More stories

  • in

    How much Man Utd’s women get compared to men’s team… with staggeringly huge pay gap compared to Ronaldo and Co

    THE staggering pay gap between Manchester United’s men and women players has been revealed. Marc Skinner’s female side finished an impressive fourth in last season’s WSL, 14 points off winners Chelsea.
    Man Utd women’s stars like Ella Toone are paid far less than their male counterpartsCredit: Getty
    Wantaway ace Cristiano Ronaldo is picking up £480k each weekCredit: Getty
    But there is a huge pay gap when compared to the men, who could only muster a sixth-place Premier League finish last term as they finished 35 points off Man City.
    A BBC study this month revealed the average WSL player earns £47,000 a year – around £900 a week.
    Meanwhile, the average male Premier League star earns £60k a WEEK.
    At United, the Telegraph claims most female stars are picking up between £50k-£90k each year, making for an average annual salary of £70k.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    In terms of a weekly wage, this works out to just £1,350.
    That’s despite FOUR Utd players winning the World Cup with England – goalie Mary Earps, midfielder Ella Toone, plus forward Alessia Russo and new signing Nikita Parris.
    Compared to the figures secured by the underperforming men’s team, it is certainly a pittance.
    Bar one player, of all the aces who started United’s opening day Prem defeat to Brighton, the lowest weekly wage in the side was £120k.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Man Utd men’s salary
    Meanwhile, over £200k-a-week is handed to Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes.

    And Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and David De Gea are on well over £300k.
    As for wantaway Ronaldo, he pockets £480k each week.
    It means the average weekly salary for Man United’s men works out to £173k.
    That is £171,650 more each WEEK on average than United’s women.
    Read More on The Sun
    Elsewhere, a gender pay gap report by the Government on Man Utd for 2021/22 found that women’s mean hourly pay was 86.1 per cent lower than men’s.
    And mean bonus pay was also 66.8 per cent lower than men’s. More

  • in

    Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand names most hated players he faced during career including Liverpool and Man City heroes

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand has named the most hated players he faced on the pitch.And unsurprisingly, most of them played for rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.
    Rio Ferdinand has revealed his toughest opponentsCredit: PA
    Ferdinand did not enjoy the times he went up against Fernando TorresCredit: Getty
    Ferdinand, 43, spent 12 years starring at Old Trafford between 2002 and 2014.
    The former England star played 455 times for United, winning six titles and one Champions League.
    Of course, Ferdinand came up against plenty of incredible footballers during his time.
    But while some epic duels resulted in mutual respect, others left Ferdinand baying for blood.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    Speaking on his podcast Vibe with Five, Ferdinand named several players including Robbie Savage and Kevin Davies as his most hated opponents.
    But special mention was given to three ex-Liverpool players: Luis Suarez, Fernando Torres and Mario Balotelli – who also starred at Man City.
    Ferdinand was left particularly irked by Torres, who says he was left SCARRED by a stamp from the ex-Chelsea striker.
    Ferdinand said: “I hated Balotelli, hated him. He did a couple of things I didn’t like with the fans and I thought he was rude. 
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Ferdinand was also not a fan of Luis SuarezCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Ferdinand used to dislike Mario Balotelli but the pair are now friendsCredit: Getty
    “But I chat with him now, lovely geezer. It’s mad because I’d see him after and it would only be respectful. 
    “In the games, in the end I respected it, he was an animal on the pitch.
    “Didn’t like Suarez, didn’t like Torres. He stamped on my foot one time when the ball was up the other end, stitches in my foot. 
    “I was playing, the ball was in the other end, we had some tussles – he was game – he just stamped on my foot.
    Read More on The Sun
    “Went in at half-time, took off my boot and it was the worst thing I could’ve done. My foot went ‘woof’, I need stitches. 
    “I had an injection, for ages it was killing me, got a scar on my foot.” More

  • in

    Watch shocking moment Man Utd fans FIGHT each other in stands at tense Old Trafford during horror defeat to Brighton

    THIS is the shocking moment a brawl erupted between Manchester United fans at Old Trafford.The scrap broke out as the Red Devils crashed to a 2-1 opening day defeat against Brighton.
    Two Man Utd fans scrap during their side’s horror loss to BrightonCredit: AP
    Fans had to be pulled apart in tense scenes at Old TraffordCredit: AP
    Two Man Utd fans scrapped as their team lost 2-1 at home to BrightonCredit: Twitter

    A video posted on social media showed two men grappling in the South Stand as the game carried on in the background.
    Stunned onlookers attempted to get involved by trying to break up the unsightly melee.
    The short clip ended with the two men squaring up to each while shouting in front of dozens of supporters.
    It is unclear what triggered the fight between the pair.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    But neither will have been happy with the end result at the Theatre of Dreams.
    Erik ten Hag was hoping to mark his first-ever Premier League game with a morale-boosting win.
    But the day turned into a nightmare for United as two goals from Pascal Gross put Brighton on course for a historic win at Old Trafford.
    Red Devils fans have only just got over the 4-0 stuffing at the Amex late last season.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    And United were miles off the pace as their flops failed to deliver the goods yet again.
    Some irate fans staged a protest against the Glazer ownership before the game.
    And United’s farcical transfer window has gone from bad to worse after it emerged they are trying to sign 33-year-old Marko Arnautovic from Italian minnows Bologna.
    Meanwhile, Ten Hag has told warring fans not to expect a quick fix on the pitch.
    He said: “It is a hell of a job. We have to work really hard, analyse then move forward.
    “We have to take the lessons and learn quickly from it. We don’t have time and we have to deliver.
    Read More on The Sun
    “I think also with these players we could also have done it better.
    “I knew it could happen but I think we should have done better – that is clear but I know also it will not come overnight.” More

  • in

    ‘It’s criminal’ – Man Utd legend Paul Scholes tears into Scott McTominay and Fred after Brighton nightmare

    PAUL SCHOLES has described Scott McTominay and Fred’s performances against Brighton as “CRIMINAL.”The duo had a day to forget as Manchester United were beaten 2-1 at home by the Seagulls in Erik ten Hag’s first game.
    Fred’s performance against Brighton was blasted by Man Utd icon Paul ScholesCredit: AP
    Scholes also had harsh words for Scott McTominay as United lost 2-1 at homeCredit: AP
    Fred struggled as United’s anchorman at the base of a three-man midfield.
    And McTominay fared little better in a box-to-box role as the Red Devils were run ragged all over the pitch.
    Fans were left especially frustrated with the pair following United’s failure to complete a deal for Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong.
    And Old Trafford legend Paul Scholes, regarded as one of the best midfielders in history, had little sympathy for the duo known, at one time affectionately, as McFred.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    The pundit, who also saw ex-teammate Roy Keane have a pop at United’s flops, blasted: “Fred constantly giving the ball away.
    “McTominay running with the ball in attack when he’s got Sancho, Rashford ahead of him.
    “Should pass the ball to Eriksen. It’s criminal.”
    United’s day got off to an awful start when Pascal Gross fired Brighton ahead after 30 minutes.
    Most read in Football
    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    The German then doubled the visitors’ lead just nine minutes later.
    And United were BOOED off the pitch by their own fans at half-time.
    But Cristiano Ronaldo’s introduction early in the second half saw the hosts step up their efforts.
    And they pulled one back in the 68th minute when Alexis Mac Allister scored a calamitous own-goal.
    However, United struggled to compose themselves to find an equaliser.
    And the boos rang out again at the final whistle as Brighton secured victory.
    United legend Scholes knows a thing or two about starring in midfieldCredit: PA More

  • in

    Man Utd 1 Brighton 2: Ten Hag suffers nightmare start as Gross double downs Red Devils despite Ronaldo’s introduction

    ERIK TEN HAG promised ‘a new season and a new story’ in his program notes.Unfortunately, it was the same old story as Manchester United served up another shocker at Old Trafford to go with the many they produced last season.
    Brighton stunned Man Utd with a 2-1 win at Old Trafford on opening dayCredit: Getty
    Erik ten Hag’s men could not win on the Dutchman’s first game in chargeCredit: Getty
    The first 45 minutes were probably worse than any under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as his reign unraveled or Ralf Rangnick.
    Behind to a pair of Pascal Gross goals at the break, boos rang around the ground.
    The idea to start Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes as interchanging false nines did not work.
    Indeed only when Cristiano Ronaldo came on in the second-half did they look to have any semblance of a threat.  
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    There was only 14 seconds on the clock when Brighton had their first effort with Leandro Trossard firing a shot into the side netting.
    United did have a good chance after six minutes when Scott McTominay’s blocked shot ricocheted to Fernandes eight yards out but he blasted it over.
    He was wasteful all half with the ball and started to lose his cool as he often does when calm heads are needed.
    In a break in play for an injury, Ten Hag tried desperately to rally his troops as he called them to his technical area.
    Cristiano Ronaldo was left frustrated after coming off the benchCredit: Reuters
    Ten Hag has plenty of work to do after his side were booed by the home fansCredit: Reuters
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Brighton started well and were eventually rewarded when Pascal Gross scored after 30 minutesCredit: PA
    The goal was a wake-up call for United… but they weren’t paying attentionCredit: AFP
    They weren’t listening. Five minutes later on the half hour Brighton were in the lead.
    Trossard played a perfectly weighted ball into the run of Danny Welbeck who had stormed between United centre-backs Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez.
    His ball back across goal went between David De Gea and the retreating McTominay finding Gross at the far post to slide it home.
    Worse was to follow for United but what a goal it was in the 39th minute from Brighton with the move starting by the corner flag in their own half.
    A brilliant backheel by Trossard relieved the pressure with Moises Caicedo picking the ball up and bringing it out.
    Gross doubled Brighton’s lead just nine minutes laterCredit: Reuters
    United looked to be picking up where they left off last seasonCredit: Getty
    He fed it to Gross and on the ball moved to Adam Lallana and across the pitch to Solly March who let fly with a low shot.
    De Gea’s saved but the ball broke and Gross reacted quicker than Fred and fired in. The fans were furious.
    Brighton were playing like a team that won 4-0 against these opponents at the end of last season and United looked very similar to the one that played in the Amex that day.
    Graham Potter obviously delighted, United meanwhile needed Harry Potter to magic their way out of this mess.
    Or perhaps someone with superhuman powers and so eight minutes into the second-half Cristiano Ronaldo was called upon.
    Ronaldo was summoned off the bench early in the second halfCredit: Reuters
    A brief rally saw United level through an Alexis Mac Allister own-goalCredit: Getty
    Yet it was Brighton who could have been further ahead by then after a foul by Lisandro Martinez on Danny Welbeck in the area.
    Brighton appealed for a penalty, the referee and VAR said otherwise.
    Just past the hour Ronaldo set up the chance that should have brought United back into this game.
    His pass from the right was perfect for an unmarked Marcus Rashford in the middle of the box.
    His shot went straight at advancing goalkeeper Robert Sanchez to the dismay of the fans in the Stretford End.
    United tried to press for a second but Brighton held firmCredit: Reuters
    The result marked the Seagulls’ first-ever win at Old TraffordCredit: Reuters
    He was saved by a flag that signalled Ronaldo had been offside.
    But replays showed a goal would have stood as Ronaldo was onside.
    In the 65th minute Rashford could have made up for that when Fernandes’ cross found him at the far post but he volleyed over.
    Rashford’s confidence in front of goal was lost last season and it clearly has not come back.
    In the 67th minute United were back in it but it took a long VAR check to confirm the goal.
    A Fernandes corner into a packed six-yard box hit Diogo Dalot on the shoulder and as the ball bounced goalwards Alex MacAllister tried to hook it clear but only managed to whack it into his own net.
    Read More on The Sun
    The check was to see if Dalot could be done for handball but the goal was given. Suddenly United’s tails were and Dalot had a long-range effort to grab an equaliser which Sanchez saved.
    Brighton would hold on for a deserved win. For Ten Hag the enormity of the job he has on was laid bare before a packed, unhappy, despondent, Old Trafford. More

  • in

    ‘Not convinced’ – Roy Keane has withering verdict on Christian Eriksen after free transfer to Man Utd

    ROY KEANE delivered a withering verdict of Christian Eriksen before Manchester United’s defeat to Brighton.The Dane joined Erik ten Hag’s revolution on a free transfer last month after leaving Brentford.
    Roy Keane does not believe Christian Eriksen is the answer to Man Utd’s problemsCredit: Reuters
    Keane has questioned whether Eriksen can do the business defensivelyCredit: Getty
    But Red Devils legend Keane is “not convinced” Eriksen can bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.
    The 30-year-old attacking midfielder was thrust into Ten Hag’s starting XI for his United debut on Sunday but produced little as they suffered a shock 2-1 loss on home turf.

    Eriksen impressed during a short spell at Brentford prior to his new switch.
    And before suffering a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020, he starred for both Tottenham and Inter Milan.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    But despite being seen by many as a good signing for United, Keane had a different opinion.
    The Irishman, United captain during Sir Alex Ferguson’s golden era, dismissed talk that Eriksen could be the club’s saviour.
    Instead, Keane questioned whether the playmaker was capable of putting in the extra yards to help United out defensively.
    And despite admitting Eriksen was “talented”, Keane was not buying into any hype prior to kick-off against Brighton.
    Most read in Football
    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    The pundit said: “I think he’s a really good player. 
    “In the bigger picture, will he get United back competing for league titles? The answer’s no to that.
    “My biggest worry for players like Eriksen, the big problem for United over the last few years when they’re out of possession, especially against the better teams, they’re not great at getting back.
    “That’s not one of his strengths. He’s a talented player, but I’m not convinced he’s the answer, but a very good player obviously.” More

  • in

    Cristiano Ronaldo ‘puts squeeze on Erik ten Hag’ to start him for Man Utd against Brighton after ‘flying’ in training

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has reportedly “put the squeeze” on Erik ten Hag to start him against Brighton tomorrow.The wantaway Manchester United star, 37, is still an Old Trafford player after failing to secure an exit.
    Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to lead the line for Man Utd against BrightonCredit: Rex
    Ronaldo has been impressing Erik ten Hag in training this weekCredit: Getty
    And in an astonishing turnaround, Ronaldo could end up leading the line on Sunday following an injury to Anthony Martial.
    According to the Mirror, Ronnie has been “flying” in training sessions this week having only returned from holiday 10 days ago.
    Despite wanting to leave, the veteran remains eager to play as many minutes as possible ahead of the World Cup.
    And Ronaldo has informed Ten Hag he is ready to play tomorrow.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    United’s new boss has several options to replace Martial, with youngsters Anthony Elanga and Alejandro Garnacho both available.
    But Ronaldo’s recent training performances have given him food for thought.
    The Portugal star’s quality was never in doubt, having scored 24 times last season despite United’s awful performances.
    Indeed, Ronaldo remains the club’s best player by some margin.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    And despite enraging Ten Hag by leaving early during United’s friendly against Rayo Vallecano, he could now get a look-in against Brighton.
    However, Ronaldo is unlikely to change his mind about leaving while the transfer window remains open.
    The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has seen Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid pass up opportunities to sign him.
    Ronaldo is now thought to be considering a stunning return to boyhood club Sporting Lisbon.
    Meanwhile, Turkish giants Galatasaray are also said to be lining up a deal for Ronnie.
    Read More on The Sun
    They are already set to seal a transfer for Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira in the coming days.
    And Gala also hope to add former Napoli star Dries Mertens, now a free agent, to their squad next week. More

  • in

    Ten Hag would be tearing his hair out if he had any as Ronaldo and De Jong transfer sagas dampen pre-season positivity

    PERTH must seem a very, very long way away now for Erik ten Hag.Leaving Australia on the back of three wins and a draw in pre-season there was a real air of positivity at Manchester United.
    Erik ten Hag’s positive pre-season with Man Utd has been overshadowed by off-field dramaCredit: Getty
    Back home it seems problems and anxiety are mounting as Ten Hag faces his first Premier League press conference on Friday ahead of the visit to Brighton.
    Not long ago United were having a good summer in the transfer market having landed Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia.
    Now things have stalled. The saga surrounding much-needed midfielder Frenkie de Jong is already entering its third series with still nobody sure of the ending.
    Ten Hag made it clear they had to add to their forwards to be competitive, but nobody has arrived.
    READ MORE SPORT STORIES
    Without additions he was hoping a front three of Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford would kick start their season.
    Now a hamstring strain for Martial threatens that.
    And of course the Cristiano Ronaldo problem hangs over the club like a dark cloud.
    He wants out, United say no, and if he could Ten Hag would be tearing his hair out about this unwanted distraction.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    His name dominated their final pre-season game after playing an underwhelming first 45 minutes against Rayo Vallecano before leaving the ground before full-time.
    He was big on preaching team unity over the other side of the world and everyone was buying into it.
    So Ten Hag was not happy at his early exit and has made that very clear.
    Ronaldo had already had a disagreement with the new boss in a break in play that was not a good look.
    The constant criticism from former greats that proved so sapping last season has started already.
    Gary Neville has called their ongoing failure to land De Jong as an “embarrassment”.
    GARY SLAMS CHASE
    Neville added: “The old failings seems to be there, in terms of not being able to get anything over the line.”
    The protests that marked the final few games of last season with marches to the ground are starting again with another one planned for this Sunday.
    It’s incredible to think that this time a year ago United were going into the new season having finished as runners-up in the previous campaign.
    They had finally landed Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane was on his way and little did anyone know about the excitement that would greet Ronaldo’s return.
    Their league season opened up with four wins and a draw and a belief was growing that for the first time since 2013 they could challenge for the title again.
    Fast forward 12 months to a show called The Debate on the club’s own TV channel, MUTV.
    STUCK IN FIRST GEAR
    It didn’t make the cut due to time but two former players, Ben Thornley and David May, and two journalists including myself were asked for their top-four predictions.
    Everyone had United in fourth and the majority covered themselves by saying that even that would be after a fight with Chelsea and Arsenal with Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham in everyone’s top three. Few would argue with that.
    Indeed fourth right now would be a “snap your arm off” scenario – as would eight points from the opening four game: Brighton at home, Brentford away, Liverpool at home and Southampton away.
    There is still time in the transfer window and no lack of willing on the part of football director John Murtough and chief executive Richard Arnold to get deals done.
    They have worked tirelessly to find a way to solve the De Jong problem as the player holds out for wages owed to him by Barcelona.
    Talks are ongoing with RB Salzburg over 19-year-old highly-rated striker Benjamin Sesko.
    There is also a real will in the fan base for Ten Hag to succeed.
    Read More on The Sun
    His no-nonsense style has already gone down well.
    But the question of whether he has the tools to mend the faltering Red machine remains. More