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      Sir Alex Ferguson slapped Man Utd wonderkid on the head and walked off after chat about Barcelona’s transfer interest

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      FORMER Manchester United wonderkid Febian Brandy turned down the chance to sign for Barcelona after a cheeky slap on the head from Sir Alex Ferguson.Brandy, 36, never broke into the first team at Old Trafford after nearly 15 years on the books – but things could have been very different.Febian Brandy was one of Manchester United’s top-rated talents in the 2000sCredit: GettyBrandy (bottom row, second on the left) played alongside big names at UnitedCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe was considered one of the best youngsters around when he was coming through the ranks in the mid 2000s.And his reputation spanned across Europe too, as both Real Madrid and Barcelona were keen on trying to snatch him away from the Red Devils as a teenager.Barcelona were so impressed by Brandy’s efforts in a youth tournament that they lodged a £1MILLION bid for the youngster.The offer was rejected by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson following a slap on the head and a chat in the hallway about being loyal to his local club.READ MORE ON MAN UTDManchester-born Brandy told SunSport: “We went to a few tournaments when we were 14 to 16 years old.”One of the tournaments that sticks out was one in Spain. In the tournament there was teams like Real Madrid, PSG, Ajax, Barcelona – all the top European teams. “We didn’t qualify out of the group stages, but I must have had a worldie of a tournament because I ended up getting player of the tournament.“About two weeks after the tournament, some Spanish guy – I don’t know how he got the number – rang my mum and dad’s house phone.Most read in FootballBrandy spent nearly 15 years on the books at Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man UtdCredit: Febian BrandyJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”My mum picked up and he said ‘we’re interested in your son Fabien.’“About two weeks later I went into training and Sir Alex Ferguson walked past me in the corridor and said ‘have you heard?’.”I had a feeling what he was talking about, but you have to be respectful so I played dumb. He said ‘Barcelona are interested in you, what are your thoughts?’“I said, ‘Listen, boss. I’m a local lad. I’m from Manchester and I see my career here, this is the place that I want to be’. Then he just slapped me on the head, called me a good lad and walked away.“Things started to come to fruition in the weeks that followed, and I think they [Barca] made a £1million bid which obviously Sir Alex rejected and I didn’t hear anything of it from then.”That decision meant that Brandy stayed put until 2010, leaving as a 22-year-old in search of a new challenge after coming up through the youth ranks alongside the likes of Ravel Morrison, Jonny Evans and Danny Welbeck.Brandy had gone from training with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville – players he recalls being like “big brothers” to him – to trying to find his next club and the next step in his career in the lower leagues.He had lined up a deal with Sheffield United in the Championship, but broke his metatarsal in the last minute of his last game for Man Utd’s reserves – scuppering the move.From there injuries meant Brandy was never able to settle at one club, kickstarting a journeyman-like career that saw him play in Greece and Thailand as well as for the likes of Sheffield United, Rotherham and Rochdale.People ask ‘should I have signed for Barcelona?’ Don’t get me wrong, the weather would have been nicer, but I’ve got no regrets.Febian BrandyThat journey – which included 16 different clubs – ended in 2017 with non-league outfit Ebbsfleet, but Brandy has no regrets over turning down Barcelona.He said: “I always saw myself playing for Man Utd, I didn’t really know anything else. I only really knew Man Utd and England. So when it did come to an end it was hard, I was upset.“But I thought to myself, for my career, this has to happen. I didn’t want to be one of those players that was 23/24 and signing contracts just to be at a big club.”I wanted to go and make a name for myself elsewhere. I was obviously upset, but it was something that had to be done.“People ask ‘should I have signed for Barcelona?’. Don’t get me wrong, the weather would have been nicer, but I’ve got no regrets.“There’s probably a few things I took for granted. Doing extra in the gym and making myself the best footballer I could have been.”I had a lot of injuries and there’s things like that that I could have done better to have a better career. Other than that, I have no regrets.”Brandy moved to Sheffield United later in his careerCredit: BladesThe forward also represented England at youth levelCredit: GettyOne of the big reasons for Brandy being left with no regrets is that it was his Man Utd exit that led him to his latest venture – Skouted.Brandy launched Skouted when his career came to an end, an app that helps unattached players find new clubs and clubs find the best new talent.The app, which allows young players to upload clips of themselves playing for top clubs to browse through, has already helped in excess of 300 youngsters earn trials.Had Brandy not embarked on his journey through the leagues, then he may never have started the app.He explained: “When I was in my late 20s I had been battling with so many injuries and I started to think about my future.”I didn’t really want to be a coach or a manager. That’s when I started to put Skouted in place.“I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset and I think what really triggered it was that when I was at Man Utd, I was pretty fortunate to be there as long as I was.”I was fortunate to get a contract every year from the age of eight until I was 22.“I had friends that might not have been good enough to make it at Man Utd, but they might have been able to go and play at a lesser club.”But when they got released their parents or their guardians didn’t have the connections to pick up the phone to someone in the Championship or League One and ask for a trial.Read More on The Sun“That’s when I thought to myself, ‘I need to create something that’s going to bridge that gap between players and clubs’.”Something where football clubs can find these players and players have got a platform to present themselves in front of these football clubs.”Brandy wants Skouted to become a hotbed for talent around the globeCredit: X @febianbrandy More

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      Legendary journeyman footballer finally retires at 46 after playing more than 900 times for FORTY-TWO clubs

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      LEGENDARY football journeyman Jefferson Louis has retired at the age of 46 after playing for an astonishing 42 clubs.The iconic striker – who has clocked up over 900 games – had been slogging it out on the field since 1996 when he played for Risborough Rangers.Iconic journeyman Jefferson Louis has retired from playingCredit: PA:Empics SportThe 46-year-old spent nearly 30 years playing for 42 different teamsCredit: PA:Empics SportLouis’ travels saw him play for an incredible 42 sides, including Oxford United, Bristol Rovers and Wrexham.He was most recently playing Thame United in the Southern League Division One Central.But after 903 career appearances, and more than FIFTY transfers, Louis has finally retired.He once claimed that his journeyman tag worked against him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJefferson, who played in a World Cup qualifier for Dominica, revealed: “People say he must be a rebel, Jefferson must have been rude.”And it’s tarnished me. Some managers think I must be a bad apple.”Fans will be pleased to hear that he hasn’t quit football for good.That’s because he has immediately taken an assistant coaching role at Slough Town, who compete in England’s sixth tier in the National League South.Most read in FootballLouis, who alaso made five appearances there as a player in 2023.During that time, he also worked as a performance coach for team-mates.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersAnd manager Scott Davies believes Louis has the right skills to become a hit in the dugout.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe declared: “Football these days for me is more about mentality than ability. “Every player at the level has ability which has allowed them to get to this point, but it’s so important that we, as a management team, can tap into their psychological side too.Louis was transferred over 50 times as he clocked up 903 appearancesCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe ace has now taken up a new job as assistant coach at Slough TownCredit: Getty Images – Getty“Throughout the season, individuals will need one-to-one chats when things aren’t going as well as they may have hoped.”And I strongly believe that with myself, Yella and now Jefferson joining the group, we’ve got all bases covered with the wealth of experience we have that we can now give back to the players.”Slough fans reacted with delight at the news.One said “Class this, great gaffer to learn off.”Another declared: “Superb appointment, welcome back.”Read More on The SunOne noted: “Absolutely love this, welcome Louis.”Another added: “So much experience and knowledge at this level.” More

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      Man Utd legend Michael Carrick SACKED by Middlesbrough in blunt 60-word statement

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      MICHAEL CARRICK has been sacked by Middlesbrough.The Manchester United legend was relieved of his duties having failed to deliver promotion in three attempts.Michael Carrick has been axed by MiddlesbroughCredit: GettyCarrick, 43, replaced Chris Wilder in October 2022 and guided Boro to fourth place in his first full season at the helm.In the two years that followed, however, poor finishes to each campaign cost Middlesbrough a play-off berth.The former England international had two years remaining on his contract, but has been sacked following a meeting with club chief Steve Gibson.In a brief 60-word statement, Boro confirmed that Carrick, as well as his assistants, had been axed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt read: “Middlesbrough Football Club has today parted company with head coach Michael Carrick.”Michael’s assistants Jonathan Woodgate and Graeme Carrick have also departed the club.”We’d like thank Michael, Jonathan, and Graeme for all their hard work and unwavering commitment. We wish them all the very best for the future.”The club will be making no further comment at this stage.”Most read in ChampionshipBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMichael Carrick’s managerial recordMan Utd (caretaker), Nov-Dec 2021: P3 W2 D1 L0 (W%: 66.67)Middlesbrough, October 2022-Present: P136 W63 D24 L49 (W%: 46.32)Hometown hero and eight-cap England international Woodgate, 45, managed Boro between 2019 and 2020.While Graeme Carrick, Michael’s brother, previously worked at Newcastle.Michael Carrick is disappointed about Middlesbrough’s defeat to Watford Expert viewBY GARY STONEHOUSE (North East Football Reporter and Boro season ticket holder)FINALLY the inevitable has happened – but what took Middlesbrough so long?The decision to sack Michael Carrick now – four weeks after the season finished – does feel a bit too little, too late.The ex-Manchester United man’s time at the Riverside should have been done back in February after a dire run of six defeats in seven games.At that point the prospect of going up through the play-offs was still a real possibility.Instead, Steve Gibson kept faith and, despite a brief little false dawn of results, we’ve allowed rivals Sunderland to take advantage of what was probably the best chance of achieving promotion out of this league that there will be for a while.For all of those pointing to the fact that he lost “his best player” Emmanuel Latte Lath in January – the striker’s exit was supposed to be last summer.That’s why they got Tommy Conway in early and, fair play, when Boro failed to get the money they wanted for Latte Lath they held on to him until the window.The loss of Ben Doak was also critical, and that coupled with the above sale meant all the pace was taken out of Carrick’s team.But that was his biggest problem, his stubbornness to have a Plan B. Pretty, boring, pass, pass, tip, tip – Middlesbrough became far too easy to play against.The panic stations started to ring when the Riverside was empty long before the final whistle in several home games – fans were seemingly even past the point of caring enough to boo at the final whistle following several disappointing displays and results.This is a move best for everybody – especially Carrick himself.He has done well, and the loss of experienced Aaron Danks as coach to Bayern Munich has maybe had a bigger impact than any of us thought.But once rumours of fall-outs over transfer targets etc began to surface in January there was only going to be one-way this ended if promotion wasn’t achieved.He can still leave with his reputation intact and will be in the running for plenty of other jobs – hopefully after a PR class or two.You always got the impression he didn’t think much of the media – except until the pressure was on in his final weeks and we finally got to see a little of his funny and warm character.But the place, and Carrick himself probably, needed something new. And for my money, the man to provide that lift that the whole club needs would be Steve Cooper.Just yesterday, TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole tipped Carrick for a move to former club Tottenham .Cole told Paddy Power: “At Tottenham, Daniel Levy is running out of managerial candidates for the job. He’s gone big, he’s gone bold, and he’s gone off the beaten track, but none of them seem to have worked.“Michael Carrick could be a good option for the manager’s job. An ex-Spurs player, who understands the club, would be quite nice.“Also, I’d like to see Glenn Hoddle back at the club in some capacity. I know Tottenham fans would love to see him back and he’s got the best football brain I know.“I’d love to see Glenn back, maybe supporting Michael Carrick. The club needs bringing together because it was really torn at times last season.”Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl is the early favourite to take over at Boro, with Carrick’s former Man Utd team-mate Tom Cleverley and Sean Dyche close behind.Next Boro manager oddsVia talkSPORT oddsDanny Rohl2/1Tom Cleverley6/1Sean Dyche8/1Russell Martin10/1Nathan Jones10/1Rob Edwards12/1Steve Cooper12/1Gary O’Neil16/1John Mousinho16/1Steven Gerrard16/1Des Buckingham16/1Wayne Rooney16/1Liam Rosenior16/1David Wagner16/1Ruben Selles20/1Carrick played for Tottenham during his illustrious careerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Arsenal release 17 players following culmination of Premier League season as Sterling and Partey learn their fate

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      ARSENAL have released their end-of-season retained list, with 17 players departing.Jorginho and Kieran Tierney are among the players let go by the club upon the end of their contracts.Thomas Partey is in talks to STAY at ArsenalCredit: GettyJorginho is on the list of players who have been releasedCredit: GettyMeanwhile, Thomas Partey is in talks over a new deal.The midfielder, 31, has been linked with a move away from the Emirates with his contract expiring this month.The likes of Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Juventus are all understood to be interested.Saudi clubs are also monitoring the situation, despite Partey’s preference to remain in the capital.READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd SunSport understands that negotiations over an extension are in the works with Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta keen to extend his stay at the Emirates.A club statement said of Partey: “Discussions are ongoing, and once matters are finalised between all parties, we will communicate in due course.”Jorginho, meanwhile, is on the verge of joining Flamengo as a free agent.And left-back Tierney is bound for a return to Celtic next month.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesRaheem Sterling will return to Chelsea following his loanCredit: GettyKieran Tierney is expected to join Celtic as a free agentCredit: GettyLoan stars Neto and Raheem Sterling are both confirmed to be returning to their parent clubs.Sterling is understood to remain in the dark over his future at Stamford Bridge, still with two years left on his deal, following a disappointing loan spell at Arsenal, starting just 13 games in all competitions and scoring just once.Thierry Henry hits out at Mikel Arteta as trophyless Arsenal are shown up by ‘the Man Utd that everyone laughs at’Talks between Sterling and Chelsea chiefs will take place this month, but the former England star will not be involved in the Club World Cup in the States.Among the Arsenal youth team stars released are; Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Reece Clairmont, Khayon Edwards, Jakai Fisher, Romari Forde, Jimi Gower, Jack Henry-Francis, Max Kuczynski, Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand, Ismail M’Hand, Brian Okonkwo, Elian Quesada-Thorn and Zacariah Shuaib.Meanwhile, Teyah Goldie, Lina Hurtig and Amanda Ilestedt have been let go from the women’s team.Chloe Kelly, who has spent the second half of the season on loan from Manchester City, is in talks to sign a permanent deal.The winger’s City contract expires at the end of the month, meaning she will likely sign as a free agent.Chloe Kelly is in talks over signing a permanent contractCredit: Getty More

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      Sunderland announce NINE player exits after winning promotion to Premier League and sealing club record transfer

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      SUNDERLAND have let NINE players leave after securing promotion back to the Premier League.But they did secure a club-record transfer arrival.Chris Mepham has left Sunderland to return to his parent club BournemouthCredit: GettyEnzo Le Fee completed his £20m permanent switchCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe Black Cats booked their spot back in the top flight for the first time since 2017 after beating Sheffield United in the play-off final.And they marked the return by completing the permanent transfer of Enzo Le Fee for £20million.Le Fee, 25, reunited with his former Lorient boss Regis Le Bris in January on a six-month loan from Roma.And now Sunderland have tied the French winger down to a four-year contract as their first summer signing.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut nine players have departed the Stadium of Light. Sunderland confirmed both Chris Mepham and Salis Abdul Samed have returned to their parent clubs – Bournemouth and Lens respectively – after their loan spells. Mepham played a key role in promotion, racking up 40 appearances. Tommy Watson was the play-off hero at Wembley with his memorable winner.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut he scored the goal knowing it would be his last match for his boyhood club, with the 19-year-old already agreeing a £10m summer switch to Brighton.The deal was announced in April and ratified when the transfer window opened. Enzo Le Fee meets the Sunderland fans as he arrives at Wearside Elsewhere, Under-21 squad members Ben Crompton, Cuba Mitchell, Caden Kelly, and Kelechi Chibueze will leave.Second-year scholars Aaron Chungh and Daniel Parker were also let go. The club confirmed youth players Ben Middlemas, Oliver Bainbridge, Marshall Burke, and Daniel Cameron have signed contract extensions and Ethan Moore and Timur Tutierov were offered new deals, too. But there still could be further exits from the Stadium of Light.SunSport revealed Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt are in a battle for the £21m signing of Jobe Bellingham. Dortmund are in pole position to land the youngster, five years after they signed his brother Jude.Elsewhere, Black Cats captain Dan Neil has emerged as a shock £15m transfer target for Roma.Jobe Bellingham played a key role in promotion but could leaveCredit: Getty More

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      Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘banned from taking prized possession to Real Madrid’ after transfer from Liverpool

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD will not be able to drive his Range Rover into Real Madrid training.The full-back, 26, has penned a six-year deal with the Spanish giants.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to move to SpainCredit: RexThe Liverpool full-back liked to drive a Range Rover into trainingCredit: AlamyAlexander-Arnold is said to have regularly driven a £130,000 Range Rover to Liverpool’s training centre.But per Spanish outlet El Motor, the England star will be forbidden to do so by his new club.Real Madrid have a lucrative sponsorship deal with BMW.As part of the arrangement, the club’s first team players are all gifted a BMW motor each season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLStars get to choose a car, with Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham having plumped for the £150k BMW XM.Should Alexander-Arnold fancy a like-for-like replacement for his Range Rover, he could opt for a spacious BMW X7.Or if he fancies something slightly smaller and sportier, he could instead give the BMW X5 a go.Alexander-Arnold is set to be thrown straight in the deep end at Real Madrid after they agreed a £10million fee with Liverpool to enable the right-back to play at the Club World Cup.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBellingham, 21, opted for a plush BMW XMCredit: Instagram @realmadridThe Reds academy graduate could make his Real Madrid debut against Al-Hilal on June 18.This will also mark new boss Xabi Alonso’s first match in charge, having moved from Bayer Leverkusen to replace Carlo Ancelotti. Andy Robertson pays tribute to ‘best friend’ Trent Alexander-Arnold after he is booed by Liverpool fansFirst, Alexander-Arnold has joined up with England for this month’s camp.Boss Thomas Tuchel took his squad out for a team bonding trip to the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend.The Three Lions will take on Andorra at Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium this Saturday.They will then face Senegal in a Nottingham friendly next Tuesday.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s BMW optionsBy Michael Golson, Sun Motors correspondentWith Trent being forced to garage his beloved Range Rover and potentially switch to a BMW, Real Madrid’s newest Englishman still has some excellent options if he’s keen on another stylish and luxurious SUV.The obvious choice is the top-of-the-range BMW X7 M60i, which, much like the Range Rover P530, is powered by a 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo engine. It also combines the very best in luxury, comfort and endless interior space.There’s also the BMW X5 M50i. While it lacks the same off-road capability as the Range Rover, it matches it in terms of on-road performance and dynamics – particularly with its sporty handling.Currently in its fourth generation, the X5 is slightly smaller than the Range Rover but just as popular, thanks to its meticulously finished cabin and BMW’s highly regarded curved screen, perfect for all of the Liverpudlian’s infotainment needs. More

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      Club World Cup winner will be given special shirt design to wear for FOUR YEARS

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      THE winner of the Club World Cup will wear a special badge for the next FOUR YEARS.Manchester City and Chelsea head Stateside for the most-expensive Fifa club competition – which starts on June 14.The winner of the Club World Cup will wear a special badge until 2029Man City were granted special permission to wear a golden Fifa Club World Cup badge for the last two seasonsAnd the inaugural champion of the expanded competition will keep the gold logo until 2029.That’s because the winners will be reigning champs for four years until the second edition in 2029.The exact badge design has not been released yet, but it will likely mimic the golden crest Man City have been wearing since 2023.As well as that, the winner will bank an eye-watering £100million.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPep Guardiola’s side added a gold plate to their blue jerseys after winning the old version half-way through the season in December 2023.But City were then granted unprecedented permission to wear it AGAIN this season as they’re still technically the reigning champions.The Club World Cup was replaced by the Fifa Intercontinental Cup in 2024, with Real Madrid claiming the trophy.This year’s new-look 32-team competition will see Madrid and Atletico Madrid fly the flag for Spain in 10 days’ time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe other European teams include Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg.Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, Porto, Benfica, and Juventus make up the rest of Europe.Man City drop Jack Grealish transfer hint as they launch stunning new kit for Club World CupLionel Messi’s Inter Miami were awarded the host country spot after winning the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield.Madrid, City and Champions League winners PSG are favourites to win the golden gong on July 14.Meanwhile, Gary Lineker has agreed a deal with a new broadcaster for the Club World Cup after leaving the BBC.He has joined DAZN that will see his The Rest Is Football Podcast broadcast highlights. More

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      Soccer Aid 2025: CONFIRMED line-ups as Tyson Fury makes charity match debut and Wayne Rooney leads England

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