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    Why Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is hunting for Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes replacement

    MANCHESTER UNITED minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe has joined the search for Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes replacement.Seven-time Formula One world champion Hamilton is leaving the team to join Ferrari next season.Man Utd minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is helping Mercedes hunt for their Lewis Hamilton replacementCredit: GettyLewis Hamilton is leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari next seasonCredit: GettyMercedes have struggled to produce a car capable of winning races in the last two seasons, with their struggles this year making it look like it could be a third year on the bounce that Hamilton is unable to take a win.However, the Silver Arrows are looking to take advantage of the chaos surrounding Red Bull by poaching star driver Max Verstappen.SunSport reported earlier this week that the team were preparing to hold a meeting with Verstappen’s team; father Jos and manager Raymond Vermeulen after the Miami Grand Prix.That meeting will include team boss Toto Wolff, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius, and Ineos and Man Utd shareholder, Ratcliffe.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRatcliffe’s Ineos became a one-third shareholder in the F1 team back in 2020 while retaining its position as the teams principal partner.Verstappen’s camp are assessing their options following a fallout with Red Bull boss Christian Horner, with Jos warning Horner’s leadership was tearing the team apart.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.
    The three-time world champion has a contract until 2028 on £40million-a-year.It means Mercedes could be forced to stump up compensation for Verstappen, who is on course to win his fourth straight title this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHorner’s position at the team has grown more precarious after Ferrari-linked Adrian Newey announced he was leaving the team earlier this week.Mercedes look set to offer the Dutchman a whopping £128MILLION-a-year deal to convince him of the switch.Lewis Hamilton races around Tokyo in £260k supercar in incredible video as fans say F1 legend ‘dropped another classic’At Man Utd, Ineos have a 27.7 per cent share of the club but have almost complete control over the sporting operations of the team.This has led to some major changes already, with Omar Berrada starting as CEO in July, Dan Ashworth coming in as football director and Jason Wilcox already starting a role as technical director.WHO COULD REPLACE HAMILTON AT MERCEDES? Mercedes will have a vacant seat for 2025.
    Here, SunSport’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt looks at FIVE potential candidates who could replace him and partner George Russell in the Silver Arrows.
    Oscar Piastri – McLaren have sewn up Lando Norris to a new long-term contract that should (in theory) put him out of Mercedes’ reach. However, they are yet to tie down his teammate Piastri, 22. The Aussie has an excellent record and won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles before spending a year on the sidelines with Alpine and getting his chance in F1 with McLaren. He impressed on his debut season last year and has the potential to be a world champion.
    Daniel Ricciardo – The experienced driver’s future remains in doubt as he bides his time at Red Bull’s B-team. Ricciardo would be low-hassle and offer some stability but by that time he would be 35. It seems unlikely that they would opt for him at this point in his career, but if he has a good season this year, he could come into the reckoning.
    Kimi Antonelli – You may not have heard of the Italian, but he is mustard. Still only 17, he has won at all the junior categories and has been part of the Mercedes young driver programme since 2019. This season he has been promoted from F4 to F2, where he has been tipped to shine. A good debut season in F2 could sway Mercedes into taking a risk on him for 2025. Antonelli and his family are close to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
    Mick Schumacher – Wolff has always been so incredibly supportive of Schumacher and spoken highly of him, that you’d at least expect him to come into consideration. He knows the team from his role as reserve driver and consequently would get up to speed. But speed is also the problem. He was shocking at Haas and if he really was THAT good, he’d still be driving in F1.
    Alex Albon – A more-sensible choice would be the London-born Albon. A great guy who is also very quick. He has a fantastic relationship with Russell and would be the low-maintenance quick partnership similar to Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas that swept to successive titles. Albon would take little convincing to join from Williams and Mercedes would not need to pay him half of the £50million they were dishing out to Hamilton.

    Last November, Wolff revealed he had held talks with Ratcliffe about joining his bid investing into Man Utd.The Hamilton replacement hunt comes with a huge summer ahead for Man Utd as well, with all-bar a few select players said to be up for sale.A decision will also need to be made on Erik ten Hag’s future as manager of the men’s senior team.But more recently he has made no secret of Mercedes’ desire to land Verstappen as their Hamilton replacement.Verstappen won the weekend’s Sprint Race and is aiming for his fourth full race win of the season on Sunday.Ratcliffe will have a number of big decisions to approve at Man Utd this summerCredit: ReutersMax Verstappen’s team will hold a meeting with Ratcliffe and other Mercedes chiefs after the Miami GPCredit: RexPundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
    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.”

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    Man Utd legend Nicky Butt looks glum as he’s seen for first time since driving ban for breaking motorcyclist’s leg

    MAN Utd legend Nicky Butt has been seen for the first time since admitted breaking a motorcyclist’s leg.The football legend smashed into Andrew Fielden while driving carelessly in his Range Rover through Burnley, Lancashire.Nicky Butt seen for the first time since being banned from driving for careless drivingCredit: SplashButt was part of the Class of 92 squadHe looked glum as he sat on a park benchCredit: SplashButt pleaded guilty to causing serious injury to a riderHe suffered a broken left leg, which needed metal rods inserted following an operation, and severe bruising.Butt appeared at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday where he admitted causing serious injury by careless driving.Today Butt was seen for the first time since his court appearance. The 49-year-old looked glum as he sat on a park bench wearing jeans, a white tshirt and white trainers.MORE ON FOOTBALLHe donned sunglasses as he took phonecalls and sipped on a bottle of lemonade. The former England star was handed am interim driving ban following the October 2022 crash.He could face up to two years in jail or an unlimited fine when he is sentenced on a date to be set.The court heard Butt, who was picking up at his son at the time, suffered a “momentary lapse of concentration”.Most read in FootballHe’s not happy’ – Jamie Carragher SHOVES Gary Neville live on TV in revenge for showing off man-marking styleProsecutor Graeme Tindall said: “What appears to have happened is a number of vehicles pass what appears to look like a HGV.“Mr Butt having let the HGV come past, pulls out and this is when Mr Fielden is coming past on the motorcycle.”The court was told Mr Fielden was left with no memory of the crash other than waking up in hospital “in immense pain”.Butt remained at the scene and has since written an apology to the rider.Mr Fielden chose not to share a victim impact statement and said previously he does not “any ill feeling to the other party”.John Dye, defending the ex-footballer, said: “The loss of his licence is going to be extremely inconvenient to him and his family but that is the inevitable consequence of this case.”Butt was a instrumental part of Alex Ferguson’s youth team – rising through the ranks with David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and the Nevilles.The midfielder began his professional career stepping in for Roy Keane as a sub before he landing a full-time spot when Paul Ince left in 1995.Along with the rest of the Class of ’92, Butt helped Utd win countless trophies as the club became a dominant force.This included the Champions League Final in 1999, where the Red Devils made history by winning the treble.By the time he left in 2004, the footballer had helped Utd win six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and a Champions League trophy.READ MORE SUN STORIESButt later had spells at Newcastle and Birmingham City before moving into management in 2016 for Utd’s U23 team.In 2014, he bought Salford City along with Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Gary and Phil Neville.He played 270 games for Utd during his 12 years on the senior team More

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    Erik ten Hag ‘on three-man shortlist to become next Bayern Munich manager’ as Man Utd line up his replacement

    ERIK TEN HAG is on a three-man shortlist to replace Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich.The Dutch manager may depart from Old Trafford at the end of the season amid rumours that Manchester United could sack him.Erik ten Hag is on a three-man shortlist to replace Thomas Tuchel at Bayern MunichCredit: ReutersTuchel is set to leave the Bundesliga giants at the end of the seasonCredit: PADespite the 54-year-old’s nightmare season at the Red Devils Ten Hag is still highly-rated enough to be linked with one of Europe’s biggest clubs.The United boss recently revealed that Ajax would like him to return and admitted in the future he would be interested.Tuchel is stepping down at the end of the season after a disappointing campaign that ended Bayern Munich’s 11-season Bundesliga winning streak.Ten Hag is one of three candidates for the leading role on the Bavarian side next term.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAccording to reporter Christian Falk “Bayern’s Head of Sport Max Eberl, is checking three, four candidates for the new Manager of FC Bayern.”And that list includes ex-Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui, Benfica’s Roger Schmidt and Ten Hag.Falk claims Roberto De Zerbi has snubbed the chance to take charge of Germany’s most famous side to stay at Brighton.However, should Ten Hag move to the Allianz Arena, United could see a direct exchange of managers, with Tuchel coming the other way.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile, SunSport exclusively revealed that ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter and England gaffer Gareth Southgate are in the running to take over.Tuchel’s farewell is far from over in Germany and he can still end the season on a high as Bayern are a step away from the Champions League final, drawing 2-2 at home to Real Madrid in the first leg of the semi.Gary Neville reveals telltale signs Erik ten Hag is suffering Man Utd ‘breakdown’ as winless run goes onThe same goes for Ten Hag as United managed to secure a spot in the FA Cup final against Manchester City after a thrilling penalty shootout against Coventry in the semi-final.Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
    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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    Jadon Sancho RULES OUT returning to Man Utd even if Ten Hag goes with Borussia Dortmund set to open transfer talks

    JADON SANCHO has no plans to return to Manchester United once his loan deal at Borussia Dortmund expires next month.And the Champions League semi-finalists are ready to open talks with the Red Devils about extending his stay in Germany.Jadon Sancho has ruled out a return to Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyThe winger fell out with Erik ten Hag earlier this seasonCredit: GettyDortmund know they are unlikely to be able to afford the price tag for a permanent deal for the 24-year-old this summer.So they plan to ask about the possibility of signing him for another year – with an option or obligation to buy at the end of the 2024/5 campaign.United paid £73million to sign Sancho from the German giants in summer 2021 but he never lived up to that price tag.He fell out with Erik ten Hag after a defeat at Arsenal in August when he took to social media claiming he was being made a scapegoat for the team’s failures.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSaudi Arabian club Al Ettifaq were quoted around £50m when they tried to sign him and backed off – meaning he spent the rest of the calendar year frozen out.But when the transfer window re-opened in January, he was offered the chance to return to Dortmund to begin rebuilding his career.He has done exactly that and caught the eye in the win over Paris Saint-Germain earlier this week – sparking talk he could return to Old Trafford.However it is understood he would be open to the idea of staying in Germany – no matter who is in charge of United next season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe position of Ten Hag is likely to be reviewed by new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe at the end of the season.Ten Hag said earlier this week he was pleased with the way Sancho had performed in the narrow first-leg win over PSG.Jamie Carragher interviews Jadon Sancho on live TV after EIGHT PINTS and CBS Sports studio cannot bear to watchHe said: “It showed why United bought him and why he represents a high value for Manchester United.“I’m happy for Jadon and we will see what is going to happen in the future.” More

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    Ten Hag is a gladiator taking shots for his team but he’s losing control – I can’t see him surviving Man Utd axe

    I CANNOT picture a scenario where Erik ten Hag is Manchester United manager next season — and you know what, I think he would secretly agree.He has spent a lot of money on players that haven’t worked and as a result United are falling further and further behind their main rivals.Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has shown a lot of toughness this seasonCredit: ReutersTroy Deeney doesn’t expect Ten Hag to stay on as Man Utd managerCredit: RexSo, there is a part of me that actually respects what he is doing right now in his press conferences with the media — fighting back.He is putting on his gladiator armour, swinging his sword and taking some arrows to the chest trying to shield his stars like a protective dad.It is him against the world — and perhaps with one eye on his next job — he wants to make it clear the problems at United do not just stop with him.But in doing so, with  personal pride kicked around, he’s losing control.Read More on Man UtdHe has banned newspapers and outlets on several occasions. How is that a good thing? Tell me one positive that comes from that? It doesn’t make sense.I remember Sir Alex Ferguson using that tactic but he had won a lot and was a powerful figure in the game, not someone who has only just come to the Premier League.Is Ten Hag really sitting there and saying, “You’re all saying nasty things about me, so you’re banned?”He spoke at length after the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry about how harshly treated United were, calling the reports “embarrassing”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut you are Man United and you were 3-0 up against a Coventry team who haven’t made the play-offs this year — and you nearly lost it. How can it be reported in any other way? If you haven’t played well, just admit it, own it and move on.And you know how to take back control? Play well and win games.I know a few United fans who now just don’t believe a word Ten Hag says.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?It has all the hallmarks of a boss digging his heels in and saying: “Look, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, I can be powerful if I want to. I can put my foot down.”There are times when this ploy works, it can galvanise a dressing room and show that their boss is fighting for them. But you’re taking a massive risk.There will always be a split of players who agree and disagree with what you’re doing.I reckon right now there is a 70-30 split in that dressing room, and even if that goes in your favour, that’s still a big chunk of your squad who believe that you don’t have a clue.And I would imagine the likes of Casemiro and Raphael Varane, who have played at a far superior level to any of their team-mates, are thinking: “What are we doing here?” They’ve played at the biggest club in the world in Real Madrid and that’s not how they conduct themselves.Have to control the narrativeUnited captain Bruno Fernandes has hinted in an interview recently he may leave and wants to feel loved. Who at Madrid would ever do that?Once you’ve lost people, you can bring them back a little bit but, at the first sign of another crack, it will all come back up.Look, I know how tough it can be to deal with the media when things aren’t going well, or people don’t know the full story of what is going on in the background.I experienced it with Forest Green. It takes a toll on you and your family.But he is an experienced boss. He should be able to control a narrative.And when you start banning the media, all it does is encourage players to read and take note of those reports.Focusing on the wrong thingsThe players  will be thinking: “Hang on, you tell us not to worry about external noises, yet you must read it because you’re banning media outlets.”Every player needs to be focused on their job, not what is being written.It ends up creating more of a divide.Ten Hag has the feel of a man who is paranoid about what is being said by others and where it is coming from, but that happens at every club.People like Ten Hag want to control everything, especially when bad things are being said.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf you use the media to your advantage, you can’t complain when it goes against you. That’s the way of the world.It is indicative of the issues at United right now — Ten Hag is focusing on all the wrong things.Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
    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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    Little-known rule could see Man Utd sign Barcelona striker target on free transfer in huge boost to Ten Hag

    MANCHESTER UNITED could reportedly sign Vitor Roque on a free transfer due to a little-known rule.The Brazilian star has impressed since arriving at Barcelona from Athletico Paranaense.Vitor Roque could leave Barcelona on a free transferCredit: GettyRoque, 19, has scored twice for the LaLiga giants in his 13 appearances and is expected to get even better.However, he could be set for a quick exit from Barcelona due to registration rules.MundoDeportivo have claimed that Roque could be loaned next season if Barcelona can not register him.This has sparked the interest of Sevilla, Real Betis, Napoli and Nice as well as Man United.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe report suggests that the clubs have contacted Roque’s representatives about the situation.Roque cost Barcelona £35million in 2023 and signed a contract that will run until 2031.His deal has a release clause worth £430m.The report does suggest that there is an extreme situation that could see Roque leave the club permentantly.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis would be that if he is not registered he could be considered as a free agent.It would be similar to the cases of Inigo Martinez and Ilkay Gundogan.Erik Ten Hag Press Conference ahead of Crystal Palace clashThe two stars had to wait until Barcelona trimmed their wage bill to be able to afford and register them. Therefore there is a chance that the Red Devils could swoop and sign Roque for nothing.However, it is claimed that Roque wants to remain at Barcelona and would only consider going out on loan. More

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    Man Utd fans think they’ve made first transfer as former Leeds star posts pic in Red Devils shirt and says ‘I’m here’

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans believe they have uncovered their first summer signing after Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie bizarrely changed his Facebook profile photo.The American, 25, is preparing to enter the final 12 months of his contract this summer after four years in Italy.Weston McKennie is out of contract with Juventus at the end of next seasonCredit: RexThis photo became his Facebook profile picture, before he quickly changed it backCredit: FacebookAnd he appeared to drop a major hint about a transfer away from Juventus with a strange bit of social media activity on Friday.Ex-Leeds loanee McKennie’s official Facebook page changed its profile picture to an image of him in a Man Utd shirt.Alongside it was a caption that simply read: “I’m here!”This led many Man Utd supporters to the conclusion that he was arriving at Old Trafford in the coming months – nearly two years after he was first linked with the move.READ MORE ON MAN UTDOne said: “I think United were linked with him on a certain deadline day!.. Must have taken the picture then thinking it’ll work out lol.”Another added: “He loves this club.”A third replied: “Won’t be a bad signing tbh.”While a fourth responded: “He coming.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd a fifth said: “🤣🤣🤣 If true, it would mean we want to finally replace Fred.”McKennie has scored 13 goals and assisted a further 15 in 131 appearances for Juventus since arriving from Schalke.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowHe played 20 times while on loan at Leeds during the second half of last season, but failed to help them avoid relegation.Man Utd are set to employ a “sell-to-buy” transfer strategy in the summer window as new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues to take hold of football operations at the club.It is understood they will listen to offers for all but three of the squad.McKennie has featured in 32 of Juventus’ 34 Serie A games this season More

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    Premier League clubs on red alert as Jan Oblak is ‘put on sale by Atletico Madrid and desperate for transfer to England’

    PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have been put on alert after Jan Oblak was reportedly put up for sale.The Atletico Madrid stopper is widely considered one of the best in the world in his position.Jan Oblak could leave Atletico Madrid this summerCredit: AlamyOblak, 31, has been at the LaLiga outfit since 2014 and has made 441 appearances in all competitions.However, the Slovenian’s spot at the club has changed as he is now no longer considered “nontransferable”.Spanish outlet AS has claimed that Oblak will be put “on the market” this summer.This is due to Atletico wanting to make changes to its squad after a disappointing LaLiga campaign.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club currently sits 4th in the table, 20 points behind leaders Real Madrid.It is suggested that Atletico want to trim the wage budget with Oblack one of the highest earners.The goalkeeper is reportedly earning £8.56million per year, which works out to £165,000-per-week.The report claims that Oblak has a release clause of £102m but a market value of closer to £30m.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOblak has been a target for Premier League clubs for multiple years.Manchester United were tipped with a move before they signed Andre Onana last summer.Atletico Madrid’s wonder goalkeeper Jan Oblak shows off his skills in training It is said that he would prefer a move to England, having rejected an offer from Saudi Arabia last summer.However, the report has added that Oblak would prioritise staying at the Metropolitano Stadium.His options in the Premier League could be limited as Man United, Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool all have cemented first-choice goalkeepers.Chelsea could be one option as Robert Sanchez has failed to impress since his arrival from Brighton and Hove Albion last summer.Dorde Petrović has done well when filling in for the Spaniard but the Blues could look for an upgrade on the 24-year-old. More