More stories

  • in

    Ex-Man Utd coach reveals ‘no one knew anything about Sancho’ and admits Chelsea star would ‘sneak off to London a lot’

    JADON SANCHO’S stint at Manchester United failed because the coaching team knew “literally nothing” about him.That is according to ex-United first-team coach Benni McCarthy, who spent the last two years at Old Trafford working under manager Erik ten Hag.Chelsea star Jadon Sancho failed at Man Utd because of a ‘lack of communication and understanding’Credit: GettyEx-Man Utd first-team coach Benni McCarthy claims no one knew anything about SanchoCredit: GettySancho fell out with Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag before his move to ChelseaCredit: PASancho would also ‘sneak out’ to London during his time at Man UtdCredit: PASancho, 24, joined the Red Devils in 2021 after a staggering £73million move from Borussia Dortmund, where he thrived for four years but never managed to live up to his billing in Manchester.The winger ultimately fell out of favour last year after a public spat with Ten Hag, who claimed he left him out of the squad because of his performances in training.The player responded with a fiery post on social media claiming he was turned into a “scapegoat” amid the team’s turbulent start to the campaign.The England international refused to backtrack and that led to the Dutch tactician axing him from the first team entirely.Read More on Man UtdMcCarthy, 46, claims the main reason behind Sancho’s hapless United stint was down to a “lack of communication and understanding” between the forward and the coaching staff.And that led to Ten Hag as well as his assistants never really getting to know the now Chelsea star as a player.McCarthy said on the On The Whistle podcast: “Just a bit of communication problems, really, because Sanch is a very quiet guy.”No one knows literally nothing about Jadon. Jadon comes in, he does his job, he does his work, and then it’s just like, very quiet.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”[He’s] A great boy, great character, fantastic footballer, unbelievable the things that he can do. “For me, it was a real shame that it didn’t work out for Jadon at United, because I thought he was the type of player that would flourish in a United shirt. Man Utd flop Jadon Sancho makes bizarre claim about Enzo Maresca being reason he joined Chelsea but it doesn’t add up”But unfortunately, I think lack of communication and understanding, I think was was part of the downside that didn’t end up working with Sanch.”Sancho returned to Dortmund on loan in January and showed glimpses of his former self as he helped the Bundesliga giants make it to the Champions League final.The forward returned to United in the summer and reached an uneasy truce with Ten Hag but still couldn’t manage to convince on the pitch and thus joined Chelsea on loan with an obligation to buy.McCarthy believes Sancho may finally reach his full potential with the Blues, especially after an impressive start under new manager Enzo Maresca, as he is now closer to home.The South Africa legend suggested the fact the Camberwell native was far from home also contributed to his troubles at Man Utd as he revealed he would often “sneak out” to London.McCarthy added: “He’s closer to home because he did sneak out to come to London quite a lot.Sancho would ‘sneak out’ to London”So probably the fact that he was missing home, and, just wanted to be a bit closer to family and friends and his culture.”The London culture is quite strong, so I think Jadon maybe wanted more of that. So that’s why he kept on. He was in London quite a lot.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Now he is closer to home, so hopefully he can find that peace, he can find that bit of magic that he found when he went to Dortmund, and he gets the love that he deserves from the coaching staff, the players.”I think he will turn out to be a special player again. Because I think every single one that knows Sancho that would want him to be at that level, because it’s good for world football.” More

  • in

    Ex-Rangers star Duncan Ferguson reveals he’s working for FREE at Inverness and says ‘I’ll try to put food on the table’

    DUNCAN FERGUSON is to work for free at crisis club Caley Thistle after volunteering to give up his wage to help save the club.The Everton legend made the remarkable gesture just over a month after accepting a 40 per cent salary cut.Duncan Ferguson is working for free at InvernessCredit: Kenny RamsayHis remaining £1200-a-week wages, originally £3000-a-week when he was lured north, will go towards the £200,000 Caley Jags say they must raise this month to stave off the immediate threat of administration.Ferguson was talking while the Inverness board was meeting upstairs to discuss the scale of the latest financial threat to the 2015 Scottish Cup winners and former Premiership outfit’s future.The 52-year-old former Dundee United, Rangers, Everton and Newcastle striker, appointed late last September, said: “I’ve given up my wage to try and help the club. I’m now working for nothing.“That’s by the by, it’s my own decision to try and help the club get through all this.“The players are worried, yes. They have contracts to fall upon, but it is the people around about the stadium, the staff, everyone’s jobs are on the line.“I think you know since I’ve been here I’ve taken cuts and reductions.“Now, when I realised the position the club is in, in needing to raise £200,000 this month, I decided I don’t need to get paid my wage.“I’ll work for nothing just now to try and help them through this. The plight of the staff was in my mind. It always is.Most read in FootballCeltic legend Scott Brown as you’ve never seen him before as he opens up on his management career, Rodgers, Lennon.. and Walter Smith“I like to think I’m a caring person and I like to look after my staff and people around about me.“At the moment, I’ll get through as best I can and try to keep putting petrol in my car and food on the table.”Ferguson was offered £3k a week by past CEO Scot Gardiner after the sacking of predecessor Billy Dodds.He revealed just over a month ago that the wage was quickly reduced to £2k a week, before taking another 40 per cent cut in late August.Caley Thistle highlighted the renewed threat of administration in a letter to shareholders made public on Wednesday.Ferguson added: “It was a decision I took last night when we got the message coming through about the £200,000 the club needed.“I felt it would be appropriate for myself to offer my wage into that pot. They can look for a bit less than £200,000 now.“That will continue. I’ll give my wage to try and help the club.“Hopefully that helps.“I’m not going to ask anyone else to do what I’ve done. It is each to their own.“I’ve done my bit and I’ll continue to do my bit for the football club. Everyone who knows me knows that.“I’ll do it as long as is needed before the people at the club come up with some money to save the club.“Obviously, I can’t go without a wage forever and ever, because I need to put food on the table myself.“But at the moment it is needs must – I’m making sacrifices.“I think the club were happy with the decision, but I just think it is the right thing to do. It’s a personal choice.“It’s not an easy time for the club and I’ve made the decision.“Everyone knows I’ve enjoyed my time here, enjoyed the city.“I keep telling people that. I like Inverness and rarely go back down the road, down south.“It is a great club, a great fan-base and they’ve always been good to me, but I care about my players and the staff around about me.“I’ll always fight for them and that’s why I do this.”New Inverness chairman Alan SavageCredit: KEN MACPHERSONCaley Thistle have struggled to hit the back of the net this season, netting just six goals in eight league games.Six draws and a solitary win in that sequence has cast doubt on their initial status as title favourites, but Ferguson remains confident a challenge can be mounted.Administration would see the club docked 15 points, and that is also in his mind as he strives to turn draws into wins.The arrival of Charlie Reilly on loan from Dundee has added to his confidence that can be done.Ferguson said: “Charlie, we believe, can be a great signing. He is very direct and can score goals.“We have good players here and we’ll keep working hard to get those victoriers that will lift the whole place.“Am I a fighter? I think my past record proves that – on and off the field!“I’ll soldier on and keep doing it for the club.“We’ve just got to get results, haven’t we? We have a very young squad and with the financial implications you’re concerned for the staff.“I’m just going to go on, keep fighting and try to support the staff and players, everyone at the club.“If administration comes, every point counts.“We need to get more points on the board and should have more.“If it does go into administration, hopefully we can survive (in League One) as we have good players through there.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOur New YouTube ChannelSubscribe to our new Scottish Sun Sport YouTube channel for all the latest football news, views and amazing moments.We’ve got every major development covered from Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and the rest of the Scottish Premiership.Plus we have TWO brilliant new podcasts to watch every week…MONDAYGo Ballistic with Roger Hannah and special guest Kris Boyd will dissect all the weekend action and deliver their no-holds-barred reaction.WEDNESDAYRobert Grieve and Bill Leckie chew over the tastiest topics in Scottish football and offer their unique takes in their Coffee Club.FRIDAYGo Ballistic is back with Roger Hannah and top tipster Jim Delahunt looking ahead to the weekend games and analysing the biggest talking points.Subscribe now and don’t miss a thing. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

  • in

    Jose Mourinho SLEEPING at Fenerbahce’s training ground as he reveals reason behind gruelling work schedule

    JOSE MOURINHO revealed he sleeps at Fenerbahce’s training ground so that he “doesn’t waste time”.Mourinho, 61, made a surprise move to Fener in June and has already made an impact with seven wins out of 11 matches across all competitions.Jose Mourinho revealed he sleeps in Fenerbahce’s training groundCredit: GettyFenerbahce boss Mourinho claims he works at least 12 hours per dayCredit: ReutersThe Portuguese tactician suffered his second defeat on Saturday when his team lost 3-1 to bitter rivals Galatasaray but returned to winning ways on Thursday with a 2-1 win over Union Saint-Gilloise.The ex-Manchester United boss put together a long and passionate speech after the Europa League game as he explained the “Mourinho effect”, which sees him winning silverware everywhere he goes.The former Chelsea manager outlined his trophy success at every club he worked for, with the exception of Tottenham who sacked him two days before the 2021 EFL Cup final against Manchester City.The Special One also revealed he is so determined to carry on the “Mourinho effect” at Fenerbahce that he works “at least” 12 hours each day and sleeps in the training ground at night.Read More on FootballMourinho said: “​​I won trophies at every club I went to, only I didn’t win at Tottenham because I left the club two days before the Cup final. “So the Mourinho effect that I created at every club was to win trophies. I’m very sorry. We can’t do that in September. This game had two sides to it: One was the Europa League and the other was the difficulty of the first game after a heavy defeat.”After that game, it was a week in which there was a bit of pleasure in knocking people down. I am not an expert in body language or a judge in a dance competition. I know the emotional side of football well.“Journalists have an effect on the way fans think, the way business is done has something to do with it. Maybe it is you who need to change, you work too much. I don’t know how many hours he works, but I work at least 12 hours a day.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I sleep at the club so I don’t waste time. Istanbul is a beautiful city, but I didn’t come here on holiday, I came to work. Everyone in the club does this, we have a good working environment.“I always try to instil and explain this to people: I can be successful from time to time, but when things go well you don’t go to the moon, and when things go bad you don’t go to hell. Watch Jose Mourinho’s hilarious reaction as former Man Utd midfielder Fred scores hat-trick for Fenerbahce “This is my philosophy. I work hard and I’m not going to go to the moon, nor am I going to go to hell . We want to go to the moon, but it’s too far away.“Sometimes they try to push us into hell, but people try hard not to. European Cups, I say half, because they stole a European Cup from me, I will never forget that. The reason for achieving all this is that I work hard at Fenerbahce, me and everyone at the club work hard.” More

  • in

    Gary Neville tells Eddie Howe clear reason why he should QUIT Newcastle for ‘next step up’ in his career

    GARY NEVILLE claims Eddie Howe should leave Newcastle to better himself.And the Manchester United legend warned the Toon chief he might “lose” out – if he doesn’t depart soon.Gary Neville has strong views on Eddie Howe’s futureCredit: YouTube/ The OverlapEddie Howe is rated one of the favourites for the England job, in the unlikely event that interim chief Lee Carsley isn’t handed the job permanentlyCredit: GettyTalk of “friction” between Howe and Newcastle’s new sporting director Paul Mitchell has soared this week.And Neville explains why he believes a swift exit is the easiest way for the former Bournemouth boss to make the “next step up”.Howe has been linked with the England job since Gareth Southgate’s departure over the summer.And although interim chief Lee Carsley is now strong favourite for the permanent job, it’s Howe, along with Pep Guardiola and Graham Potter, who comes next in the betting odds.READ MORE TOP STORIESNeville reckons it’s time for the 46-year-old, who has ben in charge of Newcastle since 2021, to put himself first.The ex-England defender told The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast: “If I was Eddie Howe, I would go and look after myself“You’ve had a great Premier League career, you’ve done a brilliant job. “You’ve been fantastic at Newcastle. You’ve almost closed that chapter of their development.”Most read in SportFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNev added: “England are in a great position with players. You’re going to be working with amazing players. “The next step up in Eddie’s career would be England. Man Utd title winner looks unrecognisable as he rejoins former club at 35 “It’s difficult to get a Chelsea job, or Man United or Liverpool. He’ll know that. “He might get Tottenham at some point in the future.“My point is for Eddie, it’s difficult… to win with England, you’d have a chance of getting one of those top jobs. “I think it’s his next step up, and I think he would take that job. “He’s got to be proactive and not wait for other people to determine his outcome.”Neville also suggested it might all go wrong for Howe unless he acts within the next few months – because of reported wrangling within St. James Park.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Sky Sports pundit argued: “I think he’ll lose if this drags on until January or February.”It ends for him but (by then) the England job has been given to someone else – and he’s lost both.” More

  • in

    Harry Redknapp, 77, tipped for stunning return to football as Premier League cult hero says ‘the game needs him’

    HARRY REDKNAPP has been told “Football needs you back” – at 77.The former Tottenham, Portsmouth and West Ham chief was sacked from his last job, as Birmingham boss, in October 2017.Harry Redknapp has not managed for seven yearsCredit: GettyBut ex-Spurs and Pompey midfielder Pedro Mendes believes Redknapp offers “something different” from other managers.The former Southampton and QPR boss, who never got the England job he craved, has found fame away from the sport in the past seven years.Redknapp won I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here – sparking a string of TV appearances.But Mendes reckons the 2018 King of the Jungle deserves to come out of the wilderness and reign at another top club.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe former Portugal star told Gambling.com: “I think there should always be a place for a guy like Harry Redknapp in the game. “Everything around Harry is different. The way he trains, the way he speaks, the way his relationship is with the players.”Harry has been out of the game for a while now, and I think he should be back. “The game needs him, you know. He just brings something different.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRedknapp mainly played for West Ham and Bournemouth in his 17-year career on the pitch.He then launched 34 years in management with long spells at both those teams.Van der Vaart reveals Redknapp’s three-word half-time team-talk that inspired Tottenham to Arsenal triumphRedknapp bossed the Cherries from 1983-1992, winning the Associate Members Cup.He then took charge of the Hammers until 2001, guiding them to Intertoto Cup success in 1991.But his main claim to silverware was at his next job.He took Portsmouth into the top flight as second-tier champions in 2003 and FA Cup glory followed five years later.That aside, Redknapp’s peak managerial achievement was notching successive finishes of fourth, fifth and fourth at Spurs from 2008-2012.Mendes said: “When Harry’s not upset, and he’s not looking for the players to run kilometres and build stamina, he just loves when a player does a trick and scores a fantastic goal, or does something different.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 45-year-old singled out ex-Portsmouth playmakers Niko Kranjcar and Andres) D’Alessandro as stylists who Redknapp got the best out of.Now Mendes reckons it’s time his old gaffer got a chance to help a new generation of exciting players reach their Pomp. More

  • in

    Man Utd legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ‘open’ to return to management with soon-to-be vacant role

    OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has revealed the major new boss job he’d fancy.The Manchester United strike legend has been out of management since three years as Old Trafford chief ended with the sack in November 2021.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ‘wants to feel the pressure’ of management againCredit: AFPThe Norwegian was linked with Besiktas and Leicester over the summer.And he “wants to feel the pressure” of a top dugout role again.However, the 51-year-old would have to wait if he hopes to land the latest position he has now spoken out on.Solskjaer, who came on to nick United’s last-gasp Treble-clincher in the 1999 Champions League final against Bayern Munich, is eyeing the Norway position.READ MORE TOP STORIESCurrent manager Stale Solbakken announced this month he will he’ll step down after their 2026 World Cup campaign.That could mean departing after the qualifiers – or staying for two more years if Norway reach the finals in North America.Home-country outlet NRK report Solskjaer as saying: “I am a proud Norwegian. “If the question comes up, when Stale finds out that he doesn’t want it anymore, I’m happy to enter into a conversation.”Most read in FootballNorway boss Stale Solbakken aims to step down after the World Cup campaignCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe former Cardiff and Molde boss added: “It just has to be the right job and I depend on working with the right people.”Solskjaer would also jump at the chance of going back to Old Trafford if the call ever came out. Watch Man Utd legend Solskjaer give cheeky comment about Watkins’ England winner against NetherlandsHe said: “If your family needs you, then of course they will help. “I would say ‘yes’ any day of the week. “It feels wrong to sit and talk about jobs that other people have. But of course, yes.”And if Solskjaer has even the slightest worry about his energy fading in his fifties, then ironically he can turn to the words of Solbakken for inspiration.The ex-Wolves chief, 56, said of his life once he leaves the Norway role: “While I’m still young and virile, I want to do something else too.”I’ve said no to a number of club jobs that really tempted me, but I’m determined to make one last attempt here, and then I think that’s it.”  More

  • in

    ‘I’m not at my level,’ claims £54m Chelsea star as he says ‘no one can sleep’ over competition under Enzo Maresca

    CHELSEA stars are losing sleep over the competition in Enzo Maresca squad.The new Blues boss spent £220million after taking over in the summer following Mauricio Pochettino’s exit.Pedro Neto during a Chelsea training sessionCredit: GettyWinger Pedro Neto was a £54million addition from Wolves and has been competing to get a regular spot out wide. Neto – who took the No7 jersey from Arsenal loanee Raheem Sterling – scored his first Chelsea goal in the 5-0 League Cup drubbing of Barrow. And he admitted Maresca’s squeezed squad are only just getting used to the rotating line ups. He said: “When you arrive at a big club, it’s a new adaptation. Maybe in Wolverhampton, I was going to play maybe 90 per cent of the games.READ MORE ON football“Here, I have to work even more or maybe I’ll not play because the coach will rotate the players. “It makes you play even better because you know that you have to work.“With the amount of quality that we have here, no one can sleep. As the coach has said: ‘Everyone will not play every game’.“We have to work hard and make for ourselves and continue to to do it every weekend, every training session, every game. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It’s the mentality that I hope can take us to the top.”Neto, 24, has made seven appearances so far this season operating on both the left and right in competition with Noni Madueke, 22. Chelsea Player Ratings vs Crystal Palace SocialBut Neto admitted: “At the moment, I’m not at my level, but I’m getting there. I know that I will arrive at my top form and I will enjoy it.“I continue to work. I continue to work on my confidence, on my football, on the adaptation, and I hope to be [at full fitness] as soon as as I can.” More

  • in

    Floyd Mayweather splashes out £750k to complete never-before-seen luxury watch collection

    FLOYD MAYWEATHER has splashed out three-quarters of a million pounds to complete a luxury watch collection.Mayweather, who retired from professional boxing in 2017, pocketed an estimated £900million ($1.2billion) across his pro fighting career before continuing to rake in the cash with exhibition matches.Floyd Mayweather splashed out £750,000 on a new set of watchesCredit: GettyMayweather bought a collection of four watchesCredit: @FloydMayweather/InstagramThey came in four different colours and cost $250k eachCredit: @FloydMayweather/InstagramEach one of the gemstone-encrusted watches was made by Avi and CoCredit: @FloydMayweather/InstagramThe 47-year-old has an estimated net worth of £336m and has made a number of mind-boggling purchases.This includes a £20m car collection, property – one of which he recently sold for $22.5m – and a watch collection.And he has now added a stunning gemstone-encrusted set of four Avi and Co watches to his collection.The four watches – all members of the Hue Collection – come in four different colours; blue, green, red and pink.READ MORE IN BOXINGEach watch reportedly cost $250,000, a retail price “Money” Mayweather could not refuse.The purchase has made him the first person in the world to own the full set, with the watches previously being kept in a special-edition winder-display box in New York.Avi and Co, founded in 2009, regularly fit their star-studded clientele with the luxury accessories.Following his purchase, Mayweather said on Instagram: “When the craftsmanship at @aviandco is this impeccable, choosing just one watch wasn’t an option… so I bought all four from the exclusive ‘Hue Collection.’ Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”This is the kind of quality you can only get from a jeweler who’s available 24/7, where the service is as priceless as the jewels. “A special thanks to @Forbes for consistently recognizing me and others in such a positive light—always a class act. Floyd Mayweather, 47, flashes wads of cash before flying out to exhibition fight against John Gotti III on private jetHe added: “The Hue collection hits hard.“People are constantly asking me about my Avi & Co. watches. It just feels right.”Forbes reported Mayweather already owned seven of the watches.Designer Avi Hiaeve said: “He’s a very close friend of mine. We’ve been doing business for a long time and outside of business we are there for each other.”We talk about other things. He has always been my supporter.”Mayweather’s last exhibition bout came last month in a rematch against John Gotti III – a fight in which Mayweather appeared to AXE the referee mid fight. More