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      Man City to rake in £41m windfall for summer rebuild after picking best possible year for early Champions League exit

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      MANCHESTER CITY can press ahead with their team-rebuilding plans this summer despite their early Champions League exit.Pep Guardiola’s men failed to reach the last 16 of the lucrative competition for the first time since 2013 after Kylian Mbappe’s stunning hat-trick for Real Madrid.Manchester City were dumped out of the Champions League by Real Madrid this weekCredit: GETTYTheir stint in this season’s Champions League has added to Pep Guardiola’s summer war chestCredit: GETTYThat means they miss out on around £9million for reaching the knockout stage proper — along with the chance to go for around £44m more in prize money.Normally that could have hit their summer budget but City are heading for the money-spinning Club World Cup in June and July.The 32 teams are set to bank around £41m apiece just for playing in the USA tournament — with the prospect of doubling that for going all the way to the final.That should help to bridge any shortfall in the City coffers from a rare failure in Uefa’s showpiece competition — which saw them knocked out in the play-off round by Real Madrid on Wednesday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey have secured Champions League football every year since they first qualified in 2011 — but face a battle to extend that sequence into next season.Despite spending more than £175m on four signings last month, Guardiola is keen to bring in more new faces this summer.Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz and Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso are targets.City’s elimination at the hands of Real has raised further doubts over Guardiola’s future with the club.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPep Guardiola insists he will still be in charge of Manchester City next seasonCredit: GettyBut when asked if he’ll be at Eastlands next season, the Catalan told Movistar: “Yes, yes, yes, I’m going to stay [at City]. “We have drawn a very strong opponent at the best moment of the season and when the opponent is superior.’Pep Guardiola is stressed, man’ – Fans fear for Man City boss as Etihad legend spotted with fresh scratches on head”There is no other option than to congratulate them. Ten or 12 years ago we weren’t even in the picture.”It’s a competition with many details, a very emotional competition, and I have very few complaints about how we’ve behaved in Europe.”City will be back in action on Sunday, welcoming title-chasing Liverpool to the Etihad. More

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      How ex-Man Utd coach ‘who was always smiling’ got the best out of Marcus Rashford

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      BENNI McCARTHY says he brought the best out of Marcus Rashford — by making him smile.The South African spent two years on Manchester United’s coaching staff, which coincided with Rashford’s career-best 30-goal haul in 2022-23.Marcus Rashford is now on loan at Aston VillaCredit: AlamyBenni McCarthy was a Man Utd coach when Rashford was at his bestCredit: GettyThe forward, 27, hit just eight last season and is rebuilding his career on loan at Aston Villa.Former Blackburn striker McCarthy, 47, said: “That season when he scored 30 goals, when he stepped on to the pitch, he’s got a bit of a smile on his face. And I’m always smiling.“I think it becomes a little bit infectious. You can’t be angry around someone like me. Rashy was in his element.“He asked me for advice and it was nice that I was able to be there for him.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“After that, I don’t know what happened. He just went back into his shell and was  unapproachable.”Meanwhile, Villa chief Unai Emery reckons Rashford is “adapting fantastically” following his arrival in the last transfer window.The 60-cap Englishman made his first start in Wednesday’s thrilling 2-2 home Prem draw with leaders Liverpool, as did fellow loanee Marcos Asensio.Emery said: “They played good. They played 60-65 minutes so it’s another step forward from them by getting confidence and minutes, knowing the players and the idea.”Most read in FootballRashford was axed under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford but had thrived at his boyhood club while McCarthy was a coachCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIn contrast, McCarthy believes United’s current situation is nothing to grin about.Under-fire manager Ruben Amorim was forced to pick a bench packed with teenagers last time out, as Sunday’s 1-0 Prem loss at Tottenham plunged the Red Devils to 15th.Ruben Amorim admits he and Man Utd players ALL fighting for their jobs between now and the end of the seasonMcCarthy said: “The Spurs match was very depressing.” It was sad to see, especially when you’ve just left the club not so long ago and then you see all the injured players.”You look at the bench and you don’t see that option to change things.“Yes, it’s great for the young players that they get in that kind of opportunity. But you know, we’re in the business of winning games.“When you just look at the bench, you can’t see where anything is going to come from. Because Antony’s gone out on loan, Marcus Rashford’s gone out on loan, Jadon Sancho is gone, Anthony Martial’s left.” More

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      Darwin Nunez bites back at Arne Slot with two social media posts after Liverpool boss slammed ‘unacceptable behaviour’

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      FURIOUS Darwin Nunez defended his work ethic following Liverpool boss Arne Slot’s savage attack on his “unacceptable behaviour”.Slot accused the £64million Uruguayan of being lazy after his horror open-goal miss cost the Reds victory in Wednesday’s 2-2 Prem draw at Aston Villa.Darwin Nunez missed a golden opportunity to seal all three points for Liverpool against Aston VillaCredit: GETTYThe striker was thrown under the bus by Kop boss Arne SlotCredit: GETTYThe Uruguayan has hit back at his gaffer on social mediaCredit: GETTYBut Nunez, 25, blasted back with TWO social media posts.He insisted: “You never see me give up”, before vowing “to give it my all until my last day at Liverpool”.Manager Slot threw Nunez under the bus during yesterday’s 10:30am press conference as he revealed he would read him the riot act over his perceived poor work-rate.It sparked an 1:18am reply on X from Nunez, which was then deleted and replaced with another post 13 minutes later.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNunez’s “attitude” was also slammed by Kop fans after a video emerged of him heading alone down the Villa Park tunnel at the final whistle, while his team-mates applauded the travelling supporters.Slot kicked off the war of words with the South American by insisting: “I will tell him you can miss a chance but you cannot miss out on workrate.“That is the life of a striker — he will miss chances and score some.“It is part of the job of a No 9. You miss when people expect you to score.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“But it is not part of the job of a No 9 to slow down in workrate. And that is something we will talk about.“I can accept every miss, especially from a player who scored two very important goals at Brentford and scored for us in the home game against Villa.Darwin Nunez ‘strong favourite for the Grand National’ after Liverpool star’s wild Carabao Cup final celebrations”I would prefer him to score but the word ‘chance’ says it all. It is a chance so not 100 per cent that it goes in.“I can accept misses but what is harder for me to accept is his behaviour after the chance.“It got too much in his head. He was not the usual Darwin who works his a** off and makes sure he helps the team. He was too disappointed he missed that chance.”Nunez, who also blew a one-on-one with Villa keeper Emi Martinez after coming on as a second-half sub, has just six goals this season and a total of only 39 in 131 Liverpool appearances since his move from Portugal.But in his social media posts — written in Spanish — he hailed his own “resilience” plus his match-winning double at Brentford last month. His first post, quickly deleted, read: “Three weeks ago Darwin was the best, Darwin gave us the three points.“But yesterday, I was unlucky enough to miss a goal and I am once again the ‘worst’ and the failure.“I don’t fall, I get up and I am never going to give up. I am going to give my all until the last day at Liverpool. Resilience!”It was accompanied by a ‘muscles’ emoji and a picture of him celebrating after scoring against the Bees.Darwin Nunez didn’t mince his words when hitting back at his gafferCredit: GETTYAt 11:31am, a new post appeared, with the same picture and emoji, which read: “I wasn’t the best three weeks ago, nor am I the worst now.“If I fall, I get up. You will never see me give up. I’m going to give it my all until my last day at Liverpool. Resilience!” However, some angry fans accused him of snubbing them after the Villa game.One supporter posted: “He’s done. I don’t like his attitude post-match at all.”Another remarked: “I can accept missing open goals but Nunez was strolling most of the time he was on. Shocking attitude.”The storm may now lead to Slot offloading Nunez this summer.In another dig, the Anfield manager added: “I truly believe it is always best to have Wataru Endo’s mindset.READ MORE SUN STORIES“For the whole season he does not complain, keeps on going and whenever we need him he is ready.“It is not the chance Darwin missed but the 20 minutes afterwards that I will talk to him about.” More

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      Man Utd, Tottenham and Chelsea learn who they could face as Europa League and Conference League last-16s are confirmed

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      MANCHESTER UNITED, Tottenham and Chelsea are all closer to knowing who they will face in the next round of their respective European competitions.The Premier League trio all booked their spots in the last 16 of either the Europa League or the Conference League thanks to their efforts in the new fangled league phase.Manchester United know who they could face in the last 16 of the Europa LeagueCredit: AFPTottenham have also learned their fate in the competitionCredit: AlamyChelsea now know the two sides that could take on in the Conference League last 16Credit: GettyMan Utd and Spurs both finished in the top eight of the Europa League league phase and, as a result, bypassed the need to participate in a play-off round to reach the last 16 proper.Instead they have been awaiting their opponents in the next round, with one of the winners from the play-offs set to face off against each side.Thanks to United and Spurs finishing alongside each other – third and fourth respectively – they will be seeded on opposite sides of Friday’s draw.That means they have known for some time now that they would each take on one of Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar or Midtjylland.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd following the conclusion the play-off round, those four potential opponents have been narrowed down to just two – AZ Alkmaar and Real Sociedad.Dutch side AZ Alkmaar thrashed Galatasaray 6-3 on aggregate to book their spot in the last 16, while Real Sociedad were pushed hard over two legs against Midtjyland but ultimately ran away with it 7-3.That means that Spurs and United will each be drawn against one of Sociedad and Alkmaar.For example, if Spurs draw Sociedad then United will take on AZ Alkmaar. The Prem rivals CANNOT play each other.Most read in FootballAZ Alkmaar dominated Galatasaray over two legsCredit: GettyReal Sociedad celebrates got the better of FC Midtjylland tooCredit: GettyEuropa League tiesA look at the potential Europa League ties ahead of the draw…AZ Alkmaar vs Man Utd/TottenhamReal Socieded vs Man Utd/TottenhamViktoria Plzen vs Lazio/Athletic BilbaoAS Roma vs Lazio/Athletic BilbaoBodo Glimt vs Olympiacos/RangersFenerbahce vs Olympiacos/RangersAjax vs Eintracht Frankfurt/LyonFCSB vs Eintracht Frankfurt/LyonCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd as a result of finishing third and fourth, Man Utd and Spurs will not meet in this year’s competition unless both teams reach the final.Tottenham have already gotten the better of AZ Alkmaar once this season, beating them 1-0 during the league phase of the competition.Champions League and Euros winner Alvaro Morata gets humbled as fans of his new club don’t seem to have a clue who he isA second half penalty from Richarlison proved to be the difference between the two sides back in October as Alkmaar had a man sent off in the late stages.Rangers, meanwhile, will face either Bodo/Glimt or Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.Whichever team is not drawn against Rangers will take on Olympiacos.The draw to find out who faces who will take place in Switzerland on Friday.That’s where Chelsea will also learn their fate too, as they await their last 16 opponents after topping the Conference League table with a flawless league phase campaign.FC Copenhagen’s 4-3 aggregate win over Heidenheim and Real Betis’ two-legged victory over Gent, means it’ll be one of Betis or Copenhagen who face the tough task of taking on the Londoners in the next round.Whoever isn’t drawn to face Chelsea will take on Portuguese side Vitoria de Guimaraes.READ MORE SUN STORIESA tie with Betis would mean Chelsea would have to deal with in-form Antony, who sealed a loan to the La Liga club in January and has been scoring for fun since.As the seeded teams, Chelsea, Man Utd and Spurs will contest the away leg of their round of 16 tie on March 6, with the reverse fixtures in England scheduled for March 13.Conference League tiesA look at the potential Conference League ties ahead of the draw…Real Betis vs Chelsea/Victoria S.CFC Copenhagen vs Jagiellonia Bialystok vs Leiga/Cercle BruggeMolde vs Leiga/Cercle BruggeCelje vs Djurgarden/LuganoPafos vs Djurgarden/LuganoPanathinaikos vs Fiorentina/Rapid WienBorac Banja Luka vs Fiorentina/Rapid WienChelsea could face Antony’s Real BetisCredit: GettyDanish side FC. Copenhagen are their other potential opponentsCredit: Getty More

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      Conference League clash SUSPENDED mid-game after fan chaos as rivals throw flares at each other

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      RIVAL fans hurled flares and fought in the stands – forcing a Uefa Conference League game to be SUSPENDED near the end.The shocking scenes erupted as Slovenian side Olimpija Ljubljana battled Bosnian visitors Borac Banja Luka.Trouble exploded late in a tense finale to the play-offMatch officials had no choice but to halt playLithuanian ref Manfredas Lukjancukas halted the play-off at the Stadion Stozice as smoke billowed out from behind a goal.Fans threw missiles and it even appeared that pieces of railing were detached from the stands as the skirmishes continued.The lengthy delay was one reason for 19 MINUTES of stoppage time.Both clubs are now certain to face a Uefa probe.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBorac went through to the last 16 as a 0-0 draw meant they triumphed 1-0 on aggregate.It came on the same night Fenerbahce’s Europa League clash with Anderlecht was suspended for FIFTEEN minutes after fighting in the stands.Footage on social media reportedly showed a small segment of Olimpija fans attacking their counterparts.Some Borac supporters responded by throwing flares at the advancing yobs.Most read in FootballThe away supporters could be seen charging at the home fans after flares were thrown in their directionBut they ended up being lobbed back at them as the louts continued to run riot.The stadium announcer repeatedly pleaded for order, which was only restored after more than five minutes.Earthquake strikes Lisbon during Champions League press conference and leaves whole room shakingSlovenian midfielder Sandi Ogrinec had hit the only goal of the tie for Borac against his home-country club in time added on during the first leg.And in Thursday’s return, Olimpija’s Alex Blanco saw Djordje Despotovic save his seventh-minute penalty – a costly failure as it turned out. More

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      Tributes flood in as Celtic European Cup final hero dies

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      TRIBUTES are being paid to former Celtic goalkeeper Evan Williams, who has sadly died at the age of 81.Williams, born in Dumbarton, played for the Hoops between 1969 and 1974 and was the goalie for their second European Cup final appearance.Evan Williams (right) at the funeral of fellow Celtic hero Tommy GemmellCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowWilliams in action for Celtic in the 1972 Drybrough Cup final against AberdeenCredit: Scottish News and SportWhen Celtic took on Feyenoord in 1970, Williams won man of the match on a night when the Glasgow side lost 2-0 but it could have been a lot worse if not for the man between the sticks pulling off a string of impressive saves.Williams was the first choice ‘keeper in three league title-winning seasons from 1970 through to 1972 and had the unenviable task of taking over from Lisbon Lion hero Ronnie Simpson.He held onto the No.1 jersey after signing from Wolves despite the attentions of John Fallon and Denis Connaghan.Williams made 148 appearances for Celtic before leaving to join Kilmarnock, taking with him four league winners’ medals and two Scottish Cup winners’ medals.Hugh Jordan, a journalist who was a friend of Williams, posted on Facebook: “It’s with great sadness I report the death of my friend Evan Williams, the former Celtic goalkeeper. “He passed away in Helensburgh earlier today, aged 81. “As schoolboys, Evan and I both played football for St.Patrick’s, Dumbarton, although he was a few years older. Not a lot of people know this, but Evan was capped as a schoolboy international playing outfield, which he did at every opportunity. “He would have been well suited to the modern game. Evan signed for Celtic after a stint with Wolverhampton Wanderers and he soon became Jock Stein’s most trusted keeper. Most read in Football”He gave a great performance in the 1972 European Cup final when Celtic lost 2-1 to Feyenoord and afterwards, Dutch superstar Wim Van Hannigan handed Evan his jersey, which he treasured. “40 years ago in July, I accidentally broke my arm, but hadn’t realised until I woke up in agony at 3.00am. Unable to move, I rang Evan who was working as a taxi driver. He came straight over, helped me get dressed and took me to hospital. Barry Robson Part 2 The Tommy Burns quip which brought him crashing to earth on day one at Celtic and the attitude problems which hit him at Rangers”Evan’s dad was Welsh and although I didn’t know him, I knew his mum Nellie very well. She was very proud of Evan and so was I. “I fondly remember great European nights at Celtic Park when he provided a safe pair of hands between the posts.”Upon hearing the news, one fan said: “Sad to hear the news that former Celtic goalkeeper Evan Williams has passed away.”Another said: “So sad to hear my old school friend and Celtic goalkeeper Evan Williams has passed away rest in peace God bless, hail hail.”Maryhill Bertie Auld CSC commented: “Rest in peace Evan Williams. A lovely man and a great Celt.”While this supporter said: “Farewell to Evan Williams who has passed away. The first goalie I ever saw play for Celtic in 1972. A Celt to the core. rest in peace, Evan.”David Currie, who was coached by Williams, recalled: “Sad to hear of the passing of former Celtic goalkeeper Evan Williams. He was my goalie coach at Dumbarton Harp under 21s and I remember he would regularly tell me that Pelé ‘took two touches but scored three goals’ against him! Lovely guy and great coach. RIP the ‘Golden Throw’.”Legendary Celts boss Jock Stein once said of Williams: “I didn’t realise how important you were to Celtic until you weren’t there anymore, and I didn’t realise that goalkeeper is the hardest position of all.”Williams also played for East Fife, Third Lanark, Aston Villa, Clyde and Stranraer before retiring in 1976.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe managed Vale of Leven and then Ardeer Thistle in the junior ranks.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Stephen Graham’s nephew’s football club FINED after Hollywood actor’s foul-mouthed rant at match official

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      MOVIE star Stephen Graham landed his nephew’s footie club with a fine and seven penalty points after a foul-mouthed rant at the referee.The actor, 51, was investigated by the FA for calling the match official a “fat t**t” and a “f*****g Teletubby” while he was a spectator at the non-league game.A Thousand Blows star Stephen Graham landed his nephew’s football club with a fine and seven penalty points after a foul-mouthed rant at the refereeCredit: Disney +Graham branded non-league referee David Kennedy, pictured, a ‘f***ing Tellytubby’Graham, middle, on a trip to Barrow Town FC in LeicestershireCredit: FacebookThe Sun told how he flew into a rage in front of dozens of onlookers, forcing kick-off to be delayed.Two months on, the Line of Duty star’s conduct has resulted in Barrow Town FC being hit with seven penalty points and a £190 fine.The club admitted failing to control a spectator.It comes as the star’s new show, A Thousand Blows, premieres on Disney+ today.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd it is understood the match incident came when Mr Graham was in peak physical form after undergoing a strict workout regime for the boxer role.A source said: “Graham’s behaviour was absolutely shameless. The club’s now been punished for his actions, which isn’t fair on players or fans.“Nobody can act like that, even A-list celebrities. He’s let a lot of people down.” The Saturday afternoon game on December 14 was between Barrow Town FC’s first team and Heather St John’s reserve squad near the star’s home in Ibstock, Leics.Most read in FootballThe Boiling Point actor was standing with his son, 17, when he accused the referee of being on a “power trip”.The ref refused to continue until Graham walked away. Stephen Graham lashes out in new pictures of gripping drama A Thousand Blows from Peaky BlindersIt is believed the star phoned the official to apologise later.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      James Trafford on course to complete Newcastle transfer in summer 12 months after move collapsed

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      JAMES TRAFFORD is on course to become a Newcastle United player – whether Burnley are promoted or not.The goalkeeper, 22, has been in incredible form for the high-flying Clarets and has not conceded for over 1,000 minutes.James Trafford seems certain to return to the Prem next seasonCredit: ReutersThe England U21 international had agreed to move to St James’ for £16m last summer before the deal collapsed.Manchester City have a buy-back clause as part of the package that took him to Turf Moor in 2023 which states they can re-sign for a £40m-plus fee.But Newcastle are not believed to have any concerns about that and are confident they can get the transfer over the line this summer.Trafford, who has just two years left on his contract, also has his heart set on the move.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis performances have been closely monitored by the Premier League side’s scouts for over the past year.And his ball-playing ability as well as his shotstopping talents have made him a stand-out choice to be Toon’s new No1.Trafford, for now, will be hoping to extend his 11-game clean sheet run on Friday night when third-placed Burnley host Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship.Meanwhile, Newcastle are still determined to hold onto Arsenal target Alexander Isak.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLiverpool and Chelsea are also thought to be monitoring the Swedish striker.But the Magpies want around £165million for the Swede – twice what the Gunners would have hoped to pay.Eddie Howe determined to end Newcastle’s trophy drought in Carabao Cup final Newcastle have the 25-year-old on a contract, believed to be £130,000 a week, until 2028.Toon chief Eddie Howe has said: “We of course love him and are desperate for him to stay at Newcastle for many years.” More