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      Man Utd season ticket holders ‘want Old Trafford DESTROYED’ over redevelopment as new stadium support revealed

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      THE majority of Manchester United season ticket holders want to demolish Old Trafford in order to build a new stadium on the same site.United’s Ineos chiefs surveyed supporters in September as they look to finalise plans for their historic home.Man Utd surveyed fans regarding the future of Old TraffordCredit: GettyThe Red Devils distributed the survey to season ticket holders and club members and received more than 50,000 responses.Man Utd have confirmed that 52 per cent of respondents are in favour of demolishing Old Trafford and building an entirely new stadium.While 31 per cent would rather redevelop the current ground, and 17 per cent are unsure.United’s season ticket holders were generally most in favour of building an entirely new ground.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe club’s older season ticket holders showed the strongest support for the plan, while younger supporters generally preferred the redevelopment idea.In addition to the survey, United chiefs have also consulted their Fans’ Advisory Board.The Red Devils had initially been expected to make a decision regarding their stadium by the end of this year.But the final decision has now been delayed until 2025.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUnited could build a new 100,000 seater stadiumCredit: https://www.manutd.com/enThe Red Devils could build the new stadium on the current siteCredit: https://www.manutd.com/enMan Utd are expected to make a decision by the springCredit: https://www.manutd.com/en”New Trafford” could be circular in shape with a 100,000-seat capacity and huge roof.It’s said that the Old Trafford regeneration project could generate 92,000 jobs and more than 17,000 homes – in addition to increasing tourism by 1.8million each year.Man Utd legend Paul Scholes names his top 5 toughest Champions League opponents of all time Man Utd will fund the project themselves, although public money may be made available to cover related transport and infrastructure costs.In addition to the recent survey, the Red Devils are holding a series of focus group meetings with fans.Director of fan engagement Rick McGagh said: “We are delighted that this survey received the most responses in the club’s history.”It shows how important this work is, and to have this level of engagement at this stage is a really positive place to start.“We know how important our home is to fans, and we need to listen to them and gain all their views and insights in order to develop the world-class stadium they deserve.“We are able to view the results through different lenses to understand if our season ticket holders feel differently about anything than say our official members.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And if younger fans have different views to older fans. This insight is incredibly helpful and allows the project team to understand the differences as well as the commonality in our fanbase.”The final decision over the plans, which could cost as much as £2billion, may not be made until next spring.Ratcliffe could propose a new venue on the land next to the current ground More

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      I’m a former Premier League star from a trailer park, if I hadn’t been a footballer I’d have grown weed

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      PREMIER LEAGUE legend Rafael van der Vaart has revealed he would be growing weed if it was not for football.The former Tottenham and Real Madrid midfielder, 41, reflected on his career with fellow Dutchmen Wesley Sneijder and Marco van Basten.Rafael van der Vaart has claimed he would grow weed if he was not a footballerCredit: Times Newspapers LtdThe Dutch icon played for Tottenham, Real Madrid and AjaxCredit: GettyOn Ziggo Sport’s chat show, Van der Vaart was quizzed on what “normal job” he would be doing if he was not a famous face.And he hilariously replied: “I grew up in a trailer park, so I’d probably run a weed shed.”Sneijder and Van Basten were left in hysterics and exclaimed: “That’s a normal job.”Fans were also left in stitches, with one saying: “You can see he was shocked by their reaction, man was actually serious.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Gotta appreciate the honesty.”A third reacted: “Dutch legends are really different than the rest.”Van der Vaart grew up in the town of Heemskerk in the north of Holland and the trailer park he once called home belonged to a Dutch cultural minority called the Woonwagenbewoners.The name translates as “caravan dwellers” and they have ties to Irish travellers.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSVan der Vaart joined Ajax at the age of ten after learning to play football on the street.On his upbringing, he said: “That was the way my family lived. My father was born there and it is a lifestyle. Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promise”Maybe it is not a normal lifestyle but I always liked it. “I always played football on the street. It was an easy life, then I was ten and went to Ajax and played there for almost 12 years.”Van de Vaart played over 500 times for clubs including Real, Spurs, Hamburg and Ajax – scoring 171 times.He was also capped a staggering 109 times by Holland, scoring 25 goals.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Joshua Zirkzee ‘on track for swift Man Utd exit with Ruben Amorim unconvinced on striker’

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      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE is on course for the exit door at Manchester United just four months after arriving, according to reports.The 23-year-old arrived from Bologna in July in a deal worth £36.5million.Joshua Zirkzee could be heading for the Man Utd exit door just months after arrivingCredit: GettyReports say Ruben Amorim wants to bring his own players in fromCredit: RexZirkzee scored on his debut against Fulham, but has not found the back of the net in 14 games since. SunSport exclusively revealed that Erik ten Hag did not want to sign the former Bayern Munich striker and how he arrived at Old Trafford overweight, with it taking time to shift that extra weight.However, with the imminent arrival of Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim following the sacking of Ten Hag, Zirkzee’s time in England may have already run its course.Italian outlet Calciomercato report that Amorim, who will take over as Red Devils head coach on November 11, is unconvinced by the forward.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInstead, Amorim, 39, will look to bring in his own attacking options.The report suggests that a return to Italy could be on the table, with AC Milan and Juventus both potential destinations.But such a transfer will only happen if it is on loan, with Ineos wanting to back the attacker after they billed him as good value for money in the summer. If Zirkzee is allowed to leave the club, that could lead United transfer chiefs to try and poach some stars from Sporting. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEx-Coventry star Viktor Gyokeres is one star who could be targeted, given how he is one of the most prolific strikers in Europe over the past two seasons.Similarities have been drawn between the Swede and United ace Rasmus Hojlund, who impressed against Chelsea last Sunday despite being largely starved of service in the final third.Joshua Zirkzee reveals he has ‘tried’ to lure Germany star to Man Utd Amorim’s first game in charge of United will be against Ipswich on November 24.Before that, interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of games against PAOK on Thursday – as they look to win their first game in Europe for a year – and Leicester on Sunday.Since taking charge of the squad, Van Nistelrooy has overseen a 5-2 win over Leicester in the League Cup and a 1-1 draw against Chelsea.It is understood the players would like to see the Dutchman retained within Amorim’s coaching staff once he arrives.Amorim himself remains in charge of Sporting, where he has won two league titles, and will take on Manchester City on Tuesday evening before facing Braga in his final game with the Eagles.Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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      Declan Rice does NOT travel with Arsenal squad for Champions League clash against Inter Milan

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      ARSENAL will be without Declan Rice for Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan.The England midfielder, 25, did not travel to Italy with his Gunners team-mates.Declan Rice featured against Newcastle on SaturdayCredit: GettyRice played the full 90 minutes as Arsenal were beaten 1-0 at Newcastle on Saturday.But he did not take part in training on Tuesday morning.It is not yet clear why Rice was absent.But Gunners boss Mikel Arteta will have to do without the £100million man as his side take on the Italian champions.READ MORE ON ARSENALRice has missed just one game across the Premier League and Champions League so far this season.That was September’s clash at Tottenham, following his red card against Brighton in the previous match.While Arteta is set to be without Rice, he has received a fitness boost elsewhere among his squad.Captain Martin Odegaard took part in training and has travelled to Italy.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMartin Odegaard trained with his team-mates this morningCredit: GettyOdegaard, 25, has not played since suffering an ankle injury on Norway duty in September.But he could feature against Inter.Jamie Carragher SAVAGES Arsenal on Monday Night Football and says they’re ‘like a Mourinho team without the trophies’Arteta, 42, is without a trio of defenders for the match.Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu will be absent due to knee injuries, while Kieran Tierney has not yet returned to full training following a thigh issue. More

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      Man City’s title bid is being derailed by the loss of Pep Guardiola’s secret weapon he feared it was a ‘mistake’ to sell

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      MANCHESTER City’s title bid is being derailed by the absence of a key player from last season.And we’re not talking about injured midfield lynchpin and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.Julian Alvarez was a key figure in Manchester City winning their fourth title in a rowCredit: GettyBecause although the Spain midfielder was undeniably crucial to the triumphs of his club and country, Julian Alvarez was front and centre (and sometimes wide) in Pep Guardiola’s side in 2023/4.And selling Alvarez to Atletico Madrid for a massive profit in the summer is no longer looking like quite as good a deal for City.It was not only the Argentinian World Cup winner’s 11 goals and nine assists in 36 PL appearances that was important to City.Nor was Alvarez just a useful replacement for Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne when they were injured.READ MORE FOOTBALLThe versatile star also gave Guardiola the freedom to rotate his attacking options during or between games, keeping them out of the “red” zone and giving them the chance to perform at their peak more often.But Alvarez wanted to be the main man, playing regularly in a No 10 or No 9 role. That was not going to happen any time soon, so when Atletico offered him the chance to swap Manchester, where he had never really settled, for Madrid, he wanted the move.And City regarded as good business a fee of up to £81.5m for a wantaway player who cost an initial £14m in 2022.Yet Guardiola knew at the time that the sale of Alvarez could come back to bite his team, admitting “if we have many, many injuries it will be a problem”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGuardiola added: “Maybe it is a mistake, I don’t know, but I don’t like leaving players without playing for a long time. Pep Guardiola admits Man City were ‘hungover’ for FA Cup final defeat against Man Utd following Premier League title bash “When everyone is involved with a chance to play, the performance of the teams is always better.”Unfortunately for City, they have a lot of players without a chance to play at the moment.On the flipside, title rivals Arsenal are also feeling the effects of losing key players.And the Gunners are more dependent on their starting 11 than City and so less equipped to cope with injuries.Last season, four of Mikel Arteta’s squad played more than 3,000 minutes in the Premier League – William Saliba, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Magalhaes.Not a single City player did the same, with Rodri’s 2,937 league minutes putting him top of their workload charts but also behind Ben White (2,995) and only just ahead of Bukayo Saka (2,933).Phil Foden, second in the City rankings with 2,865, would have been eighth in the Arsenal list.The Gunners are undoubtedly suffering from the loss of injured captain Odegaard, whose skillset would be difficult for anyone to replace.But a slight drop-off in form from 2023/4 ever-present Saliba and partner Gabriel is also being felt, because of injuries and a lack of match sharpness among the defensive cover.Last weekend both Arsenal and City learned once more what can happen even to them if their best players are not fit and/or firing.Josko Gvardiol gave City hope at Bournemouth but the champions slipped to a 2-1 defeatCredit: AlamyFor most of the defeat against Bournemouth, Guardiola’s men looked pretty toothless, with Haaland struggling to make an impact and a lack of options on the bench to replace him.Andoni Iraola’s men were good value for their win.And Arsenal gave one of their flattest performances of the last two and a bit seasons at St James’ Park, as hosts Newcastle deservedly completed back-to-back home victories over the Gunners.At one point on Saturday, all three favourites for the title were losing.But although Liverpool came back to beat Brighton and return to the top of the league, no one at Anfield will be complacent.So far the Reds are coping well with the absence of the injured Diogo Jota, such is the array of attacking options that Arne Slot has.Yet how would they perform if player of the season so far Ryan Gravenberch or Alexis Mac Allister were to be unavailable for an extended period, despite the good form of Curtis Jones?And what if captain Virgil Van Dijk was out? When the Dutchman, like Rodri, suffered a serious knee injury that kept him out for much of the 2020/1 season, Liverpool’s title defence collapsed.While Van Dijk and fellow centre back Joel Matip spent months on the sidelines, then Kop boss Jurgen Klopp desperately tried to plug the gap by moving central midfielders Jordan Henderson and/or Fabinho into the back four.The entire balance of the team was thrown off and the Reds only just scraped into the top four.READ MORE SUN STORIESCity’s overall strength in depth and potential spending power in the January transfer window mean they should still be well capable of maintaining a title challenge. But in a battle that could come down to a handful of points, the sale of Alvarez, as much as Rodri’s injury, may prove crucial. More

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      Hull star Oscar Zambrano BANNED after breaching anti-doping rules as club release statement

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      HULL CITY star Oscar Zambrano has been banned from football for breaching anti-doping rules.The Ecuadorian midfielder, 20, is currently on loan at the MKM Stadium from LDU Quito.Oscar Zambrano was hit with an immediate ban for breaching anti-doping rulesCredit: GettyHowever, he was slapped with an immediate suspension on Tuesday – although the player plans to appeal the decision.Hull confirmed the shock news in a statement. The club said: “Hull City can confirm that, with immediate effect, CONMEBOL, the South American Football Confederation, has suspended Oscar Zambrano for breaching the anti-doping rules set out in Articles 6 and 7 of the CONMEBOL Anti-Doping Regulations.”Zambrano and his defence will use their right to appeal this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The Club is not in a position to provide further information at this time.”The bombshell announcement means Zambrano will be unavailable for Tim Walter’s Tigers when they take on Oxford United tonight. Zambrano was aware of the threat of a ban as he was investigated by the Ecuadorian FA for an issue that arose following a drugs test in March during his time at LDU Quito. Addressing the risk earlier in the season, the Ecuador Under-20 international said: “It is an issue that they are resolving and as I say, I believe that, thank God, it is on the right track, and at the end of the day, I am aware that it was not something that was intentional.Most read in Football”I know that a lot of people misunderstand it out there, but that’s normal and people can make whatever comments they want, to think what they can, they have every right but inside of me, I know how things were and what really happened. I’m calm, I’m training hard and hoping that I’ll be given the opportunity (to impress).”Hull owner Acun Ilicali previously vowed to stand by the youngster – after signing him knowing the possibility of a ban loomed. Football teams that controversially changed their badgeIlicali said: “He has an issue, but about this issue, we believe in him.”He told us his story and his problem is that he’s in danger of getting banned maybe but we think he is innocent. “He just explained everything to us and that’s the reason we will be able to get him with this budget. “If anything comes of course, there will not be any damage (to the club) and we will take this risk, so for us, it is okay.”Zambrano came through the academy at Colorados Jaipadida – the same youth team as Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo.But it was at LDU Quito where he made his name, progressing into the first team with the Ecuadorian giants. The youngster had a trial with Ajax and was also wanted by Sao Paulo as well as Colorado Rapids.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, he joined Hull on a season-long loan in August for the 2024-25 Championship season.Zambrano grabbed his first goal and assist for the club in the 4-1 win over Cardiff on September 28.Zambrano has 14 caps for Ecuador’s Under-20sCredit: GettyWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Scottish fan is ONLY away supporter to turn up to cheer on Atalanta against Napoli

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      JUST one Atalanta fan made it into the away section for their game against Napoli… and he was Scottish.Atalanta went to Antonio Conte’s Serie A leaders Napoli on Sunday without any support.Scottish fan Steven was the only Atalanta fan in the away end for their game against NapoliCredit: XThe home side banned anyone with a Lombardy postcode – where Atalanta is located – from entering the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.This measure was taken for security reasons.But that did not stop Scottish supporter Steven from making the trek to Naples for the game.He could be seen all alone in the Atalanta section with a huge club flag.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSteven also shared pictures of him inside the ground surrounded from all other corners of the arena by Napoli fans.But the area for the away fans was completely deserted as the Scot took photos with the stewards.Alongside the pictures, he added the caption on X: “Napoli stewards were amazing with me. Grazie.”Easiest shift they’ve ever had. What a game that was.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt turned out to be a memorable match for Atalanta as they claimed a stunning 3-0 win.Ademola Lookman scored twice in the opening 31 minutes, before Mateo Retegui added a third in stoppage time.Moment Napoli boss Antonio Conte hugs for Billy Gilmour after Scotland star’s standout performance The result moves Europa League champions Atalanta up to third and just three points adrift of Napoli in the Serie A table. More

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      New dad Ryan Giggs, 50, beams as he pushes baby girl in pram alongside girlfriend Zara Charles, 36

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      NEW dad Ryan Giggs has been spotted beaming as he pushed his baby girl in her pram alongside his girlfriend Zara Charles.Giggs, 50, and Zara, 36, made their first appearance with baby Cora near Old Trafford yesterday.Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs, 50, was seen beamingCredit: BackGridGiggs pushing his new baby girl in a pram alongside his girlfriend Zara CharlesCredit: BackGridLingerie model Zara kept it casual in a beige polo neck jumperCredit: BackGridFormer Manchester United winger Giggs smiled as he pushed Cora’s buggy.Lingerie model Zara kept it casual in a beige polo neck jumper, black skinny jeans, trainers and a black leather jacket.A spokesperson said: “Ryan and his partner Zara are delighted to announce the birth of their daughter, Cora Giggs who was born on Friday 1 November.”They extend their warmest gratitude to all the amazing staff especially the midwives at Wythenshawe hospital.”Read More SportGiggs is already dad to Sheffield United footballer son Zach, 17, plus daughter Libby, 19, from his marriage to Stacey Cooke.Zara — his partner since 2021 — also has a daughter from a previous marriage.The couple live in a £2.1million, seven-bedroom mansion which Giggs bought last year.In November Giggs celebrated his 50th birthday with a trip to Dubai with Zara.Most read in FootballShe surprised him by having red rose petals scattered across their hotel bed.Zara posted: “Yesterday was my best friend’s Big Birthday. Happy 50th, Ryan.”So grateful we got to spend it in one of our happy places. I will love you forever.”On Saturday Giggs was spotted putting his boots back on to help struggling Salford City.The Welsh legend, 50, was spotted back on the pitch for the warm-up in their League Two game against Fleetwood on Tuesday and then went into the dugout.Giggs is a part-owner of the club and there have been suggestions he could get more involved in the playing side.Whether he is going to make the move more permanent and significant remains to be seen.He was in the set-up for the 2-2 draw at Fleetwood, where Francis Okoronkwo netted a dramatic 98th-minute equaliser for City.And Giggs was snapped in the dugout again alongside boss Karl Robinson during Saturday’s 2-1 FA Cup win over Shrewsbury.Matthew Lund scored twice for the hosts as Salford extended their unbeaten run to five games across all competitions.The club had made a slow start to the new League Two season.But after a mini-revival, they now sit just two points off the playoff spots in 12th place.Giggs has not held a regular managerial position since leaving the Welsh national team in 2022.Giggs is co-owner of the League Two club along with his ex-United team-mates Gary and Phil Neville, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe joined the Red Devils as a 14-year-old and went on to win 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and two Champions Leagues.Over the course of almost 1000 games for Man Utd, he scored 168 goals.The couple were deep in conversationCredit: BackGridThe couple live in a £2.1million, seven-bedroom mansionCredit: BackGridThe couple at a Salford City game in AugustCredit: GettyGiggs and Zara at a restaurant opening in AprilCredit: BackGridZara works as a lingerie modelCredit: FacebookOn Saturday Giggs was spotted putting his boots back on to help Salford CityCredit: Getty More