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      Prince William meets new England boss Thomas Tuchel at Windsor Castle ahead of German’s first match in charge

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      FOOTY fan Prince William gave the new England boss a winning start at Windsor Castle – as he gave a warm handshake to Thomas Tuchel.William, 42, spent an hour chatting about football and, of course, his favourite football team Aston Villa’s Champions League form.Prince William shakes hands with new England boss Thomas Tuchel at Windsor CastleCredit: InstagramTuchel’s first game in charge is against Albania at Wembley on March 21Credit: GettyWills with England ace Harry Kane at the Euros last summerCredit: EPAThe Prince of Wales cheered Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions from the stands in Germany as they went all the way to final at Euro 2024 only to agonisingly lose against Spain.And he took Prince George to games at Wembley during their run to the final in Euro 2021.Tuchel, 51, who won the Champions League with Chelsea, officially took on the ‘Impossible Job’ in January.Wills and Tuchel first met in the stands when Villa beat Celtic 4-2 last month.Read More on SportSources close to William, who is Patron of the FA, said yesterday’s royal welcome was an opportunity for the German boss to share his views on the team since taking over and his hopes for the future.While William was highly likely to speak about Villa’s European campaign and last 16 clash with Club Brugge next week, they said.Tuchel’s first game in charge is against Albania at Wembley on March 21 and his contract runs out after the 2026 World Cup.Thomas Tuchel’s first day at St. George’s Park as he meets England staff and coaches More

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      ‘World’s sexiest footballer’ Alisha Lehmann drops major hint over second career in modelling after lingerie shoot

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      The world’s most feted female footballer online is ready for a racy new Alisha life.Even Roger Federer hasn’t served up as big a presence on Instagram as Alisha Lehmann, who is Switzerland’s top sporting influencer.Alisha Lehmann says it’s important to ‘feel good’Credit: Instagram @tezenisofficialShe was delighted with these ‘really beautiful’ picturesCredit: Instagram @tezenisofficialThe photos drew more than 500k likes on InstagramCredit: Instagram @tezenisofficialThe Swiss forward joined Juventus from Aston Villa last summerCredit: GettyNow the striker’s following could soar further – after she revealed she is keen to do more lingerie modelling.Lehmann had raised her profile on the pitch even further last summer when she made a unique piece of transfer history.The 26-year-old and boyfriend Douglas Luiz both switched from Aston Villa to Juventus.Unfortunately Luiz has struggled for a regular start with the men’s team, while Lehmann is currently out injured for the women’s side.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut off the field she’s made great strides – with a possible second career beckoning.Lehmann attracted more than 500,000 Instagram likes when she shared a photoshoot with underwear brand Tezenis ahead of Valentine’s Day.Now she’s confirmed she’d love to take it further – with more such glamour roles.Lehmann told 20 minutes: “We really worked together well and had a great shoot. Most read in Football”We were able to take some really beautiful pictures. I’m happy!”Lehmann – regularly called “the world’s sexiest footballer” – then revealed some of her inner, winner, linger-ie secrets.Alisha Lehmann in space gearThe former West Ham player said: “For a woman who is confident and wants to show that she is confident, it is important that she feels good. “And this lingerie is really very comfortable. What I also like is that it is underwear that every woman can wear. “No matter what her body type is. I really like wearing it myself.”Lehmann’s followers appeared delighted with her news in briefs.And one described her as the “the most beautiful footballer of all time”.That’s quite a statement for the “beautiful game”.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd not many fans engaged with that argument.But plenty made a more simple claim – that “Douglas Luiz is a lucky man”.A glimpse into the life of the influencer…Alisha is top of the crops online with a huge haul of followersCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alishalehmann7/?hl=enAlisha and partner Douglas Luiz both joined JuveCredit: instagram @alishalehmann7She was a sight for sauna eyes in this shotCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7The 26-year-old has 16.7m followers on InstagramCredit: instagram @alishalehmann7Alisha previously played for Aston VillaCredit: RexLehmann was one of the WSL’s top starsCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7She has amassed a loyal followingCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Lehmann was asked if she could send Drake one of her football shirtsCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7The footballer is sponsored by PrimeCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7She is also a 58-cap Switzerland internationalCredit: Getty More

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      I woke up in hospital after gruesome injury… and phone call from Sir Alex Ferguson speaks volumes about the man he is

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      A FORMER Manchester United ace opened up about an incredible gesture Sir Alex Ferguson made at a dark time when he thought his career was over.Ferguson, 83, is considered by many as the greatest manager of all time having won 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions League trophies during his 17-year reign at Old Trafford.Sir Alex Ferguson was praised by one of his former Manchester United hopefulsCredit: GettyPhilip Mulryne revealed an amazing gesture he received from Ferguson after he left Man UtdCredit: PA:Empics SportSir Alex also gets credit for turning some of United’s greatest young prospects into legends, including David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and the famed Class of 92.One of Man Utd’s lesser-known academy graduates who got an opportunity to shine under Fergie is Philip Mulryne.Mulryne, 47, joined the Red Devils’ academy at the age of 14 and made his senior debut under the Scottish great on the final day of the 1997-98 campaign.The former midfielder, though, never managed to earn a permanent spot in the first team and that led to a mere five appearances until his move to Norwich a year later.Read More on Man UtdBut a year after joining the Canaries, the ex-Northern Ireland international suffered a devastating leg break which put his career at serious risk.As he was lying on a hospital bed agonising about his future, the phone rang, and it was Ferguson reaching out to him and offering him the opportunity to rehabilitate at Old Trafford.The footballer – who has since become a priest – returned to Old Trafford for a celebration of the club’s academy and shared his incredible story to an audience of current United hopefuls.Mulryne said: “I just want to say, as a testament to the club and what he [Ferguson] did, first of all he gave me my debut.Most read in Football“But a year after I signed for Norwich, I broke my leg. It nearly ended my career.“I woke up in hospital that night and the first phone call I got was the gaffer, offering that I could come back to the club for all my rehabilitation, and I had left the club a year.Ruben Amorim blames results on the pitch for Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal Man Utd cuts “That was unbelievable for me and that was testament to the personal element to the club, not just the on-the-field, off-the-field attention to the person. “That’s a wonderful testament to the club and the people in it.” More

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      ‘We’re not Arsenal… win or leave’ – Chelsea fans hold protest against Todd Boehly ownership group and demand they sell

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      CHELSEA fans fumed “We’re not Arsenal” as they held a protest against Todd Boehly’s ownership group at Stamford Bridge.Hundreds of Blues supporters gathered outside the stadium ahead of Tuesday night’s Premier League clash with Southampton.Chelsea are facing a third season without Champions League footballCredit: PAThe Blues have won just three of their last 12 gamesCredit: PAChelsea players will be hoping for victory against the Saints tonightCredit: PAAnother declared: “BlueCo, Clearlake, Boehly, (Hansjorg) Wyss, (Jose) Feliciano and (Behdad) Eghbali. You’re destroying our club.”One noted: “No stadium plans, no UCL football, average squad, player trading obsession.”Another simply added: “We’re not Arsenal. Win or f**k off.”Numerous chants were also heard from the Chelsea fans gathered outside the Bridge.Among them included “Jose Mourinho”, “Roman Abramovich”, “You should have bought Brighton”, and “You’ve won us f**k all.”Chelsea stars will be hoping to cheer the protestors up by delivering an emphatic win against Southampton tonight.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe visitors are rooted to the bottom of the table.And anything less than a straightforward victory will not go down well with doubters. More

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      Chelsea vs Southampton LIVE SCORE: Latest updates from Stamford Bridge as Gomes fires Wolves back level in early game

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      CHELSEA welcome Southampton for a huge Premier League clash TONIGHT!The Blues will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2-1 loss away at Aston Villa on the weekend.Chelsea took the lead in the West Midlands, but a Marco Asensio double saw the Villans complete the turnaround.Enzo Maresca will be hoping his men can put an end to their losing run against a Southampton side that is rock bottom of the table.SunSport will also bring you all the goals from all the other matches taking place in the Premier League this evening.Kick off time: 8.15pm GMTTV channel: TNT Sports 1Live stream: discovery+Chelsea team: To follow…Southampton team: To follow…CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Coach ready for tough fixtureThe Chelsea boss spoke with BT Sports about his decision to bring Jadon Sancho and Tosin into the team, as well as whether he thinks bottom of the table Southampton offer a dangerous threat:Jadon is working well so we wanted to give him some minutes. He is arriving in the box and creating chances. I don’t trust any game, you prepare in the best way, it is a tricky/tough game. Hopefully we can win.Enzo MarescaChelseaCopy linkCopiedWolves 1-1 Fulham18. Finally Molineux breathes a sigh of relief as their team manages to get back on level terms in this one.Semedo picks out Gomes in the middle and he drives his shot into the top corner to give Leno no chance.Now we have a game on our hands in this one.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Joao Gomes (Wolves)Copy linkCopiedChelsea dream of promised landIt was something the club were able to take for granted for some time but now, Champions League football seems a distant memory.The fans want to see their team competing at the highest level once again and in order to achieve it, they need to rediscover their form.Tonight, they have the chance to move back into fourth place in the table and put pressure on the sides chasing for that coveted top four spot.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-0 Bournemouth12. Joao Pedro wins a penalty for The Seagulls as he looks to take the ball past Kepa and keeper brings him down.The referee points to the spot and VAR sees nothing to change that.Brighton’s striker picks himself up and slots the ball into the bottom corner to give Fabian Hurzeler’s side the lead.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Joao Pedro (Brighton)Copy linkCopiedCole looking to cool down concernsOne thing that is integral to this Chelsea team getting results in the last few seasons is the form of Cole Palmer.If he is on form, he makes The Blues tick, without that things tend to go pear-shaped for Maresca’s side.’Cold Palmer’ will be hoping he can get that ice coarsing through his veins once again as they lock horns with The Saints tonight.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedWolves 0-1 Fulham1. What a start to the match from The Cottagers.Pereira plays it into Sessegnon, wide in the penalty area, as he drills a left-footed shot into the far corner.Not the start the hosts were hoping for after their impressive win on the south coast against Bournemouth on the weekend.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham)Copy linkCopiedPassions reaching fever-pitch in West LondonAs the fans continue to make themselves heard outside Stamford Bridge, Blues’ fans hope they can start seeing this sort of passion from their high-paid players.Results and performances have really dropped off since the festive schedule and a top four finish hangs in the balance.Maresca will expect nothing but victory against tonight’s visitors Southampton, who are rooted to the bottom of the table.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Hill at MolineuxBoth teams have something to go for at Molineux this evening. A win for Wolves would take Vitor Pereira’s side a step closer to Premier League safety – but Fulham still have ambitions of making it into Europe. Eighth spot could be enough so expect Marco Silva’s side to make a determined effort to make up for Saturday’s defeat to Crystal Palace.Two Portuguese managers are on show here, and judging by their pre-match chat, they seem to get on very well. Former Wolves striker Raul Jimenez got a good welcome when he stepped off the Fulham team coach – but he is only a sub this evening.Copy linkCopiedMisfiring Blues favourites for victoryDespite their in and out form, the bookies cannot see anything but a Chelsea win at Stamford Bridge this evening.Chelsea – 1/6Draw – 7/1Southampton – 12/1All match odds brought to you Betway.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Nickless at Amex StadiumBournemouth were forced to rearranged their back line when they discovered this morning that Illia Zabarnyi had lost his appeal against Saturday’s sending off against Wolves. Tyler Adams came in for the Ukraine defender and David Brooks replaced Marcus Tavernier who went to the bench. Brighton gave January signing, the former Inter Miami star, his full debut while Pervis Estupinan replaced Jack Hinshelwood who joined the subs.Copy linkCopiedChelsea vs Southampton line-ups Chelsea XI: Jorgensen; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Palmer, Sancho, Neto; Nkunku.Southampton XI: Ramsdale; Sugawara, Bree, Bella-Kotchap, Walker-Peters; Downes, Smallbone, Fernandes, Aribo, Kamaldeen; OnuachuCopy linkCopiedChelsea’s horror runThe Blues have endured a torrid time of things since Christmas.Prior to their clash with Everton, Enzo Maresca’s side were presented with a chance to go TOP of the Premier League – however briefly.But, two months later and Chelsea find themselves 21 points behind Liverpool in first.They need to turn the form around and fast, as Man City, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Bournemouth all contend for a Champions League spot next year.Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedChelsea protestsAhead of their game with Southampton, Chelsea fans have been protesting against the club’s ownership. Credit: GettyCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBournemouth’s away runThe Cherries love a day on the road.Andoni Iraola’s side haven’t lost an away game since losing 3-2 away at Brentford in NOVEMBER.However – good as their away record is, Brighton already having bragging rights.The Seagulls came to the Vitality in November and won 2-1, with the Bournemouth goal not coming until deep into added time.Brighton are on a game of three wins in a row after their 7-0 battering by Nottingham Forest, and haven’t conceded in 180 Premier League minutes.Their last seven Premier League away games: 🟢 4-2 vs. Wolves🟢 2-1 vs. Ipswich Town🟢 3-0 vs. Manchester United🟡 2-2 vs. Fulham🟡 2-2 vs. Chelsea🟢 4-1 vs. Newcastle United 🟢 3-1 vs. SouthamptonCredit: RexCopy linkCopiedWolves Teen17 year old talent Matheus Mane will be on the bench for Wolves today, one year after signing with the club.From Non-league at Rochdale last year to first team at Wolves tonight.Copy linkCopiedWolves vs Fulham line-ups Wolves XI: Sa; Semedo, Doherty, Bueno, Gomes, Ait Nouri; Andre, Gomes; Bellegarde, Munetsi; CunhaFulham XI: Leno; Castagne, Diop, Andersen, Cuenca, Sessegnon; Lukic, Berge; Pereia, Traore; MunizCopy linkCopiedBrighton vs Bournemouth line-ups Brighton XI: Verbruggen; Lamptey, Van Hecke, Webster, Estupinan; Baleba, Gomez; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; PedroBournemouth XI: Arrizabalaga; Cook, Hill, Huijsen, Kerkez; Christie, Adams; Brooks, Kluivert, Semenyo; Ouattara Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace vs Aston Villa line-ups – Asensio and Rashford on BENCHCrystal Palace XI: Henderson, Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Hughes, Wharton, Mitchell; Sarr, Mateta, EzeAston Villa XI: Martinez; Garcia, Konsa, Disasi, Digne; McGinn, Tielemans, Bogarde; Ramsey, Rogers, WatkinsCopy linkCopiedAsensi-hero’s and VillainsMarco Asensio scored a brace for the Villains last time out.Aston Villa are surging towards the Champions League for a second season in a row, with the Spanish attacker helping Unai Emery’s side see off Chelsea. Their win was not without the helping hand of Filip Jorgensen, who arguably could have saved his winner. Crystal Palace will be hoping their clash against Aston Villa would be on the road, winning all FIVE of their last away games 2-0.There is nobody better than in-form Jean Philip Mateta, who has provided a goal or an assist in four of those five games.Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedPremier League table heading into tonight’s gamesWe are at a crucial moment in the season, with points making all the difference as we tick towards the business end.Liverpool – 64 pts Arsenal – 53 Nottingham Forest – 47Man City – 44 Newcastle – 44Bournemouth – 43Chelsea – 43Aston Villa – 43Brighton – 40Fulham – 39Brentford – 37Tottenham – 33Crystal Palace – 33Everton – 31Man United – 30West Ham – 30Wolves – 22Ipswich – 17Leicester – 17Southampton – 9Copy linkCopiedHow to watch all of the action tonightTNT Sports are covering EVERY Premier League game LIVE over the next three nights. The games will be on these channels: TNT Sports 1: Chelsea vs Southampton TNT Sports 2: Crystal Palace vs Aston VillaTNT Sports 3: Brighton vs BournemouthTNT Sports 4: Wolves vs FulhamBut, make sure to keep an eye on SunSport’s blog to keep up to date with the action from EVERY Premier League game.Copy linkCopiedMidweek Premier League Welcome to SunSport’s coverage of Chelsea vs Southampton, and all the Premier League games live TONIGHT.Enzo Maresca’s out-of-form Blues welcome the Premier League’s bottom side Southampton in tonight’s 8:15pm GMT kick-off.Both sides come into the fixture with identical records, having both lost four and only won once in their previous five games.Chelsea’s win came over West Ham, whereas Southampton’s came over Ipswich.There are three other games to dig your teeth into this evening before kick-off at Stamford Bridge.Brighton host Bournemouth at the Amex, Champions League chasing Aston Villa travel to Crystal Palace, and Wolves take on Fulham.All of the action is LIVE on TNT Sports.Alternatively, follow SunSport’s live blog!Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

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      Cole Palmer left stunned as he finds out family member had UK number one single with 70s soul icons

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      COLE PALMER has been left speechless after learning he has “musical royalty” in his family. The Chelsea midfielder’s great-uncle scored a coveted No. 1 way back in 1974. Cole Palmer was stunned to find out his great-uncle had a UK No. 1 hit singleCredit: X / footballontntThe 22-year-old was unable to pick out his uncle after being shown footage of Top of the PopsCredit: X / footballontntPalmer was taken on an unexpected trip down memory lane in an interview with TNT Sports. The 22-year-old joined Kenny Allstar for a chat, with the host revealing the Palmer family has a storied musical history.Bringing out a vinyl record, Allstar explained: “This record is from a band called Sweet Sensation.”Your great uncle was in this band. They had a No.1 in the 1970s. This vinyl here went No. 1 here in the UK.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA stunned Palmer replied: “I didn’t even know that.”The England star was shown a clip of the band playing the hit Sad Sweet Dreamer on Top of the Pops. His great uncle St. Clair Palmer was the lead singer – but Palmer couldn’t pick him out on screen. He added: “He’s too young there I can’t recognise him!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Obviously people in my family have talked about.”But I’ve never listened to it or researched it.”Enzo Maresca hopes to change Chelsea’s over-reliance on Cole Palmer Palmer has enjoyed a meteoric rise since swapping Manchester City for Chelsea in the summer of 2023.The England star headed to Stamford Bridge in a £42.5million transfer just under two years ago.He has since become one of the Premier League’s most impressive young stars.Chelsea player ratings vs Aston VillaBy Graham HillBLUES keeper Filip Jorgensen’s awful underarm howler saw Aston Villa come from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 in the Prem.Enzo Fernandez’s rapid opener inside nine minutes came from Pedro Neto’s stunning breeze past Ian Maatsen.But the Blues soon fell apart after Man Utd loanee Marcus Rashford’s blistering introduction at half-time.Rashford provided two assists for fellow January signing Marco Asensio to leave Chelsea in sixth with two Prem wins from nine games in 2025.FILIP JORGENSEN – 4Horrible error for Villa’s late winner as Asensio’s shot squirmed under his body and through his gloves- ironically he had made a crucial save before that.MALO GUSTO – 6 Failed to get a decent touch on Cash’s ball – and that led to Villa’s second half equaliser. Struggled to deal with Rashford’s presence.TREVOH CHALOBAH – 3The defender suffered a huge blow as he had to come off after just six minutes clutching his ribs following a challenge from Asensio.LEVI COLWILL – 6Found himself with a new central defensive partner early in the game and looked uncertain at times.MARC CUCURELLA – 6Defending Chelsea’s left flank was not as troublesome as the right hand side, and the Spaniard looked stylish as Villa applied more pressure.REECE JAMES – 6Stepped in for the injured Noni Madueke and took the captain’s armband, had a good battle with Cash.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6Right place, right time to open the scoring, a real threat early on, took a booking for the team, lucky to escape a second.MOISES CAICEDO – 7Provided a strong presence in midfield, spotted danger early and halted a number of Villa raids.His second-half ball should have provided Chelsea with their winner.COLE PALMER – 6Largely quiet game but wasted his chance to win the game when he collected a Caicedo through ball – but stumbled – that allowed Konsa to clear the shot PEDRO NETO – 7Great work for the opening goal when he left Maatsen standing before crossing to find Fernandez.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU- 5Hugged the left touchline, should have been involved more, not as much of a threat as Neto, subbed with 14 minutes to go.SUBSTOSIN ADARABIOYO: (for Chalobah, 6mins) – 6Needed some time to fit in at the back after Chalobah’s injury.JADON SANCHO: (for Nkunku, 76mins) – 5Did little to affect the game after coming on for an ineffective Nkunku.Palmer recorded 27 goals and 15 assists in 48 appearances during his debut season in West London.It saw him given a lucrative contract extension last August. READ MORE SUN STORIESPalmer received a huge boost to his previous £60,000-a-week wage.And he signed on to remain with Chelsea until 2033. More

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      I could still play for Man Utd aged 33, Sir Alex Ferguson said I was better finisher than Ronaldo, says Federico Macheda

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON boasted a stacked attack of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez when Manchester United won the Premier League in 2009.But the legendary Scot insisted Federico Macheda was his best finisher at the club – and the Italian striker believes he could still get into the current Red Devils team.Federico Macheda made his name with his dramatic winner against Aston Villa in 2009Credit: Getty – ContributorHis crucial goals helped Manchester United win the Premier LeagueCredit: GettySir Alex Ferguson insisted Macheda was the best finisher at the clubThe Italian striker is now playing for Asteras Tripolis in GreeceCredit: Asteras TripolisMacheda, 33, wrote his name into Old Trafford folklore with his dramatic 93rd minute winner against Aston Villa on his debut aged 17 in April 2009.He repeated the trick a week later at Sunderland as United won the Premier League by four crucial points from Liverpool.Macheda was the unlikely hero despite sharing a dressing room with legendary forwards Ronaldo, Rooney, Berbatov and Tevez – as well as a teenage Danny Welbeck.His natural instincts in front of goal, demonstrated by his iconic turn and curl beyond Brad Friedel, earned a prestigious title from Fergie.Macheda, who received an unexpected catch-up phone call from Ferguson this month after seven years without contact, told SunSport: “Sir Alex would tell everybody I was the best finisher in the club.“I was surprised. It was the best team in the history of Manchester United with the names and quality.“He must have some special feeling for me and for sure hoped things would be different for me.”The Villa goal made Macheda a household name overnight and he acknowledges that magic moment will always be “part of me”.But he failed to kick on from his “perfect” start, totalling five goals in 36 appearances, intertwined with loans to Sampdoria, QPR, Stuttgart, Doncaster and Birmingham.Macheda admits it was his loans and lack of effort that meant he remained a cult hero rather than a club legend in Manchester, despite having the example of Ronaldo, the epitome of dedication, to learn from.How Sir Alex Ferguson ‘refused to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave stadium until he signed for Man Utd’ He said: “My dream was to keep going like I started but I knew it was impossible. I had not just one striker in front of me but four stars of crazy value, talent and history.“Cristiano was an idol. It was never enough for him.“Ronaldo was working next to me, swimming for one hour, but at 18 I didn’t understand this big mentality. I did what I was told but was not looking for extra steps.“I never reached my full potential. Never.“My United career should have been more. You get chances but I didn’t take some.“The biggest regret is I didn’t focus fully or work as hard as I should.“Football came naturally. It wasn’t arrogance, I just didn’t know.“Sir Alex liked me lots as a player but I didn’t give him extra reasons to keep going with me.“You must work 200 per cent every day to stay at United because they can have any player they want. I had the ability but you must give more than everything to stay.“I understand this now I’m older.”Federico Macheda’s career in numbersCLUB (ALL COMPS)2008–2014 – Manchester United: 36 appearances (5 goals)2011 – Sampdoria (loan): 16 (1)2012 – Queens Park Rangers (loan): 6 (0)2013 – VfB Stuttgart (loan): 18 (0)2013–2014 – Doncaster Rovers (loan): 15 (3)2014 – Birmingham City (loan): 18 (10)2014–2016 – Cardiff City: 33 (8)2016 – Nottingham Forest (loan): 3 (0) 2016–2018 – Novara: 52 (11)2018–2022 – Panathinaikos: 116 (40)2022–2024 – Ankaragucu: 41 (6)2023 – APOEL (loan): 17 (2)2024– – Asteras Tripolis: 21 (6)INTERNATIONAL2006–2007 – Italy U16: 10 (2)2007–2008 – Italy U17: 3 (0)2009 – Italy U19: 1 (0)2009–2012 – Italy U21: 10 (4)HONOURSManchester UnitedPremier League: 2008-09, 2010-11League Cup: 2009–10Jimmy Murphy Academy Player of the Year: 2008–09PanathinaikosGreek Cup: 2021–22Macheda left United in 2014, joining his ex-academy coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Cardiff.The “highlight” of his “rollercoaster” career was, interestingly, a four-month unemployed stint in 2016 when the then-25-year-old couldn’t find a club and “changed everything about myself” including hiring a mental coach.FROM GOAT TO GOATSHe has since had stints in Italy, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus before returning to Greece in September.Macheda signed for Asteras Tripolis during Claude Makelele’s 25-day managerial reign and fittingly took the vacant No41 jersey, the same number he wore for his famous breakthrough.It is a far cry from the grandeur of Manchester United: the man who once played with a GOAT now trains next to a field of sheep and goats.Just like 16 years ago, though, Macheda wants to fire his team to glory, either in the Greek Cup or a strong league finish, to take Asteras back into Europe.Asteras, against whom Harry Kane went in goal and Erik Lamela scored that rabona in 2014, face Crete’s OFI on Wednesday in the cup semi-final first leg.Star-man Macheda loves Greece and, fit and healthy, thinks he could play for another decade.And with his six goals in 18 league games this term, he is matching United’s top scorers Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo in the Premier League and outperforming both Joshua Zirkzee (three) and Rasmus Hojlund (two).Macheda received a phone call out of the blue from Ferguson this monthCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe striker managed five goals in 36 appearances for UnitedCredit: Action Images – ReutersHe was just 17 when he had his magic moment against Villa at Old TraffordCredit: PA:Press AssociationMacheda revealed he did not realise the sheer hard work required to succeed at UnitedCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The TimesThe striker left in 2014 and reunited with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at CardiffCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe backed up his Villa winner with another crucial goal at SunderlandCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdMacheda reckons he was too young to appreciate Cristiano Ronaldo’s hard workCredit: Action ImagesThe United team of that era boasted outrageous talentCredit: GettyAsked if he could do a better job in the current Red Devils starting XI, Macheda was candidly confident but admitted even Robert Lewandowski would struggle.He replied: “Now? At 33? I think I could play there. Yes. Do better? I don’t know.“I must say it’s not easy to play for Manchester United now but I think I could still play there.“Personally, I like Zirkzee and Hojlund. The club is under pressure. The situation is not easy for any striker, even if you put Lewandowski in the team.“But as a player, I can see myself playing there at the moment. A couple of games if Ruben Amorim needs me!“I know the Premier League level. It’s very difficult but I could play there. Why not?”Keeping tabs on his old employers has been more painful viewing this season with the fallen giants languishing 15th in the table despite Amorim replacing Erik ten Hag.Federico Macheda’s goal vs Aston VillaFEDERICO MACHEDA’S life changed forever when he scored a 93rd-minute winner to secure a crucial 3-2 win over Aston Villa on April 5, 2009.Sent on for Nani at 2-1 down, Macheda came up trumps with his epic turn and finish into the corner – a goal that lives long in the memory for all United fans. Here’s what Macheda remembers of that special day…On finding out he would play“We were short of strikers because Rooney, Tevez and Berbatov were unavailable. We had a reserve game at Newcastle on the Wednesday. Sir Alex said if I did well I might be in the first team on Sunday. I scored a hat-trick. Against Villa we were 2-1 down and on 60 minutes he called to me. I thought he was calling Danny Welbeck but he shouted again. It was my time. I went on and I was so sure of myself. I told all my friends that if I played, I would score.”On the finish“It just came in a moment. My technical abilities were pretty good. At this moment I wasn’t thinking about too much when I had the ball. It just came and I knew I had the chance to try and do something good. My instinct told me to do this. It was perfect.”On Martin Tyler’s commentary“The goal and the commentary are iconic. It’s the moment and the celebration from the fans. It’s something that remains. It’s not easy to have those kinds of moments in football.”On the dressing room“The dressing room was electrifying. When you win a game, it should be like this. But it was more than this. I was all over the place. I don’t know if I’ve seen this atmosphere again. Everybody was coming around me, kissing me, hugging me. Big players came to me to celebrate me. Sir Alex hugged me.”On the man-of-the-match champagne and celebrations“I didn’t drink it, I still haven’t. Gary Neville gave it to me afterwards. But I never drank it. Now it’s in my family’s house. My mother and father still love it. We went to a restaurant with my family. My goal was showing everywhere. I felt shy to see myself on TV. Everybody was talking about the goal.”On the goal’s legacy “It’s part of me of course. It was probably the most famous goal I scored. For sure it changed my life. My target when I went to Manchester was to play only one time for this club in this stadium. I was dreaming about a moment like this. Maybe that moment was even better than my dreams. Because everything was perfect.”Macheda thinks no manager, not even Ferguson, could get a title-winning tune out of the current squad which features just three leaders.But speaking at Asteras’ 6,500-seater stadium, he is adamant Amorim can deliver a Premier League within “two to three years” on three conditions.Macheda added: “I believe yes he can. Amorim has a special connection. He’s one coach that can get Manchester United to fight for everything.“I like Amorim even if you don’t see the results, maybe sometimes they play bad football.“It’s difficult because for a club to be successful, you need great players.“United doesn’t have the team at the moment to win the Premier League. They have good players but if you put any coach in, it wouldn’t change a lot.“There are only a few leaders: Bruno, Maguire, Lisandro. But it’s not enough. Maybe the others are not ready to play for this club.“Amorim should keep the legacy and history at Manchester United going by rebuilding like they used to with young players. Then I believe the wind will change.“If they trust Amorim and give him time, bring in the right players and change some things in the club like the bad mentality, I believe Manchester United will be back in two to three years.”Macheda returned to Greece with Asteras Tripolis in SeptemberCredit: Asteras TripolisHe has scored six goals in 18 league gamesCredit: Asteras TripolisJoshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund are struggling under the pressureCredit: GettyMacheda reckons he could get into the current Red Devils teamCredit: Asteras TripolisMacheda sat down with SunSport at the 6,500-seater Theodoros Kolokotronis StadiumCredit: Asteras TripolisSunSport visited Macheda in the build-up to their Greek Cup semi-finalCredit: Asteras TripolisThe first-team training pitch is next to a field with sheep and goatsCredit: SunSportAsteras are desperate to get back into Europe once againCredit: SunSportThe set-up at Asteras is a far cry from Old Trafford and CarringtonCredit: SunSportThe club have a loyal fanbase in the city in the middle of the Peloponnese region of GreeceCredit: SunSport More

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      Man Utd appoint new transfer guru on ‘reduced wage’ just hours after plans announced to slash 200 more jobs

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have made former Chelsea chief Christopher Vivell their permanent director of recruitment on a REDUCED salary.The 38-year-old German initially joined on a short-term contract last summer.Christopher Vivell has been made Man Utd’s director of recruitment on a permanent basisCredit: PAAnd he played a big role in helping United land several promising youngsters including Sekou Kone.Vivell’s old deal was set to expire at the end of the season.But after United sacked sporting director Dan Ashworth in November, Vivell’s role as director of recruitment has been made permanent.The ex-RB Leipzig man has penned a long-term deal and will report directly to technical director Jason Wilcox, claims The Athletic.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Vivell’s new agreement has seen him take a pay cut a day after United announced they are set to make a further 200 redundancies.Vivell will oversee club recruitment around the world, while also taking charge of United’s scouting system and young talent operation.He will be hoping to last longer in the role than his previous job at Chelsea.Vivell was appointed technical director in December 2022 as a replacement for Marina Granovskaia.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut he lasted just seven months after Todd Boehly decided to hand all power to co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.Vivell’s sole transfer window at Chelsea came in January 2023 and saw plenty of activity.Andy Goldstein insists Sir Jim Ratcliffe has got everything wrong at Man Utd after drastic cuts He helped Chelsea sign players like Benoit Badiashile in January 2023Credit: GettyVivell lasted just seven months before being axed by the BluesCredit: GettyA then-record fee of £105million was spent on Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez, who had just won the World Cup with Argentina.Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Benoit Badiashile, Malo Gusto, Andrey Santos and David Datro Fofana were also signed permanently, while Joao Felix arrived on loan.There were few exits though, with Jorginho the only senior star to depart.It left then-Chelsea boss Graham Potter with a hugely-bloated squad featuring unwanted misfits including Hakim Ziyech, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Christian Pulisic.The Blues finished the season with Frank Lampard in charge as interim boss.And Vivell paid the price when Mauricio Pochettino arrived in West London. More