNLEY fans claimed “we’re just so used to it” after their team’s X account erroneously reported that they’d drawn 0-0 with West Brom.Scott Parker’s side hosted Tony Mowbray’s men at Turf Moor, hoping to overtake Leeds at the top of the Championship table.Burnley battled West Brom this eveningCredit: PAThe Clarets have become known for their frugal defence this season.They went into tonight’s match having only conceded 10 goals in 36 league games under Parker.Burnley did go behind, however, via John Swift’s stunning 20th minute free kick.But the promotion chasers weren’t down for long, Zian Flemming equalising in the 23rd minute.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe match went on to finish 1-1… not that you’d have known from their initial social media post.The tweet read: “It ends goalless in Burnley.”Responding to the mistake, one fan joked: “We’re so used to 0-0 hahahahaaha.”While a second cheekily wrote: “we saw what you did there.”Most read in ChampionshipCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThe Clarets quickly updated the post to read: “It ends level in Burnley.”Incredibly, Parker’s side have drawn 0-0 eleven times this season.Jonjo Shelvey completes shock Championship transfer after six-cap England star, 32, saw contract TORN UP by Turkish clubThey have scored 50 goals, the lowest tally among the Championship’s top four.Prior to their 2-1 win at Cardiff earlier this month, Burnley had gone 12 league matches in a row without conceding.Following tonight’s Championship action the Clarets remain third in the table.They are just one point behind previous leaders Leeds United, and two off new table-toppers Sheffield United.James Trafford has kept several clean sheets this seasonCredit: Rex More

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      Fans fear Trent Alexander-Arnold has played last game for Liverpool after nasty injury in Champions League clash vs PSG

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      LIVERPOOL fans are worried that Trent Alexander-Arnold has played his last game for the club. The Reds full-back, 26, limped off in the second half of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.Liverpool fans fear Trent Alexander-Arnold has played his last game for the clubCredit: GettyThe full-back was taken off in the second half of Liverpool’s clash with PSGCredit: APAlexander-Arnold was impressive before being forced out of the contest with just under 20 minutes remaining. Trailing 1-0, the England star attempted to slide tackle PSG midfielder Vitinha. The ball was nipped away by the Brazilian, leaving Alexander-Arnold sliding awkwardly on the Anfield turf.He appeared to tweak something in his left leg, with medical teams immediately dashing onto the field. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAlexander-Arnold was able to stand under his own steam but was swiftly replaced by Jarell Quansah. One fan groaned on X: “Is that the last time we see Trent Alexander Arnold play for @LFC? Please no.”Another said: “I won’t be surprised if Trent doesn’t play again this season, could even be his last Liverpool game.”While a third added: “Trent was quality second half. Looked upset coming off, hopefully not the last time he plays at Anfield.”Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsAnd a fourth commented: “That was such a weird injury for Trent, gutted for him.”Alexander-Arnold has been with his hometown club Liverpool since the age of six.Liverpool manager Arne Slot says his team were ‘lucky’ to beat PSG He made his debut in 2016 and has since become a firm fan favourite at the club.But his contract is up in the summer, with no concrete signs yet he will sign a new deal.Real Madrid were chasing the full-back in January, with Liverpool rebuffing the Spanish champions’ £20m bid. Alexander-Arnold would be free to sign with the LaLiga giants in the summer if he doesn’t pen a new contract on Merseyside.His teammates Mo Salah and Virgil Van Dijk are also yet to commit their future to Liverpool. SunSport revealed last week that Madrid are keen to get Trent through the door BEFORE the Club World Cup in June.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat would require an agreement with Liverpool over a transfer fee for releasing TAA from his contract early.Ancelotti’s side face Saudi’s Al-Hilal in their first group game in Miami on June 18. More

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      Daniel Sturridge shrieks as Wayne Rooney and Amazon Prime team soaked by SPRINKLERS during half-time of Liverpool vs PSG

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      DANIEL STURRIDGE and Wayne Rooney were nearly soaked by sprinklers as they covered Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.The former England duo joined host Gabby Logan and AC Milan legend Clarence Seedorf on Amazon Prime Video’s coverage.The Amazon Prime Video team were nearly soaked by sprinklersCredit: Amazon PrimeWayne Rooney and Clarence Seedorf joined Gabby Logan and Daniel Sturridge on the broadcastCredit: GettyAt half-time of the topsy-turvy clash, the punditry team were caught off guard by the Anfield sprinklers.In footage shown on Prime’s broadcast, the team could be seen ducking away from being soaked.Sturridge, 35, even shrieked as he made his move.The quartet had just watched an exciting first half of action.READ MORE IN SPORTLiverpool went into the second leg leading 1-0 from last week’s match in Paris.But Luis Enrique’s side levelled the tie just 12 minutes into tonight’s encounter, via Ousmane Dembele.Reds boss Arne Slot admitted that his side were “lucky” to win last week’s first leg.Liverpool withstood a barrage of PSG attacks before winning it late on via Harvey Elliott.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSlot said: “We weren’t a little bit lucky, we were really lucky – but as Michael Jordan said once: ‘The harder you work, the more luck you have’.”This is the biggest compliment you have to give the players, they worked incredibly hard.Moment Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are pulled apart after apparent spat during Liverpool training “That also has to do with the players being – if you were 45 minutes with the other team having the ball a lot and having to defend so much – mentally and physically so strong to come up with the second-half performance of not giving away as many open chances as we did in the first half.”And, even scoring a goal on the counter-attack shows you how mentally and physically strong these players are.” More

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      I helped at dad’s bakery & made chicken balls with mum… I’d play as Man City on FIFA for fun, now I’ve signed for them

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      NEW Manchester City star Juma Bah has had an unorthodox route to the top of the game.The centre-back, 18, joined Pep Guardiola’s side in a £6.75million deal from Real Valladolid in January.Juma Bah is on loan at RC Lens from Man CityCredit: ReutersBah, 18, impressed in his native Sierra Leone before moving to EuropeCredit: Instagram @abdulaijuma28While most of City’s superstars won’t have worked an ordinary job as they came up through various plush academies, Bah understands the value of hard graft away from the pitch.Hailing from Freetown, Sierra Leone, Bah opened up on his football journey while chatting to the BBC.”At 4am I carried wood, because my father usually bakes early in the morning,” he revealed.”I would say he has the best bread in the world. I used to carry the bread to people’s shops.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”My mum used to sell chicken balls on the street. I would usually help pound the meat and after she took it to sell to people. I’m really happy to help my family.”Having impressed in his home country, Bah attracted the attention of European scouts – eventually signing for Valladolid last year.After initially playing within the Spanish side’s youth set-up, Bah was rapidly promoted to the first team.Following 12 LaLiga appearances, Bah had shown enough potential for City to acquire his services.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHaving joined the Premier League champions, Bah was subsequently sent out on loan to RC Lens – replacing City-bound Abdukodir Khusanov and Tottenham new-boy Kevin Danso.Having already made a remarkable rise, Bah is far from done.Fans plead with Pep Guardiola as they spot secret Mo Salah charm offensive after Liverpool loss “It would be a dream for me to play with these great players at Manchester City,” he said.”I usually play with them on PlayStation. Playing with them in real life will be amazing.”I’m looking forward to go there and learn, and to have the best coach in the world.”My aim is to win trophies.”Bah spent the first half of the season in LaLigaCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Will I get money off next bill?’ – Fans fume at Sky Sports after ‘technical difficulty’ sees EFL tie left unwatchable

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      SKY SPORTS subscribers have been left furious after a technical glitch interrupted an EFL clash on Tuesday.Coverage of the League One clash between Bolton and Bristol Rovers was unavailable for some viewers during the first half. Viewers trying to watch an EFL clash on Sky Sports were met with an error messageCredit: SkyBristol Rovers’ clash with Bolton wasn’t accessible through the streaming serviceCredit: GettyThe match was being broadcast through Sky’s new streaming service Sky Sports+.But viewers were met with a screen declaring there was a “technical difficulty”, and urged them to “try again later”.One fan raged on X: “‘I’m paying a premium price but getting a poor service. Darts feed was awful last week now you’re letting me down with football.”And another added: “We pay all this money every month and you can’t even provide a decent service on the Bristol v Bolton game – are you giving refunds.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhile a third commented: “There is a problem with the Sky Sports+ Feed match between Bristol Rovers V Bolton it keeps cutting out it’s very glitchy. “Are you looking into the issue this evening or will I get money off my next bill as this is just ridiculous!!!”Viewers struggled to get the stream working throughout the first half at the Memorial Stadium.Chris Martin gave the hosts an early lead from the penalty spot.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsBut in-form Bolton hit back just before halftime through Aaron Morley.Most fans should have caught the equaliser, with the stream resuming from around the 30-minute mark. ‘Classless’ – Fans fume as EFL star’s ‘disgusting’ behaviour sparks row that sees manager sent off days after dad died-LocatThe issues come just days after viewers raged against Sky for a disastrous broadcast of Premier League Darts. Darts fans had settled down ready to watch Night 5 of the Premier League from Brighton.But they were met with a host of issues, ranging from audio glitches to visual skips.Commentator Wayne Mardle apologised for the “temporary issues” saying they would be “fixed momentarily” before more glitches in the broadcast.A message at the bottom of the screen began showing which said: “We’re really sorry for the temporary picture problems.” More

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      Man Utd chief says women’s team will play at new stadium as ‘there’s technology that can make it feel smaller’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are hoping new technology can help their women’s team feel at home in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s huge new stadium. The United co-owner announced the go-ahead for a £2billion, 100,000-seater ground on Monday. United COO Collette Roche has indicated Manchester United Women will use the new stadiumCredit: ECAUnited Women currently play home games at the 12,000-capacity Leigh Sports VillageCredit: GettyUnited are set to leave Old Trafford behind to build an entirely new stadium. It follows months of speculation, with the announcement following a sobering review of the Red Devils’ financial state.Ratcliffe is adamant the new ground will “have a really intense atmosphere” and be the “best in Europe”.United’s women’s team was founded in 2018 and currently play matches at the 12,000-capacity Leigh Sports Village. READ MORE ON MAN UTDThey are the current women’s FA Cup holders and are currently second in the WSL. United COO Collette Roche has confirmed the club are hoping to move the women’s team with them to the new stadium.And they hope to embrace technology to make the ground feel “smaller” and more “intimidating.”Roche said: “There’s technology now that can still give you the sense of a smaller, intimidating, great atmospheric stadium.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets”We think [that] could be befitting the women’s team with a smaller crowd. “That’s the type of things we’re looking at, as well as technology for the pitch.”Fans spot Sir Alex Ferguson YAWNING as he watches woeful Man Utd – but get distracted by who he’s sitting next toRatcliffe had previously indicated he wanted to build a “Wembley of the North” on the site.The 72-year-old secured government backing in January to regenerate the area around the current ground. A designated task force delivered its report on the feasibility of either redeveloping the existing 115-year structure or rebuilding a new brand stadium.And they ultimately decided to move away from Old Trafford, which Ratcliffe admitted was “leaking from the roof.”Ratcliffe said: “You know this expression – don’t spend good money after bad. Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Red Devils signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as everIT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.Arsenal’s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances.”I think what would have happened if we tried to refurbish the stadium, we would have discovered that it actually would probably have been 70 per cent of the cost of building a new stadium. READ MORE SUN STORIES”And in 25 years’ time, we’d be talking about building a new stadium because it wouldn’t be perfect. “So then we looked at the option of a new stadium and, of course, you can design the perfect stadium then – you can build a very large stadium.” More

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      Manchester City’s Alex Greenwood left ‘shocked’ by Gareth Taylor exit ahead of cup final duel with Chelsea

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      ALEX GREENWOOD admits to being shocked by the sudden sacking of Gareth Taylor as Manchester City women’s boss.  However the City skipper expects her team-mates will come together under interim gaffer Nick Cushing. Man City will take on Chelsea in the Women’s League Cup final in their first game after Gareth Taylor’s departureCredit: AlamyMan City skipper Alex Greenwood said the sacking of Taylor shocked her and insists it was “purely results-based”Credit: GettyMan City’s duel with Chelsea will see the two sides face each other in a League Cup final for the first time since 2022Credit: ReutersTaylor, 52, was axed from his role just five days before City’s League Cup final clash with Chelsea this Saturday. His departure saw him become the fourth manager to have their reign at a WSL team ended this term. The Manchester giants’ decision to end Taylor’s tenure follows the team losing pace in the WSL title hunt. At present Chelsea look to be on course for a eighth top-flight title with their 12-point lead at the summit and the team yet to lose a game. Read More Football StoriesAfter four losses and two draws in 16 league games, City are currently fourth and facing a fight to qualify for Europe next term. With the team facing Chelsea four times this month including in the Champions League, club chiefs decided change was needed. Earlier today when reporters asked for her thoughts on Taylor’s departure, Greenwood said it was “a lot to process” and said it was “purely results-based”. The City captain, who won an FA Cup and League Cup during his four-and-half-year reign, added: “I was shocked by the news, of course. Most read in Football”I wasn’t expecting that news but it’s business and this is football. “The focus quickly shifted to what’s next, what is important to the team and that’s the final on Saturday.””My role as captain is to bring the team together and make sure the focus remains the same, which is on the final on Saturday and the run of games we’ve got coming up.”On whether she has spoken to Taylor since Monday, Greenwood said: “He brought me to this football club, he made me captain”We had some great moments together, so I will speak to Gareth when the time’s right. “But for now, I think, out of respect, I’ll leave him to digest this.”City will play their remaining games under the stewardship of Cushing, who is managing the side for the rest of this season. The head coach, who last November was sacked as New York City FC boss, led the Cityzens to the WSL title in 2016 during his first stint as women’s team boss.This Saturday the team will be without the services of their captain who is working her way back to fitness from a medial collateral injury. Greenwood said: “Nick had a great meeting with the team, a really positive one, about winning and what is achievable, what we need to focus on.”Man City’s first game following Taylor’s departure comes four days after construction got underway on a £10million training complex for their women’s team.  The 17,000 square-foot building, due to open next season, will contain a dressing room, a high-performance gym and a hydrotherapy area to aid players’ recovery from injuries Earlier today Greenwood joined women’s team managing director Charlotte O’Neill and football director Therese Sjogran to break ground on the new development. The City captain added:  “We’ve gone from an amazing facility which has gotten us to this point.Chelsea are currently unbeaten so far this season across all competitionsCredit: Getty”It’s time for us to move on from that now and expand as a team by giving us our own space to work from. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Right from the start we’ve been involved quite a lot so we could discuss what’s going to be in there and what’s necessary.”From what I know the facilities are going to be the best, which is nothing short of what I expect.” More