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    Erik ten Hag warns Manuel Ugarte could take MONTHS to get fit in further blow to Man Utd fans after Liverpool hammering

    ERIK TEN HAG said he needs time to build his new-look Manchester United and claimed: I’m not Harry Potter.The Red Devils’ disappointing start to the new campaign continued as they were thumped 3-0 at home by rivals Liverpool.Manuel Ugarte was presented to Man Utd fans todayCredit: AlamyHowever, Erik ten Hag suggested it could take months for him to get up to full fitnessCredit: AlamyUgarte said the £51m midfielder had to build up his fitnessCredit: GettyAnd the Dutch boss moaned there is no magic wand he can wave and he should be judged at the end of the campaign.He said: “It’s just the third game in the season, we have to build a new team. We have young players, we had three players making their first start of the season, they didn’t play 90 minutes.”New £50.8million midfielder Manuel Ugarte was introduced to fans before the game, while summer signings Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee started.Ten Hag said: “With Ugarte, we have to build him into the team.It will take time, so it’s not like I’m Harry Potter. That is what you have to acknowledge.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”And if you see Manuel Ugarte, he didn’t play so far in the season. Not one match minute. “So he needs to build his fitness rate and then we have to build him in the team and I am sure he will contribute to our level and he will be an important player but that will take a couple of weeks, maybe even months.”And it counts for more players. Joshua Zirkzee, he made big steps the last three or four weeks, I am very pleased with his performance today but I didn’t expect this four weeks ago.“It was the first start of De Ligt, first start of Zirkzee, also for Alejandaro Garnacho this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“We still have some players not available.“We will be fine but it is clear we have to improve.Man Utd Player Ratings Casemiro’s Nightmare Against Liverpool“In two years, we took two prizes and in the end of the season I am quite confident we will have a big chance to lift another.“The opponent is probably a little bit further in certain areas but we will catch up and come back.“I don’t want to talk about good things. We lost 3-0. We have to stand up and bounce back.“We made two big mistakes and Liverpool took them really well.”United will be in a rush to get 23-year-old Ugarte fit after Casemiro had another day to forget.Man Utd player ratings vs LiverpoolMANCHESTER UNITED had a horror show against Liverpool as they lost 3-0.Casemiro was so bad he was taken off at half-time.But were there any positive performances at Old Trafford?Amadou Onana – 5Nothing he could do about any of Liverpool’s goals and made a few saves to prevent the scoreline from getting worse.Noussair Mazraoui – 5Came close to scoring in the first half and looked solid enough against Diaz although he did push up too high before Liverpool’s opener.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Left Diaz and Domink Szobozslai in acres of space for the opening goal but was left in a tricky spot thanks to Casemiro’s error. Booked for a shocking late tackle on Diaz.Lisandro Martinez – 3Lost Diaz for the second goal which meant the Colombian was able to score unmarked from the penalty spot.Also guilty of giving away the ball too easily and was not tight enough with his marking.Diogo Dalot – 4Was caught out pushing up too quickly for the first goal and did not do enough to stop Mo Salah’s cross in the build-up to Liverpool’s second.Looked dangerous in attack at times but too infrequently as he had plenty of defensive work to do since Rashford did not track Trent Alexander-Arnold.Casemiro – 2A horror show in the first half as he gave the ball away in the lead up to both of Liverpool’s goals.He was caught on the ball for the second after a shocking misplaced pass left his defence vulnerable for the opening goal. Hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 4Fell victim to the Casemiro curse as he was shrugged off the ball in a terrible position, allowing Liverpool to add a third with ease.Bruno Fernandes – 5Was United’s most creative spark but that is not saying much. Tried to get his side going in the first half but looked short of ideas and inspiration after the break.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Still appears to be a little rusty and is yet to hit the heights he reached last season.Marcus Rashford – 3Nothing came off for the out-of-sorts forward who must be running out of chances before he is dropped.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Quiet up-front and had little influence on the wing as well, but missed a clear-cut chance with his head and should have turned in Rashford’s cross which he met at the far post.SubsTom Collyer (for Casemiro, HT) – 5A difficult game for the youngster to make his Premier League debut but he put himself about and won a few tackles.Harry Maguire (for De Ligt, 69mins) – 5Shored things up at the back as Liverpool took their foot off the pedal.Amad (for Garnacho, 69mins) – 5Provided a spark on the right and looked more lively than Garnacho.Christian Eriksen (for Zirkzee, 86mins) – N/ANot on long enough to make an impact.He gave the ball away in the build-up to Liverpool’s first two goals.Ten Hag hooked the veteran Brazilian at half-time and replaced him with 20-year-old rookie Toby Collyer.And the Dutchman was forced to deny reports Casemiro, 32, went HOME during the second half.Ten Hag said: “I met him after the game, so he didn’t leave.“The reason I subbed him was because we are 2-0 down against an opponent like Liverpool. It is what the team needed.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAsked if there were positives from the defeat, Ten Hag added: “There are some but I don’t want to talk about this.“It hurts — especially for our fans. We have to be humble and move on.” More

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    Chelsea set for seven-figure windfall if England hire Graham Potter as next manager with Blues STILL paying his salary

    CHELSEA could earn a windfall of £1million if England decide to replace Gareth Southgate with Graham Potter.Potter left Chelsea in April last year after less than seven months in charge.Potter is among the front runners to take over as England bossCredit: PAGareth Southgate resigned on TuesdayCredit: AlamyAccording to the Mail, Chelsea are still paying Potter £200,000-a-week after sacking him.They are obliged to continue paying that until October.But if Potter accepts an offer from elsewhere, his new salary would be deducted from the £200,000-a-week paid to him by Chelsea.Potter is among the bookies favourites to take over the Three Lions after Southgate’s decision to resign.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSouthgate earned around £5million a year in his role – around £100,000 per week – during his near-eight years in charge of the national team.That means that if Potter took the job on the same salary as Southgate, it would save Chelsea around £1million if he were to be appointed in September.Potter was questioned on whether he may take the job when receiving an honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett Univeristy.Potter joined the uni as manager of the Leeds Carnegie men’s team in 2009 and completed an MSc in Leadership: Personal & Professional Development from the institution.Most read in FootballPotter spoke after receiving an honorary doctorateCredit: X @BBCWYSCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAfter being presented with his award, Potter was questioned on the links to the vacant England role.He said: “I don’t think today’s the day to speak about that. Gareth has done a fantastic job.The Sun’s Shaun Custis and Charlie Wyett discuss Gareth Southgate quitting as England manager and who could replace him”I don’t think there is anybody in the country that is more respected in football than Gareth.”I think he and his team led the country in a really good way and I have huge respect for him.”And today’s the day to wish him a nice break because he deserves that. And to wish him well in whatever he does in the part of his career.”Current frontrunners for the job with the bookies are Potter, Eddie Howe and u21s boss Lee Carsley. More

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    England squad get serenaded by Ed Sheeran ahead of Switzerland clash as star finally completes his Lego Hogwarts

    ENGLAND stars have been serenaded by Ed Sheeran after their dramatic 2-1 victory over Slovakia.The Three Lions were on the brink of crashing out the Euros before a stunning overhead kick by Jude Bellingham and winner by Harry Kane booked their place in the quarter-finals.Ed Sheeran serenaded the England teamLewis Dunk has been building a Lego HogwartsGareth Southgate’s side face Switzerland next and ahead of the game on Saturday evening, the England squad enjoyed a break from training.And they were sung to by pop star Sheeran as he gave them a private performance of his hit ‘The A-Team’.The Ipswich fan ironically played his guitar behind a ‘Lego House’ built by Lewis Dunk.England masseur Ben Mortlock and the centre-back have been keeping busy at the team’s luxury Blackenheim base by building a huge Lego Hogwarts.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDunk explained: “Ben, he has done more than me so far. He’s loving it. I’ve done a little bit. ” I’m just glad my kids ain’t here to smash it up.”100 per cent (it’s going to last). I was thinking about gluing it so I can take it home. “My kids are Harry Potter fans, they love it.”Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEngland’s five-point penalty shootout planEXPERT football psychologist Professor Geir Jordet has told Gareth Southgate and his players what they can do to give themselves the best chance of victory in any shootouts.And he has even thrown in a rogue, bold suggestion for the Three Lions manager…1. START PLANNING LAST YEAR “It’s about planning for the opposition’s penalty takers but also ‘how do we win the psychological game against each opponent?’2. SMART SOUTHGATE LEADERSHIP”Southgate will have two minutes to influence his players as effectively as possible, show he has a plan and get confidence across.”3. DICTATE AS A TEAM”A shootout is really a team performance. Have the goalkeeper walk with the penalty taker into the penalty area to basically create a two-versus-one against the other goalkeeper. Dominate the centre circle, support the players who missed.”4. ‘BULLETPROOF’ INDIVIDUAL ROUTINES “Have really good, individualised and rehearsed pre-shot routines that are bulletproof and polished so they’re more likely to be able to resist the stress and more likely to score.”5. SHOOT YOUR SHOT  “Practise the shot itself, trying to simulate penalty shootouts in training. Even recreating 20 per cent of a Euros final penalty shootout is going to have a benefit for your performance.”AND A JOR DROPPING IDEA…Jordan Pickford is the No1 but Dean Henderson actually has a far better penalty record – saving 8/22 (36 per cent) compared to Pickford’s 8/62 (13 per cent).Jordet said: “One could consider making a late substitution for a penalty shootout. I doubt that they dare to do it in case it fails and the pressure is even higher but it would be a very ballsy move.”Sheeran will be hoping for more Bellingham magic against the Swiss as he is in Germany cheering on England.He was spotted in the stands against Denmark and Slovakia – but will be hoping that less ‘Bad Habits’ creep into the next performance.Meanwhile, England players have been unwinding by playing darts and golf in their spare time.The Sun’s Martin Lipton on Jude Bellingham’s potential ban as UEFA investigate gesture vs SlovakiaThe best of England vs SlovakiaCHECK out all the best action from England’s rollercoaster Euro 2024 last-16 win over Slovakia. More

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    How England stars are keeping busy in camp, from sauna contest to Harry Potter lego and copying BBC game show

    ENGLAND stars have been keeping themselves busy in their Euro 2024 camp in many different ways.The Three Lions are currently preparing for the round of 16 clash against Slovakia on Sunday evening.England stars have found ways of keeping themselves entertained at Euro 2024Credit: GettyBukayo Saka is one star that has embraced dartsCredit: PAKobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer have played poolCredit: GettyEzri Konsa and Ollie Watkins have played TeqballCredit: GettyThe players have developed multiple ways to keep themselves occupied when they are not training.While at their Blankenhain training base, the stars have come up with different games to relax.One activity involves a 6,000-lego piece set of Hogwarts Castle from Harry Potter.Lewis Dunk has admitted that he has been building the castle along with team masseur Ben Mortlock.READ MORE IN EURO 2024The Brighton captain said: “It’s going to be Hogwarts. It’s not just me. Me and Ben the masseuse, we’re working on it.”To be fair, he has done more than me so far. He’s loving it.”I’ve done a little bit. I’m just glad my kids ain’t here to smash it up!”The players have also made a game to be played at the spa and wellness centre.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTheir competitiveness has come into play as they do a last-man-standing game in the wood-panelled sauna.It is believed that Liverpool’s Joe Gomez is often the winner and the best at withstanding the heat.Anthony Gordon given cheeky gift by photographer after bike crash as England star reveals what caused high-speed crashAnother popular game among the players is called “wolf” which is based on BBC gameshow Traitors.The England stars have adapted it into a card-playing game in which a large group have to snuff out a small team of wolves.The game came to the forefront after Jude Bellingham’s celebration following his goal against Serbia.There have also been some more activity-based games, as a clip of Declan Rice, Aaron Ramsdale and Kieran Trippier playing cricket emerged online.The England players’ game of ‘wolf’ inspired this celebration against SerbiaCredit: AlamyHarry Kane has been practising his NFL skillsCredit: GettyMarc Guehi is one player that has enjoyed a bike rideCredit: GettyPlayers have also hit the padel courts to take part in mini-tennis matches.The game became popular after the Qatar World Cup and the likes of Phil Foden, Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer and Adam Wharton have been spotted taking part.Cycling has also been embraced by a number of the players, such as Marc Guehi, Ivan Toney and Anthony Gordon.The Newcastle star, however, suffered an unfortunate accident as he fell off his bike, which left him with some cuts and scraps.Gordon was lucky not have done any more damage as Czech Republic midfielder Michal Sadilek was ruled out of Euro 2024 after falling off his bike just days before the tournament started.Harry Kane has been snapped enjoying multiple different sports such as American football, golf and darts.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile other such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Palmer and Gordon have also been playing pool.Aston Villa stars Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins have also been playing Teqball at the camp.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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    England star reveals he has been building HOGWARTS out of Lego as he hopes for Harry Potter magic at Euro 2024

    LEWIS DUNK has been building a Lego Hogwarts in his downtime with England – and will be hoping a certain Harry weaves his magic at the Euros.Brighton skipper Dunk is part of the Three Lions’ 26-man squad, captained by Harry Kane, that hope to end 58 years of hurt out here in Germany.Lewis Dunk is at a major international tournament for the first timeCredit: Gettythe Brighton captain has been passing the time by building a Lego HogwartsHe has been enjoying hitting the links when not training along with other golf nuts Kane, Jordan Pickford and Declan Rice.But he has also been whiling away his free-time constructing the famous Harry Potter castle out of everyone’s favourite toy bricks, with the help of England masseur Ben Mortlock.After being shown an image of the build so far on FA show Lions’ Den, Dunk, 32, said: “It’s going to be Hogwarts. It’s not just me. Me and Ben the masseuse, we’re working on it.“To be fair, he has done more than me so far. He’s loving it.READ MORE ON EURO 2024“I’ve done a little bit. I’m just glad my kids ain’t here to smash it up!“100 per cent (it’s going to last). I was thinking about glueing it so I can take it home. I’ve always wanted it!“(My kids) are Harry Potter fans, they love it.”There has been plenty of work as well as play though for Dunk since arriving in Germany.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTeam-mate Ollie Watkins revealed the Albion skipper has had a specific role in training as the team prepare for battering ram Aleksandar Mitrovic ahead of Sunday’s group-opener against Serbia.Watkins, 28, said: “We know they are a very physical team, they’re good at what they do. Mitrovic is a big target man and he’s good in the air, scores a lot of goals.Play Foden & Bellingham centrally & go for it! | Jack Wilshere’s plan to win the EurosEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT“We’ve been working around their threats and how to stop them from getting in the game. Dunky has been heading about 20 balls today!” More

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    Arsenal star looks unrecognisable as he turns up at Wembley playoff final dressed as Harry Potter character

    AARON RAMSDALE joined the Southampton fans at the Championship play-off final in disguise.But if it was an attempt at going incognito, it was a failure.Aaron Ramsdale wore a brilliant costume to WembleyCredit: https://x.com/karthikadhaigalRamsdale dressed as Hagrid while supporting pal Harry BrooksRamsdale wasn’t the only one inspired by Harry PotterThe keeper was spotted among the Southampton faithfulCredit: https://x.com/karthikadhaigalHe backed the right horse as the Saints reached the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyRamsdale sported a black beard and wig that brought Harry Potter’s giant guardian Hagrid to mind, although it is unclear why he chose the costume.Clad in a brown outfit, he was first spotted at BOXPARK Wembley.And he was later seen in the Southampton end.The former Bournemouth stopper was likely supporting ex-Cherries team-mate David Brooks, who was forced off injured in the first half.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut the Saints loanee will have been delighted to see his side overcome Leeds as Adam Armstrong’s first-half strike settled a nervy game.Southampton keeper Alex McCarthy may have kept a clean sheet, but it was Ramsdale who stole the show.One fan quipped: “Well he is a Keeper of Grounds too so.”Another added: “Love that.”Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRamsdale has been overtaken in the Arsenal pecking order by David Raya and could be on the move this summer.SunSport exclusively revealed that he is being lined up for a shock move to Wolves.Man Utd fans gush ‘just a top guy’ as they spot Kobbie Mainoo’s dressing room gesture to Amad DialloThe Midlands club are set to sell keeper Jose Sa after continued interest from Saudi Arabia.Newcastle have also been linked with a £15million bid.Southampton will be looking to strengthen over the summer after their win but with Gavin Bazunu and McCarthy between the sticks, may look elsewhere. More

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    How Mauricio Pochettino’s record compared to Chelsea predecessors with departing boss far better than Potter and Lampard

    MAURICIO POCHETTINO has become the fourth Chelsea boss to leave in just over two years but departs with better stats than his predecessors. The Argentine took over last summer when Graham Potter was sacked in September 2022. Blues legend Frank Lampard had come in as interim manager after Potter’s dismissal and just two years removed from his own sacking. Lampard took charge of 66 Premier League games during his time with Chelsea, taking 100 points with an average of 1.52 per game. In comparison, Potter had only 22 matches in the hotseat ending on 1.27 points per game. That is a joint-worse record with Glenn Hoddle, who managed 122 matches with 155 points. READ MORE IN football Pochettino leaves West London in better vain with an average of 1.66 points per game after taking 63 from the 38 he oversaw. Statistically, Chelsea best-performing manager in the Prem is Avram Grant, who replaced Jose Mourinho after his shock sacking in 2007. Grant managed 32 league games, with 74 points taken and an average of 2.31. His successor, Luiz Felipe Scolari lasted less than a season and finished on 49 points from 25 games and an average of 1.96. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJose Mourinho – the Blues’ longest-serving manager of the Prem era – had two iconic spells at Stamford Bridge. He left with three titles and a second-best finish for points per game at 2.19 after 212 matches in charge and 464 points taken. Who could be Chelsea’s next boss after Pochettino exit?Tuchel – linked with a return to Chelsea – had only 63 league fixtures with 122 points and an average of 1.94. His departure has drawn comparisons to Pochettino amid rumoured tension with Chelsea owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali. Linked with vacant job is Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna, departing Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness.Chelsea next manager oddsWho are the favourites to take over at Stamford Bridge?
    TO be next permanent Chelsea boss:
    Robert De Zerbi 9/4Sebastian Hoeness 6/1Thomas Tuchel 7/1Enzo Maresca 9/1Kieran McKenna 9/1Hansi Flick 10/1Michel Sanchez 10/1Jose Mourinho 14/1 More

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    James Maddison enjoys date night with girlfriend Kennedy Alexa as they go to watch Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

    JAMES MADDISON swapped north London for the West End for a romantic trip to the theatre with his Wag.The Tottenham magician shared photos of a date night with girlfriend Kennedy Alexa as they went to the Palace Theatre in London to watch the stage play of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
    James Maddison went undercover for his date nightCredit: instagram @madders
    Maddison went to see Harry Potter and the Cursed ChildCredit: instagram @madders
    He shared a pic of a quote from comedian Billy ConnollyCredit: instagram @madders
    Maddison was on the date night with long-term partner Kennedy AlexaCredit: instagram @madders
    Maddison shared photos of him going undercover as he wore baggy trousers with a khaki-quarter zip jacket with a hat and glasses.
    The 27-year-old also took pics outside of the theatre and showed a quote from comedian Billy Connolly plastered on the wall.
    He then showed off a snap of the show programme while he was in his seat.
    Kennedy made an appearance on the next snap as they sat and enjoyed a coffee.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    The picture collection concluded with Maddison taking a photo of the ceiling of the theatre which opened in 1891.
    Fans were loving the England international’s look for his date night.
    Taking to the comments under the Instagram post, one fan said: “Always stylish and cool!”
    A second said: “You’re a wizard Jamesy!”
    Most read in Football
    Maddison took a snap of the show programmeCredit: instagram @madders
    He also showed of the ceiling of the Palace Theatre which is 133 years oldCredit: instagram @madders
    A third said: “Obviously the magician would like magic, love you.”
    Another added: “A very stylish man.”
    Watch awkward Laura Woods interview with James Maddison as Tottenham ace says ‘that might annoy you Laura’
    Maddison has scored three goals and added six assists in 13 Premier League games for Ange Postecoglou’s team this season.
    He has been dating Kennedy since 2020.
    They celebrated the birth of twins, Delilah and Rome, shortly after Maddison sealed his transfer to Tottenham from Leicester.
    The smitten couple also have a two-year-old son, Leo.
    Maddison has been dating Kennedy since 2020Credit: Instagram / @kennedyalexa
    The couple have three children togetherCredit: Dan Charity / Commissioned by the Sun More