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      Gary Neville reveals shock combined Man Utd and Spurs XI that gives him ‘sickly feeling’ going into Europa League final

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      GARY NEVILLE has insisted that only ONE Manchester United player would get into Tottenham’s starting XI.The Red Devils take on Spurs in the Europa League final on May 21 as they look to end their catastrophic season on a high.Gary Neville has claimed only Bruno Fernandes would start at TottenhamCredit: GettyThe midfielder has been a bright spark for Manchester United this seasonCredit: ReutersA spot in next season’s Champions League is at stake as both teams try to salvage their campaigns with both hovering just above the relegation zone.Man Utd reached the final by thrashing Athletic Bilbao while Spurs eased past Bodo/Glimt.The two sides currently sit 16th and 17th in the Premier League, having both lost their last match at the weekend.West Ham’s 2-0 win at Old Trafford saw Graham Potter’s side leapfrog the two and put them just above the bottom three.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpurs have been able to win three times against Man Utd this season, twice in the Prem and once in the EFL Cup.Neville is aware of this and admitted that he has a “sickly feeling” about the match in Bilbao.The United legend has also insisted that only Fernandes would get into Ange Postecoglou’s side when every player is fit.Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, he said: “I have got a sickly feeling about this game next Wednesday.Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”The biggest reason I have a sickly feeling about this game is when I look at every player in the team, [Dejan] Kulusevski, [Heung-min] Son, Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke, James Maddison if he was fit, [Yves] Bissouma and [Pape] Sarr, [Cristian] Romero and [Micky] van de Ven and [Pedro] Porro and [Destiny] Udogie.”When you look at those players like for like with United, only Bruno [Fernandes] would get into the first XI of Spurs.‘Spurs does crazy things to people’ – Postecoglou takes swipe at Wenger as Arsenal legend proposes shock rule change”I would select every single Tottenham player.”The goalkeeper is a 50-50 split because I’m not a big fan of Vicario and I am not a fan of Onana.”But I would choose every single player of Tottenham’s over Manchester United’s next Wednesday. That is my worry.”Fernandes, 30, has played a key role in helping United reach the final of the Europa League.He has scored seven goals and assisted four more in his 13 appearances in the competition.Only Bodo’s Kasper Hogh and Olympiacos’ Ayoub El Kaabi have managed as many goals as the Portuguese midfielder.Meanwhile, Neville did make his prediction over which team would be victorious.Read More on The SunHe added: “United do have a couple of players, the likes of Casemiro and Bruno, they have something in them that will step up for a one-off game.”But if the players play like they should, Tottenham should win that game.” More

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      Sky Sports pundit replaced Nuno Espirito Santo as manager in one of most doomed spells in dugout

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      NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO is hoping to complete a stunning achievement by taking Nottingham Forest into the Champions League.But he was once replaced by a Sky Sports pundit as manager at a previous job.Nuno Espirito Santo was Valencia boss for just over one seasonCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe led the Spanish side to fourth in LaLiga but then quit just a few months laterCredit: AFPAnd that led to one of the most doomed and infamous spells in the dugout.Santo, 51, spent 18 years as a curly-haired goalkeeper where he was largely a back-up for the No1.That included two stints at Porto, where he was part of the Champions League-winning squad under Jose Mourinho.But after retiring as a player in 2010, the Portuguese stepped into management – firstly spending two years at Rio Ave in his homeland.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe would later go on to manage Porto before four years with Wolves, 17 games at Tottenham, a stint at Al-Ittihad and now working wonders at the City Ground.But it was his second gaffer’s gig that sparked the links to the TV pundit. Santo led Rio Ave to the Europa League for the first time in their history at the end of his second season in charge.And that saw him attract plenty of interest – including from Spain.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSanto signed a one-year deal in July 2014 to take over as Valencia manager.By the January of that 2014-15 campaign, he signed a contract extension until 2018.And he finished the season in fourth, taking four points off Real Madrid and picking up three LaLiga manager of the month awards. However, Santo suffered a poor start to the following campaign in both the league and Champions League.So much so that he resigned in November 2015.His replacement was… Gary Neville.Neville’s brother Phil and Salvador Gonzalez – who’s filled in at Valencia an incredible SEVEN times – took interim charge before Gary’s appointment on December 5.’MILLION MILES AWAY’But things went horribly wrong for Neville, whose only previous coaching experience was as Roy Hodgson’s assistant with England. His lack of Spanish didn’t help, either, and the ex-Manchester United defender failed to win any of his first nine LaLiga matches in charge.Valencia were also stuffed 7-0 by Barcelona in a Copa del Rey thrashing and Neville was eventually put out of his misery on March 30 with three league wins from 16 and his side 14th in the table, just six points clear of the relegation zone. Santo and Neville’s managerial careers have gone in very different directions since. The Portuguese gaffer succeeded at Wolves and is doing a tremendous job at Nottingham Forest, securing European football for next season.Gary Neville’s Valencia recordDates 2 December 2015 to 30 March 2016 Matches 28 Wins 10 Draws 7 Defeats 11 Win % 35.71 Goals scored 39 Goals conceded 38 Goal difference +1Biggest defeat 7-0 vs BarcelonaThat was guaranteed with Sunday’s eventful 2-2 draw with East Midlands rivals Leicester – but the result did put a major dent in Forest’s Champions League qualification dreams.And the match was overshadowed by Evangelos Marinakis storming on to the pitch to confront Santo about Taiwo Awoniyi’s injury – which has seen the Nigerian placed in an induced coma after urgent surgery. For Neville, though, he has turned his back on management – and now sticks to the TV studios and commentary gantries. Reflecting on his Valencia nightmare and leaving coaching behind, he said: “It’ll never happen, I’m a million miles away.”I love football and the camaraderie but I don’t want to be in that environment any more.“It was an unbelievable opportunity and it didn’t go as well as I wanted it to, but I enjoyed every minute and it taught me a lot and things I will apply to my business life.Read More on The Sun“I don’t regret going to Spain and I would have liked to have stayed in Valencia for 18 months, but I wouldn’t have continued in coaching.“The buzz from football up to the age of 32 was incredible and that can probably never be replaced, but compared to the last three years of my career, I enjoy what I’m doing now far more.”Santo was replaced by Gary NevilleCredit: EPAThe Englishman endured a horror four-month stint in chargeCredit: GettySanto was named manager of the month three times in his full seasonCredit: AP:Associated PressHe is now preparing to take Nottingham Forest into EuropeCredit: GettyNeville has not returned to management and has instead stuck to his punditry role with Sky SportsCredit: AFP More

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      Liverpool’s plan for Jeremie Frimpong revealed with Bayer Leverkusen wing-back to be played in new position

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      ARNE SLOT has a bold tactical plan for Jeremie Frimpong if Liverpool can get a deal over the line.The Premier League champions will be in the market for a Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement this summer as he heads to Real Madrid.Jeremie Frimpong is linked with a move to LiverpoolCredit: GettyBayer Leverkusen star Frimpong is supposedly the club’s top target at right-back.The 24-year-old has a release clause worth around £33million but an agreement is still some way off.But shock reports from Sky Germany claim Frimpong might not play the same role as Alexander-Arnold.The Dutchman plays as an incredibly forward-thinking right-wing-back under Xabi Alonso.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Liverpool “plan to use him on the right flank in an attacking role – similar to his position at Leverkusen.”It is unclear if this means Slot is planning a formation change to a back three or whether the setup will remain the same on paper with a tactical tweak.Alexander-Arnold often drifts into central midfield, while Frimpong is more comfortable overlapping.He has even played as a conventional winger in the past and he could get a run of games there while Mo Salah is away with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe tournament runs from December 21 to January 18, meaning Liverpool’s main man could miss a busy time of the season.Slot is set to go on a spending spree this summer as the club also want a centre-back, left-back and striker.Fans convinced Frimpong will join Liverpool after spotting his Holland camp antics The boss is set to be handed Liverpool’s biggest ever transfer budget. More

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      Ruthless Barcelona set for major summer transfer overhaul with Gavi among EIGHT stars at risk of sale

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      BARCELONA are set for a mass summer overhaul with director of football Deco ready to move on a host of stars.The Catalan giants can wrap up the LaLiga title on Thursday with victory over city rivals Espanyol.Gavi is reportedly among those in danger of leaving Barcelona this summerCredit: GettyThe club will also listen to offers for Ronald AraujoCredit: GettyBarca are hopeful of tying down Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong to new long-term dealsCredit: ReutersBarca lead rivals Real Madrid by seven points and are on the cusp of a 28th crown.But despite a strong domestic performance, club icon Deco is preparing a ruthless summer window.Barcelona are willing to listen to offers for eight of their stars, according to reports.Spanish outlet SPORT claim the club is open to offers on Inaki Pena, Ronald Araujo, Hector Fort, Fermin Lopez, Gavi, Pau Victor, and Ansu Fati.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBarca are desperate to tie down Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha to new deals.Raphinha has racked up 59 goal contributions this season and had been courted by a host of clubs in the Saudi Pro League.But the Brazilian looks set to pen an improved deal at the Nou Camp.The beefy new contract would keep him at the club until 2029. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKDe Jong, meanwhile, has emerged as a key player in Barca’s midfield since joining from Ajax in 2019.The Dutchman’s contract expires this summer and he is expected to extend his stay in Spain.Furious Vinicius Jr loses it at Barcelona fan waving beach ball at him in brutal message over Ballon d’Or snubBut the report claims a lucrative offer could tempt Barca to sell, with only wonderkid Lamine Yamal deemed “untouchable” in the squad. Goalkeeper Pena appears certain to leave the Catalan giants after being replaced as No1 by Wojciech Szczesny.Fati, 22, once tipped as the successor to Lionel Messi, is not in Hansi Flick’s plans moving forward.The former Brighton loanee has featured just six times in LaLiga this term, failing to find the net.Fati is contracted at the Nou Camp until 2027 – but his high salary may make him difficult to move on. More

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      ‘He was evil’ – Sir Alex Ferguson would be in JAIL if he managed today, jokes Man Utd legend Patrice Evra

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON’S “evil” management antics would land him in PRISON if he was still in the dugout, according to Patrice Evra. Evra, 43, saw the fiery Scot up close, playing under him for seven-and-a-half years at Manchester United between 2006 and 2013.Sir Alex Ferguson’s management style would land him in jail, according to Patrice EvraCredit: GettyEvra lost count of the number of players who were reduced to tears by the ScotCredit: YouTube / SDSAnd that meant he was exposed to the way Ferguson went about managing his players – which included the famous hairdryer treatment. But Evra joked in today’s football, Fergie’s methods would cross the line and see him in trouble with the law – after losing count of the number of players he reduced to tears.The former left-back told the SDS podcast: “If Ferguson was coaching right now he would probably end up in jail.”There’s no way Ferguson would not be in jail with what he would do to. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Do you know how many players I saw cry because he gave them the hairdryer, throwing boots – he was evil.”Ferguson’s most high-profile incident came after an FA Cup defeat to Arsenal in 2003 when he kicked a boot at David Beckham, leaving the England captain with stitches just above his eye. But he was just as passionate and lost his temper over so-called friendlies, too.Evra recalled a time when Fergie let rip at a young Danny Welbeck in Saudi Arabia. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordHe explained: “Wayne Rooney gave the ball to Welbeck but he missed the penalty.”We lost the game but it was a friendly, like a 45-minute game. Patrice Evra claims Samir Nasri told him he made a mistake snubbing Man Utd for City”When we got back into the dressing room, Ferguson [shouted] ‘Welbeck!’ “Me and Welbeck were in the toilet, he was having a pee, but Ferguson was shouting. “‘Who the f*** do you think you are, coming in the first team, taking a penalty?’ “I was like, ‘Boss, it’s just a friendly game.’ “He was like, ‘F*** the friendly game.'”I hope your leg is broken, a United player cannot cry at AnfieldSir Alex FergusonFerguson’s approach – however controversial and harsh it was – clearly had the desired effect.He won 38 trophies during his 26 years as Old Trafford boss, including 13 Premier Leagues, five FA Cups and two Champions Leagues. But the attitude he instilled in his United players, especially the senior members of the squad, led to some brutal treatment of some team-mates. Jamie Carragher’s shocking lunge into Nani at Anfield in 2011 left the Portuguese winger with a bleeding gash down his shin.But the likes of Paul Scholes allegedly said “f*** that” and refused to back Nani when they spotted him crying on the floor.’WE WERE BAD PEOPLE… WE DIDN’T CARE’According to the Frenchman, Ferguson fumed: “I hope your leg is broken, a United player cannot cry at Anfield.”Evra added: “We were bad people.”I want to apologise to all the youngsters who trained with us. We were animals.”After the game, we were waiting for the next day when we were going to kill Nani, to tell you how nasty we were, we didn’t care. “If you’re bleeding and you cry, you’re done, you’re not part of us. Read More on The Sun”Ferguson had to give him a week off to recover from that because we were waiting to kill him. “Even now in the United WhatsApp group, we still put that picture of Nani crying at Anfield.”Ferguson was notoriously harsh – even in friendliesCredit: Getty Images – GettyJamie Carragher cut Nani’s leg open with this horror tackle in 2011Credit: Sky SportsFerguson and Paul Scholes let rip at Nani for crying at AnfieldCredit: GettyDavid Beckham had stitches above his left eye after Fergie kicked a boot at himCredit: AFPEvra won five Premier League titles under Sir AlexCredit: EPAUnited’s players still joke about the Nani incident on WhatsAppCredit: Alamy More

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      World’s third-highest paid defender set to be unemployed after ripping up £390k contract with Cristiano Ronaldo’s side

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      AYMERIC LAPORTE is set to become unemployed after ripping up his contract at Al-Nassr.The former Manchester City star is the third-highest-paid defender in the world with a weekly paycheck of £390,000.Aymeric Laporte is set to leave Al-NassrCredit: GettyHe joined the club back in 2023 from Manchester CityCredit: GettyOnly former Chelsea flop Kalidou Koulibaly and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk earn more than the Spaniard.Koulibaly is on an eye-watering £553,225-per-week at Al-Hilal while Van Dijk recently signed a £400,000-per-week deal at Anfield.Laporte, 30, made the move to Saudi Arabia in 2023 and has made 69 appearances for the club.He signed a three-year deal with Al-Nassr that was due to expire in 2026.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, he could walk away from the club – and his monster salary – before it ends.Spanish outlet AS reports Laporte has endured a “difficult relationship” with manager Stefano Pioli.He was left out of the squad for Al-Nassr’s Asian Champions League semi-final defeat against Kawasaki Frontale.Laporte will not be short of options should he leave the club in the coming days.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSReal Madrid were previously linked with a move for Laporte before he left Man City.The LaLiga giants are again in the market for a defender but are more likely to swoop for a younger player.Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, 14, given dad’s number and copies iconic pose as he makes Portugal debut with grandma watchingElsewhere, Ligue 1 outfit Marseille are among the favourites to snatch up the 40-capped ace.Laporte has been joined by some star names at Al-Nassr such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Jhon Duran and Marcelo Brozovic.He has previously admitted to making the move to Riyadh for non-footballing reasons.He said: “To be honest, many of us have also come here not only for football.”Many of us are happy with that, but I am also looking for something beyond that is not the economic part and such.”In terms of quality of life, I expected something different because in the end here you spend three hours a day in the car.”Riyadh is a waste of traffic, of time wasted in the car.”Laporte’s career by numbersHere is a look at Aymeric Laporte’s career…ClubAthletic Bilbao, 2012–2018Appearances – 222Goals – 10Manchester City, 2018–2023Appearances – 180Goals – 12Al-Nassr, 2023-presentAppearances – 69Goals – 9International Spain, 2021-presentCaps – 40Goals – 2Honours:Supercopa de Espana x1, Premier League x5, FA Cup x2, EFL Cup x3, Community Sheild x1, Champions League x1, Uefa Super Cup x1, Euros x1, Nations League x1 More

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      French football considering major change to Ligue 1 format after PSG domination every season

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      FRENCH football chiefs are considering a major change to stop Paris Saint-Germain dominating Ligue 1, according to reports.The capital club have won 11 of the last 13 seasons after becoming one of Europe’s top forces.French football chiefs are looking to end PSG’s Ligue 1 domination with a major changeCredit: GettyThis season has seen them go 19 points clear of second-place Marseille with one game remaining.And with stars like Ousmane Dembele shining bright under Luis Enrique, PSG’s dominant era does not look like ending any time soon.They are now hoping to crown their achievements with a first-ever Champions League crown in this month’s final against Inter Milan.However, PSG could be set for a new challenge on the domestic front.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to L’Equipe, French football chiefs are considering a major change that would give other teams a chance to get their hands on the Ligue 1 trophy.Instead of the first-placed team winning the title, playoffs would be used to decide the season’s victor.Two semi-finals would take place involving 1st vs 4th, and 2nd vs 3rd.The winners would then meet in a grand final where the prize is the Ligue 1 title.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd chiefs believe that would open the door for the likes of Marseille, Monaco and Lyon to once again get their hands on French football’s top prize.Ligue 1 is also seeing teams like Nice and Strasbourg come to the fore. Arsenal condemn racism in statement after fan filmed making sickening slurs towards PSG supporters in vile videoLille, who won the title in 2021, are also continuing to make waves.It’s reckoned the LFP, French football’s governing body, could also be scrapped for a new governance structure just like the English Premier League.A League Cup could also be resurrected for the first time since 2020 as part of the huge shake-up. More

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      Nuno Espirito Santo looks unrecognisable with shaggy hair in playing days as backup goalkeeper

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      WE ALL know management is stressful… so much so that it makes your hair fall out.Just ask Nuno Espirito Santo.Nuno Espirito Santo is known for his bald head and grey beardCredit: PAThe stresses of management came to the forefront on SundayCredit: AFPThe Nottingham Forest gaffer, 51, has led Nottingham Forest back into Europe for the first time in 30 years.Forest still have a chance of qualifying for the Champions League – although Sunday’s painful draw at home to already-relegated East Midlands rivals Leicester dented those dreams. And their manager has a very distinct look – the bald head and the grey beard. But it turns out that has not always been the case.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIn fact, Santo once had a shaggy mop of hair back in his playing days as a goalkeeper.The Portuguese spent 18 years as a senior pro across eight different clubs.That included two stints at Porto, where he scored a penalty and was part of the Champions League-winning squad under Jose Mourinho. And he did so with a full head of curly, dark hair.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPhotos from his playing days show off the thick mop, making him barely recognisable from the man we have got used to seeing in the dugout over recent years at Wolves, Tottenham and Forest. And although it does start to recede towards the end of his career on the pitch, Santo still has a decent amount of hair.Nuno Espirito Santo argues with Nottingham Forest owner on City Ground pitch moments after disastrous drawThe goalkeeper retired in 2010 but fast forward to his days as Valencia manager and it is a very different story.Gone are the curls and replaced with the buzzed shaven look, with his dark beard grown out. He spent just over a season in charge at Valencia – where he was replaced by Gary Neville – before one campaign with Porto.Then Santo arrived in England with Wolves in 2017, enjoying four years at Molineux before his brief 17-game nightmare at Spurs. Santo played as a goalkeeper for 18 yearsCredit: RexHe used to have dark curly hairCredit: APHis look was very different to what it is nowCredit: .The former shot-stopper started receding by the end of his careerCredit: APHe was part of the Porto squad that won the Champions LeagueCredit: AFPHe regrouped at Al-Ittihad before heading back to the Premier League to take over at Nottingham Forest in December 2023. Forest finished 17th last season but Santo has masterminded an incredible surge towards the top of the table this term. However, a run of one win in their last six matches has threatened to derail the team who were third from December to April. Nuno Espirito Santo’s coaching careerRio Ave 15 May 2012 to 19 May 2014 – P80 W32 D17 L31 Win % 40.00Valencia 4 July 2014 to 29 November 2015 – P62 W32 D16 L14 Win % 51.61Porto 1 June 2016 to 22 May 2017 – P49 W27 D16 L6 Win % 55.10Wolverhampton Wanderers 31 May 2017 23 to May 2021 – P199 W95 D49 L55 Win % 47.74Tottenham Hotspur 30 June 2021 to 1 November 2021 – P17 W8 D2 L7 Win % 47.06Al-Ittihad 4 July 2022 to 7 November 2023 – P56 W36 D12 L8 Win % 64.29Nottingham Forest 20 December 2023 to Present – P68 W26 D19 L23 Win % 38.24Total P531 W256 D131 L144 Win % 48.21The draw with Leicester saw Forest drop to seventh with two games left to try and get back into the top five – and crucially they host Chelsea on the final day of the season. But the 2-2 stalemate was arguably most notable for what happened after the full-time whistle when owner Evangelos Marinakis stormed on to the pitch to confront Santo.The fiery Greek businessman’s frustration was over the confusion regarding Taiwo Awoniyi, who got injured late on when he clattered into the post. After initially suggesting he could carry on, Santo used his final substitution window to take off Elliot Anderson – meaning Awoniyi could not be replaced despite realising he could not continue. SunSport revealed Marinakis erupted again and far more ferociously in the tunnel – at Santo, Awoniyi and the club’s medical staff. Read More on The SunAwoniyi, meanwhile, underwent an urgent surgery on Monday with the rest of the procedure unable to be completed on Tuesday.That meant doctors placed the Nigerian striker in an induced coma and hope to conclude the surgery on Wednesday. Santo shaved his hair by the time he was Valencia gafferCredit: AFP More