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      Man Utd legend steps in to raise money for ex players after Sir Jim Ratcliffe axes crucial funding in drive to cut-costs

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      MAN United hero Gary Neville has stepped in to raise money for former players after boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe pulled the plug.In a big cost-cutting drive, billionaire Sir Jim axed the ailing club’s annual £40,000 donation to an ex-stars fund.Former Man United captain Gary Neville has stepped in to raise money for former playersCredit: GettyNew United boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe axed the ailing club’s annual £40,000 donation to an ex-stars fundCredit: Jack Hill The TimesThe Association of Former Manchester United Players was set up in 1985 with its main objectives of promoting friendship, support and charitable work.But many of its 300-plus members played in the years before the eye-watering wages of today.In an interview last month, pundit Neville grilled Sir Jim on the issue, saying: “£40,000 was taken from the former players association. That’s not the players that played under Sir Alex (Ferguson) or even the last ten years. They’re players from the 1960s and ’70s.“Why not raise the money at a dinner? Give the ex-players their money. It’s a cruel decision.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDSheepish Sir Jim admitted: “Well, nobody suggested that.”Now Neville has worked with the club to organise an event to honour ex-striker Andy Cole, with the proceeds going to AFMUP.Guests at the £125 a ticket bash on April 24 will include legendary manager Sir Alex.AFMUP trustee Jim Elms, 84, said: “Gary telephoned me and said he’d organise a Q&A session and we are all delighted.”Most read in FootballA Man United source said: “We’ve always worked well with the former players’ association and we want that to continue.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Rio Ferdinand calls out Roy Keane and Gary Neville’s takes on Man Utd vs Man City More

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      Mo Salah set to sign new two-year deal with Liverpool as cost of keeping talisman, 32, is revealed

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      MO SALAH is on the verge of signing a stunning new deal worth £42million that will see him complete a decade at ­Liverpool.Anfield’s Egyptian king is understood to be ready to put pen to paper on a contract until 2027.Mohamed Salah is edging closer to a new Liverpool dealCredit: GettyThe current deal of the Kop’s Egyptian King expires at the end of the season, with Salah himself previously hinting this could be his final year playing at Anfield.But Owners Fenway Sports Group are confident Salah, 32, will ignore the lure of the Saudi Pro League by signing up for £400,000 per week.It comes after fellow contract rebel Virgil van Dijk said “progress” had been made on his own new deal.There were fears Salah, skipper Van Dijk, 32, and Trent Alexander-Arnold could all walk away as free agents this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Alexander-Arnold, 26, is bound for Real Madrid, Salah and Van Dijk look set to give Liverpool a huge boost as they close in on the Prem title.Sporting director Richard Hughes has developed a close relationship with Salah’s agent Ramy Abbas Issa during negotiations.And Salah is prepared to miss Egypt’s June training camp to rest his body so he is at his best for Liverpool next season.Saudi Arabia have long had interest in Salah, with a £150million bid from Al-Ittihad rejected in 2023.Most read in FootballMeanwhile, captain Virgil van Dijk is set to follow suit by putting pen to paper on fresh terms.The Dutchman, 33, will also sign a two-year deal following a previous offer below his expectations.He gave the biggest indication yet he would stay earlier this week when he said: “There is progress, yes.”However, the homegrown defender Alexander-Arnold looks destined to part ways with Liverpool and head to Spain to join Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKNothing is signed on that move yet, but the Spanish giants are said to be “confident” the 26-year-old will join them when his Liverpool deal expires.How Mo Salah bamboozled Man City with genius ‘backpedal trick’With his expected move, Alexander-Arnold will become only the seventh Englishman to play for Real Madrid, adding his name to a list including ex-Reds Steve McManaman and Michael Owen.However, Liverpool could still land a fee for the defender after a new transfer window was agreed to allow clubs to sign and sell players ahead of the Club World Cup, which Real are competing in.Virgil van Dijk is set to follow suitCredit: GettyIt comes with Real Madrid confident of landing Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: Getty More

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      Top 100 goalkeepers in the world revealed by stats with shock Premier League No1 and bad news for Man Utd’s Andre Onana

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      FANS have been left baffled by a surprisingly list of the top 100 goalkeepers in the world.Number crunchers at CIES Football Observatory Index have ranked shot stoppers across the world based on stats to see who is the best.Gianluigi Donnarumma claimed top spot with a score of 95.5 out of 100Credit: AlamyRobert Sanchez was surprisingly came sixthCredit: RexAndre Onana failed to make the cutCredit: AlamyThey have taken into account the level of competition, results of games played and the “deviation in the percentage of saves compared to the expected value” to come to their conclusions. And CIES have given top spot to PSG and Italy No1 Gianluigi Donnarumma, who scored 95.5 out of 100.Second place went to Inter Milan’s Yann Sommer and the bronze medal position was awarded to Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois.But fans have been left shocked by some of the other names in the top ten, including Brentford stopper Mark Flekken and Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFlekken has made 130 saves in the Premier League this season, 30 more than any other player, while keeping five clean sheets.Sanchez is ranked sixth by the statisticians despite much criticism from Chelsea fans this season.The Spaniard has made five errors directly leading to goals in the Premier League, which is the joint-highest amount in the division.But Chelsea supporters do not need to worry about the goalkeeping position as loanees Djordje Petrovic and Kepa Arrizabalaga make the top 100.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe man spending the season at Strasbourg ranks 11th and Bournemouth’s No1 is 17th.Alisson is regarded by many as the best goalkeeper in the league, but he has to settle for 33rd with a score of 75.1 out of 100.Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirtThat is behind Celtic’s Kasper Schmeichel in 19th and Burnley’s James Trafford in 27th.Meanwhile, it is bad news for Manchester United keeper Andre Onana as he has failed to make the top 100 entirely.His predecessor between the Old Trafford sticks David De Gea is 53rd after a strong campaign at Fiorentina.Other surprise inclusions are Tottenham’s Antonin Kinsky in 67th, while the club’s first-choice option Guglielmo Vicario is nowhere to be seen.Sheffield United ace Michael Cooper and West Ham star Alphonse Areola just about sneak in at 81st and 86th respectively.Fans have slammed the rankings, with one saying: “Immediately I saw Sanchez’s of Chelsea name there, I disregarded the list.”Read More on The SunAnother added: “Did David Raya and Emi Martinez start playing a different sport?A third wrote: “Scandalous.”Mark Flekken made the top five after making more saves than anyone else this seasonCredit: AlamyInter Milan star Yann Sommer was ranked secondCredit: GettyThibaut Courtois had to settle for thirdCredit: Reuters More

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      Former Premier League star-turned-manager wears PINK TUXEDO on touchline as he’s compared to Simpsons character

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      FORMER Premier League midfielder Segundo Castillo has combined coaching with the catwalk… by sporting a PINK TUXEDO during a game.The ex-Ecuador international star loan spells with Everton and Wolves between 2008 and 2010.Segundo Castillo explained why we wears such spectacular outfitsCredit: ReutersThe ex-midfielder likes to make his Barcelona SC players ‘smile’Castillo’s tuxedo couldn’t quite inspire his team to victoryCredit: AFPCastillo, nicknamed Sir Second Castle, now manages home-country club Barcelona SC.And the 42-year-old went the extra mile to produce a smile for their Copa Libertadores clash with Argentina’s River Plate in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.Castillo stunned onlookers by wearing a flamboyant pink dinner jacket as he saw his side earn a commendable 0-0 draw.The fashion-loving former footballer has previously donned black and white tuxes for Barcelona games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut his latest sartorial statement drew plenty of derision online – including memes of Marge Simpson, a character from animated TV show The Simpsons, wearing a pink dress.Castillo said: “When I come out of my dressing-room and my players see me like this, it makes them smile and makes them feel more free for a moment.”The players can tell they are being well looked-after.  “There is a good atmosphere between them and the coaching staff.”Most read in FootballThe ex-Everton and Wolves loanee produced a smile as dazzling as his attireCredit: ReutersCastillo believes his outfit helps his players look on the bright sideCredit: GettyCastillo made nine Prem appearances for Everton, and scored a UEFA Cup goal against Standard Liege.The anchorman went on to play eight times for Wolves, this time on loan from Red Star Belgrade.Glamorous Ecuador fan in just bikini and fishnet stockings goes viral as fans ditch Euro 2024 for Copa AmericaHe later played for six clubs in South America, including Barcelona SC, plus Saudi team Al-Hilal.Castillo retired as a player in 2020, taking the permanent Barcelona boss job last year following two spells as interim chief. More

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      New footage ‘shows Jude Bellingham in tense standoff with Ancelotti’ as Real Madrid boss ‘mortally wounded’ by Arsenal

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM was seen having a heated discussion with Carlo Ancelotti in what could prove to be revealing footage from Real Madrid’s 3-0 loss at Arsenal.The European champions were stunned by two Declan Rice free kicks and a Mikel Merino goal.Bellingham threw his hand up in their air after being lectured by AncelottiThe England star then appeared to shake his head at the instructions he receivedAnd Bellingham seemed to be shocked as he headed over to the touchline with Eduardo Camavinga to receive tactical instructions from manager Ancelotti.The England star first threw his hand up in the air, though it was not clear whether this was a gesture of frustration or he was simply pointing towards Camavinga.And then later on he shook his head before tossing his water bottle aside.Marca claim that the incident happened in the first half when the score was still 0-0.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSTheir report adds that Ancelotti was instructing the players on how to regain control of the midfield and dampen Arsenal’s energy to press with.But Bellingham would go on to have a relatively anonymous game in the 3-0 defeat.Meanwhile things went worse for Camavinga who was sent off after receiving a second booking for kicking the ball away in the 93rd minute.And another Spanish outlet, Relevo, claim Carlo Ancelotti has been “mortally wounded” by the result.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt suggests that unless the Italian can spur his side to a miracle comeback at the Bernabeu next week, they are likely to replace him with Xabi Alonso.Ancelotti has previously been heavily linked with the Brazil job, but spurned the advances of the Selecao last summer to stay in the Spanish capital.Paul Merson suffers awkward wardrobe malfunction live on Sky Sports as he jumps up to celebrate Arsenal goal More

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      Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri set for mammoth pay rise as Gunners open talks over new contract

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      ETHAN NWANERI has been lined up for a huge pay rise after Arsenal opened talks over a new contract for the teen sensation.Nwaneri is enjoying an explosive breakthrough season after stepping in following injuries to the Gunners’ main attackers.Ethan Nwaneri is set to be rewarded for becoming a virtual regularCredit: GettyArsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s faith in Nwaneri has reaped big dividendsCredit: GettyThe England Under-21 star’s current deal runs until the end of next season.But the BBC say Arsenal have “initiated contact” with the 18-year-old’s representatives on extending his stay.New sporting director Andrea Berta, as well as manager Mikel Arteta, is keen to tie down the Gunners’ hottest prospects.And with the possible exception of left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri is surely at the top of that list.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s understood no official contract offer has yet been made to Nwaneri.But there are unlikely to be any obstacles to the academy product agreeing a long-term deal and landing a huge wage increase.Formal negotiations with the Londoners’ representatives are expected to start in the next few weeks.Nwaneri signed his first professional deal – until 2026 – when he was still a Gunners’ youth player.Most read in FootballThat means his next contract is certain to be far bigger.Nwaneri has amassed 31 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions this term.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaps praise on ‘calm and composed’ youngster Ethan Nwaneri for Champions League victory And during his 21 Premier League games in 2024-25, he’s notched three goals and two assists.However, he remained on the bench in Tuesday night’s sizzling 3-0 Champions League win over Real Madrid.Instead, the same-aged Lewis-Skelly was a stand-out performer, although Declan Rice was Arsenal’s clear star man, scoring twice with stunning free-kicks.Nonetheless, Nwaneri has played more often this campaign than possibly even he would have hoped.Admittedly he’s profited from Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus getting crocked, plus the injuries of wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, who are both now fit again.Saka is tipped for talks on extending his contract beyond 2027.The Gunners also want first-choice centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes to agree new deals More

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      Can Marco Asensio play for Aston Villa in the Champions League against parent club PSG?

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      ASTON VILLA will play Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals TONIGHT – pitting Marco Asensio against his parent club.After joining Aston Villa on loan from PSG in January, Asensio – a three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid – has been in sensational form.Marco Asensio has starred for Villa – who face his parent club PSG TONIGHTCredit: PAThe Spanish international has EIGHT goals and an assist in just 15 matches.Along with the loan signing of Marcus Rashford, Asensio has helped Unai Emery’s side become one of the most in-form teams in Europe.Villa have lost just ONCE in 12 matches since Asensio’s debut on February 9.They head into this game as underdogs, however, with PSG losing just once since November.READ MORE IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUECan Marco Asensio play for Aston Villa in the Champions League against parent club PSG?Asensio has already played for PSG in this season’s competition.That has lead to questions about if he will be able to play against his parent club – with Premier League rules usually prohibiting such instances.However, Uefa rules are different to those in the Premier League.That means Asensio WILL be available for selection against PSG.Most read in FootballIn contrast, Marcus Rashford will not be able to play against Manchester United in May, and Axel Disasi, another loan signing, was not allowed to play against Chelsea in February.A notable example in the past of players eligibility against current sides was Thibaut Courtois, who was on loan at Atletico Madrid and Chelsea. Atletico reaching the final after defeating Jose Mourinho’s team, Uefa decided that Chelsea could not block Courtois from playing against themThe governing body stated “clubs are not allowed to exert “any influence whatsoever over the players that another club may (or may not) field in a match.” Emery, who led the French team from 2016 to 2018 before departing at the end of his contract, will benefit from Asensio’s availability to play against PSG in the quarterfinals.After joining PSG in the summer of 2023, Asensio could not reach the promise of his Real Madrid career, and he left the squad under Enrique before joining Villa. More

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      Joey Barton LOSES part of libel case against Eni Aluko after accusing ex-England footballer of ‘playing race card’

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      ENI Aluko has won the first part of her libel case against Joey Barton after he accused her of playing the “race card”.Ex-Man City star Barton was taken to court by the pundit following a string of posts he made on X in January.Joey Barton has lost part of a libel case against Eni AlukoCredit: APEni claimed two of the posts were defamatoryCredit: AlamyShe claimed the two posts were defamatory – including one where he targeted her family and background.Barton, 42, branded her a “race card player” and accused her of playing the “victim card”, adding: “Cry me a f***ing river”.He also claimed “everyone is laughing at you” and said she knew “next to nothing about men’s football”.Eni has now won part of her case at the High Court after a judge found Barton made defamatory remarks.Read more newsMr Justice Lavender had been asked to consider the “natural and ordinary meaning” of the posts.Eni, 38, welcomed the ruling, saying: “The posts were an unwarranted attack on my personal and professional identity, my integrity and my family life – in particular my late father.”Barton could still appeal the decision and defend his statements if the case proceeds to trial.His lawyer William McCormick KC previously described the claims as “strained, forced and unreasonable”.Most read in FootballIn a separate case, Barton has denied sharing “malicious” posts about Jeremy Vine, Eni and her colleague Lucy Ward.The former footballer allegedly compared the pundits to Fred and Rose West and branded Radio 2 presenter Vine a “bike nonce”.He is due to stand trial later this year at Liverpool Crown Court charged with 12 offences.Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.Barton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.The footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.Eni bought the case against BartonCredit: PAHe denied the posts were inflammatoryCredit: Getty More