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    Manchester United ace Phallon Tullis-Joyce insists there is no ‘half-a**ing’ in her pursuit of success on the pitch

    PHALLON TULLIS-JOYCE does not “half-a**” anything – whether it is football or adding to her extensive knowledge of marine biology. This approach has served the clever, quick-witted Manchester United goalkeeper well on and off the pitch. Phallon Tullis-Joyce and her Manchester United team-mates take on Man City for a place in this year’s Women’s FA Cup finalCredit: GettyThe Red Devils stopper currently has the highest number of clean sheets in the WSL this term and says her team-mates have played a big part in thisCredit: ReutersOn the international stage Tullis-Joyce kept a cleansheet for Emma Hayes’ USA team when they beat Brazil 1-0 in a friendly this monthCredit: GettyThe Man United stopper hopes to start in more games for the United States following senior international debut this monthCredit: GettyGrowing up on Long Island, New York, in the United States, there was nothing half-arsed about the graft Tullis-Joyce, 28, put in to become one of her country’s most talented shot stoppers. The Red Devils ace has fond memories of hurdling waste bins as part of training. An activity practiced under the watchful eye of goalkeeping expert Kurt Kelley, head coach of the Eastern New York Olympic Development Programme.Training with Kelley from the age of 12, with encouragement from her mother Patricia, instilled a work ethic that helped an athlete, who also trained in basketball, with her rise to the top.Read More Football StoriesThere is no half-arsing in the Tullis-Joyce dictionary. That’s very much a premise of my mother as well.Phallon Tullis-Joyce Tullis-Joyce, whose club side face Manchester City at 3:00pm today in the Women’s FA Cup semis, said: “I wasn’t too bad at basketball “But with goalkeeping, there’s a special feeling when it comes to flying through the air. That’s why that propelled me to stay in soccer. “I started training with Kurt right from the start when I was 12-years-old. “At that time, I wasn’t making it into progressive teams, like the regional team or I wasn’t really progressing too much.Most read in Football”And Kurt was like, ‘You know what, that’s fair. You have a lot of things you need to work on’. “I was so hurt but he just was able to give me that honest feedback.”He was the one that was having me jump over trash cans and just on the brink of puking in sessions. “He really instilled the work ethic of like, ‘if you want this, you got to go for it. There is no half-arsing this’. “That’s very much a premise of my mother as well. There is no half-arsing in the Tullis-Joyce dictionary.”Kurt has a facility called KK Athletics Indoor Sports. He would lay out different flags and different trash cans.”The other goalkeepers there would lie in an army crawl position and I would have to hop over them for the save. “It definitely taught me to be fearless. “I’ve had plenty of people in my youth who would say, ‘keep your standards, always keep your standards’. I’m very appreciative of those people.”My mum has been such a massive proponent of my (football) career and just who I am especially when I’m speaking of academics. “She put that on a pedestal and rightfully so. You get your education first and then everything else is a bonus.” Tullis-Joyce describes her football journey from then to now as a “lucky one”. A journey that involved playing for Miami Hurricanes in the USA’s college football system while studying for bachelor and masters degrees in marine biology subjects at the University of Miami. It was at the university that Tullis-Joyce continued to hone the skills that have led her second USA international call-up. After graduation came an April 2019 move to then second tier French side Reims, helping them win promotion to France’s top-flight for the 2019-20 season. Back then the team was managed by Amandine Miquel, who now coaches Leicester City and sees Tullis-Joyce as one of the best goalkeepers in the WSL.    In April 2021 the American joined US side Seattle Reign, where she was shortlisted for an NWSL shot stopper of the year prize, before joining Man United in September 2023.  Following Mary Earps’s departure for Paris Saint-Germain last July, Tullis-Joyce  established herself as the Red Devils’ first choice keeper.  This term she currently tops the WSL’s clean sheet chart  with 12 shutouts in 18 top-flight games. She adds:  “I’ve learned so much this season. “I’m happy to be in this position and grateful for my defenders and the entire team defending in front of me”They all are a part of that race for the (WSL’s) Golden Gloves.”I’ve learned so much this season and there’s just so much to gain out of this, especially with my goalkeeper coach and goalkeeper union around me.”Red Devils boss Marc Skinner said: “Phallon is an incredibly intelligent woman. “That’s really important because she’s very aware of what’s needed to be Man United’s number one. “But she will be the first to say the defending team ahead of her has helped that as well.”Away from the pitch, studying the ocean is something that has always fascinated Tullis-Joyce.It was always part of my plan to be a marine biologist. I love scuba diving and I don’t just love the ocean. I love the environment in general.Phallon Tullis-JoyceThe USA shot stopper has even given a talk to Year 7 school pupils on the topic of marine biology as part of Man United’s Eco Reds programme.       She adds: “They invited me to come talk to the children about the ocean. “Students take part in different lessons revolving around the environment and sustainability.”I just try to really make it fun for them because at that age, I really just want them to think that it’s cool.”It was always part of my plan to be a marine biologist. I love scuba diving.”It’s just such a serene experience where all you’re doing is breathing and looking at cool animals that have adapted to a really hard environment. Tullis-Joyce, who has degrees in marine biology subjects, is an advocate for protecting the environment and marine life”I don’t just love the ocean. I love the environment in general.”Even seeing little frog eyes pop up and see the reflection of their eyes on the surface of the water and learning now for the first time at 28, the difference between frog spawn and toad spawn. “It’s just so cool. Toad spawn might as well be like udon noodles, whereas frog spawn is like boba. “I’ve just been obsessed with telling my teammates.”This month has seen Tullis-Joyce make her first senior appearance for the USA’s women’s team keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 friendly win against Brazil. Today will see her face the challenge of attempting to help holders United reach a second successive FA Cup final for the first time in their history. Her side, who also hope to seal a top three finish for Champions League qualification, will face West Ham, Chelsea and Man City in their final WSL games this term. As part of her goalkeeping development Tullis-Joyce regularly uses a smart reaction training tool known as BlazePod. It helps shot stoppers, including keepers playing at an elite level, to integrate cognitive fitness into their practice routines. And BlazePod does this by using pads with lighting to test goalkeepers’ reaction speeds. The programme is also used by sports people outside of football including Formula One drivers. Tullis-Joyce adds: “It’s crazy how simple they are (to use), but how much you can do with them.”For me, it’s more just that preparation, even for game days to get used to bright lights in a stadium. “It’s just something that’s constant that I can use so I can always sharpen up my reaction time really quickly.Tullis-Joyce uses a smart reaction practice tool known as BlazePods to help with her reflex training”With Manchester United I would say the biggest impact BlazePods has had for me is my preparation for training.Read More on The Sun”I use them every single day and for game days as well to help with practice for any type of handling and my footwork and peripheral vision. “It really opens up my senses a bit to be ready for the day.” More

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    Andre Onana dropped for Man United’s clash against Newcastle with flop keeper left at home after Lyon disasterclass

    RUBEN AMORIM has taken keeper Andre Onana out of the firing line for Manchester United’s trip to Newcastle today.The Cameroon international stayed back in the North West as the squad travelled to Tyneside on Saturday evening.Andre Onana has been dropped for Manchester United’s trip to NewcastleCredit: GETTYRuben Amorim has axed the Cameroonian following his Europa League blunders against LyonCredit: GETTYBut the former Ajax and Inter stopper will be back between the sticks next ThursdayCredit: REUTERSAltay Bayindir will make his Premier League debut in Onana’s absenceCredit: REXHis axing comes after SunSport exclusively revealed some team-mates wanted him AXED after Thursday’s Europa League blunders against Lyon.But he’s been told by the manager he is being rested and will be back in the team for the return leg against the French giants next Thursday.And Onana – who endured a nightmare in the first leg in France last week – is believed to be in agreement with the decision.It means Turkish understudy Altay Bayindir is likely to make his Prem debut in the game at St James’ Park.READ MORE ON ONANAAmorim has decided to give Onana, 29, a couple of days to clear his head after a difficult week.He was involved in a war of words with former Red Devils midfielder Nemanja Matic in the build-up to the  Europa League tie.The Serb took exception to Onana’s claim that United are better than Lyon – and called him “one of the worst goalkeepers in the club’s history”.With all eyes on him in the Groupama Stadium, Onana made two blunders to gift Paulo Fonseca’s team a draw and keep them very much in the tie.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThey were the latest in a long line of mistakes by the former Inter goalkeeper during his two years in England.It has not been easy for him off the pitch either. His wife, Melanie, was the victim of a violent street robbery in Alderley Edge recently.Andre Onana suffers shocking howler to put Man Utd behind after being booed and insulted during warm-up over Matic spatThat left the family needing 24-hour protection at their Cheshire home  – but he continued to play despite the ordeal.Bayindir only returned to the United squad for the trip to Nottingham Forest 12 days ago after missing nine matches through injury.His previous seven appearances have all come in cup competitions so this will be his first taste of league action for United.Amorim is expected to shake up his goalkeeping options this summer – with Bayindir possibly sold to make way for a new arrival.Veteran No3 Tom Heaton is also out of contract but may be offered a coaching role in recognition of his long association to the club. Newcastle will be without manager Eddie Howe for the visit of United.Andre Onana’s wife Melanie Kamayou was robbedCredit: InstagramNewcastle boss Eddie Howe will miss the game through illnessCredit: PAHowe was hospitalised late on Friday “having felt unwell for a number of days.”A Newcastle statement read: “The Magpies’ head coach was admitted to hospital late on Friday evening having felt unwell for a number of days.”Medical staff kept Eddie in hospital overnight for further tests, which are ongoing. Read More on The Sun”He is conscious and talking with his family, and is continuing to receive expert medical care.”Everyone at Newcastle United extends their best wishes to Eddie for a speedy recovery, and further updates will follow in due course.” More

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    Why is Eddie Howe not on the touchline for Newcastle vs Man Utd?

    NEWCASTLE welcome Manchester United to St James’ Park for a mouthwatering Premier League encounter – but there’ll be no Eddie Howe on the touchline.The Toon have been flying since ending their 70-year trophy drought with a Carabao Cup win against Liverpool in March.Eddie Howe will be absent from the touchline against Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyBruno Guimaraes’ strike helped Newcastle see off West Ham before beating Brentford after the international break.Eddie Howe’s men then thrashed Leicester 3-0 five days later and they’ll be hoping to build on that win this afternoon against a struggling Manchester United side.But Howe is absent from the match today and SunSport can explain why.Why is Eddie Howe not on the touchline vs Man Utd?A statement read: “Eddie Howe will miss Newcastle United’s Premier League game against Manchester United on Sunday due to illness.Read more on Eddie Howe”The Magpies’ head coach was admitted to hospital late on Friday evening having felt unwell for a number of days.”Medical staff kept Eddie in hospital overnight for further tests, which are ongoing.”He is conscious and talking with his family, and is continuing to receive expert medical care.”Everyone at Newcastle United extends their best wishes to Eddie for a speedy recovery, and further updates will follow in due course.”Most read in FootballWho will step in for Eddie Howe?Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones will step in for Eddie Howe while the Newcastle boss recovers.And Tindall gave an update on Howe while addressing the media on Friday morning.The Toon assistant manager said: “He’s been really poorly. Bed-ridden. We’ve been in daily contact but it’s not affected any of the preparations.”Still got a few days and hopefully he’ll be back for weekend.”What time does Newcastle vs Man Utd kick-off?Newcastle vs Manchester United kicks off at 4:30pm BSTSt James’ Park is the allocated venue for this huge match and it can host 52,000 fans.Fans can watch the entire action on Sky Sports Main Event or Sky Sports Premier League.Goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton fired the Toon to a 2-0 win when the sides last met in December 2024. More

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    Premier League stars among NINE footballers caught using illicit substances with players facing lengthy bans

    PREMIER LEAGUE stars are among NINE footballers to have been caught using banned substances since 2022.The number of players getting caught for doping is on the rise, with four players — including from the English top flight —  testing positive last year alone.Premier League stars are among nine footballers caught using banned substances since 2022The latest UKAD stats do not include Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk, who has been provisionally suspendedEx-Manchester United star Paul Pogba was hit with a lengthy banTwo of those four players are still under investigation, with the stars facing hefty bans from the game.The two unnamed players tested positive for a banned ­substance straight after games, according to UK Anti-Doping.Despite testing  positive, all nine stars were secretly allowed to play on for their clubs, after the FA accepted  drugs were for medical purposes or taken “via a  permitted route”.Players were caught taking banned drugs including Tamoxifen, Triamcinolone  and Amphetamine.Read More on FootballTriamcinolone is the substance controversially given to cycling legend Bradley Wiggins before he won the Tour de France in 2012 which helps players lose weight without reducing power.Tamoxifen is known to help players build up muscle, while Amphetamine helps with increased endurance.The latest UKAD stats do not include Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk, who was caught using Meldonium while playing overseas for Ukraine. It can enhance recovery after matches.Mudryk, 24, who denies any wrongdoing, has been provisionally suspended from football and could receive a four-year ban.Most read in FootballEx-Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba was banned from football for four years and sacked by Juventus after testing positive for banned substance DHEA, which boosts testosterone production.Last month we revealed how Prem stars are among 530 players being treated for addiction to drugs, alcohol and gambling plus some have   mental health issues.’I take responsibility but…’ – Paul Pogba breaks silence as ex-Man Utd star gives first interview since doping banAnd last season, 80 professional players sought therapy for problems with illicit substances, such as cocaine and nitrous oxide as well as sleeping pills and booze.Brentford star Christian Norgaard has revealed he previously feared he was becoming addicted to sleeping tablets. He said: “It’s a topic that has been going under the radar.”Some have become addicted to using black market Zopiclone tablets to help them sleep.Two unnamed players also tested positive for a banned substance immediately after games in the Prem and EFL last season, say UK Anti-Doping chiefs. More

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    Ruben Amorim set for huge cut-price firesale of Man Utd’s expensive flops in desperate bid to raise £200m transfer kitty

    RUBEN AMORIM will be handed a £200million transfer war chest — but only if he first flogs his Manchester United flops.United plan a summer clear-out of almost an entire team of unwanted stars — and the manager will be able to spend the bulk of any income.Ruben Amorim is planning a Man Utd firesaleCredit: GettyThe Red Devils are confident of getting £45m for Marcus Rashford after his recent upturn in form at Aston VillaCredit: RexAlejandro Garnacho may be sold amid interest from NapoliCredit: GettyUnited could cash-in on Andre Onana amid interest from Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyBoss Amorim knows his kitty almost entirely depends on fees from departures and savings on wages, but Old Trafford bosses are confident the target figure is achievable. That will mean the likes of Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho exiting for good, along with Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and even one of young guns Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho.Despite the Red Devils’ shocking season, the club’s top brass are confident there remains enough interest in their out-of-favour stars to bring in a hefty amount.Rashford, 27, has been edging towards top form since joining Aston Villa on loan, and they may well try and turn that into a permanent move.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEven if Villa boss Unai Emery decides against it, United believe the England player’s return to some sort of form has got other clubs interested, and they would sell for around £45m.While Sancho, 25, has not been such a hit in his spell at Chelsea, a full-time switch is still on the table.United would get ­little more than half the £73m they paid Borussia Dortmund, but will listen to offers at that figure — which could mean a return to the German club. It is the same story with Brazilian Antony, who has shone on loan at Real Betis so much that the Spaniards would like to sign the 25-year-old for good.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBetis have already been told that it will cost £35m to keep the  winger. While it may take Champions League qualification for them to fund a deal, that is not out of the question.Why Ruben Amorim’s Man United system is brokenMan Utd ratings vs Lyon as two Onana blunders earn under-fire keeper a ONE out of 10MANCHESTER UNITED were left ruing calamity goalkeeper Andre Onana as two massive blunders saw them leave their Europa League quarter-final first leg with a 2-2 draw against Lyon.The season-defining clash for both clubs became even spicier ahead of the game following a war words between Onana and ex-Red Devils star Nemanja Matic, with the Serbian dubbing the goalkeeper “one of the worst in United history”.It certainly riled up the home side’s crowd, who made their voices known as Ruben Amorim named an unchanged team – for the first time since his arrival – from the Manchester derby.But Onana was found wanting when he failed to save Thiago Almada’s inswinging free-kick to give the hosts the lead.Leny Yoro nodded in an equaliser just before the interval after Manuel Ugarte’s volley.And Joshua Zirkzee looked to have won the game for the visitors with his late header converting a Fernandes cross.But United’s joy was short-lived as Onana parried a shot straight to Rayan Cherki in added time, and the midfielder tapped in to leave the tie on a knife-edge.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Red Devils in France…The fact United are prepared to offload one of rookie duo Garnacho or Mainoo will be the most controversial.Local boy Mainoo, 19, is on Chelsea’s summer radar, with doubts over his future as United dither about meeting his wage demands.But £50m-rated winger Garnacho is the likelier of the two to leave after losing his place in the Argentina squad.The 20-year-old is not an obvious fit in Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system and Napoli are long-time admirers.Dutch full-back Tyrell ­Malacia, 25, currently at PSV Eindhoven, will also be offloaded for around £10m.And despite insisting he plans to stay, ­others are convinced Andre Onana is off.The keeper, 29, is on the radar of the Saudi Pro League, as is 33-year-old Casemiro. Getting the Brazilian’s £350,000-a-week wages off the books would be a major saving.Eriksen, 33, will also leave at the end of this season — ­further boosting Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ­determination to slash United’s £172m wage bill.Amorim has already admitted there will be no Galactico-style summer arrivals.Read More on The SunAnd while Ratcliffe is happy to pay big money in transfer fees, he is opposed to handing out big contracts.That means targets will be offered deals, heavily laden with success-related clauses.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordUnited could look to get Casemiro’s wages off the booksCredit: GettyChristian Eriksen’s days at Old Trafford are numberedCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd stars want blunder keeper Andre Onana DROPPED after he ‘tempted fate’ with comments before Lyon horror show

    FUMING Manchester United stars have turned on cock-up keeper Andre Onana.The “silly” Cameroon No 1 could be axed for today’s Prem trip to Newcastle after his two blunders gifted Lyon a 2-2 Europa League draw on Thursday.Man Utd stars want Andre Onana axed after his horror show against LyonCredit: GettyThey feel Onana tempted fate by taunting Lyon before committing two howlers in the 2-2 drawCredit: GettyTeam-mates blame Onana for “tempting fate” by taunting the French side ahead of the quarter-final first leg.A United insider revealed: “Some of the players are really p***ed off with him.“You tempt fate when you say things like he did and then you end up looking silly if it comes back and bites you.“Some wonder if it’s time for Altay Bayindir to be given a go.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited boss Ruben Amorim initially backed Onana, but admitted: “There is nothing I can say to Andre that will help.”Onana fired up Lyon by insisting the Red Devils were “way better” than their opponents.It sparked an angry response from Lyon’s ex-United midfielder Nemanja Matic, who dubbed Onana “one of the worst keepers in  United’s history.”Onana then responded to that jibe by slamming the Serb’s five trophyless seasons at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe keeper has now made NINE errors leading to goals since joining United in a £43.8million move from Inter Milan two years ago.United legend Paul Scholes insisted: “Onana is probably wishing he had kept his mouth shut,” before slamming his “awful” mistakes, including a 95th-minute clanger which allowed Rayan Cherki to equalise.Andre Onana suffers shocking howler to put Man Utd behind after being booed and insulted during warm-up over Matic spatWhile fellow 1999 Treble winner, keeper Peter Schmeichel said: “Sometimes players  say something they shouldn’t. It backfired for him.”Amorim admitted: “We should have taken a one-goal advantage to the next game.”Man Utd ratings vs Lyon as two Onana blunders earn under-fire keeper a ONE out of 10MANCHESTER UNITED were left ruing calamity goalkeeper Andre Onana as two massive blunders saw them leave their Europa League quarter-final first leg with a 2-2 draw against Lyon.The season-defining clash for both clubs became even spicier ahead of the game following a war words between Onana and ex-Red Devils star Nemanja Matic, with the Serbian dubbing the goalkeeper “one of the worst in United history”.It certainly riled up the home side’s crowd, who made their voices known as Ruben Amorim named an unchanged team – for the first time since his arrival – from the Manchester derby.But Onana was found wanting when he failed to save Thiago Almada’s inswinging free-kick to give the hosts the lead.Leny Yoro nodded in an equaliser just before the interval after Manuel Ugarte’s volley.And Joshua Zirkzee looked to have won the game for the visitors with his late header converting a Fernandes cross.But United’s joy was short-lived as Onana parried a shot straight to Rayan Cherki in added time, and the midfielder tapped in to leave the tie on a knife-edge.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Red Devils in France… More

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    Thibaut Courtois’ wife Mishel Gerzig stuns in striped bikini after topping prestigious Forbes list

    REAL Madrid Wag Mishel Gerzig has earned her stripes as an influencer – in one of the world’s most prestigious magazines.The Israeli model, 27, is wife of the Spanish club’s Belgian international goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, 32.Mishel Gerzig stuns in striped bikini after topping a prestigeous Forbes listCredit: AsosThibaut Courtois with stunning wife Mishel GerzigCredit: instagram @mishelgerzigAnd the mum of one has made the annual list of 30 personalities aged under 30 picked by international business publication Forbes.They are chosen for making an impact across a range of industries.She is owner of a sports-focused VIP concierge business called Be The One as well as a natural cosmetics company.She gushed to fans on Instagram: “So excited to share I was chosen for Forbes 30 under 30! Thankful for this recognition.”READ MORE ON WAGSMishel has amassed a huge social media following on the site with 880,000 subscribers.She married ex-Chelsea stopper Courtois in June 2023 and they have a daughter, Ellie, aged 10 months.Gerzig, who began her modelling career aged 13, has also served in the Israel Defence Forces as a navy commander.Watch Thibaut Courtois bizarrely throw cake at fan at Tomorrowland in ‘most random crossover of 2024’ More

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    Mum of Man City star Phil Foden puts £3m mansion up for sale after clashing with neighbours over ‘noise’

    MAN City ace Phil Foden’s mum is moving home — after a week in which she was abused by fans.Footie star Phil bought the five-bed mansion in 2021 and lived there with mum Claire Rowlands and dad Phil Sr.Mum of Man City star Phil Foden has put her £3m mansion up for sale after clashing with neighbours over ‘noise’Credit: Peter Powell LimitedClaire and Phil Sr have been caught up in noise rows with neighbours after hosting several partiesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/BrOHNDrgVS0/?hl=en&img_index=1But he later moved out with fiancée Rebecca Cooke, with whom he has three young children.Now the property in the North West is on the market for offers in excess of £3million — £150,000 more than he paid for it.It boasts a swimming pool, gym, cinema room, golf simulator and a wine cellar.But Claire and Phil Sr have been caught up in noise rows with neighbours after hosting several parties.READ MORE ON PHIL FODENA source said: “Phil and his family had some great times in that house. He then moved out but it was nice that his parents were just round the corner.“They had some issues with neighbours, but Phil has now moved away to the countryside so perhaps his parents are following suit.”Phil, who was not in City’s squad yesterday for the 5-2 win over Crystal Palace, was contacted for comment.He was upset following last Sunday’s Manchester derby after United fans chanted slurs about his mother.Most read in FootballYesterday, his gran Mary Keates said: “These people need to have a good look at themselves. Claire is a wonderful woman and mother.“It really upset the whole family, it’s disgusting. It makes me feel sick.”Moment Pep Guardiola launches furious F-word rant at ‘unacceptable’ Phil Foden captured in Man City documentary More