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      Former Premier League striker admits to filming illegal sex tapes as prosecutor calls for four years in prison

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      EX-PREMIER LEAGUE player Hwang Ui-Jo has apologised for secretly filming sexual encounters with his partners.Prosecutors said the South Korea international, 31, filmed two of his partners without their consent on four occasions between June and September 2022.Hwang Ui-Jo has apologised after pleading guilty to illegally filming sexual encounters with partners without their consentCredit: GettyThe 31-year-old played for Nottingham Forest and NorwichCredit: GettyAppearing in court for the first time in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday, prosecutors demanded a four-year prison term for the forward.The case emerged last year when he filed a complaint against his older brother’s wife for sharing intimate photos of him from the videos to Instagram and blackmailing him.His sister-in-law was sentenced to three years in prison in September for the blackmail attempt after Hwang sued her.However, during the investigation police then found evidence of his act of illegally filming the videos.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe pleaded guilty to all the charges and said he was “deeply sorry”.Hwang pleaded to the court for leniency, saying he would “take this incident as a lesson”.He said: “I will not do anything wrong in the future and will do my best as a footballer.”I sincerely apologise to the victims who have been affected by my actions, and I am deeply sorry for the disappointment I have caused to all those who have cared and supported me.”Most read in FootballThe 62-cap international signed for Nottingham Forest from Bordeaux in 2022 before going on loan to Olympiacos, Seoul, Norwich and Alanyaspor.Hwang left Forest to join the latter team in September.His sentencing date was set for December 18. More

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      Mbappe ‘rape’ cops ‘seize clothes’ for probe as Real Madrid star’s lawyer reveals how he ‘couldn’t carry out attack’

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      CLOTHES have been seized by cops investigating rape allegations reportedly against Real Madrid ace Kylian Mbappe.The France captain has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a Swedish hotel room by the country’s media but has slammed the serious claims against him as “fake news”.Clothes have now been seized by cops investigating rape allegations said to be against Real Madrid ace Kylian MbappeCredit: RexMbappe leaving a hotel in Sweden where the alleged victim claims she was sexually assaulted last weekCredit: RexMbappe, wearing jeans and a checked over-shirt, in Stockholm last week surrounded by his entourageCredit: RexMbappe, 25, is yet to be officially named as the suspect in the case despite Swedish news outlets saying they are “100 per cent sure” he is the focus of the investigations.It comes as the footballing superstar reportedly has no idea what he is being accused of, according to his lawyer.Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard told TF1 news that Mbappe is “calm” in wake of the allegations due to believing he is completely innocent. The lawyer said: “He is never alone. He is never exposed to a situation where he would be taking a risk. read more in Mbappe”And so, this totally excludes the fact that there could have been reprehensible actions on his part.”Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet first reported that the French forward is being looked at by cops over allegations of sexual abuse last week.A complaint was reportedly made to police on Saturday after the alleged victim sought medical attention.Expressen reported that Mbappe dined at the Chez Jolie restaurant on Thursday and went to the V nightclub in Stockholm with pals.Most read in FootballHe and his entourage then went back to the Bank Hotel where he was staying and where the alleged rape is said to have taken place.Mbappe is yet to be spoken to by officials as he hasn’t been formally named in the case.These accusations are completely false and irresponsible, and their propagation is unacceptableMbappe’s entourage But investigators have started to build up evidence against a suspect after they seized several items of clothing from a room inside the Bank Hotel.Police have taken a pair of underwear, black trousers and a black top from the room to analyse, report Expressen. Officials are yet to confirm the clothes being seized or who they belong to.Mbappe flew out of Sweden Friday on a private jet just before the complaint had been filed.His entourage has since shot back at the allegations, telling AFP: “A new slanderous rumour is starting to spread across the web from the Swedish media Aftonbladet.”These accusations are completely false and irresponsible, and their propagation is unacceptable.”In order to put an end to this methodical destruction all necessary legal actions will be taken to re-establish the truth and pursue any person or media involved in the moral harassment and defamatory treatment that Kylian Mbappe is suffering repeatedly.”The former Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco ace later addressed the report himself as he scolded the Swedish news outlets for allegedly spreading “fake news”.Cops have reportedly seized the clothes from the Bank Hotel where Mbappe was staying with his entourageCredit: EPAMbappe responded to the allegations on X, slamming the reports as ‘fake news’Credit: XHe put out a statement on X saying: “FAKE NEWS !!!! It’s becoming so predictable, just before the hearing as if by chance.”Mbappe also included a winking emoji at the end of the message.The tweet seemingly referred to a hearing Mbappe is set to face over unpaid wages he is disputably owed by PSG.Mbappe claims he deserves 55million Euros (£45million) by his former club in unpaid wages from his seven-year stint at the club.The footballer was also due to get a signing bonus in February but PSG have refused to pay up and follow the ruling by France’s football governing body LFP, according to the claims.A source close to PSG hit back at Mbappe by telling French newspaper L’Equipe they would “ignore” his claims the two incidents may be linked.The source said: “Honestly, it’s a shame. PSG is responsible for everything with him.”He didn’t score any goals (apart from penalties) for Madrid? It’s PSG.”He missed the French national team matches even though he says he did, but he’s not injured? It’s PSG.”PSG are now making up stories in Sweden. We will ignore it and keep our class.”France’s manager Didier Deschamps, 56, was even made to respond to the allegations against his captain.He warned people to avoid spreading “anything and everything” in regards to Mbappe.He told reporters after France’s clash with Belgium on Monday night that the reports have led to a “negative atmosphere” in the dressing room.Mbappe’s club side Real Madrid have also reportedly edited their star man out of a charity promotion just a day after the allegations were made.Two almost identical images posted to Instagram appear to show the French striker in and out of a photo for the club’s Artist Pack promotion.The first image was posted by English midfielder Jude Bellingham and showed him, Roberto Carlos and Mbappe with a group of artists.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Bellingham swiftly deleted the group snap.Real Madrid then posted an almost identical image to its main Instagram account on Tuesday – but now with Mbappe missing.Mbappe is currently embroiled in a legal battle over unpaid wages with his former club PSGCredit: GettyReal Madrid have seemingly edited Mbappe out of a picture on Instagram with a gap left behind the sofa where the star originally was standing More

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      Watch Lionel Messi score incredible hat-trick and grab two assists as amazed fans ask ‘is he freaking 20 again?’

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      LIONEL MESSI will never lose it. The 37-year-old bagged a stunning hat-trick and provided TWO assists as Argentina thrashed Bolivia 6-0 in World Cup qualifying.Lionel Messi scored THREE and provided two assists against Bolivia in ArgentinaCredit: RexIt was revealed earlier this year that Messi’s goal celebration is dedicated to his late grandmotherIt was the football icon’s 10th international hat-trick.With that, Messi moved level with Cristiano Ronaldo for the most hat-tricks in men’s international football.The former Barcelona star said: “It’s really nice to come here, to feel the affection of the people. It moves me how they shout my name.”This drives me – enjoying being happy where I am. Despite my age, when I’m here, I feel like a kid because I’m comfortable with this team.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”As long as I feel good and can keep performing the way I want, I’ll keep enjoying it.”The Inter Miami star’s sensational performance saw his career goal count shoot up to 846 – meaning he’s 59 behind stat rival Ronaldo.Messi has now scored 112 goals in 189 games for his country – only second to Ronaldo who has 133 in 216 appearances for Portugal.And his assists tally now sits at 377, with 57 of them coming in an Argentina shirt.Most read in FootballMessi put Argentina 1-0 up inside 19 minutes on Tuesday nightCredit: RexThe seven-time Ballon d’Or winner then scored Argentina’s fifth in the 84th minuteBefore striking again two minutes laterCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMessi, making only his second appearance for Argentina since suffering an injury at the Copa America in July, capitalised on a defensive error to put them ahead after 19 minutes.He set up Lautaro Martinez and then Julian Alvarez before substitute Thiago Almada made it 4-0.Lionel Messi launches new company as he teases shock new career and claims ‘entertainment always been a passion for me’Messi struck twice in two minutes late on, beating two defenders to fire in his second and completing his hat-trick by finding the bottom corner.And fans were in a frenzy after his hat-trick, with one writing: “Is he 20 again?”A second wrote: “He’s absolutely insane. Still the best player in the world.”A third said: “He played like he was 27 again tonight. He’s the GOAT.”One more replied: “The touch is still there, everything else still intact. Just bump up his pace a bit and you have 24-year-old Messi again 😂.”Another added: “It’s not crazy to say that Messi and this Argentina team could win the World Cup again!”The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner achieved his greatest feat when Argentina won the Qatar 2022 World Cup.Argentina are three points clear of Colombia at the top of the South American qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup, despite losing to Colombia in September and drawing with Venezuela last week.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Ronaldo threw a tantrum during Portugal’s 0-0 draw with Scotland at Hampden Park.His huff at Hampden was prompted by the officials’ decision to blow for full-time rather than a corner at the end of the match.He took home the match ball after scoring his 10th international hat-trickA flag of Diego Maradona and Messi was displayed during the match More

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      Why England fans are so excited about Thomas Tuchel, from fiery touchline antics to love of forgotten Three Lions star

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      ENGLAND fans are eagerly anticipating the Thomas Tuchel era after he was announced as manager on Wednesday.The German coach, 51, was unveiled as Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor on an 18-month deal.Thomas Tuchel has been announced as the new England managerCredit: PAFans are thrilled with the appointment as Gareth Southgate’s replacementCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)He will take charge of the Three Lions up to and including the 2026 World Cup, raking in £7.5million over the course of his contract.England fans will be hoping Tuchel can end the country’s wait for a major men’s trophy – which stretches all the way back to 1966.Tuchel will be looking to go one step further than Southgate – who reached back-to-back Euros finals but suffered defeats in both.And SunSport has identified FIVE reasons why England supporters are excited by the former Chelsea boss.READ MORE ON ENGLANDRashford return?Tuchel previously spoke glowingly about Marcus Rashford when he was a thorn in his side as Paris Saint-Germain manager.Rashford, who has not played for England since March, scored winning goals for Manchester United against PSG when Tuchel was head coach of the French giants.And Tuchel said: “We value him [Rashford] very much when he plays in England.”Not in Parc des Princes, honestly, because this gets a little bit annoying with him.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England jobTuchel’s appointment could see the return of Rashford to the England squad and potentially even the starting line-up on the left of the team’s attack.He remains the last England player to start on the left wing and score.Thomas Tuchel ‘AGREES to become England manager with ex-Chelsea boss expected to be hired THIS WEEK’And fans are excited about the prospect of his recall under Tuchel.One fan said: “Tuchel to England means United can’t get him but at least Rashford gets his LW spot back.”While another added: “Tuchel finally gets the chance to manage Rashford I’m genuinely so happy for him, he’s been on his knees to coach Rashford for years.”Marcus Rashford could earn an England recall under TuchelCredit: The TimesChampions League triumph with Mount, Werner and HavertzTuchel won the Champions League with Chelsea within six months of being appointed at Stamford Bridge in 2021.He took over from Frank Lampard with the Blues floundering in mid-table in the Premier League.Yet he guided the club to the Champions League final in Porto and masterminded a 1-0 win over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.He also managed the feat with a front three of Mason Mount, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz.Now, with a plethora of attacking talent including the likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka, England fans will be confident he can lead the team to trophies.Tuchel won the Champions League with Chelsea three years agoCredit: GettyConte bust-upTuchel’s infamous clash with Antonio Conte became an instant classic Premier League moment.The German’s bust-up with the then Tottenham coach came at the end of a fiery 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge in 2022.Tuchel and Conte shook hands but then grappled with one another and had to be pulled apart as they butted heads in an incredible scene.After the altercation, Tuchel said: “I thought when you shake hands you look into each other’s eyes. Antonio (Conte) had other ideas.”Tuchel and Antonio Conte squared up to one another two years agoCredit: GettyTournament recordIt is safe to say Tuchel is a tournament manager.He has won the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup, Club World Cup, and domestic cups in France and Germany.He reached the final of all five cup competitions during his time at Chelsea – while he also reached the final of the 2020 Champions League final with PSG before losing to Bayern Munich.As mentioned previously, he also outfoxed Guardiola in the Champions League final three years ago.Guardiola impressionSpeaking of Guardiola, Tuchel does a superb impression of the Spanish manager.He was once spotted carrying out the impersonation while entertaining the Chelsea squad.And fans have insisted moments like that make him one of the most likeable managers in football.One said: “I love him man 😭.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother added: “I told you you can’t hate this man 😂😂😂.”While a third replied: “TT lives rent free inside Pep’s head.”Thomas Tuchel has had plenty of highlights at Chelsea but this impression of Pep Guardiola ahead of the UCL final has to be the best More

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      Watch smiling Thomas Tuchel ‘drop huge hint’ over England job in interview NINE MONTHS ago while still Bayern boss

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      THOMAS TUCHEL dropped a hint that he would be willing to take on the England job during an interview nine months ago.The German, 51, has signed an 18-month contract worth a total of £7.5million to be Three Lions boss.Thomas Tuchel spoke about his affinity with English football nine months agoCredit: ESPNTuchel, 51, managed Chelsea between January 2021 and September 2022Credit: PAHaving been out of work since leaving Bayern Munich in the summer, Tuchel will officially begin work at St George’s Park on January 1.The former Chelsea boss will be assisted by former Blues No2 Anthony Barry and will take England to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.Despite being axed at Stamford Bridge in September 2022, Tuchel has retained an affinity for English football.And during an interview with ESPN earlier this year, he admitted that he felt “more appreciated” in England than in his native Germany.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “Yes, I feel that we are very critical with each other in Germany and especially with players or coaches and not only with me.”It’s very hard to escape a certain drawer once you’re in the drawer.”There is a picture and this picture is basically the picture for years and years.”I felt more appreciation in England, yes, it’s just a fact, I’m not complaining.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTuchel will become the Three Lions’ third men’s team manager from overseas, following Fabio Capello and the late Sven-Goran Eriksson.Upon being announced as boss this morning, the former Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund coach again admitted his love of the English game.Thomas Tuchel ‘AGREES to become England manager with ex-Chelsea boss expected to be hired THIS WEEK’He said: “I am very proud to have been given the honour of leading the England team.”I have long felt a personal connection to the game in this country, and it has given me some incredible moments already.”To have the chance to represent England is a huge privilege, and the opportunity to work with this special and talented group of players is very exciting.”Working closely with Anthony as my assistant coach, we will do everything we can to make England successful and the supporters proud.”I want to thank the FA, in particular Mark (Bullingham) and John (McDermott), for their trust and I am looking forward to starting our journey together.”The FA revealed that Tuchel penned his contract in secret on October 8, with the deal kept under wraps so as not to serve as a distraction as Lee Carsley led the Three Lions in Nations League matches against Greece and Finland.Tuchel will oversee his first matches in charge next March, although the opponents are yet to be determined.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.The new England boss worked in the Premier League with Chelsea between January 2021 and September 2022.During that time he won 60 of his 100 games in charge in all competitions, drawing 24 and losing 16.His side won the Champions League in Porto in May 2021, defeating Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.During his only full season in English football, the Blues came third in the Premier League, while also losing in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals.They won the Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup and were eliminated in the Champions League quarter-finals.READ MORE SUN STORIESTowards the end of the campaign, Chelsea faced huge uncertainty at board level, as Roman Abramovich’s assets were frozen following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.Todd Boehly’s Clearlake takeover was eventually completed, with the American opting to sack Tuchel following an underwhelming start to the 2022-23 season and a breakdown in their relationship, replacing him with Graham Potter.Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel in the frame to be the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel. 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      Who is part of Thomas Tuchel’s backroom staff for England?

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has been appointed by England on an 18-month contract – and his backroom staff has been revealed!The highly experienced coach returns to English football after a successful stint at Chelsea where he led them to become European and world champions.Thomas Tuchel has been appointed as the new England head coachCredit: InstagramTuchel also enjoyed impressive periods in Germany with Bayern Munich and in France taking charge of Paris Saint-Germain.And the 2021 UEFA and FIFA coach of the year will be determined to bring football home again when he takes charge of the Three Lions in January 2025.But Tuchel won’t be doing it on his own as the German icon will be assisted by some of the best around town.Who is part of Thomas Tuchel’s backroom staff for England?Thomas Tuchel will be assisted by internationally-renowned English coach Anthony Barry.Read more on Thomas TuchelThomas Tuchel (L) has worked with Anthony Barry (middle) at Chelsea and BayernCredit: PAThe pair are set to begin work on January 1, 2025 ahead of the qualification process for the 2026 World Cup due to be staged in Canada, Mexico and the USA.Tuchel will be reunited with Barry having worked closely together at Chelsea and more recently Bayern Munich.Liverpool-born Barry is a UEFA Pro license holder and has a significant amount of international pedigree, notably working with Belgian and Portugal at the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024 respectively.The rest of the team is expected to be a combination of both his and FA staff, while England’s current interim manager Lee Carsley said last week that he hoped to return to the position as head coach of England’s Under-21 side.Most read in FootballWhat has been said?The 51-year-old will become England’s third foreign manager after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.Tuchel said: “I am very proud to have been given the honour of leading the England team.”I have long felt a personal connection to the game in this country, and it has given me some incredible moments already.”To have the chance to represent England is a huge privilege, and the opportunity to work with this special and talented group of players is very exciting.”Working closely with Anthony [Barry] as my assistant coach, we will do everything we can to make England successful and the supporters proud.”I want to thank the FA, in particular Mark and John, for their trust and I am looking forward to starting our journey together.”ANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England job More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson ‘blocked from the Man Utd dressing room’ after being axed from role as club ‘change policy’

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON has been blocked from the Manchester United dressing room, according to reports.The former Red Devils manager, 82, saw the club stop paying his £2.16million-a-year salary as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting measures at Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson has been told to stay away from the Manchester United dressing roomCredit: EPAAnd now in a dramatic change of club policy, it is understood Fergie and the Manchester United football board have been asked not to enter the changing room.The football board is separate to the official United board which includes the six Glazer siblings.According to the Daily Mail, Ferguson has not been directly banned but there is a “collective understanding” regarding who is allowed to go in following matches.Traditionally, United have allowed senior figures to visit the dressing room.READ MORE ON MAN UTDFerguson, Sir Bobby Charlton and United chiefs David Gill, Mike Edelson and Maurice Watkins were all given a green-light policy to stop and pop their head in.The culture of keeping the club’s historic figures in touch with the current stars dates back to Sir Matt Busby’s reign as manager.However, the chance for Ferguson to speak with the players after matches has reportedly been taken away from him.The Scottish icon is the most successful manager in United’s history.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe won 38 trophies across his 26-year stint in the dugout – including 13 Premier League titles plus two Champions Leagues. That saw him rewarded with the lucrative role as global ambassador soon after he retired in 2013.Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt agree on Sir Alex Ferguson’s most ruthless player axing at Man UtdHowever, the new Ineos minority owners – spearheaded by Ratcliffe – decided to cut the contract, months after making 250 redundancies at the club. He has also cancelled senior Man Utd staff’s private cars and reduced lunch privileges on match-days.Ratcliffe informed Fergie of the decision to end his payments at the end of this season in a face-to-face meetingFerguson will remain a non-executive director at United and welcome at games.The shock axe prompted reactions from various former Red Devils players who shone under Ferguson.Eric Cantona launched a blistering X-rated tirade on Instagram.The Frenchman blasted: “Sir Alex Ferguson should be able to do anything he wants at the club until the day he dies.”Such a lack of respect. It’s totally scandalous.”Sir Alex Ferguson will be my boss forever! And I throw them all in a big bag of s***!”Rio Ferdinand, meanwhile, believes it is an attempt to send a message. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe defender wrote: “If Sir Alex can be taken out, then NO ONE IS SAFE at Man Utd – anyone can get it now.”Ineos sending a message to ANYONE at the club?!?”Sir Jim Ratcliffe informed Ferguson of the decision to stop his £2m-a-year salaryCredit: PAFergie is the club’s most successful manager and won 13 Premier League titlesCredit: Getty More

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      England reveal why they didn’t announce Thomas Tuchel when he signed his secret contract

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      ENGLAND have revealed why they waited to announce the appointment of Thomas Tuchel after he secretly signed his contract.Tuchel, 51, was today announced as Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor for the Three Lions job.Thomas Tuchel was announced as the new England bossCredit: ReutersThe FA took a week to announce the deal after Tuchel had signed his contractCredit: ReutersAn FA statement said: “The FA has announced that UEFA Champions League winner Thomas Tuchel is the new England senior men’s head coach and will be assisted by internationally-renowned English coach Anthony Barry.”Tuchel returns to English football after a trophy-laden period with Chelsea who he led to become European and world champions, having also been successful at elite level in Germany and France. “In addition, he was voted UEFA and FIFA’s coach of the year in 2021 in recognition of his work in England.”His arrival at the FA concludes an extensive recruitment search which began in July, just after the Three Lions’ run to the UEFA EURO 2024 final.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, it has now been revealed that England chiefs penned terms with the German on an 18 month contract, worth £5million a year, last week.The England statement said the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss had signed his contract on Tuesday, October 8.They explained the decision to delay the announcement by over a week had been made in an effort to “minimise distraction around the international camp that has just concluded”.The final call on his appointment had been made by the FA Board early last week, following a recruitment process led by FA CEO Mark Bullingham and men’s technical director John McDermott.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe recent games under interim boss Lee Carsley – who appeared to let the future of the England boss slip at a press conference – ended in a 2-1 defeat to Greece and 3-1 win over Finland.Tuchel will take over the role in January, with interim boss Carsley to take charge of the final Nations League matches next month.Five things you may not know about Thomas Tuchel from younger Brazilian girlfriend to former modelling careerAccording to the Rest is Football podcast, Gary Lineker England decision-makers also approached Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti for the role.He said: “It’s confirmed apparently that they did reach out in the summer to Pep Guardiola.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.“And also I understand that they spoke to Carlo Ancelotti.”The FA’s determination to go international was also summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.ANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England jobForgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel in the frame to be the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel. More