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    Euro 2024: Millions of footie-mad workers ‘could be sacked’ for pulling sickie on Monday after first game, expert warns

    MILLIONS of footie-mad workers could be sacked for pulling a sickie after the first match of the Euros, a legal expert warns.The tournament – hosted in Germany – kicks off on Friday, with England’s opening game on Sunday as they bid to win their first major trophy in 58 years.Many fans are likely to try pull a sickie after England’s opening game on SundayCredit: GettyA legal firm has warned employers could be within their rights to take disciplinary actionCredit: GettyNina Farooqi was sacked after skipping work to go watch England in Euro 2020Credit: NINA FAROOQIHer bosses spotted her on TV celebrating Harry Kane’s winner against DenmarkCredit: NINA FAROOQI/ITVWith many Three Lions fans expected to watch the match down the pub, many could be tempted to stay in bed on Monday with a hangover.However, employment lawyers at Richard Nelson LLP have encouraged football supporters to think twice before faking illness.It comes after office worker Nina Farooqi was sacked after her bosses spotted her on TV celebrating a Harry Kane goal at Wembley during Euro 2020.Jayne Harrison, head of employment law at the firm, said with England this year’s favourites, excitement is likely to “reach fever pitch over the coming days”. Read more sport newsBut she warned people to be careful.”If an employer thinks their employee has called in sick and it is not genuine – such as to recover from a hangover – then they can investigate the case and may take disciplinary action over unauthorised absence,” she said.“For those wanting to indulge on Sunday night we’d encourage you to book annual leave for the following Monday, avoiding not turning up for work at all or worse being dismissed.”She added: “Over the last few years companies across the country have embraced flexible working and we’d encourage them to do so during the Euros.” Most read in FootballThis has included companies allowing staff to finish early or work remotely.Full strength beer at England vs Serbia AXED and replaced by low alcohol brew amid threat of boozed-up ultras violenceNina, then-37 had wrapped an England flag around her and was seated right behind the goal for the magical moment as the Three Lions defeated Denmark. But she was brought back down to earth with a bump when her boss called her the morning after to fire her for going to the historic game. Nina, from Ilkley, Bradford, had pulled a sickie to go to the game with her pal who had won a last minute ticket in a ballot. Speaking to The Telegraph, Nina said: “It’s mixed emotions: we’re through to the final, I’m still on that high, but I’ve also lost my job.”Footie fans were given similar warnings ahead of the World Cup in Qatar in November 2022.One in three Brits planned to “pull a sickie” for England’s opening game – which fell during the working day, according to a poll of 2,000 people.How England are likely to line up on Sunday
    England kick off Euro 2024 on Sunday. But how are they likely to line-up?
    Key Man: Jude Bellingham
    Arguably the best player on the planet right now.
    His world class performances at Real Madrid give England the perfect platform to dominate big games.
    Likely line-up
    Southgate doesn’t experiment much, so the team is certain to play 4-2-3-1, with many of the players locked in.
    The only real doubts are who plays at left-back, where Luke Shaw will play if fit or if not it will probably be Kieran Trippier.
    And alongside Declan Rice in midfield where Kobbie Mainoo and Trent Alexander-Arnold will be the main contenders, along with Conor Gallagher.
    Much will depend on just how daring Southgate decides to be.
    Prediction
    England are firm favourites to top the table after their very friendly draw, and would be set to play the best third placed team from Group D/E/F.
    SunSport reckon that it could be one of Austria, Czech Republic or Slovakia.
    Progressing from the last 16 would set up a predicted tie against Italy in the quarter-final on July 6.
    The game would be a rematch of the Euro 2020 final, which the Italians won on penalties.
    England could then play France in the semi-final, giving Harry Kane a chance to get revenge on Les Bleus after his missed penalty in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final.
    In the final, the likes of Germany, Spain, Portugal could be the opponents. England will do well to equal their run to the final of Euro 2020

    If correct, it meant a third of workers really do call in sick that means 11 million fans could be dodging their jobs to watch the Three Lions.England will be based in Blankenhain in the east German countryside for the tournament, and are set to stay at the five-star Weimarer Land Spa and Golf resort.Boss Gareth Southgate made the controversial decision to drop Manchester City winger Jack Grealish, 28, along with Tottenham playmaker James Maddison, 27, from his squad ahead of the tournament.Manchester United captain Harry Maguire, 31, has also not travelled with the team, due to ongoing injury recovery.However, the Three Lions have been boosted today with all players, including injury-doubt Luke Shaw – taking part in the first training session.Southgate has taken inspiration from Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann in his preparation.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat’s seen England borrow a big screen from RB Leipzig to help with their sessions.The screen will allow Southgate to forensically analyse videos from training and lecture his players after sessions.Gareth Southgate looks on during a training session at Spa & Golf Resort Weimarer LandCredit: GettyHarry Kane and Kyle Walker playfully tussle in front of manager SouthgateCredit: GettyJude Bellingham, Lewis Dunk and Southgate sign autographs for fans following a training sessionCredit: Getty More

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    Wales to hold talks on Rob Page’s future after fans turn on under-fire boss

    ROBERT PAGE will hold crunch talks with his Wales bosses as he battles to save his job.The Dragons boss is under increasing pressure following last week’s embarrassing goalless draw with Gibraltar and the 4-0 hammering by Slovakia on Sunday night.Page has two more years left on his contract but match-going fans have turned on the managerCredit: ReutersThe Wales boss now faces talks with chief executive Noel Mooney, president Steve Williams and technical director Dave AdamsCredit: GettyPage looked a resigned figure after the Trnava thrashing.And he apologised to angry fans before saying, “If the powers that be decide I’m not the one to lead them forward then that’s their decision.”The 49-year-old was booed off by the travelling Red Wall after each June match.He will now talk with Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney, president Steve Williams and technical director Dave Adams to determine the next step.read more in footballWhen asked if the disastrous friendly results would have a bearing on his future, Page said: “I’m the wrong person to be asking.“Only the board, the chief executive, the president, the technical director – that’s a question for them.“After camp, we have a conversation with Dave, Steve and Noel. Of course we’ll have those conversations.“One way or the other, we will decide on what’s right for Wales and move forward.”Most read in FootballPage said he felt “low” and knows the fans want him out.Following their Euro 2024 qualification failure, Page was backed by the FAW within 24 hours.Jack Wilshere, Jurgen Klinsmann and Gordon Strachan pick their ultimate Euro 2024 Dream TeamThree months ago FAW president Steve Williams said: “The FAW can confirm Rob Page is their manager for the forthcoming campaign in accordance with his contract.”Rob is the manager. His contract runs to the end of the World Cup and that is how we continue to work.”But the recent games with Gibraltar and Slovakia means Page, 49, now faces a fight to keep his job.He tried to used the friendlies to blood youngsters such as Lewis Koumas, 18, Charlie Crew 17 and Fin Stevens, 21.Page was without several senior players including captain Aaron Ramsey, vice-captain Ben Davies and Harry Wilson with the bulk unavailable through injury.He will use the talks to press his case for the future with his intention to stay on, starting with Wales’ Nations League home clash with Turkey on September 6.Page has two years left on his deal as the FAW review the camp – as they do with every international break.Page is the only manager to have led Wales at two major tournaments.He added: “The form coming into it has been all right but when you draw against Gibraltar and you get beaten with the goals we have tonight, questions are going to be asked. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I completely understand that.“I’m just focused on what I need to do. This camp served its purpose – to play a different formation – and we plan now for September.” More

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    Moment Tyson Fury escorted from pub by Britain’s bravest bouncers before collapsing outside

    THIS is the moment Britain’s ‘bravest bouncers’ escorted heavyweight Tyson Fury out of a pub – before the boxer collapsed outside.The British former world champion – who lost his title to Oleksandr Usyk last month – was led out by two security staff on Friday evening after enjoying one drink too many in Nowhere bar in Morecambe, Lancs.Footage from inside the bar showed the former world champion being taken out by securityFury stumbled out of the Nowhere bar in Morecambe on Friday nightThe boxer was escorted out after having ‘had a couple too many’Fury fans sympathised with the boxer for enjoying his downtime before he fights Usyk again later this yearCredit: GettyFootage showed the legendary boxer scrambling on his knees before bumping his head on a lamp post outside.Tyson, 35, worth an estimated £300m from his hugely successful boxing career, partied with friends and fans at the venue, which offers drinks for just £2.50 until 11pm.But his night came to an end when staff ruled he was too intoxicated, so staff gently persuaded the Gypsy King to head back to his £1.7m mansion which he shares with wife Paris and their seven children.The man is a bl**dy legend, multi millionaire and yet he is still just like you or me. Goes to the pub just like you, maybe gets drunk just like you too. I get he is a public figure but he is only humanDJ Scott ShearingA source close to Fury said the fighter had not had a drink for more than a year adding: “He had a couple too many and wasn’t feeling too well either.”Some fight fans joked Fury seemed to be still rocked from his ninth round knockdown in his split-decision loss to Ukrainian Uysk after a video of Fury being led out was posted on social media.Phil Stansfield said: “Can’t tell if he is p***ed or still feeling the effects from Usyk”.Ady Leach added: “Usyk must of give him another Left hook in the bathroom.”Louise Chaisty praised the door staff for their bravery, joking: “That doorman absolutely terrified.”Most read in BoxingOther Fury fans sympathised with the boxer for enjoying his downtime before he fights Usyk again later this year.Bryan Long wrote: “Glad to see him out getting p***ed and enjoying himself.Watch Tyson Fury give ‘very important message’ from his BED in first public post since Oleksandr Usyk defeat”Something some folk do on a regular basis go on Tyson.”Amy Greene added: “He was fine polite, no problem or drama at all x.”And Mark Rothwell said: “He’s done what we all done at some point he got smashed. He didn’t kick off he was helped out.”Another video taken by a motorist while waiting to collect her son showed Fury crawling on his hands and knees outside the bar with his head on the pavement.The woman said: “I heard a lot of shouting and commotion and then I saw Tyson crawling on his hands and knees in the street. He looked in a bad way. Hopefully it was just a one-off blow out for him.”A source claimed the dad-of-seven didn’t feel too good as he was leaving the barSecurity who led Tyson from the bar have been dubbed ‘Britain’s bravest bouncers’The boxer was said to have had one too manyThe British former world champion was escorted out in front of shocked punters’LEGEND’Earlier Fury had enjoyed some drinks while chatting with fans at the Strawberry Gardens pub in Morecambe.DJ Scott Shearing, defended Fury and told how he happily posed for pictures with dozens of fans and even gave one young girl £20.Posting a picture of Fury online, he added: “I’m sure you’ve all seen the video of Tyson Fury being escorted out of Nowhere on FB. Lots of people with plenty to say.“The man is a bl**dy legend, multi millionaire and yet he is still just like you or me. He goes out shopping, just like you.Had friends over from America and they couldn’t believe how down to earth and friendly he was. Win or lose the guys a legend in my eyesIan MarshallFury fan“Goes to the pub just like you, maybe gets drunk just like you too. I get he is a public figure but he is only human.“I take my hat off to him as everywhere he goes people ask him for photos when he’s just out like everyone else to relax and unwind he always obliges.“He was in the Strawbs Fri for a good few hours and they were all singing and keeping to themselves.“Lots of people asked to have their picture taken with him. He took the time to do this in fact a young girl I know had her picture with him and he gave her £20.“The man has a heart and feelings for god sake. In boxing he is a legend regardless of his last fight however he is proud to live in Morecambe and always mentions us.Inside the Gypsy King’s royal courtTYSON FURY is one of the biggest characters in sport.
    “Money and fame can bring its own problems when the temptation for excess of anything is there and available, be it buying fancy cars, houses or going out drinking it must be hard to cope with mentally.“Don’t get me wrong I wouldn’t turn it down but your every move is in the spotlight.“He has his own demons with mental health and all that goes along with it but let’s show the man some respect for his achievements and love of Morecambe.“We should have a statue on the prom celebrating him not putting him down at every opportunity!!!”Sarah Middleton, whose daughter Jess was the lucky girl who received the cash from Fury, added: “Couldn’t agree more! He was lovely with Jess on Friday… kissed her on the head, fist bumped her and gave her £20”.Ian Marshall, who also met Fury, added: “Had friends over from America and they couldn’t believe how down to earth and friendly he was. Win or lose the guys a legend in my eyes.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFury’s promoter Frank Warren was contacted for comment.Fury will face Usyk again on December 21.Fury appeared to hit his head on a lamp post as he fellTyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk during the IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO and Undisputed Heavyweight titles’ fight on May 18, 2024Credit: Getty More

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    Make sure you follow Euro 2024 office sweepstake rules – there’s a way you could be fined £5k or end up in prison

    EURO 2024 office sweepstake entrants could be breaking the law if they make very simple mistakes.With this year’s UEFA European Championship beginning in just days, sweepstakes will be enjoyed all across the continent.Those playing in office sweepstakes for Euro 2024 should be aware of the lawCredit: RexEngland kick off their Euro 2024 campaign this SundayCredit: APEuro 2024 will kick off on Friday when hosts Germany take on Scotland in Munich, and then it’ll end in Berlin exactly one month later when 24 teams will have been whittled down to two to contest the final.Many office sweepstakes will be set up by workers getting behind each of the European nations involved.Sweepstakes are a type of lottery, which means customers pay to enter and gain the chance to win a prize based on chance. If you’ve played before you will know that you typically pick names at random out of a hat.Read More in FootballEach player is hoping their assigned team will make it all the way to the end of the tournament as champions to take a prize, which is usually a pot of money raised by all players.But while many of us have taken part in sweepstakes in the past, it’s likely you have never given a single thought to whether it is legal.In fact, setting up an illegal lottery could land you in hot water, resulting in 51 weeks in prison or a £5,000 fine.Ahead of all the excitement, solicitors Poppleston Allen have revealed the rules you should be aware of to ensure you are fully compliant while running the wager.Most read in Euro 2024The law for what is allowed is governed by the Gambling Act 2005, with the Gambling Commission publishing guidance on the regulations surrounding fundraising, raffles and lotteries.In the new post-pandemic world of work, remote working employees who enter your sweepstake could be breaking the law.The draw must be done physically at the business premises – which means if you’re working from home, you can’t participate unless you go into the office to partake in the draw.Euro 2024 – Prince William gives England team a royal send-off before Southgate’s 26 hopefuls jet off to GermanyAll players must also work at the same physical offices – so that means the London office can’t participate in the Manchester office’s draw, for example.You cannot run sweepstakes across multiple offices, say the legal experts.Proceeds can be used for charitable purposes, or given to participants as prizes.The promotion/customer lottery must only be advertised on work premises, not online.Likewise, the lottery must only be promoted by those working in a single set of offices.There must be a winner, as monies cannot be rolled over to another game and participants must pay the same price for each ticket.It is also important to note that the rights attached to the ticket cannot be passed on to another person once purchased.Organisers can deduct reasonable expenses from the proceeds to cover the cost of prizes and tickets.A Poppleston Allen spokesperson said: “Ultimately, it is a criminal offence to run an illegal lottery and you could face prosecution. “The maximum punishment for breaches is 51 weeks in prison or a £5,000 fine.“However, the rules are straightforward and easy to follow. But if you’re unsure of a situation regarding office sweepstakes, please feel free to contact any of the Poppleston Allen licensing solicitors – and may your chosen team make it to the final!”PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
    England take on Serbia at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen in western Germany this Sunday.But while it will be the chance for Gareth Southgate’s men to lay down a marker as one of the favourites to win the Euros, the match could be the centre of hooliganism for many fans.Their opening clash with Serbia has been identified as one of the four “high-risk” matches in the group stages of the tournament this season.Following the Covid pandemic and the winter Qatar World Cup, this tournament presents the first chance for a new generation of supporters to follow England at a major tournament.Approximately 1,600 known troublemakers were forced to surrender their passports for the duration of Euro 2024.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, there is a real and genuine threat of rival fans wanting to confront their English counterparts in Germany – especially by the Serbians.Serbian hooligans have built a reputation as some of the most violent football fans in the whole world.Gareth Southgate will take the handbrake off at Euro 2024… because he has no choiceBy Charlie Wyett
    GARETH SOUTHGATE will have no choice but to take the handbrake off his England team at Euro 2024.
    The defensive crisis gripping the Three Lions means the only option in Germany, within ­reason, will be outright attack.
    Southgate has often been lambasted for his safety-first approach — even if he points out you must go back to Walter Winterbottom’s sides in the 1950s to find an England manager with a better scoring record.
    But with the crocked Harry Maguire left out, Luke Shaw not fit enough to start the tournament and John Stones having made just 12 ­Premier League starts this season, this is not a defence you would stake your life on.
    The last time England went to a major tournament in Germany — the 2006 World Cup — the four centre-backs selected were Sol Campbell (68 caps), Rio Ferdinand (47), Jamie Carragher (25) and John Terry (24).
    This time, when England fly out on Monday, the quartet will be Lewis Dunk (six), Joe Gomez (14), Marc Guehi (ten) and Ezri Konsa (three).
    It makes Southgate’s decision not to recall the 49-cap Eric Dier for his ­provisional squad even stranger — especially considering his strong end to the season with Bayern Munich.
    The elder statesman in his defence — and the one who absolutely has to stay fit — is 71-cap Stones.

    Credit: The Sun More

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    Man City ace Jack Grealish tells of his pride after sister Hollie bags first job as a waitress

    JACK Grealish has spoken of his pride after his sister Hollie bagged her first job as a waitress.The Manchester City star, 28, posted a picture of the 20-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, working in a restaurant.Man City ace Jack Grealish has spoken of his pride after his sister Hollie bagged her first job as a waitressCredit: @jackgrealishJack posted a picture of Hollie, 20, who has cerebral palsy, working in a restaurant – accompanied by a sweet message telling her how proud he wasCredit: InstagramHe wrote, alongside heart emojis: “Go on Hols. First job . . . Birmingham’s best waitress. “Proud of you.”He has previously spoken of their close relationship and described her as his “best friend”.Hollie joined Jack last month to celebrate City’s Premier League title win.READ MORE ON JACK GREALISHWith his winners’ medal around his neck, Jack hugged and kissed her on the cheek.She put a picture of them together at the Etihad Stadium on Instagram and captioned it: “The Best.”Jack has previously talked about how Hollie was born three months premature, adding: “They said that she wouldn’t be able to talk, she wouldn’t be able to walk, and do a lot of stuff but here we are and she can do everything.”I’m so close with my little sister. I love her so much.” He has called Hollie his “inspiration” and his “hero”.Most read in FootballIt comes as Jack was yesterday told that he would not be part of the England squad for Euro 2024 in Germany.Southgate said: “I think the world of him as a kid.“It certainly doesn’t get any easier.” ‘You know what he’s done for me’ – Emotional Gareth Southgate reveals why he left Harry Maguire out of England squadWhat Southgate said about axed England stars

    WHAT Gareth Southgate said about his axed England stars after confirming his 26-man England squad for Euro 2024.
    Harry Maguire
    “The decision on Harry [Maguire] is totally about his physical condition and his recovery from the injury. There is no other reason as he is one of our strongest centre-backs.
    “Harry has made some progress, but it’s been complicated and we wouldn’t have had him in the group stages. There were too many hurdles to get through without being clear where we might get to.
    “Knowing we haven’t got a clean bill of health across the rest of the backline, we need players who are fit and ready to go from the start.
    “It was a really difficult call, you know how I feel about Harry, what he’s done for England and for me as a manager. ”
    Jack Grealish
    “I have just delivered a really difficult conversation to a lad who is devastated.
    “I think the world of him as a kid.“It certainly doesn’t get any easier.
    “You put yourself in the shoes of a player, a parent. You understand that for these players this is a devastating moment.
    “We knew we had a couple of really difficult days coming up.”
    James Maddison
    “Madders [Maddison] and Jack [Grealish] would have provided us with something different as well and they’ve been tough calls.
    “They’re calls we’ve gone over and over and over as a group of staff to try to be fair and to try to use the right rationale.
    “We back our decisions but we recognise we could have gone a different route. The boys are big characters, fabulous team-mates and great boys to work with.
    “It’s sad to have to deliver that news to them.”
    Jarrad Branthwaite
    “It’s a bit early for Jarrad [Branthwaite]. He has had a fabulous season, it was good to get him on the pitch the other night.
    “But of course, in an ideal world, you’d like that balance of left-footers. For him to be in ahead of the others, I don’t think it would have been the right call at this stage.”
    Jarell Quansah
    “Jarell Quansah has stayed with us. He’s not had the experience of an England international at Wembley. It’ll be great for him to be us for the game.
    “Hopefully we’re not needing to call anyone else in.” More

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    Ange Postecoglou loses right-hand man as Tottenham assistant boss lands manager’s job with former Premier League club

    BIRMINGHAM have announced Tottenham assistant coach Chris Davies as their new boss.It comes after the Midlanders were relegated to the third tier for the third time since 1995.Spurs coach Chris Davies has landed the Birmingham boss jobCredit: RexFrank Lampard was reportedly interviewed for the job – following a disastrous spell in charge earlier in the season for his former England team-mate Wayne Rooney. Birmingham said in a statement: “Davies has signed a four-year contract and joins the Club with immediate effect from Tottenham Hotspur after the two parties agreed compensation.”He brings more than 15 years of coaching experience working at a number of leading Premier League teams, including Spurs, Liverpool and Swansea City, and Celtic in Scotland, operating alongside leading managers such as Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers.”The 39-year-old is a highly regarded coach, recognised for being tactically astute, and an excellent communicator. READ MORE TOP STORIES”He is also known for working with and developing exciting young talent.”His appointment ends a robust search by the Club which saw close to 1,000 coaches being evaluated and more than 40 being spoken to directly or through their representatives. Davies has signed a four-year contract and joins the Club with immediate effect from Tottenham Hotspur after the two parties agreed compensation.
    He brings more than 15 years of coaching experience working at a number of leading Premier League teams, including Spurs, Liverpool and Swansea City, and Celtic in Scotland, operating alongside leading managers such as Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers.The 39-year-old is a highly regarded coach, recognised for being tactically astute, and an excellent communicator. He is also known for working with and developing exciting young talent.His appointment ends a robust search by the Club which saw close to 1,000 coaches being evaluated and more than 40 being spoken to directly or through their representatives.Most read in ChampionshipTHIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY…The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ‘closing in’ on first manager’s job since leaving Man Utd almost three years ago

    OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER is closing in on his first managerial role in nearly three years, according to reports.The United legend hasn’t worked in management since he was sacked as Manchester United boss in November 2021.Solskjaer is close to taking over at BesiktasCredit: GettySolskjaer is now in advanced talks to take over as manager of Besiktas, according to ESPN.The move will see him renew rivalries with the man he replaced at Man Utd, Jose Mourinho, who was announced as Fenerbache boss earlier this week.ESPN report that a deal between Solskjaer and Besiktas is close but details still need to be ironed out between the two parties.The Norwegian led United to consecutive top four finishes in 2020 and 2021.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe 2020-21 season also saw him reach the final of the Europa League, where United were beaten on penalties by Villarreal.He was sacked in his third season in charge after a poor start to the 2021-22 campaign.Besiktas have been without a permanent manager since sacking former Portugal boss Fernando Santos in April.According to ESPN, Solskjaer was first contacted to take over as Santos’ replacement when Santos was still in charge of the club in April.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSolskjaer faces a mammoth task in restoring Besiktas to their former glory, with the club finishing 46 points behind league winners Galatasaray last season.Besiktas last won the Turkish title in 2021.Stunned Roy Keane checks Solskjaer’s drink after he claims former Man Utd star ‘gave 8-10 every time’Speaking on Gary Neville’s Stick to Football podcast in March this year, Solskjaer confirmed he had turned down “a few” roles in management as he bided his time over a return to the game.If the deal goes through as expected, Besiktas will be the fourth club Solskjaer has managed in his career after spells at United, Molde and Cardiff.He spent 11 years as a Man Utd player, scoring 126 goals in 366 games.The former forward won 10 major titles with United, including six Premier Leagues and is best remembered for his winning goal in the 1999 Champions League final.Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
    Michael Owen – He has to go
    “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
    Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
    “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
    Jamie Carragher – Sacked
    “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
    Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
    “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
    Louis Saha – On the fence
    “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
    Alan Shearer – Sacked
    “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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    Jose Mourinho ‘agrees shock return to management’ as Chelsea legend closes in on job with European giants

    JOSE MOURINHO is reportedly in line for a sensational return to football – just months after being axed from his last job.The Portuguese manager is currently unemployed following his January sacking from Roma, who gave him the boot eight months after guiding them to Europa Conference League glory.Jose Mourinho has been out of work since being sacked by Roma last JanuaryCredit: REXBut The Special One has reportedly agreed to take charge of Turkish giants FenerbahceCredit: APMourinho, 61, has been linked with several jobs in the four months since his latest axing – including a shock return to Manchester United.But according to reports, he’s on the verge of taking over Turkish giants Fenerbahce.That’s according to Sky Italia, who claim The Special One has “reached an agreement” to take charge of the Super Lig big boys.The Italian outlet claims the former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss has inked a two-year deal with The Yellow Canaries.READ MORE ON MOURINHOFabrizio Romano has also reported the news, adding that there is the option of an additional year and that Mourinho has said yes to the proposal.Fenerbahce are currently managed by Ismail Kartal, who guided them to a second-placed finish in the 2023/24 Super Lig season.The sensational report comes less than 24 hours after it was confirmed the Portuguese will be part of TNT Sports’ coverage of the Champions League final on Saturday.Mourinho has been linked with a litany of jobs in recent weeks, including the sporting director’s role at Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadisiyah.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEx-Prem stars at FenerbahceJOSE MOURINHO will have a whole host of familiar faces in his dressing room when he takes over at Fenerbahce. 
    There are no fewer than SIX players in the Turkish giants’ squad who previously played in the Premier League. 
    They are:

    EDIN DZEKO Fenerbahce’s club captain was at Man City from 2011 to 2016, scoring 72 goals in 189 appearances, including the dramatic equaliser before THAT Sergio Aguero winner vs QPR
    MICHY BATSHUAYI Belgian forward arrived to much fanfare at Chelsea in 2016 but five loans in six years, two of them to Crystal Palace, showed it didn’t quite work
    FRED Man Utd spent £52m on the Brazilian holding midfielder who formed half of the underwhelming’McFred’ partnership and won just the League Cup in five years at Old Trafford
    DUSAN TADIC Serbian forward enjoyed four seasons at Southampton before returning to the Eredivisie with Ajax, reaching the Champions League semi-finals
    RYAN KENT Technically didn’t play in the Premier League but made one FA Cup appearance for boyhood club Liverpool then left for Rangers in 2019
    CENGIZ UNDER A disappointing season on loan at Leicester in 2020-21 from Roma, scoring two goals in 19 appearances for the Foxes who did not trigger their option to buy the Turkish winger.

    The outspoken gaffer, however, has kept his cards close to his chest over the last few months.Although he did recently outline his minimum requirements for his next role.Jose Mourinho’s iconic first Chelsea press conferenceHe told The Telegraph: “The only thing I want is that the targets and the objectives have to be established by everyone in a fair way.”I cannot go to a club where, because of my history, the objective is to win the title. No.”The only thing I want is that it has to be fair.”Do you think if I was at a big Premier League club and we were sixth, seventh, eighth, in the table, I still have a job?”What I am saying is people [should] look at me the way they look at others.”What is important for me is if the club has objectives and for me to be able to say I am ready to fight for these.”I don’t want to say realistic, but [at least] semi-realistic.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Because when I went to Roma nobody was dreaming about European Cup finals and we did it.”It’s not possible I go to a club almost relegated and the objective is to win the Champions League. It’s good but it is not fair.” More