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    Lee Carsley admits he doubted whether he could be England manager but now believes he could take job permanently

    LEE CARSLEY is now convinced he has what it takes to be England boss — having doubted he could do the job.The Three Lions interim manager switches his attention to Tuesday’s Nations League game with Finland at Wembley following Saturday’s morale-boosting 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland.Lee Carsley is starting to think he’s more than just a ‘safe pair of hands’Credit: GettyJack Grealish and Declan Rice bagged the goals in England’s 2-0 winCredit: GettyCarsley, who led the Under-21s to Euros glory last year, said: “You always think it’s easy to be the England manager when you’re sat in the house but there have been times where I’ve thought, ‘I’m not sure I could do it’.“It’s done my confidence good (against Ireland). And the rest of the staff.“That, actually, we’re OK, we’ll be all right. I spoke about it at the first press conference, that I am a safe pair of hands.“We’re in a good position with the players.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAsked whether he doubted himself, Carsley said: “You always think about it.”It’s natural to have our doubts — going into the Euros with the 21s, with the record that we’d had, there was a worry we could have gone home in ten days.“But I’ve learnt with experience, and dealing with setbacks.“Having good people around you, it gets easier.”The former Everton  midfielder also insisted he has been helped by  FA technical director John McDermott, who is leading the search for Gareth Southgate’s successor.Most read in FootballGrealish finished off hosts Ireland as early as the 26th minuteCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCarsley added: “We’ve got a really good relationship. I’m highly supported by John.“The fact he trusts me to take the job on an interim basis was a massive boost to my confidence.Lee Carsley goes to WRONG dugout before England clash with Ireland“He just said to me, ‘Well done, it’s a good start — make sure we win on  Tuesday’.”Carsley, 50, is likely to remain in charge for the five remaining Nations League games this year.If England avoid defeat and continue to perform, he then looks set to get the job permanently.The Three Lions’ World Cup qualifying bid is due to start in March but  they could still be involved in Nations League play-offs or end up having to play at least one friendly.The draw for the 2026 qualifiers is in  December.England Player Ratings vs IrelandDECLAN RICE silenced his Irish critics with a dominant display in England’s Nations League opener.Lee Carsley’s players handed him a debut win as interim manager of the Three Lions.Rice starred in the first half as he netted the opener and then set up England’s second goal.Jack Grealish doubled up for England after being set up by Rice 15 minutes later.Anthony Gordon however faded in the match as he was not able to have as much success as Grealish.SunSport’s Charlie Wyett has rated England’s players’ performance against Ireland…JORDAN PICKFORD – 6Pushed away a half decent shot from Sammie Szmodics at the start of the game but as England took control, he had a stress-free game.After a difficult couple of weeks with Everton, he would have been grateful for this. TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 7Looked more at home at right-back compared to the disastrous midfield experiment at the Euros.Stunning pass in a move that eventually led to the first goal. He has to remain as England’s right-back. MARC GUEHI – 7Enjoyed a decent Euros and switched over to the right of central defence as John Stones was named on the bench.Looks increasingly like a top-drawer defender. HARRY MAGUIRE – 7Was left devastated after failing to make the Euro 2024 squad but he has enjoyed a decent start with Manchester United and looked solid here.When he is not in the team, England do miss his aerial presence. 7LEVI COLWILL – 7Second appearance for England and was deployed at left-back.Unlike the Euros, England have much better balance in defence with a natural left footer in this position. 7DECLAN RICE – 9Enjoyed an absolute stormer in what could have been a difficult afternoon.Booed every time he touched the ball, the former Irish international quietened the boisterous home fans with a brilliant finish although refused to celebrate.He then set up the second for Grealish. KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Fits perfectly into Carsley’s style of play. Some of his passing was excellent, particularly in the final third of the pitch, and this included his part in the outstanding second goal. BUKAYO SAKA – 7Enjoying a terrific start to the season with Arsenal – he has been nominated as their player of the month – and played with plenty of confidence here.Was involved in the second goal.JACK GREALISH – 8Left out of the Euros squad, but loved every minute of this.A decent finish for 2-0 and unlike Rice, celebrated in front of the visiting fans by raising both arms in triumph.ANTHONY GORDON – 6Looked really lively early on but faded.He should have put England ahead when clean through but was lucky that seconds later, Rice hammered his shot into the corner. 6HARRY KANE – 6Missed with a header and despite working hard, did not actually have that many chances despite England having so much possession. SubsGibbs-White (for Grealish 77 mins) 6, Gomes (for Mainoo 77) 6, Eze (for Gordon 77 mins) 6, Bowen (for Kane 84 mins) 6, Stones (for Maguire 85) 6.Subs not used: Henderson, Pope, Lewis, Gallagher, Livramento, Konsa, Madueke. More

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    ‘If you can’t, the job is not for you,’ says ex-Man Utd keeper as he gives Andre Onana advice on handling pressure

    ANDRE ONANA has been offered some words of wisdom on dealing with the pressures of being a goalkeeper at Manchester United.Former Red Devils shot-stopper Anders Lindegaard bluntly explained the demands of the job after Man Utd’s Legends lost to former Celtic stars on Saturday.Anders Lindegaard has offered some stern advice to Andre OnanaOnana is currently under pressure at Man UtdLindegaard was overjoyed to be back at Old Trafford as he shared goalkeeping duties with Kevin Pilkington and Raimond van der Gouw in the Legends’ match.After Wayne Rooney’s sublime 25-yard free-kick, Celtic equalised through Gary Hooper and would go onto win 4-3 on penalties.After the charity game, Lindegaard said: “Onana has come back from a difficult start and now he is doing a lot better. “But there’s no magic formula to overcome that pressure. That is the job. The job is to handle that pressure.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”If you can’t do it, or you won’t do it, the job is not for you.”The 40-year-old former Denmark international officially joined the Red Devils in January 2011 before leaving in the summer of 2015.Meanwhile, all eyes are on Onana as he has already conceded five goals this season after Man Utd’s dismal 3-0 defeat to rivals Liverpool last Sunday.The Cameroonian stopper, who has a reputation for the odd howler, again got his footing all wrong for Mo Salah’s goal on the weekend.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGary Neville once said: “Being the Man Utd keeper was the most difficult job in English football.”The Sky Sports pundit was referencing the magnifying glass placed on every single United goalkeeper since the Premier League began.Wayne Rooney reveals club he would have loved to have played for as Man Utd legend says ‘it didn’t work out’After arriving for £47m last summer, Onana has been subject to a mixed reaction from fans, after several embarrassing blunders in the Champions League group stage saw United drop out early last season.He let the ball slip through his gloves against Bayern Munich, often passed the ball to opponents near is own box, and let Hakim Ziyech’s free-kick in against Galatasaray to concede 15 goals in six European games.Onana improved somewhat throughout the season, but still seems slow to react to low shots, after saying he is prepared to take more “risks” .And the spot-light is growing after Man Utd finished a record low eighth last term, and had a minus one goal difference.Erik ten Hag brought Onana in to replace David de Gea, who was out of his £375,000-per-week contract.The Spaniard said goodbye to Old Trafford after 12 years behind the sticks and has since joined Serie A side Fiorentina on a one-year-deal.READ MORE SUN STORIESDe Gea was adorned by United fans for the majority of his time there, picking up the club’s Player of the Year on four occasions.But the 33-year-old fell victim to the same pressure Onana’s now facing, after a few clangers of his own in his later years. More

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    Eddie Hearn put on the defensive as he is warned he could be put out of business by his own innovation

    EDDIE HEARN has rubbished suggestions that Saudi bigwig Turki Alalshikh could put him out of a job after being warned that he could be made redundant.The entire boxing landscape has been transformed by the Chairman of the Kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority, who brokered a whopping but ill-fated £100million two-fight deal between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder.Turki Alalshikh has changed the landscape of boxing foreverCredit: REUTERSThe Saudi bigwig has negotiated some massive deals during his short time in the sportCredit: REUTERSPromoter Eddie Hearn has rubbished suggestions that Alalshikh will eventually make him redundantCredit: GETTYAlalshikh, thanks to his bottomless pit of money and eagerness to make fights fans want to see, is now the biggest mover and shaker in the sport.And his grand plans of making a singular boxing league could essentially render promoters redundant.Hearn was warned about potentially losing his job by talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan, who said: “We are in a unique period.”These guys are getting these fights made for them. They just turn up and that, to me, is not much of a skillset.READ MORE ON HEARN”It does make me wonder if the end goal is if the Saudis say, ‘What do we need these guys for? They are glorified agents, we can own the fighters.'”Unless there was a bloody good reason, why would I deal with Hearn and [Frank] Warren. “If I’ve got the ability to turn out their lights economically what do I need them for?”But Matchroom Boxing boss Hearn insists promoters like himself and Frank Warren are still imperative to the sport and Alalshikh’s future plans.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe replied: “I think that is a little bit harsh. “We have got a huge business of running global sports.From Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury to all American pound-for-pound clash, Eddie Hearn’s five must-see boxing fights”The ability runs deeper than being a glorified agent and a deal maker.”A few weeks ago we ran the Riyadh Season USA, with a Matchroom team of 40 people.”It was an event that couldn’t have been done without us in terms of promoting, the infrastructure of TV deals, licensing, dealing with commission, local governments and council.”The job is just incredible and as the size of the shows increase and the job changes.”This isn’t a situation of going in and doing a deal and taking a cut.”Ourselves and Queensberry do a huge amount of work and the requirement of these people and that Turki Alalshikh requires, it is not easy to do it yourself.”Hearn has built a fruitful relationship with Alalshikh and is confident he doesn’t want mass casualties in the sport.The 45-year-old continued: “He also acknowledges he wants the ecosystem of boxing to keep it thriving.Eddie Hearn insists Turki Alalshikh needs promoters like himself and Frank WarrenCredit: MATCHROOM BOXING”Riyadh Season will not on its own keep boxing alive.”There are hundreds of shows around the world every week, small hall etc, we can’t just rely on five or six Riyadh Season events.”But yeah there has been an explosion of boxing, but he can’t live without our stable and Frank Warren’s stable.”At the moment I think the relationship is great and I don’t think he wants to put everyone out of business.”Boxing’s top promoters are in talks with Alalshikh over a blockbuster league, although Hearn insists there’s a “huge amount of work to take place” in order for it to come to fruition.He later said: “Of course, we are in those conversations with him, it is all part of the strategy and plans that are being discussed.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Don’t forget these kinds of plans have taken place before.”But not necessarily with the depths of budgets that have taken place before, but we are all in for it.” More

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    Marc Cucurella reveals ‘difficult’ Chelsea dressing room and pleads with Todd Boehly to give boss Enzo Maresca time

    MARC CUCURELLA has pleaded with the Chelsea hierarchy to be patient with new manager Enzo Maresca.Having been signed by Thomas Tuchel and seen Graham Potter, Frank Lampard and Mauricio Pochettino come and go in the Stamford Bridge hotseat — Cucurella has called for patience and stability to make things work.Chelsea ace Marc Cucurella discussed the ‘difficult’ situation in the dressing roomCredit: GettyCucurella pleaded for more faith in new Chelsea boss Enzo MarescaCredit: RexChelsea chief Todd Boehly has signed and sacked many players during his reignCredit: AlamyThe Spain left-back — who helped his nation to their Euros triumph in the summer —  insisted Chelsea’s squad is packed with talent but they need “calm” to allow the coaching staff and players to succeed.Maresca is the fifth Blues manager under the ownership of Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly, who took over in May 2022 promising a new long-term strategy after years of hire-and-fire under Roman Abramovich.Cucurella, 26,  said: “I’m happy, the coach we have is very good, he has very clear ideas.“We come from years of changing coaches, let’s see if we can gain stability without many changes and that the coach can transmit his ideas.Read More on Football“We need stability, we have high-level players, and I hope we can have the patience that is needed, that calm, so that everything goes well.“We have the level, we just need stability and letting the coaches and players work to do something important.”The former Brighton defender also admitted it has been “difficult” to create a positive atmosphere in the Blues’ changing room due to the amount of chopping and changing.A total of 11 new players were signed over the summer with some big departures in Conor Gallagher, Raheem Sterling and Trevoh Chalobah.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSItalian Maresca still has to deal with a bloated squad, with some players still training separately from a first-team group of around 28 — including FOUR goalkeepers.Speaking while on international duty, Cucurella added: “It is true that it is difficult, here everything is much easier to generate a good atmosphere.Angry Chelsea fan slams Todd Boehly’s transfer policy and claims no Blues supporters are happy with his running of the ‘unrecognisable’ club“At Chelsea I try, but it is a time of change in which many players leave and others come. I try to give my best.“One of the keys to success in the Euros was the good group we had.“In these tournaments you’re together all day, we have to put up with each other and if we hadn’t got along, it would’ve been complicated. I try there, it comes naturally to me to create a good environment.”Chelsea are a circus – it will be TERRIBLE for football if they win anything, says Troy DeeneyCHELSEA are a circus — aren’t they?, writes Troy Deeney.But the bigger concern should be if somehow, some way, Todd Boehly’s insane master-plan brings about success this season.Finish in the top four. Win a trophy like the FA Cup.He will then turn around and say: “See, it works” and all of a sudden, other clubs will begin considering copying this mad model to try and compete in the Premier League.Before you know it, there will be a bigger divide between the top clubs and the rest and this country’s top flight will become something we have been fighting against — a Super League.The smaller sides and promoted teams will be wiped out by the elite and will end up saying, ‘What’s the point?’Football as we know it will change, and there will be no going back.As a neutral, you don’t want to wish failure on a club or a regime, but it’s depressing to think about.We should almost be looking at it in amazement — the owners have come in with this model and they’ve treated it as if they are buying stocks and shares, not players or human beings.Boehly has wiped away any sense of sentiment or old-school values from that club and the worrying thing is that he doesn’t seem to care.Does he even like football?Read Troy Deeney’s hard-hitting opinion on Boehly’s Chelsea shambles in full.Or check out all of Troy’s columns on SunSport. More

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    Fulham face serious questions over new sponsor IUX as it emerges company’s ’employees’ are ‘fake LinkedIn accounts’

    FULHAM are facing serious questions about new sponsor IUX.The Premier League club announced earlier this week a partnership with the Caribbean and Cyprus-based firm that allows customers to trade cryptocurrencies and other financial products.Fulham announced a new sponsorship with IUXCredit: RexBut a renowned journalist claims the profiles of alleged workers at the company are fakeCredit: RexBut renowned investigative journalist Martin Calladine claims that all the LinkedIn profiles of alleged IUX staff in the UK are faked, using images from photo libraries or uploaded from other LinkedIn accounts.For example, the account of Peter Corner, IUX’s alleged UX designer, has the same profile picture as a man from southern Spain named Francisco Checa Roldan.Both Fulham and IUX have been approached for comment.IUX’s position is believed to be that they know nothing about and are not responsible for LinkedIN profiles of alleged US and UK employees. They say they do not have any staff in the US or UK.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is understood that the club used external companies to check out IUX before signing the deal, as it would for any partnership or sponsorship.But fans fear Fulham could be heading for further embarrassment after pulling the plug on a previous deal in very similar circumstances.In September 2022, Fulham unveiled Titan Capital Markets as its CFD partner – the same status now given to IUX. CFD stands for contract for difference, a financial mechanism that allows customers to bet on the change in value in hard currencies, crypto and other assets.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut by November 2022, the club was forced to cut ties with Titan after it emerged that some people used in its promotional materials were actors rather than staff members and other concerns were raised.Like Titan, IUX targets markets mainly in the Far East. Meet Ivan Toney’s Saudi team-matesIts website is available in languages spoken in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and China, as well as in English and Spanish.Again, like Titan, IUX does not operate in highly-regulated markets including the USA, UK, EU, Australia and Japan.The website confirms: “IUX does not offer its services to people residing in those areas”.IUX tells potential customers that they can make massive profits on investments, well beyond the limits recommended in jurisdictions like the UK – again, just like Titan did. But the losses could also be huge, leading to accusations that such companies are using the Premier League’s global popularity to exploit less-regulated markets and attract fans who cannot afford to lose large sums of money.IUX have threatened to take action against anyone responsible for creating false profiles.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe company said in a statement on LinkedIn: “IUX hereby announces that we do not employ any individuals based in the United Kingdom. “We will pursue appropriate action against any persons falsely claiming to be associated with our company as employees.”What is cryptocurrency?CRYPTOCURRENCIES are a form of payment that can be exchanged for goods and services.They work using a technology called blockchain. Blockchain is a decentralised technology spread across computers that manages and records transactions. Find out more about cryptocurrencies below.. More

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    Former Newcastle boss Steve Bruce lands first job in two years as he takes reins at League One club in shock appointment

    STEVE BRUCE has been named as the new manager of Blackpool.The highly-experienced boss joins the League One side on a two-year deal alongside his long-term assistant Steve Agnew.League One side Blackpool have appointed Steve Bruce as their managerCredit: News imagesThe former Newcastle boss has joined on a two-year dealCredit: GettyIt marks Bruce’s first return to management since he was sacked by West Brom, with the Baggies 22nd in the Championship, in October 2022.He previously managed Newcastle United between 2019 and 2021, when he left by mutual consent after a reported £8m payout.He walked away from St James’ Park just 13 days after the Saudi Arabia-backed £305m takeover of the Toonside club, who subsequently appointed Eddie Howe.One of a handful of coaches who has reached the milestone of 1,000 games in club management, the 63-year-old will take charge of Blackpool’s training for the first time later this week.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBruce said: “I’m delighted to be back in football and to take charge of this fantastic football club.”I’d like to thank Simon, Julian and David for giving me this great opportunity. “I look forward to meeting all of the staff and players in the coming days as we prepare for what we all hope will be an exciting season at Bloomfield Road.”He takes over after the Tangerines sacked Neil Critchley on 21 August having started their campaign with back-to-back defeats.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Seasiders are yet to win a game this season, having lost two and drawn two to leave them 22nd in League One.Owner Simon Sadler said: “I’m confident that Steve’s experience and leadership qualities will be a tremendous asset for Blackpool.”His organised approach coupled with his desire to build a hardworking and entertaining side is a large part of what attracted us to him.Best Dream Team players of the season so far”Additionally, Steve’s ability to help grow and develop not only our playing staff but also our coaching talent was important to us.”Having achieved legendary status with Manchester United as a player, Bruce enjoyed time with Wigan, Birmingham, Sunderland, Hull City and Aston Villa during his pomp.A short spell with Sheffield Wednesday ended when he took the job with Newcastle in the summer of 2019.He spent just over two years with the Magpies during a turbulent time for the club as Mike Ashley’s reign came to an end.He managed 476 Prem games, winning 133, drawing 132 and losing 211.READ MORE SUN STORIESBruce was heavily tipped for the role of Jamaica national team manager, however, that was given to former England, Newcastle and Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren.Bruce’s first game in charge will be on Saturday, September 14 when Blackpool take on Exeter City.Bruce left Newcastle by mutual consent in 2021Credit: Getty Images – GettySteve Bruce’s managerial careerSheffield United 1998- 1999Huddersfield Town 1999 -2000Wigan Athletic April 2001 – June 2001Crystal Palace September 2001 – November 2001Birmingham City 2001- 2007Wigan Athletic (return) 2007-2009Sunderland 2009-2011Hull City 2012 – 2016Aston Villa 2016 – 2018Sheffield Wednesday 2019Newcastle 2019-2021West Brom February 2022 – October 2022Blackpool 2024 – present More

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    David de Gea’s wife Edurne opens up on long distance relationship as she denies that couple are in crisis

    DAVID DE GEA’S wife has opened up about their long distance marriage as she revealed the couple live in different countries again.Edurne De Gea revealed that the pair are “more in love” than ever and denied any notion of a crisis as she explained their busy work schedules.Edurne Garcia has opened up on her distance relationship with David De GeaThe Spanish beauty hushed rumours of a crisisCredit: SplashSince the former Man Utd keeper moved to Italy to join FiorentinaCredit: GettyThe couple have rarely been able to live together since they met in 2010.The former Old Trafford keeper lived in Greater Manchester between 2010 and 2023, while his partner mostly stayed in Madrid for work commitments.Edurne is a Spanish singer, actress, TV presenter and judge on Spain’s Got Talent since 2015 – after she finished 21st on Eurovision.While the former Premier League star has lived with his wife since his £375,000-per-week contract expired last July, he has since moved to Italy after signing with Fiorentina this summer.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSBut Edurne has shut down any suggestions of a plight in their marriage.She told Spanish news outlet Vanitatis: “We are doing very well, we are very happy and we have not separated and there is no crisis.”I have already said that because every time we do something there is a revolution.”We are happier and more in love than the first day we met. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”We have been like this for fourteen years. Distance is not a problem, we live our life at a distance because our work has required it”It has happened that his work is outside of Spain and mine is in Madrid.”Inside Angel Gomes’ rise from Man Utd wonderkid to England starEx- Manchester United keeper De Gea, 33, tied the knot with Edurne, 38, in July 2023, the same day he formally left Old Trafford.He turned down a move to Saudi Arabia because it was too far for his family, before signing a one-year deal as a free agent with Fiorentina.De Gea endured a nightmare start to life at Fiorentina after conceding two goals in the opening 12 minutes against Puskas Akademia in their Uefa Conference League first leg play-off.But he produced a man-of-the-match performance and saved a penalty to help nine-man Fiorentina dramatically win the second leg play-off tie via penalties and advance to the main group stage.Fiorentina fans have taken too De Gea since he joined this sumerCredit: GettyThe couple first met in December 2010 during a recording of a Christmas Carol to raise money for children with cancer.Seven months after their first date, David De Gea joined United from Atletico Madrid for £18 million.Garcia continued to live in Spain and made regular visits to Manchester, and briefly lived in the North West for year in 2018.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 2021 the pair had their first child, a daughter called Yanay.The name origins from the Quechua language and translates into English as My Beloved.The pair met in 2010 and began dating shortly afterCredit: Instagram @edurnityEdurne supported the goalkeeper throughout his 12-year Man Utd careerCredit: Instagram @edurnity More

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    Eye-watering sum Man City goal machine Erling Haaland earning off the pitch through image rights revealed

    GOAL machine Erling Haaland is also netting a fortune off the pitch through his image rights.The Man City megastar, 24, built up £12million in assets for the 12 months to last December.Erling Haaland has built up £12million in assets for the 12 months to last DecemberCredit: InstagramAccounts filed for his company York Promotions show it has £7million of cash in the bank with £5million still owed to the towering Norwegian by big-name brands.The business was so flush that nearly £7million more in earnings was deferred by a year.Erling runs the company with his dad and manager Alfie, 51, who also played for Man City.Top tax accountant Julia Hoyle – an associate of Haaland’s late agent Mino Raiola – is also listed as a director.read more on Erling HaalandPaperwork showed the company had also bought “an interest” in two planes for £2.1million and paid out £1.1million to an unnamed director.Haaland is said to have signed with Nike for more than ten years with the total cost of the deal reaching an unprecedented £200m.The cash boost comes on top of his huge £1.2million-a-month base salary with the Premier League champions, where he scored 36 goals in his debut season.Business-savvy Haaland previously set up the investment vehicle Pillage 3 AS in Luxembourg to manage his dealings in Europe.Most read in FootballErling haaland’s bizarre new therapy More