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    ‘Not just Marcus’ – Ruben Amorim has theory on who’s behind bombshell Rashford interview and will ‘forget it.. for now’

    RUBEN AMORIM has a theory on who was behind Marcus Rashford’s bombshell transfer interview — but the Manchester United boss will “forget it… for now.”Rashford declared he is “ready for a new challenge” after being axed from Amorim’s squad for the 2-1 win over Man City.Ruben Amorim has a theory over Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd transfer exit commentsRashford declared he is seeking a ‘new challenge’ after being droppedThe forward has since failed to feature in United’s following two matches, a 4-3 Carabao Cup defeat to Spurs and Sunday’s 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth in the Premier League.And Amorim, who is being backed by United’s board, has given no guarantee that Rashford will be involved for the tricky Boxing Day trip to Wolves either.It’s led to speculation that United’s academy product could be sold when the January transfer window opens.Yet Amorim reckons there could be other forces at play.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking to Sky Sports, the Portuguese boss hinted that Rashford’s comments about leaving United may have actually stemmed from the player’s camp.Amorim said: “It is a hard situation. I understand that these players have a lot of people around them, making choices that are not the first idea from the player.“I am always here to help Marcus as another player. I have to do what I have to do.“They chose to do the interview as it is not just Marcus. I have understood that.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“As a coach I focus on performance and the way you train. The rest, it is better for me and the club to deal with that when the time comes.”Amorim did offer an olive branch to Rashford though, insisting he will “forget the interview now.”Man Utd hero Lee Sharpe warns Marcus Rashford potential exit could come back to haunt club if he joins Prem rivals He added: “At the moment I focus on improving Marcus and we need a talented guy like Marcus.“I forget the interview now and see what I see on the pitch.”It remains to be seen if Rashford features again for United, with the forward having scored just four times in 15 league outings this season.Speaking to journalist Henry Winter earlier this month, the England ace revealed the time felt right to pack his bags and quit Old Trafford for a fresh start elsewhere.Rashford said: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.“When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.“If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse.“I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person.“When I leave, I’ll make a statement, and it will be from me. It’s disheartening to be left out of a derby, but it’s happened, we won the game so let’s move on.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s disappointing but I’m also someone as I’ve got older I can deal with setbacks.“What am I going to do about it? Sit there and cry about it? Or do my best the next time I’m available?”Why Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fitBy Martin LiptonMARCUS RASHFORD is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Rashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.Even so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.The facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee, even next month.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by La Liga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert.Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.Rashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time. 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    Premier League legend takes over as Northampton Town boss as he returns to management after six years out

    KEVIN NOLAN has been named the new manager of Northampton Town – six years after his last managerial role.The Premier League legend has been out of work since leaving West Ham at the end of last season.Kevin Nolan has made his return to the dugoutCredit: PAHe will be the new manager of Northampton Town in League OneCredit: GettyNorthampton are currently 20th in the tableCredit: GoogleNolan, 42, was working as a coach at the Hammers under David Moyes but was surplus to requirements following the arrival of Julen Lopetegui.During his time at West Ham, where he also played, he helped the side win the European Conference League in 2023.He will now return to the dugout as the manager of Northampton Town – who are 20th in the table – having replaced Jon Brady.He has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the League One strugglers.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “I am delighted to be appointed the new manager of Northampton Town and I cannot wait to get going.”We have a busy schedule over the Christmas and New Year period so the challenge is to hit the ground running as best we can.”The club has a fine reputation in the game as being a well run club and it is clear it has moved forward on and off the pitch over the last few seasons.”I am proud and honoured to be given the chance to try and continue and develop that work.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I believe the squad can make progress up the table and I am determined to repay the faith that the board of directors have shown in me.”We don’t have any time to lose, it might be Christmas but we have a lot of work to do in a short space of time and I hope the supporters will come with us as we start our journey.Kevin Nolan remembers the lost talent of Ravel Morrison Chairman’s view on Nolan appointmentNorthampton chairman Kelvin Thomas shared his views on Nolan’s appointment… He said: “Kevin was very impressive through the process and showed a real desire for the job.”He has done well in difficult circumstances in both of his previous managerial jobs and he impressed us with his knowledge, his energy, his experience and his passion. He showed a real desire and enthusiasm for the role, he couldn’t wait to get started and he has already taken charge of training for the first time.”He has been a leader throughout his career. Whether that be as a player where he was a Premier League captain of some distinction, to his managerial career where he enjoyed success at both of his previous clubs in difficult circumstances, to being a successful coach back in the Premier League, he has a hugely impressive CV. “He is also very well connected and respected throughout the game. He has a fine record of working with players at all levels and of all ages and we are excited to welcome Kevin to the club.”Kevin has been held in high esteem by both players and supporters of his previous clubs and we are delighted to have been able to secure his services for Northampton Town.”Our immediate target is to try and move up the table and while we understand we have challenges to overcome, we believe Kevin is well placed to lead us forward on that.”He played for West Ham between 2011 and 2015Credit: GettyHe also featured for Bolton and Newcastle during his careerCredit: AFP“We will need their backing and I can promise them we will be doing all we can to turn the results around.”Nolan does bring managerial experience with him to the Sixfields Stadium.He started his managerial career with Leyton Orient as a player-manager, in which he won seven of 15 matches.He was named the manager of Notts County in January 2017.The former midfielder lifted the club away from the threat of relegation in his first season before a play-off finish in his second.During his playing days, he turned out for the likes of Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle, West Ham and Leyton Orient.He made 401 appearances in the Premier League and scored 69 goals. Nolan’s playing career Here is a look at Kevion Nolan’s playign career…Bolton Wanderers – 1999-2009Appearances: 342Newcastle United – 2006-2011Appearances: 91West Ham United – 2011-2015Appearances: 157Leyton Orient – 2016Appearances: 14 More

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    Old Trafford suffering from MICE infestation after inspection finds rodent droppings in food kiosks and plush suites

    OLD TRAFFORD is reportedly suffering from an infestation of MICE after rodent droppings were found in food kiosks and plush suites.The discovery was made during a visit to Manchester United’s home ground by hygiene inspectors Old Trafford is suffering from an infestation of miceCredit: GettyRodent droppings have been found at the Theatre of DreamsCredit: ReutersAccording to the Mail, droppings were found in a food kiosk on the concourse.While more were unearthed during checks of a ground-level corporate suite.United’s previous hygiene rating was four stars — still one short of the full five for excellence.But that has now plummeted to just TWO stars.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s believed the rodent problem stems from Old Trafford being squeezed between a railway line and a canal.Last month, fans spotted a dead rat in a puddle under a seat.The club have now been ordered to make drastic improvements to bring up their hygiene rating.And officials have now partnered with pest controllers to solve the issue.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThey are believed to be making up to five visits per week as United aim to get a full five-star rating like most Premier League clubs.The shocking discovery comes just one year after the Red Devils were given a ONE-star hygiene ratings by inspectors.OLD TRAFFORD STADIUM VT YOUTUBE masterUnited’s hygiene rating has plummeted once againCredit: PAThere was a leaky roof at Ruben Amorim’s recent press conferenceCredit: Sky SportsOld Trafford’s plumbing has been a problemCredit: GettyOne game saw a torrent of water stream down from the roofCredit: PASunSport revealed guests were allegedly served raw chicken during an event at Old Trafford and subsequently became ill.United only gained their recent four-star rating in November.And the rodent incident is a setback in their quest to regain their status as the league’s top club.Fans have long thought the Theatre of Dreams could do with a lick of paint, with the ancient arena even leaking water during a recent press conference with manager Ruben Amorim.It comes after water has been seen flooding down from a damaged roof at recent games.Ratcliffe is now hoping to build a new £2billion mega stadium while revamping the surrounding area.And Old Trafford could be knocked down in the process.The disasters behind the scenes reflects the current mood on the pitch.United have lost four of their last six matches, including a 3-0 hammering at home to Bournemouth on Sunday.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Red Devils sit 13th in the table after just six wins in 17 games this term.And a tricky festive run sees them play successive games against Newcastle, Liverpool and Arsenal.What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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    Every Premier League player suspended on Boxing Day and full list of stars who could get New Year’s off with booking

    FOUR Premier League players will be able to put their feet up on Christmas Day without the pressure of a match the following day.This is due to their suspension from action, which means they will be sidelined for the traditional festive fixtures.Ashley Young is one of four players to be suspended for gameweek 17Credit: GettyHarry Maguire is on the cusp of a suspensionCredit: GettyGameweek 17 commences on December 26, which means clubs will be training and travelling on Christmas.However, there will be four players who will not be involved due to suspension.Those who have accumulated five cautions in the first half of the season pick up a one-game ban.The four players that have reached the threshold are Nicolas Dominguez, Sam Morsy, Lucas Paqueta and Ashley Young.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDominguez will miss Nottingham Forest’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur, while Morsy will be out of Ipswich Town’s trip to Arsenal.Paqueta will not be a part of the West Ham squad that faces Southampton and Young will miss Everton’s visit to Manchester City.While they will be sidelined for the games on Boxing Day they will be back for before the end of the year.To pick up another suspension for accumulated yellow cards they will have to reach 10 cautions.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, there are many players who could play their last game of 2024 on Boxing Day.There are 44 players who are one more booking away from their fifth of the season and therefore a one-game suspension.Man Utd hero Lee Sharpe warns Marcus Rashford potential exit could come back to haunt club if he joins Prem rivals Players suspended on Boxing DayNicolas Domínguez (Nottingham Forest)Sam Morsy (Ipswich)Lucas Paqueta (West Ham)Ashley Young (Everton)This means a booking in their next game will cause them to miss the games before the New Year.Arsenal could lose in-form striker Gabriel Jesus and defender Jurrien Timber if they pick up their fifth yellows of the season.Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim could be handed a headache if Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte get cautioned against Wolves.Liverpool could be without four players for their match against West Ham if Darwin Nunez, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ibrahima Konate are booked against Leicester City.However, Fulham and Brentford can rest easy as none of their players are on the cusp of a suspension.After gameweek 19, the yellow card ban resets and players will have to pick up five more before being banned.Players close to an end-of-year banGabriel Jesus (Arsenal) 4Jurrien Timber (Arsenal) 4Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) 4Matty Cash (Aston Villa) 4Lewis Cook (Bournemouth) 4Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth) 4Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth) 4Adam Smith (Bournemouth) 4Lewis Dunk (Brighton) 4Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton) 4Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea) 4Robert Sanchez (Chelsea) 4Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace) 4Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace) 4Michael Keane (Everton) 4Omari Hutchinson (Ipswich) 4Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester) 4Oliver Skipp (Leicester) 4Jamie Vardy (Leicester) 4Jordan Ayew (Leicester) 4Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) 4Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool) 4Darwin Nunez (Liverpool) 4Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool) 4Bernardo Silva (Manchester City) 4Harry Maguire (Manchester United) 4Manuel Ugarte (Manchester United) 4Fabian Schar (Newcastle) 4Sandro Tonali (Newcastle) 4Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest) 4Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest) 4Ryan Yates (Nottingham Forest) 4Adam Armstrong (Southampton) 4Mateus Fernandes (Southampton) 4Adam Lallana (Southampton) 4Micky van de Ven (Tottenham) 4Rodrigo Bentancury (Tottenham) 4Guido Rodriguez (West Ham) 4Tomas Soucek (West Ham) 4Edson Alvarez (West Ham) 4Toti Gomes (Wolves) 4Mario Lemina (Wolves) 4Rayan Ait-Nouri (Wolves) 4 More

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    Former Man Utd star goes incognito in scarf and hat at Ligue 1 clash but is instantly spotted by fans

    A FORMER Manchester United star tried to go incognito to watch a Ligue 1 clash.But he was instantly spotted by fans. A mystery footballer went undercover at Lens vs PSGCredit: Insatgram @raphaelvaraneHe wrapped up warm in a club red-and-yellow scarf plus a matching hatCredit: Insatgram @raphaelvaraneThe local hero posed for photos with fansCredit: Insatgram @raphaelvaraneThe ex-Red Devils man took his seat amongst the supporters for Lens’ French Cup clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday night.Will Still’s side took the lead on 66 minutes but their lead lasted just four minutes before substitute Goncalo Ramos equalised.Luis Enrique’s men prevailed 4-3 in the penalty shootout to book their spot in the last 32. And that left the defender in disguise gutted.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe World Cup winner decked himself out in a red-and-yellow Lens scarf to cover his face.He completed the look with a matching beanie hat and a black coat. But it did not take long for fans to work out who it was.Especially because the superstar came through as a youngster at the club. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe shone in the first team to earn himself a move to one of the world’s biggest clubs in 2011 – then joined United a decade later.But have you worked out who the mystery footballer is?OLD TRAFFORD STADIUM VT YOUTUBE masterIt is none other than Raphael Varane.Varane, 31, spent ten years at Real Madrid following his transfer from Lens, winning four Champions Leagues.But things did not work out so well for the 93-cap France international at Old Trafford as he struggled for form and fitness amid the club’s ongoing woes.Varane headed to Cosmo in the summer on a two-year deal but sustained a knee injury and opted to retire.After his secretive trip to watch Lens, days after helping to conduct the Women’s Euro 2025 draw, the local hero posted the snaps on Instagram – including selfies with the adoring Lens faithful.He captioned the Instagram upload: “Back to the source… Don’t try to explain to them, they can’t understand ❤️💛’RECOGNISE THOSE EYES'”Love football, the emotions. This is what it is all about!!” Plenty of fans were loving Varane’s undercover fiesta of festive football.One said: “Love you Raph.”Another wrote: “Legend.”A third added: “I recognise those eyes haha.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA fourth replied: “Bro is enjoying retirement.”And a final user joked: “Varane dressing like a hooligan.”Varane came through and made his name at Lens, earning a move to Real MadridCredit: GettyHe spent three seasons with Manchester United and won the FA Cup in MayCredit: GettyHe helped conduct the Women’s Euro 2025 drawCredit: AFP More

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    Long-term Man Utd target Zinedine Zidane will only return to management for TWO teams in huge blow to Premier League

    ZINEDINE ZIDANE would only return to management for two teams… and neither of them play in the Premier League.Zidane, 52, has been a free agent since his departure from Real Madrid in 2021 when his second stint as manager ended.Zinedine Zidane would only like to work for Real Madrid and FranceCredit: AFPZidane rejected Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Paris Saint-GermainCredit: SplashThat is despite winning a staggering two LaLiga titles and a record three successive Champions League trophies with Real across two stints.Nevertheless, the French tactician has been inundated with offers the last three years but he rejected every single one of them.Zizou was approached by some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.Several national teams had also approached the 1998 Ballon d’Or winner but they were also turned down.Read More on FootballAccording to Marca, that is because Zidane would only be keen to work at Real and France at this time.The main reason goes down to loyalty as the Frenchman couldn’t see himself managing any other club or country than his beloved Los Blancos and Tricolores.The same source claims only a “very groundbreaking project” could make him change his mind.That is despite the fact that at this moment it would be “impossible” to work at either of his preferred teams.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCarlo Ancelotti just recently led Real to their 36th LaLiga title and 15th Champions League trophy.And former team-mate Didier Deschamps has signed a new deal with France tying him up as manager until the 2026 World Cup.Zinedine Zidane suffers embarrassing wardrobe malfunction as he brings out Champions League trophy at WembleyPrevious reports have suggested Zidane would only like to work in a country where he speaks the language, which means he’d only be keen on Spain and France.Zinedine Zidane’s managerial careerZinedine Zidane began his career in management in June 2014 when he was appointed coach of Real Madrid’s B team.Zizou spent 18 months in charge of Real Madrid Castilla before being given his shot at the big time following the sacking of Rafael Benitez.Zidane, 51, took charge of the first team in January 2016 and guided them to a second-place finish in his maiden season at the Bernabeu helm.But he went one better in the Champions League, sealing Real’s 11th European Cup triumph with a shootout victory over Atletico Madrid.The former Los Blancos star went one better in the league in the 2016-17 season, in which they also won the Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.A second successive Champions League triumph also followed, with Real beating Italian giants Juventus at the Principality Stadium.He would create history the following season by becoming the first manager to win the tournament three times on the bounce.A 3-1 win over Liverpool saw Real become the first team to win Europe’s elite club competition three times in a row.Zidane announced his resignation five days after the final, insisting the club needed a “change” of direction.He would return to the Bernabeu in March 2019 following Santiago Solari and Julen Lopetegui’s short reigns.A return to the summit of Spanish football would follow in the 2019-20 season, in which Real also scooped the Spanish Super Cup.Zidane would leave the Bernabeu again in June 2021 after overseeing Real’s first trophyless season in 11 years.Zinedine Zidane’s Honours:- La Liga: 2016–17, 2019–20- Supercopa de España: 2017, 2019–20- UEFA Champions League: 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18- UEFA Super Cup: 2016, 2017- FIFA Club World Cup: 2016, 2017 More

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    Mo Salah shatters two Premier League records including long-standing Wayne Rooney title after Spurs heroics

    MOHAMED SALAH’S incredible form this season has seen him shatter two Premier League records.The Liverpool ace got himself a brace of goals and assists during the Reds 6-3 win at Tottenham on Sunday.Mohamed Salah has smashed two Premier League records already this seasonCredit: AlamyIt includes one record he previously held alongside Wayne RooneyCredit: Getty – ContributorIt took his league-only tally for goals up to 15, while he has now chipped in with 11 assists for team-mates as well.For the 32-year-old it marks the sixth Prem season in which he has both scored and assisted at least 10 goals.He previously shared the record of five with Evertonian and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney.It is also the fastest he has reached this milestone, but also makes him the first player to ever reach double figures goals and assists in a Prem season before Christmas.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSalah also carved a new place in Liverpool’s history books.The Kop king has now gone clear of Scotsman Billy Liddell – who played for the Reds between 1938 and 1961 and scored 228 goals in 534 games – to now stand on 229 goals as outright fourth on their all-time top goalscorer list.Having joined the Anfield club in 2017, he has reached this feat in 373 appearances.If he can maintain his good form, Salah has a great chance of surpassing Gordon Hodgson’s tally of 241 goals this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, he remains some way behind Roger Hunt and Ian Rush on 285 and 346 respectively.Salah would need to stay at the club for a while longer yet to get near those figures.Gary Neville tells Jamie Carragher to ‘f off’ after Liverpool legend performs incredible U-turn on ‘selfish’ SalahThe Egyptian stars future has been the talk of intense speculation, with Salah free to negotiate pre-contract deals with foreign clubs in January due to his contract expiring in the summer. Asked about his contract following the Spurs game, Salah said there had been no update on negotiations.Comments from Salah last month where he hinted he was “probably more out than in” saw him blasted as “selfish” by Jamie Carragher.Salah’s 10+ goal and assist seasonsSalah’s 10+ goal and assist seasons at Liverpool2017/18: 32 goals, 10 assists2019/20: 19 goals, 10 assists2021/22: 23 goals, 13 assists2022/23: 19 goals, 12 assists2023/24: 18 goals, 10 assists2024/25*: 15 goals, 11 assists*ongoing More

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    Premier League cult hero Lee Cattermole ‘leaves coaching job’ just ONE WEEK after joining

    LEE CATTERMOLE has departed from Bristol Rovers just a week after being appointed as first-team coach.Cattermole, 36, was hired by the Rovers only last week, just four days before the club announced the dismissal of manager Matt Taylor.Lee Cattermole has departed his role as first-team coach at Bristol RoversCredit: Getty – ContributorCattermole has switched to coaching after retiring in 2020Credit: PA:Empics SportThe ex-England youth international was classed as a club appointment with “a focus on the developement and implementation of set pieces.”After Taylor’s exit, the former midfielder was placed as interim manager alongside Dave Horseman.However, Cattermole left Bristol Rovers just three days before his first match in charge at Exeter.Horseman will now be in interim charge of the Gas until a new permanent appointment is made.Read Moe on FootballThe exact reason behind Cattermole’s departure is currently unknown.However, it is understood the ex-Sunderland star was never under consideration for the managerial vacancy.The ex-defensive midfielder rolled credits on his football career in 2020 after a year in the Netherlands with Venlo.Cattermole started his coaching career in January 2022 when he returned to former club Middlesbrough as the Under-18s lead coach.Most read in FootballThe ex-Wigan star left almost a year later and didn’t return to coaching until his appointment at Bristol Rovers.Cattermole’s football career started at Middlesbrough, where he joined the senior squad in 2005 after seven years in the academy.Premier League stadium looks unrecognisable in incredible new plans to redevelop main stand He then moved to Wigan in 2008 where he spent one year before his transfer to Sunderland.Cattermole spent 10 years with the Black Cats before his retirement in the Eredivisie. More