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      Nicky Butt QUITS as Salford chief as Man Utd legend becomes second Class of ’92 member to leave in two days

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      NICKY BUTT has stepped down from his role as CEO at Salford City.The former Manchester United star co-owns the League Two outfit with other members of the famous “Class of 92”.Nicky Butt is leaving his role as CEO of SalfordCredit: GettyIt makes him the second star from the class to depart a role at the club in as many days, after it was reported Chris Casper was leaving on Monday.However, Butt will retain his ownership stake in the club.A Salford statement said: “Salford City confirms that Nicky Butt will step down from the role of Chief Executive Officer of Salford City Football Club with immediate effect.”Nicky was appointed Chief Executive in October 2022, taking over from Gary Neville. “He will remain an active shareholder and Board Director but has decided that he cannot dedicate the time required to continue as CEO.”Alongside the other members of the Class of 92, Nicky remains committed to continuing the growth of the club that started with their takeover 10 years ago.”Butt, 49, revealed how he intended to get back into coaching after turning down “several exciting opportunities”.He said: “Whilst I have enjoyed the day-to-day responsibilities of the Chief Executive role and discovered a huge amount about the challenges an EFL club faces away from the football pitch, I have recently realised how much I miss the coaching and development of players, and this has increased my desire to get back into that side of the game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Over the past few months there have been several exciting opportunities put forward to me that have put my focus back on coaching and on the grass. “That being said I have always wanted to put Salford first, and we now have experienced executives within the senior management team here which means that I can step away from my current duties without any impact on current operations and it will be very much business as usual.”Sporting Director of Salford Chris Casper is one of the lesser known names from the Class Of 92 Salford CFO, Jonathon Jackson, will step into the role on an interim basis.He has more than 10 years of experience as an executive working across the EFL and Premier League.Salford has been co-owned by Man Utd icons Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Butt since 2014 – a joint effort that gave them 60 per cent combined sharehold.Singaporean businessman Peter Lim owned the remaining 40 per cent until earlier this year, when Neville, 49, brought out his share in the summer.The club currently sit 16th in League Two, with three wins and three draws from their opening ten games.Butt revealed he wants to get back into coaching after turning down ‘exciting offers’Credit: AFP More

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      France international facing 10 YEARS in jail for ‘sexually assaulting woman while drunk then leading cops on car chase’

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      FRANCE international Wissam Ben Yedder is facing TEN YEARS in prison after being accused of sexually assaulting a woman while drunk.The former Monaco captain has won 19 caps for Les Bleus, and also played for Toulouse and Sevilla.Wissam Ben Yedder has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman while drunkCredit: GettyBut Ben Yedder went on trial at Nice criminal court on Tuesday after a woman claimed he had attacked her on September 6.The 20-year-old claimed the striker had groped her and performed a sex act in front of her in his car.Ben Yedder, 34, is also accused of repeatedly refusing to obey Monaco police orders to stop during a subsequent car chase.The Paris-born player is a free agent after being released by Monaco during the summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIf found guilty he could be jailed until 2034 – ending his footballing career.His lawyers Hasna Louze and Marie Roumiantseva told French media: “Our client will appear at the court hearing, and he intends to take responsibility for his actions.”Mr Ben Yedder is regretful at being at the origin of a situation like this. He is sincerely sorry for the complainant.”Ben Yedder has been under legal supervision since the alleged incident.Most read in FootballHe has had to report to police twice weekly, and has been ordered to stay out of bars and nightclubs.The case is Ben Yedder’s FOURTH brush with the law in recent years.He is currently under investigation after being accused of raping a young woman in the summer of 2023, a claim he denies.The striker is due in court this December after his ex-wife accused him of psychological violence.And he received a fine and suspended prison sentence for tax offences last year.Monaco paid Sevilla a record £34million for Ben Yedder in 2019.He went on to score 118 goals in 201 games for the Ligue 1 club – but could now see his career end in disgrace. More

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      Joshua Zirkzee tipped for shock January loan transfer after just seven Premier League games for Man Utd

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      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Joshua Zirkzee has been tipped for a loan move to Juventus in the January transfer window.Zirkzee, 23, joined United in the summer for £36.5million from Bologna, where he produced 12 goals and seven assists in 37 appearances last season.Manchester United ace Joshua Zirkzee has been tipped for a January loan moveCredit: GettyPaolo Di Canio suggested Zirkzee should leave Man Utd for JuventusCredit: SplashThe striker has only played seven times in the Premier League so far this term, with his only goal coming in the season opener against Fulham. But West Ham legend Paolo Di Canio suggested it would be best if the Netherlands international was loaned out to Juve, despite the fact it’s still very early doors in his Old Trafford career.Di Canio believes the Dutchman is “a bit too slow” for the Premier League, even though he’s still getting used to his new challenge.The ex-Juventus star added that the success he already experienced in Serie A would help manager Thiago Motta as he has different characteristics to star striker Dusan Vlahovic.Read More on Man UtdDi Canio told TuttoSport: “For the Premier League he is a bit too slow, then maybe he will prove me wrong with goals and great performances.”But there they attack you straightaway and whistle 30 per cent less for fouls. In Italy, we have seen what impact the player had in Bologna.“In the end, in the confusion that there is at United, they could also give him on loan. “They already have [Rasmus] Hojlund, then there is [Marcus] Rashford who is playing in that position. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He would be the perfect profile, also because it would allow Motta to have a striker with different characteristics to Vlahovic.“But I would start the negotiations now. A loan with maybe the possibility of redeeming him.Man Utd player ratings: Joshua Zirkzee hooked again as Lisandro Martinez saves Erik ten Hag’s blushes (2)”Zirkzee is not a devastating scorer, he is not one to score 25 goals, but he makes the others play well.” More

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      Man Utd ‘cancel Christmas’ as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ruthless cost-cutting measures after 250 redundancies

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      MANCHESTER UNITED chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has axed the club’s Christmas party.The ruthless decision is the latest cost-cutting measure by the British billionaire.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has cancelled the club’s Christmas partyCredit: AlamyStaff at Man Utd normally enjoy a Christmas bash in the build-up to December 25.But the celebration for behind-the-scenes employees has been cancelled by Ratcliffe, according to The Athletic.The party for the players is seemingly still going ahead, should manager Erik ten Hag allow it after a nightmare start to the season.Ratcliffe’s plans to cut overheads at Old Trafford have seen him stop paying Sir Alex Ferguson his £2.16m-a-year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe legendary boss became the club’s global ambassador soon after he walked away from the dugout in 2013.But the deal has been torn up in an amicable decision between both men.Man Utd will continue to employ Fergie as a non-executive director and he will always be welcome at games.Since buying a 27.7 per cent of the club and taking charge of football operations, Ratcliffe has let 250 employees go.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIneos’ cost cutting methods have also seen private chauffeurs and company credit cards axed.Staff and the players’ Wags had to pay for their own transport to the FA Cup final in May.And other perks like lunch, accommodation, extra tickets and a post-match party were scrapped.Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealedWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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      New Man Utd signing Manuel Ugarte sends warning to Ten Hag after ‘ugly’ performance following shock position change

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      MANUEL UGARTE has warned Erik ten Hag against playing him out of position after he featured as a centre-back for Uruguay.The Red Devils midfielder, 23, made his debut for the Premier League giants last month and featured five times before the international break.Manuel Ugarte has made it clear he has weaknesses in one particular area on the pitchCredit: GettyIt will act as a warning to Erik ten Hag – who has experimented in recent weeksCredit: GettyIn all of those games he was used as a midfielder, but he then joined up with Uruguay and played at centre-half in their 1-0 defeat to Peru.The positional switch will have been noted by Man Utd fans – who have watched midfielders such as Casemiro and Sofyan Amrabat be moved to the Man Utd back line under Ten Hag.But Ugarte has made it clear he does not see himself as a defender following a difficult 90 minutes in Peru.Speaking to ESPN about Uruguay’s defeat, he said: “It was not a good match. We did not play well, it was a shame because I still believe that we are much better, but the match was ugly for us.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”The dressing room was strong before the match, the atmosphere was nice, but little by little we faded and we did not show good things in the match.”Everyone can play and has the conditions to do so, but many times, when changing players it takes a little [time] to adapt.”It is not an excuse either, the team’s performance dropped. We need to go deeper, as we saw against Peru, we have to keep working.”Honestly, I felt good with the ball, but I lack certain things as a defender.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”These are things that always enrich a player.”Ugarte joined Man Utd from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth £51million.Watch Manuel Ugarte in awkward moment with Erik ten Hag after Man Utd manager tries to hype up new transferHe is expected to be the long-term replacement to Casemiro in the heart of Man Utd’s midfield.But Ten Hag is in the midst of a defensive injury crisis with Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw and Noussair Mazraoui all sidelined.Man Utd host Brentford on Saturday afternoon before they travel to Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the Europa League on October 24. More

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      Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel closing in on England manager job after advanced talks with FA

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      FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION bosses are edging closer to appointing Thomas Tuchel as England’s new boss.The former Chelsea manager is now in advanced talks with the FA over becoming the long-term successor to Gareth Southgate, who quit after Euro 2024.FA chiefs are in talks with Thomas Tuchel’s representativesCredit: PAAlthough a deal has yet to be officially agreed, discussions will continue over the next 24 hours and the FA appear to be hopeful of getting their man.Tuchel, 51, would become the Three Lions’ third overseas boss behind Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.The FA appointing a German might not be a universally popular decision but he has experience of winning trophies – including the 2021 Champions League title with Chelsea.He was sacked last season by Bayern Munich, although he enjoys a good relationship with Harry Kane after signing him from Spurs.Read More in FootballDiscussing Tuchel’s potential appointment, the striker said: “Until it’s announced obviously I can’t really comment, but we have to wait and see.”Obviously, I know Thomas well from last year. Fantastic coach, fantastic person, so I am sure the guys at the FA will contact me, when they know more about it.”A former manager of Dortmund, Tuchel won the Ligue 1 title in France twice with PSG.Lee Carsley was initially appointed as England’s interim manager but he has not been seen as a suitable candidate.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSForgotten 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.Carsley sparked fresh confusion over his future by appearing to rule himself out of contention for the England job  — then back in again just minutes later.He initially claimed the Three Lions deserve a “world-class coach who has won trophies” and that he is “still on the path to that” after England’s 3-1 win over Finland on Sunday.How to cure England’s Bellingham, Foden and Palmer headacheBut then insisted it was “definitely” wrong to assume he does not want the job permanently.The FA also sounded out Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and he remains committed to his club for the time being.Newcastle’s Eddie Howe was also on the list but the FA were worried about the amount of compensation they would have to pay.Aside from attracting interest from the FA, Tuchel has also been a candidate to take over from Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.England’s next two games in the Nations League, when Tuchel could be in charge, are against Greece and Ireland next month.Thomas Tuchel’s career record2007-2008 – Augsburg II2009-2014 – Mainz 052015-2017 – Borussia Dortmund2018-2020 – Paris Saint-Germain2021-2022 – Chelsea2023-2024 – Bayern MunichTrophies: 1x Champions League1x FIFA Club World Cup1x Bundesliga2x Ligue 11x UEFA Supercup1x German Cup2x French Super Cup More

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      Premier League legend, 46, looks like he hasn’t aged a day as he scores screamer in charity match

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      A PREMIER LEAGUE legend rolled back the years to score a screamer in a charity match.James Beattie was joined by ex-Prem stars Theo Walcott, Morgan Schneiderlin and Matt Le Tissier in the Southampton Legends game against current boss Russell Martin’s XI.Former Premier League striker James Beattie bagged a worldie at St Mary’sThe 46-year-old hardly celebrated after proving age is just a number before the Saints Legends went on to lose on penaltiesSt Mary’s played host to two teams of former footballing stars, pulled together by the likes of Glenn Cockerill – and current gaffer Martin himself. But Martin’s XI, mostly made up of retired Norwich City stars, needed penalties to beat the Saints Legends following a 4-4 draw on Sunday.And Southampton icon Beattie proved he’s still got it after hammering a sublime strike into the top corner from 20 yards.The ex-Stoke City striker – wearing the same No9 he donned as a Saint – patiently waited for Shane Long to offload it.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 46-year-old then perfectly curled the ball into the net past 51-year-old Jimmy Walker, who had earlier saved a Rickie Lambert penalty, with 15 minutes remaining.Fans were left stunned as one said: “Class is permanent 😇”Beattie briefly reduced the deficit to 3-2 before competition winner Craig Swanborough had his big moment, scoring from close range to restore the two-goal advantage for Martin’s XI.Andrew Surman pulled another one back before spot-kick specialist Le Tissier scored a contentious 91st minute penalty to bring penalties.Most read in FootballBeattie spent eight years at Southampton, scoring 68 goalsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWalcott, who retired in 2023 after departing St Mary’s, scored an unstoppable equaliser with his own first-half wonder goal from 30 yards.The former Arsenal star then whipped out Marcus Rashford’s signature celebration – where he points to his temple – after promising a local child he’d do so.BBC pundit comes dressed as Gareth Southgate for England’s Euro 2024 clash against SwitzerlandWhen visiting a local school in Southampton, Walcott asked the youngster, after inviting him to the charity game: “When I score, and I will score, what do you want me to do?”To which the schoolboy named Cam responded: “The Marcus Rashford.”The former England international was named Man of the Match as he rolled back the years in front of 7,000 fans.The game was played to raise funds for various charities, including the Saints Foundation.Walcott pulled out Marcus Rashford’s signature celebration in dedication to a local fanIn the shootout, Saints boss Martin stepped up first and scored, setting the tone for his team.Before heroes Walcott and Beattie both missed their penalties in the shootout to give the away side a 4-2 shootout victory.Martin, 38, actually started the game himself from centre-back.The Prem manager played the pantomime villain as he was booed every time he touched it in the early stages, which peaked when he slipped over less than five minutes in. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was hauled off after 60 minutes and limped across the dugout to meet young fans, who rapidly amassed an army on the advertising boards.Martin will return to manage Southampton against Leicester when the Prem returns on Saturday.Russell Martin acted as a player-coach for his side that beat the Saints Legends on penalties over the weekend More

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      Former Chelsea star plots raid on old club for two stars including audacious Barcelona loan swoop for £58m ace

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      BARCELONA chief Deco is plotting to raid former club Chelsea for two stars this winter.The Portuguese ace is sporting director at the Nou Camp after a glittering playing career.Barcelona chief Deco is targeting two signings from Chelsea this winterCredit: GettyThe ace won two FA Cups and a title as a Chelsea playerCredit: PA:Press AssociationDeco won five titles and two Champions Leagues with Porto and Barcelona.He then moved to Chelsea in 2008 and played 58 times while leading the Blues to two FA Cups and a Premier League.After hanging up his boots in 2013 following a spell with Fluminense, the 75-time Portugal international took time out of the game before becoming an agent.But Deco returned to the biggest stage of all when he was named Barcelona’s new sporting director last year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has already helped his former club seal some big deals, including £55million summer signing Dani Olmo.And now, Deco is reportedly lining up a double raid on Chelsea for two midfielders.Football Espana claims the Nou Camp chief is first confident of tying up a loan deal for Carney Chukwuemeka.It’s reckoned the ex-Aston Villa man was an option for Barcelona over the summer, but doubts over his fitness following a long-term injury scuppered the deal.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSChukwuemeka is now fit and ready to fire.But he is way down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, making him a viable target for Barcelona in January.Chelsea fans love Cole Palmer’s reaction to huge brawl – but work out clever reason why he didn’t get involvedCarney Chukwuemeka is one of Barca’s top targetsCredit: GettyThe Spaniards would also a loan deal for Romeo LaviaCredit: AlamyDeco’s other target at Chelsea is less realistic though.He is said to be a huge fan of Romeo Lavia, who has barely featured for the Blues following a £58m move from Southampton last year.Deco would love to take the former Man City holding midfielder to the Nou Camp.But Enzo Maresca is reportedly keen to get Lavia into his starting XI and is extremely unlikely to sanction an exit, even on a short-term basis.Players signed under Boehly at ChelseaRaheem Sterling – £50mKalidou Koulibaly £33mGabriel Slonina – £8mCarney Chukweumeka – £20mMarc Cucurella – £57.5mCesare Casadei – £13.3mWesley Fofana – £70mPierre-Emerick Aubameyang – £10.3mDenis Zakaria – £2.7m (Loan fee)David Datro Fofana – £10.6mBenoit Badiashile – £33.7mAndrey Santos – £11.1mJoao Felix – £9.7m (Loan fee)Mykhailo Mudryk – £62m Noni Madueke – £30mMalo Gusto – £26.75mEnzo Fernandez – £107.8mChristopher Nkunku – £52mDiego Moreira – FREENicolas Jackson – £31.5mAngelo Gabriel – £13mLesley Ugochukwu – £23.3mAxel Disasi – £38.9mRobert Sanchez – £20mMoises Caicedo – £115mRomeo Lavia – £53.2mDeivid Washington – £13.7mCole Palmer – £40.1mDjordje Petrovic – £13.6mTosin Adarabioyo – FREEMarc Guiu – £5.1mCaleb Wiley – £8.63mRenato Veiga – £12mAarón Anselmino – £14mOmari Kellyman – £19.2mFilip Jorgensen – £21mKiernan Dewsbury-Hall – £30.2mPedro Neto – £51mJoao Felix – £42.6mMike Penders – £17m More