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      Bruno Fernandes reveals how close he really came to leaving Man Utd as he opens up on ‘concrete offers’

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has revealed that he had “concrete offers” to leave Manchester United in the summer transfer window.The Red Devils have got off to a sloppy start in the Premier League this season and are languishing in 14th place.Bruno Fernandes has admitted he could have left Manchester UnitedCredit: AlamyPressure has been mounting on manager Erik ten Hag after the club’s worst start to a Premier League campaign.The Dutchman almost went into the season without his captain, who could have left in the summer.Fernandes, 30, has revealed that he was approached by other clubs and admitted that it was “possible” that he could have moved.The Portuguese midfielder has become a crucial player at Old Trafford since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon in 2020.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut after three and a half seasons he could have been on his way to pastures news.He told ESPN: “I was approached [by other clubs], the club was aware that there was a possibility of me leaving, I had concrete offers.”But the club showed that it needed me, that it was at a time of change and that they wanted to do things differently.”Fernandes also insisted that he is enjoying his time with the Portuguese national team more so than at Man United.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe added: “It’s not a positive moment.”We’re not winning games, and the national team space is completely different. I’ve felt very at ease.Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealedFernandes has suggested he prefers playing for country over clubCredit: Reuters”The dynamics are very good. I’m in my country, I speak my language, and I have better food.”I have demonstrated a good level in the national team.”It’s a space where I feel good and I feel like I can enjoy my football at a very high level, due to the dynamics we have and the quality I have at my side.”Fernandes featured in Portugal’s 3-1 win over Poland in the Nations League.After the game, he caught up with former Red Devil Maxi Oyedele, and they swapped shirts.Fernandes has also claimed that Sporting manager Ruben Amorim is ready for a job in the Premier League.His comments about the coach’s credentials came while Ten Hag’s future remains in doubt. More

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      Enzo Maresca in special agreement to play Chelsea star he’s ‘fallen in love with’ just once a week until January

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      ENZO MARESCA has reportedly made a special agreement to play a Chelsea star he loves just once a week.Blues have had a packed schedule this season due to their participation in the Europa Conference League, which they had to qualify for via a two-legged play-off.Enzo Maresca is said to be a big fan of Wesley FofanaCredit: GettyThe defender is under a strict rehabilitation programmeCredit: AlamyFortunately for Maresca Chelsea’s spending habits mean he has plenty of players at his disposal. So he has agreed to play Wesley Fofana just once per week as the defender continues his rehabilitation from an ACL tear.Fofana failed to make an appearance last season after picking up the injury in pre-season.This term he has been used just once per week, playing seven times despite Maresca being a huge fan.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to L’Equipe, Maresca has fallen in love with the centre-back but has agreed to follow the club policy of limiting Fofana to a strict one-game-per-week regimen.Fofana’s set programme will be followed until the new year – barring an injury setback.The Frenchman has featured in all of Chelsea’s Prem games so far and has missed just 33 minutes of league action after struggling at right-back against West Ham.He has been left out of the cup competitions however with Maresca picking an almost entirely different squad for Conference League matches.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFofana also withdrew from the France squad last month in order to rest.That was also down to his treatment protocol designed by Chelsea.Watch Enzo Maresca’s incredibly blunt response when asked if he has regrets about axing Chelsea star from squad More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo branded ‘ultimate selfie enabler’ after incredible reaction to pitch invader at Portugal game

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO made a fan’s day as Portugal took on Poland yesterday.The former Manchester United star, 39, earned his 212th international cap as his country won 3-1 in Warsaw.Cristiano Ronaldo was approached for a selfie by a fanCredit: ReutersRonaldo waved off securityCredit: RexThe fan was able to take the selfie of a lifetimeCredit: ReutersThe supporter was then eventually led awayCredit: AFPShortly after putting his side 2-0 in front on 37 minutes, Ronaldo was approached on the pitch by a smartphone wielding mega-fan.The desperate supporter ran on to the field in a bid to get a picture with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.Security chased after the fan, only for Ronaldo to wave them off.He then took the snap with the supporter, as the unimpressed-looking match referee watched on.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter securing the picture of a lifetime, the fan was then finally escorted off the pitch.As pictures circulated of the incident on social media, plenty of fans rushed to have their say.One wrote on X: “Ronaldo proving he’s not just a GOAT but also the ultimate selfie enabler. Next up, he’ll be charging for autographs.”While a second gushed: “Humility always from the king of football.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRonaldo put his country 2-0 up against PolandCredit: RexA third swooned: “This is awesome.”And another added: “Ronaldo stopping security for a fan to take a selfie is pure class!” Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Cheshire home on sale for £5m with seven bedrooms, padel courts, pool and guest barnPortugal’s 3-1 victory saw them move to the brink of the Nations League quarter-finals.They will book a place in the last eight on Tuesday night, should they beat Scotland at Hampden Park. More

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      Watch astonishing moment non-league clash is delayed by bizarre injury – caused by a WATER BOTTLE

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      A NON-LEAGUE clash ground to a halt after a player suffered a bizarre injury from a rogue WATER BOTTLE.Bamber Bridge took on Basford United in the Northern Premier League on Saturday.A Bamber Bridges player was thrown a water bottle during a break against Basford UnitedCredit: xAdam Dodd did not see the bottle hurtling towards himCredit: xThe defender was struck in the face by the bottleCredit: xHe ended up needing treatment after the blowCredit: xThe game ended in a 3-2 defeat for Bamber but only after the game suffered a delay in the first half.The pause was caused by an injury to one player but then extended due to another off the ball.A video shared by Basford showed Bamber star Adam Dodd fall to the ground during the break.After closer inspection, it was seen that a flying WATER BOTTLE hit him in the face.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe defender was walking to the touchline, looking at his hands, when one of the coaches threw him the bottle.Unaware of the bottle, Dodd was unable to stop it and took a blow to the face.Water was visibly spilling out of the full bottle as Dodd fell to the ground, holding his face – while the person who threw it didn’t seem bothered at all.The referee and physios from both players checked on him to make sure he was OK.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBasford’s clip of the moment was shared on social media, and fans could not help but find the funny side of the incident.One posted: “Non-League at its finest.”‘I hope our players have Sudocrem because they’ve had their a—s slapped,’ fumes non-league manager in viral interviewA second commented: “I absolutely bloody love non-league football.”A third wrote: “Just your typical non league incident hahah.”A fourth said: “This, I’m afraid, is simply the peak of all football.”Another added: “Guy who threw it isn’t even bothered lol.”The defeat leaves Bamber Bridge 14th in the table with 15 points after 12 games.Basford, however, are up to 8th having won six of their 13 fixtures.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      ‘I hope our players have Sudocrem because they’ve had their a***s slapped,’ fumes non-league manager in viral interview

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      A NON-LEAGUE manager has gone viral for his hilarious post-match rant in which he declared: “I hope our players have Sudocrem because they’ve had their a***s slapped.”Michael Birmingham was incensed with his Horndean FC players after their woeful performance on Saturday.Michael Birmingham let rip at his players in his spectacular post-match rantCredit: @Horndean_FCThe Horndean chief said his players would need Sudocrem after the 4-0 defeat to Raynes Park ValeCredit: @Horndean_FCThe Deans were thumped 4-0 away at Raynes Park Vale in the Isthmian South Central Division to sit 13th in the table on 11 points from nine matches.And he did not hold back at all in his epic interview.Birmingham – who last season labelled his Horndean players a “bunch of losers” – said: “I hope our players have got plenty of Sudocrem at home because they’ve had their a***s slapped today.”Fair play to Raynes Park, they were the better side by a mile, best side we’ve played this season, ruthless.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”I thought the centre forward, No20 up top, was absolutely magnificent.”I wish I had one of them. At the moment I’ve got four token gestures as a centre forward – not even four put together can resemble anything to do with him.”The only positive to come out of that was that I had a cracking pasty before the game, that was about it.”Birmingham was asked what his Hampshire side need to do to get back on track after four straight defeats in all competitions. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe continued: “Not when you concede 13 goals in four games it’s not.”We conceded three goals in the last three games and then four today.Non-league manager calls his own players a ‘bunch of losers’ in brutal X-rated post-match “To be honest, it should have been more today.”To me, it is the basics – they wanted it, the second balls.”When they were 3-0, 4-0 up, the desire, the press… they still went and hunted because they’ve got standards.”All my lot ain’t got no standards.”They don’t give a s***, they just turn up and think, ‘Here we go, we’ll go through the motions.’ “Today they got found out and do you know what? I hope it hurt and all, I hope they can’t sit down for a week and I hope they run out of Sudocrem.”‘HE’S A LEGEND’Unsurprisingly, the video of Birmingham spread rapidly on social media, with the original Horndean clip racking up more than 500,000 views in less than 24 hours. And fans could not get enough of the superb content. One said: “Wish the Premier League managers were this honest.”Another wrote: “How refreshing to hear a manager tell the truth about his team’s poor performance.”A third added: “If this doesn’t rouse the Horndean players then nothing will.”And a final user simply commented: “He’s a legend.”Birmingham is not the only non-league manager to lose his rag in spectacular post-match interviews.READ MORE SUN STORIESBarnet’s Dean Brennan hit out at his own supporters for their negativity in a raging monologue.And Dorking Wanderers gaffer Marc White accused his “f***ing s*** players” of “letting the fans down 100 per cent, wholeheartedly”. Birmingham went viral last season for his epic X-rated rantCredit: X/Horndean_FC More

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      Ten Hag faces further embarrassment as Liverpool ‘eye transfer’ for star, 21, Man Utd let leave for just £5m months ago

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      LIVERPOOL are interested in ex-Manchester United star Alvaro Carreras, according to reports.The left-back switched the Red Devils for Benfica in a £5million deal back in May.Alvaro Carreras is wanted by Liverpool just months after leaving Man UtdCredit: GettyErik ten Hag is under immense pressure after Man Utd’s poor start to the seasonCredit: GettyBut just five months after his transfer, Spanish outlet AS claim he has caught the eye of Liverpool.Carreras’ contract at Benfica runs until 2029 and there is thought to be a release clause that Arne Slot’s side could trigger – though the amount is unknown.The 21-year-old spent the second half of last season with the Portuguese giants on loan.He previously had loan spells at Granada and Preston.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCarreras never made a first-team appearance for Man Utd – but he was named on the bench for several Premier League games.He was highly-rated at the club, winning the Under-23s player of the season award in 2022.Erik ten Hag’s side have had a nightmare start to the season and left-back has been a problem position amid Luke Shaw’s injury.It makes the decision to let Carreras go even stranger, with one supporter saying: “We are very stupid as a club.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother added: “With our issues at left-back we went ahead and sanctioned a move for the only fit left-back.”Meanwhile, reports in Portugal state that Man Utd have a buy-back option in Carreras’ contract.A day in the life of workaholic Ten Hag revealed by ex-Man Utd coach who jokes ‘his wife is on verge of divorcing him’Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

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      Former Premier League star, 24,  arrested over rape of woman at top West End hotel

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      A FORMER Premier League and international football star has been arrested on suspicion of raping a young woman at a top West End hotel.The 24–year-old was held by cops at the exclusive Corinthia Hotel in Whitehall Place, Westminster.A Premier League footballer has been arrested on suspicion of rapeCredit: GettyThe incident allegedly took place at the Corinthia Hotel in Whitehall Place, LondonCredit: GettyThe young female complainant raised the alarm at the front desk of the five-star hotel early on Wednesday morning.She had gone back to the hotel with the player after earlier meeting him in a Central London bar, said a source.The woman alleged she was then attacked and raped by the footballer, who cannot be named for legal reasons.Police arrested him at the hotel over the alleged date rape just before 10am that morning and he was taken to Charing Cross police station and questioned throughout the day in the presence of a lawyer.Read more Sports NewsA DNA swab, mugshot and fingerprints were taken from the suspect, as is routine for anyone arrested.The player was later released on bail until a date in mid-December pending further police inquiries. It is understood he denies rape.Police have carried out a forensic examination of the player’s £750 a night room as part of their inquiries and are also analysing CCTV footage from the hotel.The complainant – believed to be in her 20s – was taken to a Haven rape counselling suite to be examined and has provided a statement to specialist police officers.Most read in FootballA source said: “She met the player in a bar and agreed to go back to his hotel, where he had booked into earlier.“She claims he then attacked and raped her.“The woman went to the front desk at the hotel and was said to have been very distressed.“Police were called and officers arrived and arrested him at the hotel. He was then led out to the amazement of guests and staff.”The player was born abroad and has played for several English clubs as well representing his own country at youth and senior levels.The source said: “He has played in the Premier League and people will recognise him.“The allegations against him are very serious.”A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “A 24-year old man was arrested at 09.53hrs on Wednesday, 9 October at an address on Whitehall Place, SW1A, following an allegation of rape.“He has been bailed until a date in mid-December.“A woman is being supported by specially trained officers.“The investigation is ongoing and enquiries are still being made.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnyone with information is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote Connect ref: 01/938365/24. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. More

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      Man Utd ‘open to selling Harry Maguire at shock cutdown price in January’ despite stats showing he’s their best CB

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to sanction a cut-price January exit for Harry Maguire, according to reports.The former Red Devils captain, 31, has entered the final nine months of his contract at Old Trafford.Harry Maguire could be on the move in JanuaryCredit: EPAUnited do possess an option to extend the deal by a further year, but will first look to sell the centre-back.According to the Daily Star, Erik ten Hag’s side will listen to offers starting at just £10million for Maguire.The England star previously attracted strong interest from West Ham during the summer of 2023.Despite having fallen out of favour under Ten Hag, Maguire opted to stay at Old Trafford, eventually winning back his place in the team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis season he has been in and out of the line-up, starting three of United’s seven Premier League games.The Red Devils stand to make a huge loss on Maguire, having paid £85million for him in the summer of 2019.Even in the summer of 2023 he would have commanded at least £30m.Man Utd recruited Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich ahead of this season in a further bid to push Maguire back down the pecking order.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSStatistically, however, the Sheffield-born ace remains United’s strongest defender in several categories.Compared to De Ligt and Lisandro Martinez this season, Maguire has on average won more duels and aerial duels, while also making more interceptions.Roy Keane reveals he has ‘given up’ with Man Utd as he, Rooney and Neville lay into Ten Hag’s ‘disgusting’ flops Prior to the international break, Maguire scored a last-gasp equaliser for ten-man United in their 3-3 draw with Porto in the Europa League.He then sustained an injury against Aston Villa, being replaced by De Ligt at half-time.After the game he wrote on Instagram: “I’m frustrated to pick up an injury at the weekend, will be a few weeks on the sideline but I’ll come back stronger.”United return to action next Saturday, when they host Brentford at Old Trafford. More