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      in Boxing

      I fought Anthony Joshua for £5,000 but now live new life as a bailiff and expose some of the biggest secrets in boxing

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      PAUL BUTLIN was once a heavyweight fighting the likes of Anthony Joshua – but now he is a TikTok star from his van exposing boxing’s secrets.Butlin, now 48, boxed top names in his career including Derek Chisora and Joshua before retiring in 2016.Paul Butlin is the ex-heavyweight champ now exposing boxing’s biggest secretsCredit: RexButlin went viral while working in his job as a bailiffCredit: https://twitter.com/MichaelBensonnButlin is a big hit on TikTok exposing boxing’s secretsNowadays, he works as a debt collector while becoming a surprise hit on TikTok where he has almost 40,000 followers and millions of views.No longer at risk of getting on the wrong side of promoters or managers, Butlin pulls back the curtain on boxing’s dark side.Blowing the whistle on fighters’ pay, matchmaking and failed drug tests are all part of the reason fans can’t get enough of Butlin’s channel.And he tells SunSport: “I just started making boxing videos and people seem to like the real side of me, because all they see is like Conor Benn and people like this.READ MORE IN BOXING”They just think you’re gonna make millions, so I’m just trying to distract people to the other side of it. “The real side of boxing where you’ve got graft just to live really.”His controversial claims have included suggesting several top but nameless boxers use performance enhancing drugs. Butlin alleged in one video: “All the big names, I’m not gonna mention, I know they’re on it. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I’ve been training in gyms since 16-years-old, I know who’s on gear, who ain’t on gear. I can tell with the power.” And he believes Jake Paul’s eight-round points victory over 58-year-old Mike Tyson in November was an example of a rigged fight.He said: “The whole fight was a fix, I watched it. Absolute b****s. “He hardly threw a punch, (Tyson) could have knocked him out at any time. Absolute fix, the game is a con.” Paul and his Most Valuable Promotions company did release a statement to deny accusations of the bout being fixed. Butlin – a former bouncer – went viral himself when a video emerged of him having a row while collecting a debt.Little did the man recording know that he was dealing with one of Britain’s most respected and experienced heavyweights.But Butlin said: “It’s just one of them that you get used to. I’ve got nothing to prove, do you know what I mean?”I don’t stand – even when I work at the door – I didn’t stand there and saying, ‘Well, I’m a professional boxer.’ Do you know what I mean? Or I used to be a professional boxer.”I just am what I am, and then people can abuse me. That is part of the job.”Butlin opened up about being verbally abused during his day jobCredit: https://twitter.com/MichaelBensonnWhen Butlin speaks about boxing, fans will listen. After all, he’s not a pretender with a big social media following, he has experienced it all in the ring. Butlin only started his amateur career at 26 and turned pro after just two years and 12 bouts. He went 4-0 before losing to Paul Buttery – in what he admits was a step up too soon in his career. An up and down run of performances and results then forced the East Midlands man to the away corner to make reasonable money. He said: “I realised the only way I could make money without selling tickets is going on the road if you like.”Butlin also made a name for himself sparring the likes of Tyson Fury before the Gypsy King became a world champion superstar.In fact, Butlin first crossed paths with Fury while the future British legend was still a teenager and knew he was destined for greatness.First jab he hit me with – and I told this story before – I was like, Jesus! It was like a right hand off a good heavyweight. That’s how strong he was.Paul Butlin on Anthony Joshua Butlin revealed: “Even after sparring him the first time, I said to him, ‘You’d beat most heavyweights now.’ “Obviously at the time I was sparring Matt Skelton, Pele Reed, loads of heavyweights. “I said, ‘Mate, you beat all these heavyweights now as an amateur.’ That’s what I told him.”And then he invited me up where he couldn’t get sparring. I went up to Manchester, I went to his uncle’s who sadly passed away. “Tyson was living in a caravan back of there, and he was training in like the barn.”And then I went to an amateur club in Manchester, so probably two or three times I sparred him, always got on well with him, he always looked after me and yeah, he’s a good lad.” Butlin also helped welcome Joshua to the world of professional boxing – one year after AJ won Olympic gold in London.And he admits to being blown away by the sheer power of Joshua – even with his lesser left hand jab.Butlin was beaten by Anthony Joshua in 2013Credit: Mark Robinson – The SunHe was paid just £5,000 for the fightCredit: Mark Robinson – The SunButlin said: “I squared with him in the casino where we had the weigh in, I looked at him and I thought, ‘Mate, you’re having it! “Got in the ring, I wasn’t even bothered. I thought, ‘Do you know what, you’re having it! I’m fit as a fiddle.'”First jab he hit me with – and I told this story before – I was like, Jesus! It was like a right hand off a good heavyweight. That’s how strong he was.”I went back to Carl Greaves first round, and said, ‘Mate, I can’t deal with him.'”He goes, ‘What are you on about?’ ‘I can’t deal with his power.’ He hits that hard.”And the only reason I got up after that big shot is because I was fit. I mean, I had nine stitches in my eye. Great shot. I can’t fault him.”Fans would assume fighting Joshua is a top payday – but Butlin is open in admitting he made just a tiny £5,000. He said on reflection: “At the time I was working, I had my gym. I think we just got married. We had young kids, five grand helps.I’ve been training in gyms since 16-years-old, I know who’s on gear, who ain’t on gear. I can tell with the power.”Looking back now, obviously the older you get I’m a bit gutted I didn’t get more. But that’s life, innit? You’re gonna take it.”If you don’t take it, someone else is gonna take it. So £5,000 at the time was a lot of money, and I just thought, ‘Yeah, why not?'” But Butlin also caused damage of his own – just ask Chisora. London’s veteran fan favourite once revealed Butlin was the hardest-hitting opponent he ever faced.Chisora claimed Butlin hit so hard he had to get the referee to check his gloves and make sure it wasn’t loaded with weights in it.”He never told me that afterwards,” Butlin says with a laugh. Butlin’s career on the road as the opponent was filled with short-notice bouts. Sometimes it was only 24 hours notice, other times while he had a BROKEN HAND.But Butlin always showed up – until he packed it in to tell the tales on the grubby boxing business. And while his career in the ring, all across Europe, may have gone unnoticed among some fans, his boxing exposes on TikTok certainty aren’t.READ MORE SUN STORIESButlin gets dozens of requests and questions sent in by his TikTok fans – but did he ever expect to be such a hit among social media?He said with a grin: “No, not really. I thought, it’s bald old Paul just making videos.”  More

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      in Soccer

      ‘I am heartbroken’ – Man Utd’s pre-eminent writer reveals he’s victim of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cuts in emotional post

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S most esteemed writer has been let go by the club amid Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s second round of brutal cuts.Ratcliffe, 72, completed a minority takeover in 2023 and has since gained control over sporting operations at United, which in turn led to some severe downsizing.Manchester United’s ‘pre-eminent writer’ has been let go amid Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s second round of cutsCredit: AlamyLast summer saw 250 staff members made redundant in a heavy first wave to save costs under Sir Jim.But the list of casualties is set to increase by between 150 and 200 job cuts amid the club’s transformation plan, which includes axing free lunches.That also led to the dismissal of some of the Red Devils’ most esteemed figures, such as legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson whose ambassador role was ended.And now best-selling author Wayne Barton has become “one of the statistics” of Ratcliffe’s latest cuts.Read More on Man UtdBarton worked as an editorial consultant for the club since January 2023 and has been very close with the club for many years.His incredible work, which has seen him publishing 20 books, led to immense praise from key figures, such as Tony Whelan and Martin Edwards who dubbed him the club’s “pre-eminent writer”.The writer was left “heartbroken ” as he announced the news on social media where he sang the praises of other members of staff who were made redundant and expressed his desire to return one day.Barton tweeted: “So just over two years in my dream job came to an end today as I became one of the statistics you’ve been reading about in the press associated with United.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”For those two years I loved every day of being able to work at Old Trafford, I loved the immense privilege despite it being such a difficult time in our history, hoping that I could help from within to contribute something positive.”I’m beyond proud of my work outside of United, the kind reviews of my books and perception of me as a writer. Ruben Amorim makes blunt admission as Man Utd face cash crisis “Obviously, I am heartbroken that my contribution is no longer of value to the club I love.”I understand that difficult decisions have to be made. I have seen very talented people leave their roles, and I have seen legendary figures who are drenched in the history of our club been told they too are now part of the past; a past which is, for me, the richest history in football, a past which these people remain a significant part of the tapestry and educational process for the future. “They are indispensable; the cost of losing them far greater than financial.’I am heartbroken’He continued: “It’s the biggest club in the country, possibly the world, and every loss I’ve seen and experienced has been significant to the operations. Every loss has been felt.”These are real people, real lives, being affected – not because of the quality of their performance or contribution. They work incredibly hard and feel, like I have done, a sense of gratitude and privilege and a dream coming true. “There are people having to deliver terrible news which wasn’t their decision to make. A football club is not a normal business. It is a community asset, serving different needs. It is it’s history.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Anyway. So today I leave the club I love, hoping that one day, they will need me again, and that I’ll be back, my tiny little cog in the big machine, my sense of grandoise not lost on me with the self-importance of this post.”I’m by no means an important loss, but it’s an important loss to me.” More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal set to appoint new sporting director in days with five names in frame including Dan Ashworth after Man Utd axe

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      ARSENAL are planning to hire a new sporting director to replace Edu Gaspar next month.Edu, 46, resigned in November after five years with the Gunners who appointed their former player as the club’s first ever technical director in 2019 before his promotion as sporting director in 2022.Dan Ashworth is among the names Arsenal are considering for a new sporting directorCredit: PAArsenal are looking for a replacement for Edu GasparCredit: GettyThe Brazilian executive is now expected to link up with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ new group, which also includes reigning Conference League winners Olympiacos and Rio Ave.According to The Athletic, the North Londoners are rigorously searching for Edu’s successor and are in the process of whittling down candidates before reaching a final decision.The likes of Dan Ashworth, Andrea Berta, Roberto Olabe and Thiago Scuro are among the names that have been discussed internally.The same goes for Arsenal interim sporting director Jason Ayto, who was promoted after Edu’s departure.Read More on ArsenalParis Saint-Germain strategic advisor Luis Campos was also linked but is not actually in the frame.The Premier League giants’ owners KSE are heavily involved and a final call will not be made without their approval.Ashworth has been a free agent since his sudden departure from Manchester United in December after just five months in the job despite his previous employers splashing £3million to Newcastle for his services.The ex-Man Utd chief enjoyed tremendous success at Brighton, whom he turned into a competitive Premier League side, and Newcastle, where he signed Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAyto has been with Arsenal for a decade and worked under Edu as his assistant for two years.He was heavily involved with talks that led to the signing of Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori last summer.Nuno thanks the fans after solid defensive performance against ArsenalBerta is one of the main figures that turned Atletico Madrid into LaLiga and Champions League challengers thanks to his stunning 12-year stint working with manager Diego Simeone until his exit last month.The Italian signed the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Jan Oblak as well as Rodri and recently spent time in London learning English as he is targeting a job in the Prem.Olabe is set to step down from his role as sporting director at Real Sociedad this summer.The Spaniard signed the likes of Merino, Isak, Martin Odegaard and David Silva during his seven-year spell at Sociedad – he also worked out deals with Arsenal involving Kieran Tierney and Nacho Monreal.Scuro has been with Monaco since 2023 where he was promoted as CEO after helping the club finish second last season for the first time since 2018.Arsenal ratings vs Forest as NOBODY looks like scoring for Gunners but Saliba’s a Rolls Royce againMIKEL ARTETA may not have anyone to put the ball in the back of the net but in William Saliba he has one of the best defenders in the Prem.The Arsenal boss watched his side’s faint title hopes go well and truly up in smoke in the goalless draw with Nottingham Forest.But his brilliant backline emerged, once again, with credit from this tricky clash at the City Ground.Together with Gabriel, Saliba kept a tight lid on Forest dangerman Chris Wood, who scored a hat-trick in his last appearance on this ground.But the fact the Gunners’ biggest threat at the other end of the pitch came from left-back Riccardo Calafiori – who was subbed off at half-time – says it all about the dire situation Arsenal somehow find themselves in.Here is how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated the Gunners stars’ displays… More

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      in Boxing

      Meet Oscar de la Lawyer, UK’s first boxer and solicitor who’s named after ring icon and wows clients with his black eyes

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      OSCAR McCRACKEN is the country’s first solicitor by day and fighter by night – and the owner of arguably boxing’s greatest nickname.The 25-year-old’s uncle Rob used to train Anthony Joshua and still works as Team GB’s head amateur coach.Oscar McCracken is a solicitor by day and fighter by nightCredit: Blanche Canvas Official
      He was actually named after boxing legend Oscar de la HoyaHis boxing nickname is amazingly Oscar de la LawyerCredit: Blanche Canvas Official
      His father Spencer was also a welterweight fighter – so it was only a matter of time till his son, Oscar, entered the family business. But Oscar tells us: “My dad never wanted me to box.” So instead he played football, captaining his county and even having trials with Birmingham City – his boyhood club.But Oscar was always in the boxing gym – from as far back as he can remember – sparring pro fighters by his teenage years.READ MORE SPORTBy his 18th birthday, Oscar decided he too wanted to be a boxer, like his uncle, dad and brother Spencer Jr before him.But his old man – who had 19 wins, four losses and one draw – had just one rule – study for another career at the same time. So Oscar enrolled into the University of Worcester and achieved a First Class LLB Law with Honours degree in 2022. He was also gearing up for his pro debut when his dad came up with quite possibly boxing’s most ingenious monikerMost read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt all started when Oscar travelled to the Cayman Islands to help corner Matt Windle – a former Commonwealth champion.An argument broke out with a promoter when a cocksure lawyer – who thought he could talk his way out of the dispute – chimed in. Usyk spotted ‘giving Anthony Joshua tips on how to beat Tyson Fury’ in ringside footage at Beterbiev vs Bivol 2.mp4But he was not the only man of the law in the building that day. Oscar said: “An issue cropped up between the promoter and a couple of others. “Then a lawyer came in and thought he was going to just start telling everybody what was what. “But obviously he didn’t know that I’ve got a legal background as well, so we ended up in a bit of an argument – well, discussion.“And after it was fully rectified after quite an intense hour or so. My dad just said, ‘See, I told you Oscar de la Lawyer would sort it.’“The whole room just went up, all the fighters, all the managers, promoters everything, and I thought, ‘Oh, you’ve just thought of the name.’ It’s perfect.” Oscar was actually named after American great De La Hoya too – such was his dad’s love for the Golden Boy. He said: “My dad was a big fan of him back in the day, so that’s what I’m named after.’I didn’t expect any of this’“So it’s just mad how it’s come around now that it just fits perfectly off Oscar de la Hoya, but I can’t believe how much it’s picked.”I didn’t expect any of this.”His dad revealed the amazing nickname to millions on social media – and it also received an extra push thanks to the People’s Paper.Oscar revealed: “The Sun actually did an article! My phone was going, I was playing football because I still play football – I play Saturdays. “I got off the pitch and my phone was going insane. I was like, what’s going on there? ‘Have you seen in this? You’re in The Sun! “I didn’t know anything about this. And from then on it’s just been all about the name, yeah, people love it.” Oscar is a year away from becoming a fully-qualified solicitor and is currently working in the corporate and commercial sector.But Oscar wants to one day mix his two passions to protect young up-and-coming fighters from boxing’s shady, fame-hungry characters.McCracken is a trainee solicitorCredit: Blanche Canvas Official
      And he is also 3-0 as a boxerCredit: Blanche Canvas Official
      McCracken was named after American legend Oscar de la HoyaCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe said: “Would you want to go and get a manager who’s sticking his face on TV every five seconds, never boxed a day in his life? “But you know, he gets on with the big promoters because he’s got a big mouth, but he can’t guide you.“He’d put you in the wrong fights. That’s why so many prospects are getting beat now. “Or would you want to go with a manager who one had the balls to fight? “I don’t need to fight, but I’ve done it myself because I’ve got respect for fighters and I know how hard it is, and you can see that I’ve done that as well.”Oscar – who welcomed baby son Arthur into the world in November – lives next door to dad and coach Spencer. He is up by 6am for his runs, in the office by 9am, then back into the gym by the evening for more exhausting training. Oscar said: “Sometimes I get in there, my dad’s got like two lads from a different gym waiting to spar me. I didn’t even know I’d be sparring. I’ve had a couple of like little marks and black eyes and that and gone in the office and everyone’s had a look, but what do you expect it’s boxing?“I’m walking into a gym, I could be absolutely knackered and then I’ve got two people waiting. They’re thinking, ‘I don’t care about the law thing.’ “They’re thinking, ‘I’ve got a McCracken here I can smash up and I can go and tell everybody I’ve battered one.’“So then it’s about you’ve got to find the dog in you then of getting through, getting through the session and seeing how much you want it.“If I didn’t want it, there’s no way I would have gotten to my third fight because of how hard it is.” Oscar only just begins winding down by 8.30pm when he eats dinner and puts his son to bed – but it’s now baby Arthur who inspires his long hard days. He said: “Before I had my son, it was all about history but now, I want to lead by example. “I want him to grow up and think, ‘Bloody hell, my dad became a lawyer, which was hard enough from being from a proper working class background anyway, and then being a pro boxer at the same time.’’Like any boxer, Oscar wears his battle scars as a badge of honour – and his clients are big fans.McCracken with brother and trainer Spencer JrCredit: Blanche Canvas Official
      McCracken turned pro without amateur experienceCredit: Blanche Canvas Official
      Oscar’s uncle Rob formerly trained Anthony JoshuaCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe said: “The firm that I’m with now are fully behind me and clients love it as well.“It’s a talking point, isn’t it? ‘Do you know your solicitor’s also a pro boxer? Then, they’re Googling you and you’re coming up and everything – they love it.“Obviously, I’ve had a couple of like little marks and black eyes and that and gone in the office and everyone’s had a look, but what do you expect, it’s boxing?”Oscar – like his family before him – does not want his son to be a boxer – but if history is anything to go by it will be hard to stop. He laughed: “I hope he don’t box. But listen, it’s like an illness in this family.“You just end up getting sucked into it somehow or the other, and people expect you to be able to fight as well.”Oscar has been rubbing shoulders with Britain’s best since he can remember with uncle Rob having coached Joshua and Carl Froch among others.Whatever you do today, make sure you get a picture with him because he’s gonna be a heavyweight world champion, 100 per cent. He remembers heading up to Team GB’s Sheffield training HQ to watch Carl Froch spar Tony Bellew in 2011.It was there he met a hulking 6ft 6in super-heavyweight known as AJ – who was a year away from winning Olympic gold.Oscar said: “Robbie was like, ‘Mate, whatever you do today, make sure you get a picture with him because he’s gonna be a heavyweight world champion 100 per cent. “I was like, Really?’ He was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. He was super friendly, put his arm around you, just so down to earth and humble.“Obviously he hadn’t achieved anything then in terms of what he’s done now, but I took a picture with Joshua and yeah, I’ve been to virtually all his fights.”Oscar is now 3-0 having most recently beat Shane Smith and now looks ahead to another year juggling life as a lawyer by day and being a boxer by night.He said: “Three fights in my first year, I think that’s quite good considering how much I’ve got going on.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ll sit down with my dad and and see what he says and we’ll start putting a bit of a bit of a plan together. “There’s definitely scope to go and do something, but obviously it’s just about managing it correctly and not taking it on too much because obviously I’ve got a lot, a hell of a lot going on in my life, but I’m committed to boxing 100 per cent.” McCracken welcomed baby son Arthur into the world in NovemberCredit: @mccracken1 More

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      in Boxing

      Josh Padley’s payslip revealed after electrician took world title fight at four days’ notice and will QUIT day job

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      BOXING underdog Josh Padley has seen his payslip revealed for his world lightweight title fight with Shakur Stevenson.Padley had been working as an electrician last week and had planned to do DIY in his new home when he received a phone call bringing him in as a last-minute substitute to fight Stevenson.Josh Padley is set to quit his job as an electrician after receiving a sizeable purse from his fight with Shakur StevensonCredit: GettyThe Doncaster electrician went nine rounds with the world champion despite being drafted in with four days noticeCredit: GettyThe Doncaster-born star was then flown out to Saudi Arabia to replace Floyd Schofield after he fell ill through alleged poisoning.On just four days’ notice, Padley, who had won favour after stunning Mark Chamberlain on the Anthony Joshua v Daniel Dubois undercard in September, fought valiantly against the world champion.However, after nine rounds of brutal punishment, his coach threw in the towel to stop the fight and confirm the first defeat of his career at 15-1.A week on from the fight, Padley has revealed he is set to quit his day job to pursue boxing full-time.READ MORE IN BOXINGIt comes after he collected a sizeable fight purse despite the defeat.According to figures from Sporty Salaries, Padley earned a cool £395,000 ($500,000) which is perhaps the biggest of his young career.Speaking after the fight, Padley revealed his plans to commit to boxing fully. He said: “Luckily I am in a position now where I can probably pack that in and fully dedicate my life to boxing.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”I’m grateful for that, thank you to Turki for giving me that opportunity, we’ll be back.”There’s more of that to come. That was four days’ notice. Eight-week camp and I know I’ll be better.”I was meant to be doing DIY in Doncaster this weekend, now I’m on a world title fight – my boss isn’t best pleasedHe added: “I would have loved to have got the win and there would have been some back story to it, but didn’t get it.”I tried my hardest, no regrets, I gave it everything I could, but the body wasn’t conditioned to take them shots.”Padley’s impressive showing last weekend could land him another bout in Riyadh Season. More

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      in Soccer

      Former Man Utd star, 47, who became a monk after growing bored of footballer lifestyle opens up on living in monastery

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      A FORMER Manchester United midfielder has opened up on life after swapping football for a career as a priest.Phil Mulryne, 47, played just five times for the Red Devils after coming through the academy before starring for the likes of Norwich and Cardiff.Phil Mulryne has revealed how he keeps up with Man Utd despite a stunning career changeCredit: PA:Empics SportThe midfielder is now a catholic priest after admitting he was bored of the footballer lifestyleCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe decided to hang up his boots in 2008.But in 2017, the 27-cap Northern Irish international went down a stunning new career path by becoming a Catholic priest.Mulryne had revealed at the time how he had grown “dissatisfied with the whole lifestyle”, where he once earned over £500,000 a year and dated models, including Nicola Chapman.And he has now opened up about his life’s second coming and how it compares to his old job as a footballer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told Belfast Live: “I live in a monastery, so I am more of a monk, really. And it’s not on the surface, but there are a lot of the qualities there.”They were saying, sacrifice, giving yourself to something greater than you, in the sense that I live in a community of brothers, there are 15 of us in the monastery.”So there is a sense of dependence on each other, the kind of things that Man Utd taught me, all these virtues and characteristics that you learn from being here.”I have a superior in the monastery that I answer to, like a manager, like a gaffer.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”All these things have been great. I had a most wonderful career. It was a dream to come here and play.”He also revealed how he keeps up with watching Ruben Amorim’s side – not that there has been much to write home about.Federico Macheda says he’d get into this Man Utd team and reveals Sir Alex Ferguson’s amazing claim about himMulryne, whose full title now is Reverend Father Philip Mulryne, added: “We don’t have TV in the monastery. “We have a room with a couple of computers, so I watch the three-minute highlights. “I get all the highlights, so I keep in touch with it.”Mulryne also revealed how Sir Alex Ferguson had called him while he was in hospital after he suffered a horror leg break a year after joining Norwich.He previously told the official Norwich website that he had no regrets over the decision, admitting the move to become a priest came after he volunteered at a homeless shelter.Mulryne explained: “It’s hard to pin down a particular moment. “I would say it started in my last year at Norwich, not explicitly and I wasn’t thinking about it at that time but I started to get dissatisfied with the whole lifestyle.”We have a wonderful life as a footballer and I was very privileged, but I found with all the surrounding stuff that eventually there was a kind of emptiness with it. “I was quite shocked – why am I not happy when I have everything that young men want?”It started me on a journey towards exploring my faith again, the faith that I had as a young man. “I took a decision to come home for a year and it was really during that year that everything turned upside down.”I volunteered at a homeless shelter for a while. I started going back to mass and I started praying again on a regular basis. I just found a real sense of fulfilment with it. “Football was huge highs and lows and here was something that was giving me a steady sense of contentment…”My vocation to priesthood and religious life came later in the course of that year – I felt this strong desire for this way of life and I stayed with it for a few months and then got the courage up to explore it and I took the decision and it’s now eight years later.”READ MORE SUN STORIESPeter Crouch, who played with Mulryne at Norwich, wrote in his book, How to Be an Ex-Footballer, that he believes his giddiness was part of the reason the midfielder ended up becoming a priest.Crouch said: “Maybe — and this is a possibility I don’t like to entertain — it was hanging out with me in those giddy months that convinced him he needed a fresh direction in his life.”Man Utd ratings vs EvertonMANCHESTER UNITED fought back from two goals down to draw against Everton at Goodison ParkThe Red Devils were slammed as “embarrassing” by Rio Ferdinand after failing 2-0 down in the first half.But they fought back late on thanks to a stunning Bruno Fernandes free-kick and volley from Manuel Ugarte, who bagged his first goal since his summer arrival from PSG.Amorim’s men were then lucky to escape a penalty in the final moments after VAR overturned the decision.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of the Manchester United team…Andre Onana – 7United needed him with his game-head on, and his 93rd-minute stop saved a point.Noussair Mazraoui 69′ – 4Looked seriously uncomfortable on the right side of the back three – forced there because of a defensive injury crisisHarry Maguire – 4Out-jumped by Doucoure as the midfielder grabbed Everton’s second and was generally all over the place.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Nowhere for Beto’s opener, completely missing attempted clearance and got away with a 93rd-minute penalty call.Diogo Dalot – 5At least shows willing. Which is more than could be said for some of his team mates at Goodison.Manuel Ugarte – 7Spent most of the game stranded in United’s midfield morass but salvation came with a brilliant strike.Casemiro 62′ – 2The Brazilian is beginning to look like the world’s oldest 32-year-old —he’s become a genuine irrelevance.Patrick Dorgu – 6Made a determined start down the left flank but that enthusiasm was slowly but surely sucked out of him.Bruno Fernandes – 8His free kick was genuine class and once he was dropped deeper started controlling the game.Joshua Zirkzee – 4At £36.5M you would expect an element of ball control but the Dutchman used as a joint No 10 just looks lost.Rasmus Hojlund 69′ – 3Not so much a desperate Dane, more a despairing one although it would help if he had some support.Subs:Alejandro Garnacho 62′ – 7Injected some desperately needed pace and passion. Leny Yoro 69′ – 6Should have been on much earlier.Chido Obi-Martin 69′ – 5The 17-year-old has a presence for sure. More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd confirm 200 MORE job losses as devastating financial situation hits home amid latest Sir Jim Ratcliffe cuts

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have confirmed as many as 200 staff will lose their jobs as part of a second wave of cost-cutting since the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos.Last summer saw 250 staff made redundant in a brutal first wave to save costs.Man Utd are cutting another 200 jobs under Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: PAIt comes as part of the latest round of cost-cutting made by the clubCredit: GettyThe statement revealed the club had been running at a lost for five consecutive yearsCredit: AFPBut the list of casualties is now set to increase by between 150 and 200 after a statement revealed the next steps in the club’s transformation plan.A club statement released this afternoon said: “Manchester United is to transform its corporate structure as part of a series of additional measures to improve the club’s financial sustainability and enhance operational efficiency.”The transformation plan aims to return the club to profitability after five consecutive years of losses since 2019. “This will create a more solid financial platform from which the club can invest in men’s and women’s football success and improved infrastructure.”As part of these measures, the club anticipates that approximately 150-200 jobs may be made redundant, subject to a consultation process with employees. “These would be in addition to the 250 roles removed last year.”SunSport exclusively revealed how lunches for all but the first team had been reduced to to soup and sandwiches — and that includes coaches and analysts, with a later report from The Guardian revealing the staff canteen was set to CLOSE altogether.Ending free lunches for staff is estimated to be saving the club £1million a year, while the club will also be scaling back its London presence, according to BBC Sport.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMeanwhile, SunSport also exclusively reported how the Under-18s were denied the chance to play at Old Trafford in the FA Youth Cup fifth round, with the game played at Leigh Sports Village to save £8,000.Other cuts have seen Ratcliffe cancelling the club’s annual Christmas party, raising concession ticket prices and cutting funding for a charity helping former players.Ruben Amorim admits Man Utd were invisible in first half at Everton Sky Sports report the club remain committed to a £40,000-a-year donation to their Disabled Supporters’ Association, but are considering reducing payments to the MU Foundation.Reports revealed without a £240m investment from new minority owners Ineos Man Utd would have “run out of money”.Financial figures for the second quarter of the 2024/25 financial year revealed just how bad the situation had become, with interest costs since the Glazers took over in 2005 now reaching more than £1billion.The report also revealed that without an £80m investment from Ineos in the quarter the club would be down to just £15m in cash.CEO Omar Berrada laid out the devastating impact of years of mismanagement has had on the club after running at a loss for five consecutive years.He said: “We have a responsibility to put Manchester United in the strongest position to win across our men’s, women’s and academy teams. “We are initiating a wide-ranging series of measures which will transform and renew the club. “Unfortunately, this means announcing further potential redundancies and we deeply regret the impact on those affected colleagues. “However, these hard choices are necessary to put the club back on a stable financial footing. We have lost money for the past five consecutive years. This cannot continue. “Our two main priorities as a club are delivering success on the pitch for our fans and improving our facilities. We cannot invest in these objectives if we are continuously losing money.“At the end of this process, we will have a more lean, agile and financially sustainable football club, while continuing to provide a world class service to our valuable commercial partners. “We will then be in a much stronger position to invest in football success and improved facilities for fans, while remaining compliant with UEFA and Premier League regulations.”A damning statement from the Man Utd Suppoters Trust (MUST) following the publication of the second quarter financial results said: “Today’s financial results lay bare the scale of the financial mismanagement we have seen at Manchester United…”Fans should not pay the price for a problem that starts with our crippling debt interest payments and is exacerbated by a decade or more of mismanagement. “It’s time to freeze ticket prices and allow everyone – players, management, owners and fans – to get behind United and restore this club to where it belongs.”If the off pitch situation was not bad enough, things on the pitch could not be much bleaker.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe club is enduring its worst season on the pitch since they were relegated in the 1970s and every position lower they go costs them £4m in prize money.By sitting 15th in the table, level on points with 16th place West Ham, the Red Devils could also be left without European football next season unless they win the Europa League.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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      Ruben Amorim says sacked ex-Man Utd boss is doing a better job than him following horror start at Old Trafford

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      RUBEN AMORIM admits former Manchester United boss David Moyes is doing a better job than him.The Scot has sent Everton bouncing up the Prem in his  second stint in charge, with four wins in six games since replacing Sean Dyche in January.Ruben Amorim has admitted that former Manchester United boss David Moyes is doing a better job than himCredit: ReutersMoyes has endured a great manager bounce with EvertonCredit: RexBy contrast, Amorim takes his United side to Goodison on Saturday lunchtime on a nightmare run of eight Prem defeats in 12 games.Portuguese boss Amorim said: “The simple thing is that David Moyes is doing a better job than me.“It’s quite simple, small things like winning one game, winning two games, that belief. “The pressure is not the same but we have to give merit to the players of Everton and especially to the coach of Everton.”READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSIt is highly unusual for a manager to make such an admission.Moyes’ last game as United boss was at Goodison on April 20, 2014 — a 2-0 defeat eight months after succeeding the legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson.He was sacked two days later.This weekend’s meeting will be the first since then that 15th-placed United have played Everton, who are 14th, while being beneath them in the table.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMoyes lived to regret moving to Old Trafford but Amorim says he has no such feelings  — yet.The ex-Sporting Lisbon boss wanted to succeed Erik ten Hag in the summer but part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team made it clear to him in November that is was now or never.Ruben Amorim apologises to Christian Eriksen for ‘misunderstanding’ after comments about Man Utd star’s heart situation Since then there have been only nine wins from 21 games in all competitions and Amorim admitted his stars have struggled to cope with his 3-4-3  system.He even blasted it was “the worst” team in United’s history.Amorim will have Christian Eriksen, Leny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte back from injury as he looks to halt the slide.He said: “When you hear  four wins in my 14 league games for  Manchester United, you get really frustrated and angry.“But let’s move on and we can change that in the next game.”Moyes will not treat this game differently to any other.He said: “I faced them a lot when I was manager of West Ham, so it’s another game.“It’s a great football club but my job is to try to beat them.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, United were handed a tricky Europa League last-16 tie against Spain’s Real Sociedad.Amorim said: “If I focus on the games against Real Sociedad and think about trophies, it is not the right way to do my job.” More