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      in Boxing

      Artur Beterbiev ‘eats the souls’ of his boxing rivals but gives up food THREE DAYS before fights

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      ARTUR BETERBIEV eats the souls of his poor opponents but insists he is not a monster.The 39-year-old Russian light-heavyweight has an outrageously vicious 100 per cent knockout record from his 20 perfect wins.Artur Beterbiev is the most destructive force in all of boxingCredit: GETTYThe Chechen clubber has knocked out all 20 of his professional opponentsCredit: GETTYBeterbiev is a soft-spoken and devout Muslim who doesn’t trash talk his opponentsCredit: GETTYBut he prepares himself for war by going without food for three daysCredit: REXAnd the WBC, IBF and WBO king is hungry for the scalp of WBA boss and compatriot Dmitry Bivol on Saturday night to crown an undisputed emperor.A decade on the Russian amateur team, two Olympic attempts that both ended in defeat to the gold winner, and a ruthless streak like no other, have made Beterbiev a machine.But previous opponents – like battered Brits Callum Johnson, Anthony Yarde and Callum Smith – all spoke of something far more scary being in his arsenal.When reminded of his fearsome reputation, he told SunSport: “I take their souls? Ha ha ha. I don’t know.READ MORE ON BETERBIEV V BIVOL“I think they know better so we need to listen to them.“They have felt it, so they know. I just do my work, I just follow my instructions.“I am not a monster. My name is just Artur.”Beterbiev’s appetite for boxing souls, belts and glory means a sensational clash with 23-0 Bivol is on the menu.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut the Chechen clubber has a secret recipe for success that he reveals takes away all of his humility for the 12-round shift ahead of him and leaves him a starving savage.“I stop eating three days before a fight,” he confirmed. “I get angrier and angrier and angrier.Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol is a Beauty and the Beast story between boxing poet and terrifying KO artist “If I eat, it makes me kinder and I don’t want to be kind. “I want to be hungry. Then I become a beast.”If a fighter with a bigger ego or vocabulary was carrying around Beterbiev’s record, belts and terrifying aura, we would never hear the end of it.But the devout Muslim does not waste a word on bragging about his own brutality or demeaning his prey.When asked what total supremacy at 12st 7lbs would mean – especially over a decade-long understudy who has tried to usurp him as an amateur and pro – he retained a ruthless dignity.Artur Beterbiec collides with countryman Dmitry Bivol in a historic undisputed light-heavyweight clashCredit: GETTYBeterbiev will defend his WBC, IBF and WBO light-heavyweight titles in the historic Saudi showdownCredit: PAHe explained: “Bivol is a good fighter, he has good experience in amateur and professional.“He is a good challenge for me. I don’t think about how scary he is“Everyone is different, everyone has their own opinion. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But I am not mad at anyone for saying I am just the big puncher. We will see.“Becoming undisputed, for me, it will mean I am not a bad boxer.” More

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      in Soccer

      Lee Carsley may have gambled away England job as damning stats underline how bad Greece horror show really was

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      LEE CARSLEY may have lost his chance of landing the England job on a full-time basis after the shock defeat to Greece.The Three Lions were humbled 2-1 as they were defeated at Wembley in the Nations League.Lee Carsley watched on as England were beaten by GreeceCredit: RexThey were the lowest-ranked side to ever beat the Three Lions on home soilCredit: GettyVangelis Pavlidis fired in the winning goalCredit: GettyJude Bellingham had looked to have spared England’s blushes as his 87th-minute goal cancelled out Vangelis Pavlidis’s earlier goal.However, the Greek striker struck again in the 94th minute to hand the visitors an emotional victory following the tragic death of George Baldock.Many had believed that Carsley was the man to take England forward after the impressive wins over Finland and the Republic of Ireland in his first two matches of his interim reign.However, the underlining stats made during the loss to Greece may have wrecked his chances.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGreece’s win meant they set the record to become the lowest-ranked side, 48th, to beat England on home soil.The previous record was set when North Ireland beat England 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier back in September 2005.They are also the lowest-ranked side to beat the Three Lions in a competitive match in 19 years.It was also the first time England had ever lost to Greece and the first goals scored by the nation at Wembley.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCarsley opted to play a very attacking side with the likes of Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon all starting.The team set up in a false nine due to the absence of Harry Kane but the glut of attacking talent failed to shine.Lee Carsley’s slip of the tongue after Greece nightmare hints he wants England U21s job back and not replace SouthgateEngland’s shocking stats against GreeceHere are the shocking that stats that were set in England’s defeat to Greece…- Lowest ranked side to beat England in a competitive match in 19 years.- The lowest-ranked side ever beat England on home soil.- Greece had never beaten England in their history.- Greece had never scored a goal at Wembley before.- Pavlidis’ strikes were his first since June 2022 vs Cyprus.- Bellingham’s 87th-minute equaliser was England’s first shot on target since the third minute (also Bellingham).Jude Bellingham managed both of England’s shots on targetCredit: GettyBellingham’s goal was England’s first shot on target since his effort in the 87th minute.Defensively, the Three Lions allowed Pavlidis to score his first international goals since June 2022 when he netted in the 3-0 win over Cyprus.After the match, Carsley admitted that the tactics had only been practised the bold style for 20 minutes.He also put doubt on his willingness to be named the permenant manager of England.He said: “I was surprised after the last camp [to hear], ‘The job’s mine, it’s mine to lose.'”My remit is I am doing three camps and then hopefully going back to the Under-21s.”After being pressed as to why he’s hopeful of returning to his normal job, Carsley added: “I said at the start that I wouldn’t rule myself in or out.”And that’s still the case. I’m more than comfortable in my position where I am.”The remit was clear. I’m comfortable and confident with that.“After the first camp, I definitely didn’t get too excited or believe too much.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m very aware that this job is one of the best in the world in terms of you’ve actually got a chance of winning.”Obviously, I’m talking about that after a loss but in terms of a major competition – and that’s still the case.”England player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More

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      in Soccer

      Lee Carsley says ‘hopefully I’ll be going back to the U21s’ as he casts major doubt over England manager job

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      LEE CARSLEY has all but confirmed he DOESN’T want the England job on a permanent basis.The 50-year-old has been in temporary charge of the Three Lions since Gareth Southgate quit the role in July following a second successive Euros final defeat.Gareth Southgate resigned from his role as England manager after their Euro 2024 final defeat to SpainCredit: PAUnder-21s boss Lee Carsley was named as Southgate’s temporary successorCredit: PAThe 50-year-old oversaw a shock defeat to Greece on Thursday nightCredit: REXCarsley has admitted he’s hopeful of returning to his Under-21s gigCredit: REXThe FA are currently searching for a permanent successor for Southgate, which Carsley is potentially in line to be.But he’s seemingly ruled himself OUT OF THE RUNNING just hours after The Three Lions’ shock 2-1 defeat to Greece at Wembley on Thursday by revealing he wants to return to his Under-21s gig.He said: “I was surprised after the last camp [to hear], ‘The job’s mine, it’s mine to lose.'”My remit is I am doing three camps and then hopefully going back to the Under-21s.”READ MORE ON ENGLANDAfter being pressed as to why he’s hopeful of returning to his normal job, Carsley added: “I said at the start that I wouldn’t rule myself in or out.”And that’s still the case. I’m more than comfortable in my position where I am.”The remit was clear. I’m comfortable and confident with that.“After the first camp, I definitely didn’t get too excited or believe too much.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLee Carsley followed same path as De La Fuente and learned from Pep – why can’t he be England boss?By Tom BarclayBE honest. How many of you had heard of Luis de la Fuente before his glorious Euros?Don’t feel bad. Even Declan Rice admitted ahead of Sunday’s heartbreaking final that he was unaware of the smooth-headed 63-year-old a month or so ago.We all certainly know who De La Fuente is now after he masterminded La Roja’s perfect Euros campaign which ended with a deserved victory over England.That showpiece triumph in Berlin made it seven wins out of seven in the competition for his scintillating side.It rendered De La Fuente the first boss ever to win the Under-19 Euros, Under-21 Euros, the Nations League and the European Championship.And in so doing, it strengthened the case for another bold, bald tactician to take over as England boss now Gareth Southgate has stepped down.Lee Carsley has trodden a similar path as De La Fuente, successfully coaching his way up his national team’s youth ranks, culminating in last summer’s Under-21 Euro success.No doubt there would be questions about his suitability given his experience of coaching senior players is limited to brief caretaker spells at Coventry, Brentford and Birmingham.For sure, he would not bring the same star quality as a Frank Lampard. Most fans will just about remember Carsley as that ratter of a midfielder who played alongside Thomas Gravesen for Everton in the noughties.While there is also the thorny issue, at least for some, of the Brummie’s 40 caps for the Republic of Ireland, who ironically would be his first opponents if appointed.But park all that for a second, focus on his qualities and the argument to give him the big job can be a convincing one. First off, his team does not play like he used to. ‘Carsball’ is far sexier and heavily influenced by its creator watching Pep Guardiola’s free-flowing Barcelona train a decade ago, alongside 60 members of the public.That study trip to Catalonia changed his philosophy to be far more front-footed and it paved the way to some fabulous fare during last summer’s triumph in Georgia.Four of the five tournament goals boasting the most passes in the build-up belonged to his Young Lions. Fans bemoaning Southgate’s pragmatic style would be salivating if they watched back the build-up to Emile Smith Rowe’s strike against Israel in the group stage, or Cole Palmer’s in the semi against the same opposition.Carsley is a tactical innovator too.He was robbed of a centre-forward pretty much on the eve of the tournament last summer, thanks to Rhian Brewster’s injury and Flo Balogun switching to the USA.His response was to play Gordon through the middle. The Newcastle starlet won player of the tournament.Manchester United supporters likely remember Angel Gomes as a lightweight winger but Carsley played him as a shield in front of the back four to great effect.Gordon used the Under-21 Euros experience as his launchpad to make the senior squad this summer. But talking about Carsley 12 months ago, the Toon forward said: “He is the best man-manager I’ve had so far. “I feel like I can speak to him about anything on and off the pitch.“On the pitch, the way we’re playing football is a credit to him because we play the way he tells us to. “This might be the best footballing team I’ve played in, in terms of how we play and the combination play we play around the box, it’s really at an elite level. That’s down to Lee.”Those powers of motivation could be crucial to unleashing Jude Bellingham, who, like Solihull-born Carsley, is from the outskirts of Birmingham, specifically Stourbridge.Like Southgate, Carsley believes in the merits of giving them a comfortable environment to work in, particularly during tournaments.The 50-year-old is relatively quiet on the touchline, often seen on his haunches making notes in his dugout with his assistant Ashley Cole the more vocal.England’s greatest left-back Cole has learned a lot from Carsley despite having the far superior playing career. In the aftermath of the Under-21s success, which was won without conceding a goal, Cole reflected on the different attitudes players have to international duty now and in his day.The ex-Arsenal and Chelsea defender, 43, said: “We didn’t always want to go and the club manager would pull you out.“But I feel they truly, truly love coming here now. I think that is testament to what Lee has done here. He is kind, loving, someone that thinks about the players more than himself.”Other names will be in the frame but the FA will have seen how De La Fuente has taken Spain to new heights, despite his relative obscurity to the wider footballing world.The promotion of Carsley, who spent these Euros scouting England’s opponents, would take guts and faith in the much-feted ‘pathway’.He would have to brace himself for unprecedented levels of scrutiny – but he is ambitious.With his 50th birthday fast approaching, Carsley said in June last year: “Energy-wise, and I’m not saying the clock’s ticking, but if I don’t have a go at it then the boat is going to pass.”Few Spaniards were bowled over when De La Fuente was appointed in 2022 but he put them on course to sensational success.Who is to say putting Carsley at the helm could not have a similar effect?“I’m very aware that this job is one of the best in the world in terms of you’ve actually got a chance of winning.”Obviously, I’m talking about that after a loss but in terms of a major competition – and that’s still the case.”Lee Carsley appears to admit staggeringly short amount of time England practised bold new tactic before Greece shockerCarsley, who has overseen wins over the Republic of Ireland and Finland, claimed it was “an honour” to be given the reigns on a temporary basis following his appointment.But when flat out asked if he wants the job permanently, he said: “Nothing’s changed in what I said in the first press conference.“I think it’s a fantastic job. I’m lucky that I’ve got a good job as it is in terms of the 21s.“But, like I say, after the first camp when we won two games and had two really good performances, my ambitions didn’t change.“I think it’s important that I give it everything I’ve got for the next three games.“I’m really happy and comfortable in terms of the communication I have with my bosses, so nothing’s changed in that respect.”Lee Carsley has shouldered the blame for England’s 2-1 defeat to GreeceCredit: ALAMYA brace from Vangelis Pavlidis condemned the Three Lions to a shock defeat in their third Nations League Group F match.Carsley said of the loss: “It was a challenging night for us and we were second best.”It’s disappointing. We experimented and it didn’t come off.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You have to have the courage to try things, but I’m happy to take the blame for this because it was my idea.”Carsley and his troops will look to get back to winning ways on Sunday afternoon when they travel to Helsinki to play Finland. More

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      in Soccer

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer REJECTS national team job as he waits for return to management three years after Man Utd sacking

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has reportedly rejected the chance to return to management.The Norwegian has been out of work since being sacked by Manchester United in 2021.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has turned down a chance to manage a national teamCredit: AFPSolskjaer has been out of work since leaving Man UnitedCredit: GettySolskjaer, 51, earned the full time job at Old Trafford after a stint as interim manager in 2018.However, despite a promising start, he was axed after two and a half seasons.Solskjaer has now been offered the chance to take over the Denmark national team.Tipsbladet report that he was approached over the vacant role following Kasper Hjulmand’s exit.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, it is believed that Solskjaer rejected the chance to have an interview with the Danish FA.Had he accepted the position, then he would have had the opportunity to coach current Red Devils Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen.The report claims that it is because he is already in “negotiations with a major club” over the head coach role.Solskjaer has recently admitted that he would accept a role back at Old Trafford if the opportunity arose.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe told media: “If the family [United] asks, I would say yes every day of the week.”It feels wrong to talk about jobs that other people have now, but I would say yes, of course.”How would Southgate and Tuchel transform Man Utd flops and who is best for job?The Red Devils currently have Erik ten Hag in the dugout, although he faces an uncertain future.The Dutchman has come under pressure from fans and the Old Trafford hierarchy due to the terrible start to the season.Ten Hag was the full-time replacement for Solskjaer after Ralf Rangnick’s interim spell ended in the summer after the 2020/21 season. More

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      in Soccer

      Former Brighton Premier League wonderkid Aaron Connolly bravely reveals all about alcohol addiction and treatment

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      EX-PREMIER LEAGUE wonderkid Aaron Connolly has bravely revealed his alcohol addiction fight.The Irish international forward, 24, completed a free transfer to Championship promotion chasers Sunderland last month as he looks to resurrect his career.Sunderland’s new signing Aaron Connolly has bravely revealed all about his alcohol addictionCredit: AlamyConnolly famously burst on the scene in the top-flight aged 19 at Brighton with a brace against Tottenham.He left the Amex – following disappointing loan spells at Luton, Middlesbrough and Italian side Venezia – four years later having featured more on the gossip pages than sport ones.Connolly did score eight times for Hull City last term but that was not enough to stop him from getting released.Now he has decided to tell his story to coincide with World Mental Health Day on Sunderland’s website.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLConnolly had left home for the South Coast aged 16 but he says everything changed after that day against Spurs.He said: “I remember it – 5th of October, 2019, it was a 12.30 kick-off. I’m never going to forget that day. It was one of the best days of my life, but also one of the worst because the following five years was from that.“I just stopped working, stopped doing the things I should have kept doing. I started to believe the hype, and I just didn’t turn into a good person after that. I was tough to be around.“I didn’t know how to deal with it, if I’m being honest. My parents tried, but they weren’t living with me. I was living with my ex-girlfriend at the time, and it’s hard because I didn’t ever feel like I had that authoritative figure to keep me grounded.Most read in ChampionshipIf you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.“My parents did try, but I just let myself believe everything people were saying online and it just took over. I always say to my parents, I started to live the life of a footballer without the football side of it.“That was the hardest thing to admit at the time, that I wasn’t doing all the things that had got me to the position where I could go and get my house and treat my family, and do all that sort of stuff.Brits are more likely to open up at the pub or on a walk than on the phone or over text, study finds“It hurts to look back and speak about it because I know if I had done everything right, maybe I would still be in the Premier League. Maybe I wouldn’t, but at least I’d know I’d given it all I could to try to stay at that level.”Connolly explained how both his on and off-field life began to spiral as alcohol became a bigger and bigger problem.He said: “It was obvious I had a problem with alcohol for a good few years.“I had my parents, who never drank before and were always telling me when I was younger to stay away from alcohol. That was always their thing because of addiction to alcohol in my family.“I didn’t listen, clearly. It got me into a lot of trouble and a lot of problems, and it just became something that I relied on.”It felt like my buzz used to come from football, and winning games and scoring goals, and it got to a point where the buzz was more from drinking alcohol than going out on a football pitch.“I used to look forward to the games finishing so I could have time to go and have a drink and socialise.”I say socialise, but it was just an excuse to go and get drunk, to go straight to alcohol, and that was where I got my buzz from, whereas before, it was always the buzz of football and being around an environment like I am now.”For three or four years, that just wasn’t there.”The star burst on the scene with two goals against Tottenham in 2019Credit: ReutersConnolly managed to rediscover some form at Hull despite his “life being a mess” but he finally realised he needed to take drastic action after he was released in June by the Tigers.He explained: “I couldn’t do it, I couldn’t live the way I was living. It was killing people round me, to be honest. My family, my friends. Mainly, it was killing me, really.“I had one of my best seasons last year at Hull, but off the pitch, my life was a mess. The manager at Hull, to be fair, always looked after me, and always tried to help.”But it just got to a point where, it wasn’t like life wasn’t worth living, it wasn’t a big dramatic thing, but it was just that my life was so unmanageable and I couldn’t control what I could do and couldn’t control my alcohol.“It just got to a point where I had to make a decision where I needed to go to a treatment clinic, and I spent a month there in the summer.”I just said to my agent, ‘I don’t want you to contact any clubs. I’m not doing this for football, I’m doing this so I can get my life back, and if stuff in football comes with that, then that’s a bonus’.“It wasn’t even the football that was taking the biggest battering in the end, it was my life, my relationships, my friends. Everything was just failing and falling apart.”When your parents are calling you and you’re not answering calls because you know you’re breaking their hearts, it’s time to realise that you’ve got a problem.”Now after sealing himself an opportunity at Sunderland, Connolly wants to tell his story in the hope that it might help at least one other person struggling.He added: “It’s an addiction, and the toughest thing I ever had to do was go in there. The PFA helped me pay for my treatment, and I know some people might not be able to afford it, but it’s important to know it’s not just park bench, vodka bottle. Anybody can get affected by it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“There’s no price tag or no amount of money in the world that can cure it. It’s a disease, an illness. But going to the clinic was the best and worst month of my life.“I just hope this might help people. I had everything every young boy would dream, but I couldn’t get hold of my addiction without that help.”The Irish ace was released by Hull City in the summer and decided to check into rehabCredit: PA More

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      Gary Neville explains what happened in Man Utd meeting amid pressure on Erik ten Hag’s job

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      GARY NEVILLE has revealed what was discussed in his recent meeting with the Manchester United top brass.The former Red Devils defender was part of a meeting on Monday at OId Trafford with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and key board members.Gary Neville recently sat in on a Manchester United meetingCredit: GettyThe club legend discussed the club’s plans to renovate Old Trafford with Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: PANeville insists footballing matters were NOT discussed in the meetingCredit: YOUTUBE@THEOVERLAPNeville was quizzed about the get-together during the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast, which is brought to you by Sky Bet, and was dubbed an “inside man” by fellow podcaster Ian Wright.But the 49-year-old hit back at the Arsenal legend’s suggestion, and claimed he was not privvy to any discussions about the future of under-fire manager Erik ten HagNeville’s meeting with United hierarchy came amid growing pressure on ten Hag, who has overseen Utd’s worst start to a Premier League season since 1989.But the retired defender insists the team’s current woes under the Dutchman WERE NOT discussed in the meeting – and he was only consulted about plans to rebuild Old Trafford.READ MORE ON MAN UTDNeville was adamant, saying: “I’m not on the inside of it, no I’m not.”I went on Monday to meet them about the regeneration side.”When pressed if he gave his thoughts on footballing matters, he responded: “Not at all.”Not at all [did I talk about] footballing matters. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I went in with a couple members of the regeneration task force and basically spoke about that.”United’s hammering at the hands of Tottenham late last month and drab draws with FC Twente and Aston Villa have sparked more calls for Ten Hag to be relieved of his duties.But club legend Wayne Rooney insists the buck doesn’t just stop with the former Ajax gaffer.Roy Keane reveals he has ‘given up’ with Man Utd as he, Rooney and Neville lay into Ten Hag’s ‘disgusting’ flops The Plymouth Argyle manager said: “Something needs to change.”I’m not saying that’s purely the manager, but the performances and the lack of desire when you watch the players, it’s crazy.”I was there at the Tottenham game and that’s as bad as I’ve seen in Old Trafford for a long, long time.”Former United skipper Roy Keane shares Rooney’s thoughts on the team’s struggles, saying: “The players came out after the match and are going, ‘I think they wanted it more than us’.”I kind of gave up at that stage.”If that’s the noise coming out of the dressing room, then no wonder the manager is in trouble.”Ten Hag knows his head is on the chopping block but is confident his troops can turn things around.Erik ten Hag is confident of turning Manchester United’s fortunes aroundCredit: GETTYHe told Sky Sports “We are going to make a success from the season.”Nothing is easy, but this is nothing for me to panic about. We can sort [the problems] out, this team can sort this out.””I’m not thinking about it,” he said when asked if he’s worried about being sacked. “I’m not anxious.”We created a togetherness in the summer with the ownership and the leadership.”We made this agreement, and we were all behind it. We know the strategy [is to bring in] young players in a transition period.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They also know in May in all my last six seasons there were always trophies and that is what we are aiming for.”Manchester United will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, welcoming Brentford to Old Trafford.Ten Hag’s five worst defeatsERIK TEN HAG has suffered some heavy defeats during his tenure as Manchester United manager.5. Copenhagen 4-3 Man Utd, November 2023The damaging defeat saw the Red Devils dumped out of the Champions League.4. Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, December 2023It was the first time the Cherries had ever won at Old Trafford with the players being booed off.3. Brentford 4-0 Man Utd, August 2022Perhaps a sign of things to come, in Ten Hag’s second Premier League game, his side was dismantled by the Bees.2. Crystal Palace 4-0 Man Utd, May 2024The heavy defeat to the Eagles saw the Dutchman edge ever closer to the sack.1. Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd, March 2023Man Utd were embarrassed at the hands of their bitter rivals as they crumbled at Anfield as it was the club’s worst defeat in 92 years. More

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      in Soccer

      Gareth Southgate breaks silence on Man Utd manager job links as he gives update on future after England exit

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has ruled himself OUT of taking over at Manchester United for at least 12 months.Former England boss Southgate has been a front runner to be the next United choice if the Old Trafford side sack under-pressure Erik ten Hag.Gareth Southgate ruled himself OUT of taking over at Manchester United for at least 12 monthsCredit: AFPBut speaking publicly about his future for the first time since leaving the England job after Euro 2024, Southgate said he has NO intention of taking another coaching job until the back end of 2025 at the earliest.In an appearance at the European Club Association general assembly in Athens, when he was asked about his next potential job, Southgate said: “Firstly I’m enjoying my life…so there’s no rush.“I was 11 years committing myself fully to the FA and I’ve got lots of different experiences.“But I won’t coach in the next year, for sure. I’m certain of that.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time.”Southgate made clear he is unlikely to consider another international job – and even that he may look for a role in football OUTSIDE of management.He added: “I’m fortunate that there are lots of different opportunities that are presenting themselves. The business side of football is really interesting.“In my role I’ve dealt with Uefa and Fifa, had to deal with lots of different stakeholders.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“So I’m not just set on being a coach moving forward.Of course I’ve had amazing experiences but to have a project that was from the heart, which it was from the national team, is going to be difficult to find.” Gary Neville tells Gareth Southgate ‘it’s illegal’ again as he repeats fierce criticism of ex-England manager’s tacticsSouthgate went on: “I’m at an age where I want to work with good people.“When you’re younger you probably strive and are a bit more compliant. When you are older you realise the importance of collaboration.“Clubs can only be successful if everything is aligned, right the way through the club.“I also know that maybe the smarter people sit in the boardrooms and the coaches are a little bit more dispensable then you think when you are there.“As a coach you think you’re the most important person. I sat in every boardroom in our country for eight years and realised you’re only a small piece in this whole thing.”Coming just a day after Jurgen Klopp announced his new role at the Red Bull sporting group, Southgate hinted that he might be persuaded by a similar offer.He said: “If you are asking about club football, that’s depending on what that is, what role that is, what that might be.“I’ve been fortunate to work with fantastic players and some of the biggest nights in world football.“You’ve got to have excitement, passion to go to work every day.“That’s unlikely, for me, to be another national federation. Because, again, England was for the heart. I went there originally to help English football, not to become the first team coach.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But, the business of football, the experiences I’ve had working right across the board.“I’m 54 and want to enjoy and be really motivated for the next 10-15 years of my life and the most important thing is to give myself time to make good decisions.” More

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      I didn’t like Sir Alex Ferguson – but what legendary Man Utd boss did after I quit football will never leave me

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      PAUL MCGRATH has lifted the lid on his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson.McGrath, 64, starred at Manchester United from 1982 to 1989, with Ferguson replacing Ron Atkinson at Old Trafford in November 1986.Paul McGrath has opened up on his relationship with Sir Alex FergusonCredit: X formerly Twitter / @SkySportsPLMcGrath starred at Man Utd for seven years and played under Ferguson from 1986 to 1989Credit: GettyHe admitted he did not really like FergusonCredit: X formerly Twitter / @SkySportsPLBut he also praised ‘brilliant’ Ferguson for bringing him back after hanging up his bootsCredit: GettyHe initially remained a mainstay in United’s team under the Scot, but saw his time in the team reduced due to a combination of increased struggles with knee issues and new signings such as Steve Bruce.In his autobiography, Back from the Brink, he detailed his injury struggles and the alcohol abuse that dogged his career.Speaking to Sky Sports, McGrath admitted he was never the biggest fan of Ferguson, but held the utmost respect for him for what he did for him after his retirement in 1998.He said: “Obviously Sir Alex didn’t like the way we were living our lives and stuff like that…READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”How is our relationship? I think it’s great now, to be honest, he brought me back there to do work after I’d quit football and stuff like that.”I didn’t particularly like Sir Alex to be honest but he was man enough to bring me back down to Manchester United when I finished my career and stuff like that.”He was brilliant to me, and he’d always stop to say hello and shake my hands and stuff.”And he didn’t want someone like me just dragging the whole team back.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I have to say we did overdo it and I think we deserved the exits we got.”McGrath made more than 200 appearances for United, scoring 18 goals and landing the 1985 FA Cup.How would Southgate and Tuchel transform Man Utd flops and who is best for job?He also starred for St Patrick’s Athletic, Aston Villa, Derby County and Sheffield United.The defender was named the Player of the Season at the Villans four years running and was given the nickname “God” by the Villa Park faithful.McGrath earned 83 caps for the Republic of Ireland national team, scoring eight goals. More