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      Jose Mourinho’s most controversial moments, from poking a rival coach in the eye to handbags with Arsene Wenger

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      CONTROVERSY has seemed to follow Jose Mourinho throughout his career.The Special One is currently causing a stir in Turkey, where he coaches Fenerbahce.Jose Mourinho is in hot water at Fenerbahce after being accused of racismCredit: GettyMourinho has courted plenty of controversy over the years, including his respect rantFollowing a 0-0 draw with fierce rivals Galatasaray, the Portuguese tactician has been accused of making “racist statements”.Former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss Mourinho claimed after the stalemate that Galatasaray had tried to get one of his team booked early on.He told a press conference that “everyone on the opposing bench was jumping around like monkeys”.However, Galatasaray have now hit back – vowing to file a criminal complaint against the two-time Champions League winner.Read more football news It’s the latest of a long list of controversial moments that have featured Mourinho.SunSport wades through some of those below.”Respect”During a press conference in the 2018-19 season, Mourinho took umbrage to journalist’s questions following a 3-0 defeat for his Manchester United said.Holding up three fingers, Mourinho said: “What was the result? 3-0? You know what this means? 3-0.Most read in Football”But it also means three Premierships, and I’ve won more Premierships alone than the other 19 managers together. Three for me, and two for them.”‘I’m not Kurt Zouma’ – Jose Mourinho makes outrageous outburst when asked if he prefers dogs or catsHe then got out of seat, gesturing the media to calm down with the palm of his hand, before repeatedly saying ‘respect, respect man’.Fracas with WengerMourinho and Wenger already had previous, when the then Chelsea boss called the French manager a “specialist in failure”.However, handbags were flying when the legendary Arsenal manager entered his rival’s technical area and gave him a shove and angry words were exchanged.After the game, Wenger explained: “I wanted to go from A to B, and somebody confronted me before B without any sign of welcome.”Honestly, I don’t listen to what he says. Push him? You would know if I really tried to push. Come on.”Mourinho and Arsene Wenger had a tempestuous relationshipCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe pair got into a shoving match during a Chelsea vs Arsenal gameCredit: GettyWearing a wireThe conspiracy theories were really getting to Mourinho during his spell at Roma.He was convinced referees had it in for him during the 2022-2023 season, a campaign which saw him receive three red cards on the touchline.So, in true Mourinho form, he did what he could to protect himself. He became an informant and wore a wire.He revealed: “I’m not stupid, you know. Today, I went to the game with a microphone. I recorded everything. From the moment I left the locker room, to the moment I returned. I protected myself.”Mourinho lost confidence in Italian refs so he started wearing a wire to record their conversationsCredit: GettyMore touchline shenanigansWhen Mourinho revisited Stamford Bridge with his Man Utd team, it took his team to hold him back as he looked for a fight.To be fair to Jose, he was wound up by Chelsea’s coach Marco Ianni celebrating a late equaliser in front of him by the dugouts.Stewards, Phil Neville, and other Red Devils staff members had to hold him back as he tried to race down the tunnel to confront the Italian.Afterwards, Ianni and Maurizio Sarri offered their apologies.When coaching Man Utd, Mourinho was taunted by Chelsea coach Marco IanniCredit: ReutersMourinho tried to race down the tunnel to confront the Italian coachCredit: Sky SportsHiding in a laundry basketIn his first season in the Prem at Chelsea, Mourinho was handed a touchline ban for the Champions League quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich.But, there was no way he was going to let that get in the way of entering the dressing room to talk to his team.He told Sky Sports years later: “I go to the dressing room during the day so I was there from midday and the game is seven o’clock. I just want to be in the dressing room when the players arrive.”I went there and nobody saw me. The problem was to leave after. And Stewart Bannister the kit man put me in the basket. It was a little bit open so I could breathe.”But when he is taking it outside the dressing room, the UEFA guys were following and desperate to find me so he closed the box and I couldn’t breathe.”When he opened the box I was dying! I am serious! I was claustrophobic, I promise! It’s true.”After receiving a ban, Mourinho hid in a basket to speak with his team in the dressing roomCredit: GettyNo questions, pleaseOften, you can strike gold with Mourinho at press conferences – because of his wit, charm, and no-holds-barred comments.But, on this occasion, he chose to say nothing.It was a press conference that lasted just 10 seconds, when Man Utd’s press officer asked waiting journalists if they had any questions following the final league game of the 2016-2017 season.Now most of the written press weren’t in the room at this time, with Jose arriving before them.With the handful that were in the room hesitant, Mourinho took it upon himself to say “good” before marching off.Mourinho often gave journalists gold during press conferencesCredit: Getty – ContributorAssault on Tito VillanovaDuring his Real Madrid years Mourinho was especially spiky.And it was fierce rivals Barcelona, who irked him the most, with things coming to a head in El Clasico.After the game, Mourinho poked Pep Guardiola’s then-assistant Tito Villanova in the eye in an unprovoked attack and wandered off.Barcelona didn’t make an official complaint. However, the club said: “The public have given their opinion. They are very clear that what this person did wasn’t right. The (Spanish football) federation will act if they want to.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThey did, they gave Jose a two-game ban, which was later rescinded in a general amnesty on suspensions across Spanish football.Mourinho apologised a year later and has always continued to express his sorrow for the incident.Mourinho famously poked Tito Villanova in the eye following an El Clasico match More

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      Pep Guardiola and estranged wife Cristina Serra begin divorce proceedings with pair even using the same lawyer

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      MANCHESTER CITY boss Pep Guardiola and his estranged wife Cristina Serra have begun divorce proceedings – and are even using the same lawyer.The couple announced their shock split in January after agreeing to end their 30-year relationship at showdown talks in Barcelona.Pep Guardiola has split from wife Cristina after 30 years togetherCredit: RexThe break-up was announced last monthCredit: GUSTAVO GONZALEZBut they are determined to avoid an ugly court battle and remain on such good terms they will share the same legal team.Sources say they have already agreed the initial terms of a multi-million pound settlement agreement that could be finalised in a matter of weeks.Pep’s extraordinarily rare “one couple, one lawyer” divorce means the formal end of their marriage will not be contested by either side.Respected Spanish journalist Lorena Vazquez, who broke the story of their split, revealed: “They want it above all to be friendly for the sake of their children.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”As you can imagine money is not going to be an issue and they have already agreed the initial terms to make sure this separation is the most cordial possible.”They have a very good relationship, so much so that the same lawyer is arranging the whole thing.”The divorce is on the way and is being left in the hands of people with their absolute trust.”She told Spanish TV programme ‘Y Ahora Sonsoles’ the couple split after Pep signed a two-year extension at the Etihad to keep him at City until 2027.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPep and Cristina celebrate after the Champions League finalCredit: GettyThe Guardiola family pose together at Wembley in 2018Credit: AFP via GettySince then his reigning champions have been in freefall amid his worst spell as a manager.City are 20 points adrift of league leaders – and Champions-elect Liverpool – after suffering a 2-0 home defeat to Arne Slot’s side on Sunday.Watch hilarious moment Pep Guardiola tells fan ‘your wife is going to kill me’ after bizarre tattoo stunt But as he begins the mammoth task of rebuilding his side, pals insist Pep is still clinging onto hope of an unlikely reconciliation.He has previously been pictured wearing his wedding ring in a sign that he has not yet given up.But sources say he is “more amenable” to the idea than fashion entrepreneur Cristina.Their marriage is said to have hit the rocks five years ago after Cristina decided to return to Barcelona alone.Since then they have lived separate lives as Pep chased sporting immortality in Manchester.The couple first met when an 18-year-old Pep went to a fashion store owned by Cristina’s family to model some outfits by Spanish designer Antonio Miro.At the time, he was playing for Barcelona’s B team, while she was an actress who had appeared on Spanish TV.Pep’s sister Francesca once said: “He was very handsome, a good student, always getting good marks, the teachers drooled over him, he was already seductive when he was little.”Guardiola celebrates winning the Champions League with wife Cristina and daughter MariaCredit: GettyThe couple had been together throughout Pep’s playing and managerial careersCredit: AlamyCristina gave up acting to concentrate on her successful clothing business and is now said to be worth over £30million.Meanwhile, Pep established himself as one of the best midfielders of his generation, winning multiple titles with Barcelona’s first team, before entering management.He became the youngest manager to win the Champions League in 2009, lifting the most sought-after trophy in his first season in charge of Barcelona’s first team.The demands of day-to-day management took their toll though, and in 2012 he quit as boss in order to take a year out.He admitted: “I’m drained and I need to fill up.”Cristina has since said she was “feeling great” after news of their split emerged but has refused to speak publicly about the break up.Their influencer daughter Maria, 24, recently opened up about the lessons her parents have taught her.She told a Spanish magazine: “My parents have always advised me to find what I am passionate about.”They encourage me to try new things, to accept failure and to keep searching until I find my calling, because when I do, full dedication will come naturally.”They also remind me that the most important thing in life is to love and be loved.READ MORE SUN STORIES”In the end it all comes down to feeling loved.”Even in situations where we feel out of place, they tell me to listen carefully to others, there is always something valuable to learn from each person we meet.”Maria Guardiola attended Wimbledon alongside her parents last summerCredit: AP More

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      How Man Utd’s latest meltdown and brutal money-saving cuts were predicted by Paddy Power in hilarious video

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      WHAT started out as an online joke has now become a grim reality at Manchester United.The Red Devils announced a new round of cost-cutting measures this week, unbelievably confirming speculative predictions from an online video by bookies Paddy Power. A Paddy Power advert poked fun at Manchester United’s cost-cutting measuresCredit: YouTubeClips from the video seem to have come trueCredit: YOUTUBESir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have announced a new wave of cost-cutting measuresCredit: AlamyAfter months of penny-pinching tactics under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos, Paddy Power poked fun at the unusual measures in a lighthearted video on their social accounts.And some of their far-fetched ideas for how United could save money appear to have actually come true in the club’s newest cuts.Paddy Power’s video showed staff being given “free pizza and water”, an eerie foreshadowing for the pie, chips and water in plastic cups that were given to staff when they were informed of the incoming 200-strong culling of staff at Old Trafford.That isn’t the only thing that was seemingly predicted by Paddy Power either.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnother clip showed staff making sure that nobody was wasting fruit in the office, a joke that is closer to reality than most would think.That’s because United have made the decision to replace the free meals on offer to staff at Old Trafford with fruit.Some of the other predictions were a little too far-fetched, like re-using tea bags four times, shortening scarves year on year and rationing toilet paper to keep costs low.And as much as the tongue-in-cheek video pokes fun at United’s cost-cutting, staff at the club face the very real and very serious prospect of losing their jobs.Most read in FootballMan Utd haven’t quite decided to reduce scarf sizes yetCredit: YOUTUBEPaddy Power joked that the club may re-use tea bags in the futureCredit: YouTubeCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSir 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 charityThe 20-time English champions announced this week that as many as 200 staff members will lose their jobs in the coming months.That decision comes after 250 staff were let go last year.Andy Goldstein insists Sir Jim Ratcliffe has got everything wrong at Man Utd after drastic cuts While other measures have seen the scrapping of stewards’ bonuses, 250 job cuts last summer, cancelled Christmas parties, cuts to funding donation for former player’s charity and the end of Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassadorial role with the club.Financial results published last week showed the club owe £391m in transfer fees and have seen interest costs since the Glazer family took over in 2005 top £1billion.While it was also revealed that United had spent a combined £14.5m to sack Erik ten Hag and his staff and let go of sporting director Dan Ashworth.Things aren’t any better on the pitch either. Ruben Amorim’s side are currently 15th in the Premier League, having won just eight of their 26 league games this season.The club is enduring its worst season on the pitch since they were relegated in the 1970s and every position lower they go costs them £4m in prize money.The underperformance and persistent cost-cutting has led to a damning statement from the Man Utd Supporters Trust (MUST).It reads: “Today’s financial results lay bare the scale of the financial mismanagement we have seen at Manchester United…”Fans should not pay the price for a problem that starts with our crippling debt interest payments and is exacerbated by a decade or more of mismanagement.”It’s time to freeze ticket prices and allow everyone – players, management, owners and fans – to get behind United and restore this club to where it belongs.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited have outlined plans to return to glory with their ‘Project 150’. Those plans detail how the club can become Premier League champions again by 2028 and have put weight on making the club profitable once again to make that happen. More

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      ‘We’re going to have a situation…’ – Ian Wright fears THREE Arsenal superstars could run down contract, including Saka

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      IAN WRIGHT has serious fears over the futures of three Arsenal stars – who he reckons could RUN DOWN their contracts with the club.The North Londoners’ slim hopes of winning their first Premier League title since the 2003-04 season went up in smoke last weekend as they fell 11 points behind table-toppers Liverpool thanks to a 1-0 defeat to West Ham.Arsenal’s slim title hopes went up in smoke against West HamCredit: GettyThe contract of crocked winger Bukayo Saka expires in the summer of 2027Credit: ReutersAs do the current deals Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba are onCredit: GettyThe ending of the Gunners’ title hopes comes just weeks after manager Mikel Arteta failed to land a new striker to alleviate his attacking woes.The decision prompted many of the Emirates faithful, including Wright, to question the club’s ambitions in the transfer market.And Wright believes a continued lack of ambition could prompt stars Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka and William Saliba to hold off signing new deals.During the latest episode of Wrighty’s House podcast, he said: “When you’re talking about renewals with certain players, Saka, Gabriel [Magalhaes], Saliba, the way they’re moving now, I bet those renewals are all going to be slow.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”We’re going to have a situation maybe like Liverpool with Trent, Salah and Virgil.”If I’m one of these players, and their teams are going to be saying, ‘Let’s wait and see, we’ve got two years left so let’s wait and see who they get in the summer.”‘I know the manager has signed again but let’s wait and see.'”If they’re not going to get the kind of players that take us to the next step, look at Saliba. Real Madrid would take him tomorrow.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Why not wait and see what’s going on in the summer to see the kind of players and calibre of player we’re signing. This is what the people upstairs need to be careful of.”Wright, the Gunners’ former all-time leading goalscorer, believes his fears are also shared by Arteta.Mikel Arteta lays into Arsenal flops after defeat to West Ham derails Premier League title bidHe continued: “I’m sure Mikel will have told them that because he’s probably got the same kind of ambition.”‘If you’re not going to give me the kind of players I need, I’m not going to be able to keep the players I’ve got here that are our best players, who are now running down their contracts.”We haven’t even got into that conversation yet about these players.”This summer and who comes is f***ing vitally important to these players.”‘There’s a lot going on right now that needs to be unpacked by these people upstairs and they better get it right. They better get it right.”Magalhaes, Saka and Saliba’s respective multi-million-pound contracts at the Emirates all expire in the summer of 2027.Arsenal will be back in action on Wednesday night, travelling to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest.Ian Wright fears Arsenal’s current crop of stars could run down their contracts if things don’t changeCredit: PA More

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      Mystery Reading buyer revealed as owner of two other football clubs as EFL side finally set to be saved from extinction

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      READING’S latest potential buyer is American businessman Robert Platek, owner of Italian club La Spezia and Portuguese side Casa Pia.The League One club yesterday announced that they had entered a “period of exclusivity with a potential purchaser” and were hopeful of “a quick completion,” although declined to name them.Dai Yongge put Reading up for sale in 2023Credit: JASONPIXRobert Platek is Reading’s mystery buyerCredit: GettySunSport has learned that the buying group are led by Platek with support from long-time associate Nishant Tella, a former investment banker who is now a partner at Clean Slate Capital.Platek is a serial investor in football and already owns Serie B club La Spezia and Lisbon club Casa Pia, who are currently sixth in the Portuguese top-flight.The 60-year-old previously owned Danish club Soenderjysky, but sold them after just two years shortly after completing the £21million purchase of La Spezia in 2021.La Spezia are currently third in Serie B pushing strongly for a return to the top flight after being relegated in a relegation play-off two years ago.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPlatek is the fifth potential buyer to enter exclusive talks with Reading in the last 12 months following offers from former Wycombe owner Rob Couhig, ex-Reading chairman Roger Smee and two proposals involving property magnate Paul Taylor.Significantly however, the proposed deal involves Platek buying the controlling stake of owner Dai Yongge, along with Reading’s stadium and training ground, keeping all of the club’s assets in one company.Platek’s plans for Reading are unclear, but he has extensive experience in football, including in England. In addition to his personal investments in European football he is a partner at MSD Capital, the investment vehicle of technology billionaire Michael Dell.MSD become significant players in English football and have lent tens of millions to several clubs including Southampton, Burnley, Derby and Sunderland over the last decade.Most read in EFLJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPlatek’s proposed purchase of Reading would be a personal venture with no links to MSD however, removing concerns over potential conflicts of interest.Reading were put up for sale by Yongge in October 2023, but despite considerable interest have been unable to complete a sale. The club have informed the EFL about the potential buyers and are hopeful a sale can be completed quickly.Football fan records hilarious video of Reading stadium step ‘everyone’ falls over as it’s ‘3mm higher than the rest'”Reading can confirm it has committed to a letter of intent with a potential purchaser of the club,” they said. “The parties will now enter a period of exclusivity to complete final due diligence and legally complete the transaction.“Whilst timelines cannot be guaranteed, the structure of the deal should allow for a quick completion, which would be for the benefit of all concerned.The club can confirm the agreed sale includes the transfer of Mr Dai’s shareholding in The Reading Football Club Limited, as well as the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park Training Facility.”Fans’ group Sell Before We Dai have fought a long-running campaign pressuring Yongge to sell following frustration at the club’s financial problems, numerous transfer embargoes and late-payment of players leading to them being docked a total of 18 points by the EFL.In a statement released on Monday however, the supporters sounded cautiously optimistic that Yongge’s eight-year ownership could be drawing to a close.“The optimist in us may see today’s announcement as positive and welcome news,” a statement read.”The tone of the [Reading] statement seems different to before and we all hope that a deal can be done soon. We’ve been here before with the Dais though. Until a sale is done our campaign continues.”READ MORE SUN STORIESReading are ninth in League One, three points off the play-off places, with new manager Noel Hunt doing an excellent job since replacing Ruben Selles, who left for Hull in December.Reading and the EFL declined to comment.Platek also owns Italian side SpeziaCredit: Getty More

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      Arne Slot makes embarrassing blunder in Liverpool press conference as he ‘forgets Cristiano Ronaldo played for Man Utd’

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      LIVERPOOL manager Arne Slot has FORGOTTEN that Cristiano Ronaldo starred for Manchester United.The Dutch coach was asked to compare 30-goal striker Mo Salah with world superstars Lionel Messi and Ronaldo.Liverpool manager Arne Slot forgot that Cristiano Ronaldo starred for Manchester UnitedRonaldo played more than 300 games for United, winning the Ballon d’Or with the club in 2008Mo Salah is enjoying one of the greatest individual Premier League seasons everAnd it had slipped the mind of Slot that the Portuguese international – now playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia – spent a total of seven seasons in two spells at United.Slot said: “It’s so difficult to compare players with each other, and it’s not fair to anyone. I think Mo has his own career and Mo has been outstanding.“Messi and Ronaldo both didn’t play in the Premier League, but I don’t want to bring them down because these two players are incredible, but that makes the comparison maybe even more difficult.“So Mo has had some outstanding seasons here at Liverpool, and we hope he can continue this for a longer period of time, but to do that he first has to extend his contract, of course.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSalah, who faces Newcastle tomorrow for the Premier League leaders, has been outstanding for the Reds this season.And Slot believes Salah could win the Ballon d’Or without winning the Champions League.Manchester City midfielder Rodri achieved that last season even though him winning the award infuriated Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior.Slot added: “It’s mostly about the attackers, isn’t it? Although the last winner was a midfielder.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“But yes, it’s a good thing that Mo is in the discussion, because it means he does well and it means we are doing well.“I think in general, someone that wins the Ballon d’Or needs to win something as well, so it’s a great challenge that is in front of us, but also in front of him. Fans plead with Pep Guardiola as they spot secret Mo Salah charm offensive after Liverpool loss “And what I liked a lot is that he takes this challenge not only by scoring a big goal and a great assist against City, but he also wanted the team to win.“Because his defensive work rate, especially in the second half, was outstanding, and that is what it takes for us to have a chance of winning something. “And if we as a team can win something, he will have a far better chance to win an individual prize like the Ballon d’Or.”Ronaldo played in 346 games across two spells for Man Utd and won his first of five Ballon d’Or’s when playing for the club in 2008.The Portuguese superstar won eight trophies during his first five year stint, including three consecutive Prem titles and the Champions League in 2008.Salah has now racked up an incredible 51 combined goals and assists this season across all competitions.He has now reached 25 goals and 16 assists in the Premier League alone – with 11 top-flight games still to go.READ MORE SUN STORIESSalah has now scored AND assisted in 11 different Premier League games this season.That’s the most since a certain Messi achieved the same feat for Barcelona in 2014/15.The Liverpool superstar notched another goal and assist as the Reds beat Man City More

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      Inside football’s greatest cup competition where upsets are encouraged with minnows set to take on £3.5bn giants

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      EVERY year debates rage over whether the FA Cup can ever regain its “magic”.But over in France, their domestic competition is going from strength-to-strength.Stade Briochin produced a sensational upset in the last roundCredit: AFPThe lower-league side are set to take on PSGCredit: AFPUpon first inspection, you might wonder what the big deal is: after all, Paris Saint-Germain have won it 15 times, Marseille on 10 occasions.But look a little closer, and you’ll see a competition that consistently delivers drama, upsets and “magic”, every single season.This season’s quarter-finals feature just four teams from Ligue 1, with some of the top-flight’s biggest clubs having been humbled along the way.And with fourth-tier Cannes hosting Ligue 2 Guingamp, at least one team from outside the top flight is guaranteed to reach the semi-finals.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLyon were astonishingly beaten on penalties by fifth-tier Bourgoin-Jallieu, who hail from a town of just 28,000 people barely 20 miles away.And the minnows very nearly backed up their incredible win, only falling to top-flight Reims on penalties in the last round.Lille, who have defeated Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Juventus on the way to the Champions League round of 16, were also defeated via spot kicks by second-tier Dunkerque – despite stars such as Jonathan David being in action.Montpellier, Ligue 1 champions in 2012, finished their Coupe de France campaign in disgrace this season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAlready bottom of the table, they received no respite in the Coupe as they were astonishingly trounced 4-0 by fourth-tier Le Puy Foot 43 Auvergne.During the match, experienced captain Teji Savanier was asked “Last in Ligue 1 – does that hurt?” – to which he brashly replied: “When you’re being paid €210,000 (£175k) a month, no.”Inside PSG’s £250m lavish new training complex with luxury pools as fans joke ‘players will spend half the time lost’Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Nice, meanwhile, were beaten 2-1 by fourth-tier Stade Briochin courtesy of Hugo Boudin’s late double.Their reward? The opportunity to face Ligue 1 champions PSG in the quarter-finals.Such has been the interest in the fixture, set to take place tomorrow, that the match has been moved from Stade Briochin’s charming Stade Fred-Aubert home to Rennes’ Roazhon Park.Luis Enrique’s star-studded side will of course be huge favourites, but their lowly opponents will relish the opportunity to test themselves against one of Europe’s most in-form teams.Part of what sets the Coupe de France apart is its format.Ditching two-legged ties in 1999, the competition now automatically makes the underdog in each game the home side, provided that they are two divisions or more below their opponents.Third-tier US Quevilly subsequently reached the final in 2012, while Les Herbiers from the same level finished as runners-up in 2018.Coupe de France fixturesQuarter-FinalsAngers vs ReimsCannes vs GuingampBrest vs DunkerqueStade Briochin vs Paris Saint-GermainIn 2020, the Coupe de France also scrapped extra time, meaning underdogs just have to last 90 minutes before reaching the lottery of penalties.With the Coupe de la Ligue having also been axed that year, the competition also has maximum prestige as France’s only domestic tournament.Another fun wrinkle of the competition is that it allows clubs from semi-autonomous French regions around the world to participate.Earlier this season, AS Venus made the 30-hour trip from Tahiti to face fourth-tier ASM Belfort in round seven.While last season, Golden Lion made the 8,000 mile round trip from Martinique to face the stars of Lille, although the ruthless Ligue 1 side played their full-strength side and won 12-0.It may well be that PSG go on to beat Stade Briochin before marching to a 16th Coupe de France triumph.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut that wouldn’t change the fact that this season’s competition has been full of shocks, upsets and incredible stories.And perhaps it still has another fairytale or two left to tell.The stars of PSG will be in action against Stade-BriochinCredit: GettyLille took on Golden Lion last seasonCredit: AFP More

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      Man Utd staff ‘served pie, chips and water in plastic cups’ at emotional Old Trafford meeting over latest job cuts

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      MANCHESTER UNITED staff piled into a suite at Old Trafford with pie and chips on Monday to be told that they could lose their jobs in the coming months.United announced this week that as many as 200 staff members will lose their jobs in a second wave of cost-cutting since the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe.Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Man Utd announced a new round of cuts at the clubCredit: PAChief Omar Berrada broke the news of up to 200 staff cuts in the near futureCredit: GettyEmployees at the Theatre of Dreams were reportedly left emotional after being informed of the incoming staff culling to save cash for the underachieving club.According to The Mail, United’s chief executive Omar Berrada apologised to staff at the meeting as he informed them of their anxious wait to learn their fate in April.It’s said that pies, chips and jugs of water with plastic cups were laid out by the 20-time English champions for the grim meeting.It was already revealed in the past week that United will be stopping free lunches for staff at Old Trafford, instead offering them fruit.READ MORE ON MAN UTDWhile those working at Carrington will lose access to the same menu as the players for their lunches from next season, instead being offered soup and sandwiches.It’s reported that the meeting saw Berrada hammer home the importance of making Man Utd profitable once again, following five years of losses.While he also discussed United’s ‘Project 150′ – a plan to make the club Premier League champions again by 2028.The Red Devils, who are currently 15th in the league, published financial results last week that showed the club owe £391m in transfer fees and have seen interest costs since the Glazer family took over in 2005 top £1billion.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt was also revealed that United had spent a combined £14.5m to sack Erik ten Hag and his staff and let go of sporting director Dan Ashworth. The new wave of cost-cutting comes after penny pinching measures have been taken up and down the club since the arrival of Ratcliffe and Ineos.Fury as Sir Jim Ratcliffe cuts ties with charity helping Man Utd legendsThe incredible measures have seen the scrapping of stewards’ bonuses, 250 job cuts last summer, cancelled Christmas parties, cuts to funding donation for former player’s charity and the end of Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassadorial role with the club.The club is enduring its worst season on the pitch since they were relegated in the 1970s and every position lower they go costs them £4m in prize money.Despite cuts all over the club, first team players are still earning unfathomable amounts.Both Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro are understood to be pocketing in excess of £300,000-per-week, while the squad’s average salary is almost £115,000-per-week.A damning statement from the Man Utd Supporters Trust (MUST) following the publication of the second quarter financial results said: “Today’s financial results lay bare the scale of the financial mismanagement we have seen at Manchester United…”Fans should not pay the price for a problem that starts with our crippling debt interest payments and is exacerbated by a decade or more of mismanagement.”It’s time to freeze ticket prices and allow everyone – players, management, owners and fans – to get behind United and restore this club to where it belongs.”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 charity More