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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe name-drops FIVE Man Utd flops in ‘not good enough’ squad and reveals club still have to pay for them

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has given a damning assessment of five Manchester United players after slamming some of them as “not good enough”.The Ineos chief, who bought a 27.7 per cent minority stake in the Red Devils a little over 12 months ago, laid bare the shocking state the club are in on Monday.Sir Jim Ratcliffe named five Man Utd stars after saying the squad was ‘not good enough’Credit: AlamyHe said his investment had to buy stars like Andre Onana and CasemiroCredit: RexHe also named on-loan flops Antony and Jadon SanchoCredit: GettyThe British billionaire revealed the club had lost money for the last seven years in a row following a string of poor financial decisions including a huge increase of staff at the club and flop signings that would have seen the club RUN OUT by the end of 2025.Many of these flop signings were signed for massive fees and given mega-money contracts, with performances on the pitch failing to match the investment.Ratcliffe, 70, name-dropped five of the most severe cases which his Ineos investment bought.Speaking to the BBC, he said: “If you look at the players we are buying this summer, that we didn’t buy, we’re buying Antony.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We’re buying Casemiro, we’re buying [Andre] Onana, we’re buying [Rasmus] Hojlund, we’re buying [Jadon] Sancho.”These are all things from the past, whether we like it or not, we’ve inherited those things and have to sort that out.”For Sancho, who now plays for Chelsea and we pay half his wages, we’re paying £17million to buy him in the summer.”These signings were all made during the tenure of Erik ten Hag as manager with the likes of John Murtough and Richard Arnold overseeing decisions at a boardroom level.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsIndeed, the situation has grown so bad regarding the club’s debt and interest that Ratcliffe told The Overlap the club would pay £89m this summer even if not a single player was signed.He added to the BBC: “Some are not good enough and some probably are overpaid.Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains his plans for the new Man Utd Stadium “But for us to mould the squad that we are fully responsible for, and accountable for, will take time.”We’ve got this period of transformation where we move from the past to the future.”There are some great players in the squad as we know, the captain is a fabulous footballer.”We definitely need Bruno Fernandes, he’s a fantastic footballer.”Ratcliffe indicated the club was finally ready to take the major strides it needs to get back to the top level after the final piece of the management jigsaw moved into place last week.While he admitted many of the decisions made at the moment made him unpopular, he was optimistic they would benefit the long-term plans of the club.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charityThis included a transfer strategy which would back Ruben Amorim in the summer, who Ratcliffe believes has been dealt a bad hand in his early Man Utd tenure due to having to deal with injuries.He told the BBC: “If I actually look at the squad which is available to Ruben, I think he is doing a really good job to be honest.”I think Ruben is an outstanding young manager. I really do. He’s an excellent manager and I think he will be there for a long time.”You are beginning to see a glimpse of what Ruben can produce. I think you saw a glimpse of it against Arsenal.”How many players against Arsenal on the bench did you recognise?”How many have ever worn a Manchester United shirt for [the first team]… as there’s no squad left.”We are down to the last 10 or 11 men in the squad really, of proper first-team players. Ruben is doing a super job.”Expanding on this point on The Overlap, he said: “So if you modify our salary bill for the players that are not available to Ruben, then our salary bill ranks us about, you know, middling, second half of the table.”We’re sort of level with the likes of a Nottingham Forest or Everton, not a Manchester City one.”That salary bill, if you look at that salary bill, is probably about £130m, and we’re talking about Liverpool who’s got a salary bill of £200m, Manchester City have got a salary bill of £300m, so that’s the squad that Ruben’s playing with.”Ratcliffe’s glowing character reference of Amorim also saw him reveal that when they speak Amorim tells him to “f*** off”.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim’s squad are next in action for the second leg of their Europa League last 16 tie with Real Sociedad, with the score 1-1 after the first leg in Spain.The other positive outlined by Ratcliffe was the building of a new stadium and regeneration of the local area around it.Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Red Devils signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as everIT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.Arsenal’s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances. 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      ‘Those decisions were errors’ – Sir Jim Ratcliffe admits big Erik ten Hag ‘mistake’ as he reflects on £25.5m wasted

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE says sticking by Erik ten Hag last summer was a “mistake”.Manchester United’s co-owner apologised to fans for keeping the Dutch boss despite their worst league finish for 34 YEARS.Sticking by Erik ten Hag last summer was a mistake, according to Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: AlamySir Jim Ratcliffe has apologised for the ‘errors’Credit: GettyHe also admitted it was an error bringing in sporting director Dan Ashworth.Ten Hag was given a one-year deal following a post-season review, after winning the FA Cup and finishing eighth.He was then sacked ten Prem games into this campaign, with United down in 14th.It cost the club £21.4million to get rid of him and hire Ruben Amorim as boss. Ashworth left in December after just five months, costing another £4.1m.READ MORE ON MAN UTDRatcliffe, 72, said: “Those decisions were errors. There were some mitigating circumstances, but they were errors. I accept that and apologise.“It wasn’t just the FA Cup final. The fans were of the view that we’d like to stick with him.“With Erik, there was an emotional response. We get criticised for being unemotional and there was a bit of emotion with that.“If you look at the time we made the decision about Erik, the management team hadn’t been in place more than five minutes.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsRatcliffe has also claimed that appointing Dan Ashworth was a mistakeCredit: PA“It became clearer three months later. We corrected it and are in a different place today.”Ratcliffe has also insisted that while Amorim is “not perfect” he is the right man to lead the club forward.Ten Hag reveals problem with current players in first interview since Man Utd sackingHe told The Times: “I really, really like Ruben. He’s a very thoughtful guy. Every time I go to the training ground, I speak to Ruben.”I sit down and have a cup of coffee with him and tell him where it’s going wrong, and he tells me to f*** off. I like him.”Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Man Utd signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as everIT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.Arsenal’s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances. More

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      Ruben Amorim keeps telling Sir Jim Ratcliffe to ‘f*** off’ as Man Utd chief drops blunt verdict on ‘not perfect’ boss

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      MANCHESTER UNITED co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has issued his verdict on head coach Ruben Amorim amid the club’s poor run of form.The Red Devils currently sit 14th in the Premier League table with just 34 points from 28 games.Sir Jim Ratcliffe insists Ruben Amorim is the right man for the job at Man UtdCredit: PAAmorim has managed just 11 wins since joining United in NovemberCredit: ReutersSince Amorim arrived four months ago they have managed just 11 wins in 26 outings.However, United chief Ratcliffe insists he is still the right man for the job – despite the rocky start.The British billionaire told the Times: “I think he’s done a great job in the circumstances, frankly, with the squad that he’s had available. The fact he came in mid-season.”Everybody expects miracles overnight. It’s not the way, not real life in my view. I mean, you saw the performance yesterday [Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal].read more on Man Utd”It was, I thought, a really impressive performance. They could not have worked harder. They couldn’t have been more committed.”And if you looked at the names on the bench, there weren’t many you recognised, were there? Half the squad’s missing for Ruben.”If you look at the top eight players in terms of salaries in Manchester United, 50 per cent of those are not available to Ruben.”You’ve got Mason Mount, you’ve got Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford has gone, and Jadon Sancho. And he’s got a bunch of other injuries as you know, so I think he’s done a fantastic job.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets”I think coaches are emotional and Ruben’s no exception to that. And he’s a young coach. And he’s not perfect. You know, he’s not a guy who… he’s got to be good on the stage, but we want him to be good on the grass. And part of that is life on the stage, isn’t it?”You know, you’re a young guy, you’ve come into the Premier League for the first time in your life, you’ve come in mid-season, it’s not your natural language.Roy Keane fears Man Utd will get WORSE and reveals biggest red flag that could spell the end for Ruben Amorim”You have to give the guy a bit of a break. I mean, give me a hard time, I have no problem with that. But give Ruben a break. I think he’s a good guy, he’s working hard and I think he’s doing a great job.”Asked if he thinks Amorim is the man to lead Man Utd back to glory, Ratcliffe concluded: “Yeah I do, honestly.”I really, really like Ruben. He’s a very thoughtful guy. Every time I go to the training ground, I speak to Ruben.”I sit down and have a cup of coffee with him and tell him where it’s going wrong, and he tells me to f*** off. I like him.”Ratcliffe also took part in a chat with the BBC where he admitted that some United players are “overpaid” and he defended his controversial cost-cutting tactics.Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Red Devils signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as everIT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.Arsenal’s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances. More

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      First Soccer Aid 2025 stars revealed including England legend, boxing superstar and huge TV comic

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      WAYNE Rooney is back in football management — as Soccer Aid’s England boss alongside boxer Tyson Fury.The pair will share a dugout for the June 15 clash with a World XI.Wayne Rooney is back in football managementCredit: ©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella PicturesRooney will be Soccer Aid’s England boss alongside boxer Tyson FuryCredit: ©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella PicturesRooney told fans: ‘Tyson and I are taking it incredibly seriously. We’ll put on a show’Credit: RexOlympian Sir Mo Farah will play for EnglandCredit: ©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella PicturesWayne, 39, who left Plymouth Argyle on New Year’s Eve, told fans: “Tyson and I are taking it incredibly seriously. We’ll put on a show.”Tyson, 36, who retired from boxing in January, added: “England manager! Who would have ever thought it? “The prospect of leading my team to victory fills me with just as much excitement as any heavyweight fight.” England will call on ex-1D star Louis Tomlinson and Olympian Sir Mo Farah, actress Vicky McClure and comic Paddy McGuinness.Read More on SportEx-players confirmed for Old Trafford, Manchester, include England’s Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and David James plus Lionesses Jill Scott, Steph Houghton and Toni Duggan.The World XI’s ex-Italian defender Leonardo Bonucci said: “I want to win, badly. I just hope I don’t make Tyson too angry.”Soccer Aid has raised £106million for Unicef since it kicked off in 2006.Official trailer for Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024Ex-1D singer Louis Thomlinson will feature in the charity matchCredit: ©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella PicturesActress Vicky McClure will also play for the Three LionsCredit: ©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella PicturesSoccer Aid has raised £106million for Unicef since it kicked off in 2006 – pictured Paddy McGuinnessCredit: ©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures More

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      Jean-Philippe Mateta seen for first time since horror head injury as star sports headband and plaster over 26 stitches

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      JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA has been seen for the first time since suffering his horrific head injury.The Frenchman was on the receiving end of a karate kick of a challenge from Liam Roberts in Crystal Palace’s FA Cup fifth-round clash with Millwall.Jean-Philippe Mateta was poleaxed by Liam Roberts in Palace’s FA Cup clash with MillwallCredit: REUTERSThe striker received 26 stitches after being rushed to the hospitalCredit: REXThe striker has been spotted with a plaster on his left earCredit: XMateta was promptly taken to the hospital, where he received 26 stitches to close a severe laceration to his left ear.The 27-year-old has kept a low profile since the injury, although he was recently papped at Crystal Palace’s Beckenham training ground.In a photo widely shared on social media, the striker was seen donning a black headband and a plaster on his left earlobe.Mateta being snapped at Palace’s training ground suggests he could be on the verge of returning to action.Eagles boss Oliver Glasner said of the forward prior to last weekend’s 1-0 win over Ipswich: “He won’t play, but he’s doing well.”He’s at home. Fortunately, he had no fractures and no concussion.”It’s a huge wound which was stitched. But [the] healing is going like we expected and hoped.”He will go with us next week to Marbella, training individually.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsJean-Philippe Mateta has been Crystal Palace’s star performer this seasonCredit: AFP”And if everything goes how we expected and wish, he should be available for the Fulham game.”Everybody is in touch with JP and messaging him. Everybody knows he’s doing well. He’ll be back soon.’Glitch in the Matrix’ – Bizarre moment Jean-Philippe Mateta ‘teleports’ in Crystal Palace celebrations”His mother came from France. So, he’s in the best hands! Great support at home.”Mateta, who has 15 goals in all competitions to his name this season, took to social media to allay fears over his health hours after being booted in the face by Roberts – who received a six-game ban for his horror challenge.He wrote on Instagram: “I’m doing well. I hope to be back very soon.”And stronger than ever. Well done, guys, for the great job today. I love you.”Palace will be back in competitive action a week on Saturday, taking on Fulham in the quarter-final of the FA Cup. More

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      Baller League draft LIVE: Latest as Gary Lineker, John Terry and Luis Figo pick their teams ahead of the opening games

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      THE Baller League draft took place at London’s Copper Box Arena as 144 players were selected. A host of football legends and social media stars are set to compete in the thrilling new indoor six-a-side competition beginning on March 24.A star-studded managerial line-up, featuring the likes of Gary Lineker and John Terry choose 12 players from a 160+ shortlist after six rounds. Former Premier League players, futsal players, free agents and released academy stars made up the mammoth pool.The likes of Jordon Ibe, Michael Hector and Manchester United graduate and debut scorer Josh Harrop were all selected in the first few rounds. Games will be played weekly every Monday from the 24th of this month. Follow our live blog below…Who are the teams and managers?Luis Figo – Trebol FCTBJZL – VZN FCAlan Shearer, Gary Lineker, Micah Richards – DeportrioSharky – SDS FCJohn Terry – 26ersAngry Ginge – YanitedJens Lehmann, Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg – N5 FCMiniminter – M7 FCDave – Santan FCClint 419 – FC Rules the WorldIan Wright and Chloe Kelly – Wembley Rangers AFCAlisha Lehmann and Maya Jama – MVPS UnitedCopy linkCopiedVision for Baller LeagueBaller League CEO, Felix Starck has revealed the grand plans for Baller League.He said: “Baller League is a brand new way to consume football.”We’re redefining how the game is played by bringing an exhilarating and authentic approach to football, and one that will appeal to current fans along with future generations.”Baller League is all about forward-thinking, aggressive, hyper-exciting football. We’re about creating a version of the game that’s impossible to ignore – thrilling, bold and packed with excitement.”Copy linkCopiedLive every MondayBaller League has agreed a one-year broadcast deal with Sky Sports and NOW TV for the inaugural UK season of the six-a-side competition.Every match from the debut campaign is set to be shown live on Monday nights from the Copper Box Arena in London.Coverage will be hosted by social media personality Chunkz and sports presenter Olivia Buzaglo.Match-day One starts on March 24 and runs for 11 consecutive weeks.Copy linkCopiedLast team picksTrebol FC: Montel McKenzie, Vani Da Silva, Ciaran Clark, Isaac Modi, Ethan Oke, Reggie, Emi, Ryan Gorwell, Jordan Brown, Shani Omed, Aaron Steven, Nathan BowenMVPS United: Lorenzo Spinelli, Ashton Peltier, Jake Chambers Shaw, Ross Derham, Josh Misoki, James Canton, Alfie Matthew, Declan McCarthy, Jay Beckford, Joe Edwards, Dwayne Suel, Esteban SalgadoYanited: Kadell Daniel, Michael Hector, Mohammed Mahyoub, Remy Clerima, Percy Kiangebeni, Medy Elito, Max Pitman, Harry Cain, Henry O’Shea, Daniel Thompson, Daniel Woods, Pharrel MensahCopy linkCopiedSome big names involved…Deportrio: Bakary Sako, Adam Dawson, Francis Gerald Mapolo, Zach Fagan, Marvin Sordell, Charlie Kuehn, Tommy Scott, Raphael Gas, Alex Dyer, Ruben Singale, Tristan Goodridge, Leo SerriFC RTW: Michael Ndiweni, Josh Harrop, Tareiq Holmes-Dennis, Kevin Gonzalez, Oliver Bosworth, Karim Kamhouri, Erghis Pepy, Onuchi Oki, Yusuf Shentu, Alamiji Oluma, Sandro Kamara, Festus ChaletM7 FC: Jesse Waller-Lassen, Femi Akinwande, Stefan Ilic, Jean Belehouan, Toby Bull, Sam Fitzgerald, Arjun Young, Ramez Gonzalo, Arin Zaha, Lewis Garcia, Henry Wise, Zion NditiCopy linkCopiedMore Baller picksN5 FC: Owen Locke, Adrian Mariappa, Brian Ly, Charlie Wakefield, Dayo Adekayo, Chris Arba, Imran Kahani, Michael Class, James Alabi, Troy Molunda, Freddie Berrati, Callum CharltonSantan FC:  Michael Hill, Richard Kesey, Dominic Voss, Erick Kenco, Ranell McKenzie Lowes, Jamell Abou-Bakare, Rico Okinari, David Upu, Abdullah Gervardi, Jack Wilson, David Solidemi, Luka ValentineWembley Rangers: Domingos Pires, Check Fayum, Ben Long, Stuart Cook, Oliver Cannon, Juan Pablo, Ruben Junior, Luke Gambin, Kaylen Kofi, Braden Shaw, Joseph Diomande, Nabid EshariCopy linkCopiedBaller League draft picksSDS FC: Bruno Andrade, Bayley Brown, Ody Alfa, Cole Da Silva, David Marques Castanho, Calvin Dickson, Big John, Camillo Astreppo, Finley Chadwick, Michael Felibe, Hussein Mahdi, Tyler EdmundsonVZN FC: Henri Lansbury, Kurtice Herbert, Jerome Sinclair, Remy Mitchell, Montel McKenzie, Florian Kastrati, Michael Olive-Wigan, Barrell Mensah, Ethan McClear, Diego Dombaboni, Jami Kheresi, Luka Barusic26ers: J’ardell Stirling, Bilal Sayoud, Sak Hassan, Kojo Apenteng, Marcel Lewis, Jordon Ibe, Matt Chizzum, Emmanuel Rowe, Justin Dass, Spike Stegel, Vladislav Platinov, Jack CrookCopy linkCopiedAnd breatheA mega event there for all involved at the Copperbox.We hardly had time to come up for air ourselves!But the Baller League draft has finally been completed.Who do you think got the best picks?Copy linkCopiedFinal round overCopy linkCopiedYanited: Daniel Thompson, Daniel Woods, Pharrel MensahCopy linkCopiedVZN FC: Diego Dombaboni, Jami Kheresi, Luka BarusicCopy linkCopiedMVPS United: Joe Edwards, Dwayne Suel, Esteban SalgadoCopy linkCopied26ers: Spike Stegel, Vladislav Platinov, Jack CrookCopy linkCopiedFC RTW: Alamiji Oluma, Sandro Kamara, Festus ChaletCopy linkCopiedWembley Rangers: Braden Shaw, Joseph Diomande, Nabid EshariCopy linkCopiedDeportrio: Ruben Singale, Tristan Goodridge, Leo SerriCopy linkCopiedTrebol FC: Shani Omed, Aaron Steven, Nathan BowenCopy linkCopiedM7 FC: Lewis Garcia, Henry Wise, Zion NditiCopy linkCopiedSDS FC: Michael Felibe, Hussein Mahdi, Tyler EdmundsonCopy linkCopiedSantan FC: Jack Wilson, David Solidemi, Luka ValentineCopy linkCopiedN5 FC: Troy Molunda, Callum Charlton, Freddie BerrattiCopy linkCopiedFinal round, first pickers:N5 FCSantanSDS FCM7 FCTrebol FCDeportrioWembley RangersFC RTW26ersMVPS UnitedVZN FCYanitedCopy linkCopiedEnd of round fiveCopy linkCopied26ers: Matt Chizzum, Emmanuel Rowe, Justin DassCopy linkCopiedWembley Rangers: Ruben Junior, Luke Gambin, Kaylen KofiCopy linkCopied More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe gives glimpse inside meeting with ‘grumpy’ Sir Alex Ferguson after £2m Man Utd role cancelled in cuts

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has opened up on Sir Alex Ferguson’s reaction to losing his ambassador role at Manchester United. The legendary Red Devils boss, 83, was removed from his £2million-a-year position last October. Sir Jim Ratcliffe (left) has revealed Sir Alex Ferguson’s reaction to losing his ambassador role at Old TraffordCredit: GettyThe Ineos owner has been ruthless with his cost-cutting since taking overCredit: GettyRatcliffe, 72, completed a minority takeover of United in 2023.The Ineos chief has since cut costs both on and off the field, including a wave of redundancies over the past year. More than 200 jobs went last summer at Old Trafford, with Ratcliffe claiming the club could have gone BUST by the end of 2025. One of the roles to go was Ferguson’s lucrative ambassadorial position, handed to him when he left the club in 2013. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Scot is the most successful manager of all time and won 13 league titles at Old Trafford.Ratcliffe revealed he spoke to Ferguson personally about the matter, telling Fergie the club “isn’t where you think it is.”Speaking to the BBC, Ratcliffe said: “I take my hat off to Alex.”I sat down with Alex, just the two of us in the room. And I said ‘Look, the club isn’t where you may think it is’. Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets”It is spending more than it’s earning and we’re going to finish up in some difficulties. “Honestly, we can’t really afford to continue to pay you £2 million a year”.Fans spot Sir Alex Ferguson YAWNING as he watches woeful Man Utd – but get distracted by who he’s sitting next to”I said “I’m going to leave it with you, let you have a think about it”. “It was very grown up. Maybe a little bit grumpy at the beginning but he got it.”He came back three days later, after talking to his son, and said ‘Fine, I’m going to step away from it. My decision’.”I think it reflects really well on Alex, because he put the club before himself.”United are currently languishing in the lower reaches of the Premier League.Fan protests erupted against the leadership on Sunday before the 1-1 draw with Arsenal.Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Man Utd signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as everIT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.Arsenal’s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances.And Ratcliffe admits that some of the players currently on the books are “not good enough”.He continued; “Some [players] are not good enough and some probably are overpaid.”But for us to mould the squad that we are fully responsible for, and accountable for, will take time.”We’ve got this period of transformation where we move from the past to the future.READ MORE SUN STORIES”There are some great players in the squad as we know, the captain is a fabulous footballer.”We definitely need Bruno Fernandes, he’s a fantastic footballer.” More

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      How Ruben Amorim’s genius tweak unleashed Noussair Mazraoui to give Man Utd new attacking threat vs Arsenal

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      RUBEN AMORIM has a new attacking threat at his disposal following a successful “tweak” to his Manchester United side against Arsenal.The Red Devils shared the spoils with the north Londonrs thanks to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford last Sunday.Manchester United shared the spoils with Arsenal in last Sunday’s meeting at Old TraffordCredit: REXRed Devils boss Ruben Amorim was frustrated to not have bagged all three pointsCredit: REXBut the attacking threat shown by Noussair Mazraoui will have pleased the Portuguese gafferCredit: REXAmorim, however, wasn’t happy with his troops’ failure to hold on to all three points, which Declan Rice denied them of with a stunning second-half finish.But he’ll be happy with the auxiliary attacking threat defender Noussair Mazraoui showed he can be on the right-hand side.And in the latest episode of SunSport’s Tactics Exposed, our tactics expert DEAN SCOGGINS looks at how the Moroccan showed how he can be a versatile threat going forward when paired up with Alejandro Garnacho.Here are four of Dean’s observations on Mazraoui from the draw…READ MORE ON MAN UTD1) Understanding with GarnachoGarnacho is creating that indecision because he trusts Mazraoui’s decision making to give him the ball when he can and not go bombing up the outside and leave him in a dodgy position.And also it means that Garnacho can then spring that counterattack when United win it back.And we saw that three or four times where Garnacho carried the ball up the right in the first half.At half time, fantastic from Amorim. What he’s done is just a subtle little tweak with their positioning to bring Garnacho wide to the right and running out to wing, and then Mazraoui going up the inside channel inside him.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsMan Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Man Utd signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as everIT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.Arsenal’s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances.2) Making troubleMazraoui was [often] the free man. He found himself in a number ten position, a striker position and a right wing position.Amorim ‘pleased’ with Man Utd performance despite missed chances against Arsenal He was the one causing all the problems and we saw the ideal Amorim scenario – [Diogo] Dalot, one wing back, crossing it to Mazraoui, the other wing back.[The] save from David Raya probably should have been the winner for United because they played really, really well in that second-half period on the counterattack.They were comfortable out of position. And with the crossover of Mazraoui and Garnacho and understanding where each other are going to go, they caused Arsenal a real problem on that left-hand side.3) Inside and outside threatsOh, definitely, [this is the Mazraoui Manchester United they were signing].And also, I think it’s a credit to Mazraoui that he’s done the job that Amorim has asked of him.Amorim is having to tick a few boxes as we go through here. They defended brilliantly against Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal away in the FA Cup.Noussair Mazraoui was a constant threat on the right wingCredit: REXThe defender caused the Gunners trouble thank to a great understanding with GarnachoCredit: AFPIs Mazraoui playing as a proper fullback in a back five? They did that in the first half. So he did get up the right sometimes.Mazraoui, he was the one going up the outside in the first half. In the second half, they switch that over and Garnacho going wide and then Mazraoui is coming up on the inside.He is a good baller in those positions. He can pick it up at number ten and he’s two-footed.He can play between those lines as well. And as we’ve said week after week, Amorim’s formation relies on wing-backs driving forward. Otherwise, they’re just nullified. Mazraoui provided. That was really good.READ MORE SUN STORIES4) VersatilityI think that he was an example [of a player who says to his manager], ‘Where?’ ‘Left back, boss? No problem.’Right back, boss? No problem? Wing back? Yeah I can do that attacking role. Second off? No problem. I’ll do that as well.’ More