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    Barcelona dressing room ‘left unimpressed at Marcus Rashford pursuit with three key stars opposing transfer’

    BARCELONA’S pursuit of Marcus Rashford has reportedly sparked revolt in the Nou Camp dressing room.The Spanish giants spent the January transfer window weighing up a swoop for the Manchester United outcast.Marcus Rashford’s negotiations with Barcelona caused unrestCredit: RexThree Barcelona stars made a stand and spoke out about the possible transferCredit: AlamyA sensational loan deal was potentially on the cards – with the player himself said to be keen.However, Rashford’s £325,000-a-week wages proved a stumbling block – especially as United wanted Barca to cover 70 per cent.The forward ended up joining Aston Villa until the end of the season – with the option of a £40million permanent summer move. But now Catalunya Radio via Sport in Spain claim even the talks over signing Rashford led to unrest among the existing players.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAnd three key stars allegedly spoke out against the transfer.It is stated Barcelona needed to let both Ansu Fati and Andreas Christensen leave in January to free up the necessary wages to make a Rashford deal financially viable.However, both men are said to have flat-out refused to exit. And pals Pedri, Gavi and Ronald Araujo all reportedly stood up to the club to make their feelings known. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe trio are three of Hansi Flick’s most important players in a team going strong in LaLiga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.And all three signed new contracts in the last few days of the transfer window.Marcus Rashford says joining Aston Villa from Man Utd was an easy decisionSo it seems the trio used their bargaining power to voice their concerns as they agreed their long-term futures to Barcelona, who are currently playing home matches at the Olympic Stadium while the Nou Camp is renovated. The report suggests Pedri, Gavi and Araujo did not believe signing Rashford was a suitable option given the players already in the team, the club’s ethos with its homegrown talent and the cost of the deal – which would see them force out two members of the squad.And it appears Deco and the Barca hierarchy listened to their players as they backed out of the deal.The likes of Borussia Dortmund, Monaco and AC Milan were also linked with Rashford over the course of the January transfer window.But Rashford said it was an “easy” decision to join Villa, where he will play Champions League football again. And he is keen to make an early impression on his new boss Unai Emery.Rashford insisted on training on his first day off and has already started looking at accommodation in the West Midlands as he refuses to commute from Manchester. READ MORE SUN STORIESVilla insiders say the man who left Old Trafford under a cloud has got the bit firmly between his teeth and is ready to kickstart his career under Emery.Rashford – who has taken Jhon Duran’s old No9 shirt – could make his debut for Villa in the FA Cup at home to Tottenham on Sunday. Rashford joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the seasonCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea discover how much Matheus Cunha transfer will cost as release clause revealed

    MATHEUS CUNHA is one of the Premier League’s most coveted stars – and it will take a huge offer to prize him away from Wolves. Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are all tracking the exciting 25-year-old Brazilian striker. Matheus Cunha has signed a new long-term contract with WolvesCredit: AlamyThe deal includes a hefty eight-figure release clauseCredit: RexCunha penned a new four-year deal at Molineux last weekend as speculation swirled over his future. The forward was linked with a move away from the West Midlands throughout the January transfer window.But he committed his long-term future to Wolves on Saturday.Cunha’s new release clause stands at a hefty £62million, according to The Mail. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe report claims the clause will become active at the end of the season. And it can be activated by ANY club – with no restrictions on who can come in for the exciting playmaker. Cunha was targeted by United and Arsenal in January, but neither put in a solid bid.While Nottingham Forest were reportedly ready to smash their transfer record to bring him to the City Ground.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCunha is now tasked with helping Wolves stay in the Premier League.The arrival of new boss Vitor Pereira initially sparked a revival among the strugglers.Which Manchester United stars should stay and go?But four defeats in the last five mean Wolves have been unable to pull away from the chasing pack.They currently sit 16th, just two points above Leicester in the final relegation spot and seven behind a resurgent Everton in 15th.Manchester United are likely to require a centre-forward this summer as they eye a complete rebuild under Ruben Amorim.The Red Devils are set to put almost their entire squad up for sale as they reset following a dismal last few years. United will have to sell their biggest stars to make room for incomings, with striker Marcus Rashford set for a permanent move away after joining Aston Villa on loan. Arsenal are also in need of additional firepower and currently lack a natural centre-forward in the squad.Cunha made the switch to Wolves from Atletico Madrid, initially on loan in January 2023 before a £44million permanent deal.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe began his career with Swiss side Sion before spells in Germany with Red Bull Leipzig and Hertha Berlin.So far this season, he’s scored 11 goals in 23 games, adding 4 assists. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Ruben Amorim admits he couldn’t get Marcus Rashford to buy into his Man Utd plan and it was HIS decision to loan him

    RUBEN AMORIM has claimed he could not get Marcus Rashford to buy into his Manchester United plan.The England forward joined Aston Villa on loan for the rest of the season on Sunday after almost two decades with his boyhood club.Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim couldn’t get Marcus Rashford to buy into his planCredit: GettyRashford fell out of favour at Man Utd after Amorim’s arrivalCredit: ReutersRashford joined Aston Villa on loan during the January transfer windowCredit: GettyMan Utd boss Amorim insists it was his decision to loan out RashfordCredit: PAUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Amorim has offered no guarantees of a way back for the 27-year-old in the summer.He said: “I couldn’t get Marcus to see the way you’re supposed to play football and to train — the way I see it.“Sometimes you have one player who is really good with one coach — and the same player with another coach is different.“The important thing is that I’m here saying it was my decision. The same with Tyrell Malacia and Antony. It was my decision, to do these loans.Read More on Man Utd“I just wish the best to Rashford and Unai Emery — and that they can ­connect because he’s a very good player.”Rashford still remains on United’s books.And if Villa do not take up a £40million option to buy him, the pair could yet be forced together again.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAsked if the door was still open, Amorim added: “Like we said before, we are fighting for our jobs until the summer. So I am just focused on these games.Most read in Football“Thankfully Marcus is in Birmingham now with Unai, so you can take these questions to another coach. We are just focused on our players.”Ruben Amorim insists Man Utd are ‘trying everything’ to improve his squad after Crystal Palace defeat The United boss admits he has taken a risk by moving on two forwards in the winter window — while not bringing in any replacements.He said: “I look at the team and I understood my decision of changing everything in the middle of the season without new signings. It is a danger for a coach.“But since day one, with good results or bad results, I have a clear idea of what I want to do and I take these risks.“I’m not naive. This is a sport of results and we’re in a difficult situation.”Yet Amorim, who goes head to head with Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday, believes he has the backing of owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family.Amorim has lost seven of his 13 Prem games in charge — and United sit in 13th place, the same position as when the Portuguese boss arrived.The former Sporting chief said: “I understand with a lot of losses, especially at home, the environment is really hard. But I feel the support of the board.Van Nistelrooy returns to Old Trafford“I’m not the slightest bit worried about that. It’s just the pain of losing — that is the hardest thing to cope with.”Amorim showed Van ­Nistelrooy the door in November even though the Dutchman’s four games in interim charge brought three wins and a draw.Old Trafford legend Van Nistelrooy had been assistant to the sacked Erik ten Hag and Amorim is not bothered by comparisons with his record.The United boss said: “It’s not awkward — I think it’s normal. He knew the team, he worked with the team.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I made some decisions that are really hard, to sometimes create problems, friction in the team.“They were better than me in training this team, so I’m trying to help them see the game the way I see, to improve performance and results.” More

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    Four-way tug of war for Wayne Rooney with Man Utd legend set for new job just weeks after Plymouth sacking

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Wayne Rooney has been receiving a lot of job offers just two months after his dismissal as Plymouth boss.However, Rooney, 39, is not being courted for a return to the dugout after also being sacked by Birmingham on the same year as his Pilgrims axing.Wayne Roooney has been approached by four major broadcastersCredit: PAInstead, the Man Utd record goalscorer is being chased by four major broadcasters, making him the most sought-after name in football punditry.SunSport exclusively revealed the England legend is wanted by Match of the Day.The former striker is eyeing up a lucrative move to the rejigged show following long-term presenter Gary Lineker’s departure at the end of this season.Rooney hopes to join new hosts Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates on the BBC highlights show as a rotating guest pundit.Read More on FootballThe ex-Derby boss could command up to £200,000 for the year, depending on how many appearances he makes.According to GB News, Amazon, Sky Sports and TNT Sports are also keeping tabs on the Everton hero.Amazon have emerged as a frontrunner for his signature, with discussions already underway.The same source claims the streaming service wants Rooney in time for the crunch Champions League play-off clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid – the first leg of which will be played next Tuesday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again.The legendary forward would be joining the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Alan Shearer as well as presenter Gabby Logan if he signed with Amazon.The broadcaster hosts select Champions League matches and a few rounds of Premier League games over the course of a season.’Are you alright-‘ – Gary Neville stunned as Wayne Rooney admits he STILL wants to manage and reveals unusual next stepBut Rooney has also been approached by Sky Sports and TNT Sports after impressing in recent appearances.Those two are the chief broadcasters of the Premier League and would be able to offer a busier role to Manchester United’s all-time leading scorer.Meanwhile, Rooney’s wife Coleen has been inundated with offers following her stint in the I’m A Celebrity jungle, where she finished as a runner-up.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Man quizzed under caution for ‘head-butting security guard at former Man Utd star Nicky Butt’s 50th birthday party’

    A MAN has been quizzed under caution for allegedly head-butting a security guard at a 50th birthday party for former Manchester United star Nicky Butt.The Sun told last week of the alleged assault at swanky private members’ club Soho Farmhouse.Nicky Butt’s birthday party was held at celeb haunt Soho Farmhouse, OxfordshireCredit: soho farmhouseGuests at the party included David and Victoria BeckhamCredit: GettyThe suspect was questioned by police in the presence of a solicitor at an undisclosed location. Police are still continuing to probe the January 24 incident at Great Tew, Oxon.Trouble erupted between 7pm and 8pm following a lunch held for ex-England star Butt and attended by his Man Utd Class of 92 team-mates David Beckham, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and their Wags.Around 30 guests were at the lunch to celebrate Butt’s birthday three days earlier.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA man at the party is said to have caused offence by urinating against a courtyard wall. When the guard told him to stop he was then attacked, it is claimed.A source said: “The guard went to have a word with the guy causing offence and was then head-butted in the face.“There was blood everywhere and people were shocked as the guard came inside with his face in a total mess.”Most read in FootballThe former Man Utd players and their partners left soon after the alleged assault. Beckham and wife Victoria returned to their £12million estate nearby while Butt, Neville and Scholes headed north with their partners.Man Utd star Nicky Butt’s 50th party at centre of police probe after ‘head-butt’ left security guard with ‘broken nose’Police were notified at 9pm and attended.A statement was taken from the guard, who went to hospital with a suspected broken nose.Thames Valley Police confirmed: “A man was questioned under caution on January 30 and inquiries continue.”The suspect was not arrested but was formally warned anything he said could be used as evidence in a court of law.A decision will now be made on whether to charge him.Former Manchester United star Nicky Butt was celebrating his birthdayCredit: PAMany of Butt’s class of ’92 teammates were in attendanceCredit: Getty More

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    ‘People are scared to death’ – David May admits he knows of ‘four or five’ ex-Man Utd stars who are battling dementia

    MANCHESTER UNITED cult hero David May has admitted that football players are “scared to death of getting dementia” – himself included.Ex-defender May revealed that he personally knows of around “four or five” former United stars from the 70s and 80s with the disease.David May has admitted that professional football players are ‘scared to death of dementia’Credit: PAMay told The Telegraph: “Dementia is an industrial injury. “I speak to players now and they say, ‘Have you been tested?’ They say, ‘No I don’t want to find out’. “People are absolutely scared to death of finding out.”Former team-mate David Beckham was among those who sent a message of support at the group launch of Football Families for Justice last month.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe organisation is demanding urgent action to tackle the beautiful game’s dementia crisis.May added: “Three or four nights before the launch all I could think of is, ‘Oh my God, this will happen to me’. “All I can think if I go in the kitchen and forget something is, ‘Have I got dementia?’ Once that’s passed, I’m fine again. But just those thoughts go through your mind.“I’m 55 this year. I don’t want my kids in 10 years’ time having to look after me, not being able to speak to them and understand them. Most read in Football“I would wish they could come once a week, twice a week, see their dad, know that I’m well cared for.”May decided to become involved after speaking with John Stiles, the son of 1966 World Cup winner Nobby.England and Man Utd legend Stiles died from a neurodegenerative disease associated with head impacts that leads to dementia in October 2020.Former Premier League star Dean Windass suffering from dementia as ex-Man Utd ace reveals diagnosis live on BBC You look at the 80s and 90s – it was, ‘get on with it lads’ and that’s what we did. David MayDefenders are FIVE times more likely to be diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease, than someone who is not a professional player, according to research commissioned by the FA in 2017.The landmark study by the University of Glasgow also found no decline in that ratio through the eras.Professor Willie Stewart isolated the link last year to heading and head impacts, rather than any outside lifestyle factor.May said that players would take aerial blows “all the time” whether from heading, elbows or clashes of heads.Denis Law and Bobby Charlton both passed away after long battles with dementiaHe revealed: “There’s quite a few players involved in the group who played in the 1980s who talk about their ex team-mates – I’m not going to name names – who are struggling with dementia.“I remember playing for Burnley against Stoke – I got a bang on the head and I can’t even remember who did it.“You look at the 80s and 90s – it was, ‘get on with it lads’ and that’s what we did. It’s like getting punched off a professional boxer at 80 per cent.David May“You’d probably get two or three free hits before you got spoken to and you would pass it to your other centre-half. And they would do it back to you. It would be a free-for-all.“When I look at the amount of times I must have headed a ball in training, before a game, during a game, as a kid, you are talking thousands and thousands.“I would do 30-40 headers on a Friday – corners and free-kicks. They say that each heading of a ball whether from a goalkeeper or long free-kick is like getting punched off a professional boxer at 80 per cent.”May won seven major honours with Man Utd during the 90sCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdMay, who started in Man Utd’s FA Cup final-winning teams of 1996 and 1999, has not called for a ban on heading.But the Treble winner wants current players to be fully informed of the risks and for sport to collectively step forward for its former heroes.May revealed that ex-Hull star Dean Windass was diagnosed with stage-two dementia at the age of 55 last month.With permission from Windass, May said: “I asked Deano how he is. “He’s the same age as me and he’s worried sick of how it’s going to be in the future for him.”An application to the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council to prescribe neurodegenerative disease in professional football as an industry-related disease has also just passed its fifth anniversary without resolution.Man Utd and Scotland icon Denis Law sadly lost his brave battle with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease last month.While Old Trafford and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton had dementia when he died from a fall at his care home, a 2023 inquest heard.The FA did introduce guidance in 2021 that recommended no more than 10 “high-force” headers in training per week. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe PFA is currently working with more than 200 families of former players with dementia.Tony Parkes and Allan Gilliver are two former stars currently suffering with it, while legends Chris Nicholl and Stan Bowles tragically passed away on the same day last year – February 24.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. 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    ‘We asked several times’ Man Utd refused to budge on £29million Patrick Dorgu transfer stance despite Lecce pleas

    LECCE have claimed Manchester United gave them a “now or never ultimatum” when they moved for Patrick Dorgu last month.The Italian club had vowed to keep hold of their Danish full-back, 20, until the summer at least.Manchester United acquired the services of Patrick Dorgu in the January transfer windowCredit: GETTYThe Red Devils signed the defender for £29millionCredit: GETTYLecce claim the Red Devils gave them an ultimatum over the 20-year-oldCredit: REXUnited were told that when they made their approach in January – but would not take no for an answer.And when the Red Devils threatened to pull the plug permanently on their interest, Lecce felt they had no choice but to sell.An initial fee of £29.4 million was agreed for the defender who was introduced to the Old Trafford crowd on Sunday.But Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damiani did not like how United went about their business.READ MORE MAN UTDHe said: “We said several times that Dorgu would not leave in January.“Then Manchester United arrived, who made themselves heard with us and with the boy’s entourage.“They received an official response from us that I leave here, in which we said that we had no intention of letting Dorgu leave in January.“And not talking about figures, not asking for increases.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“This, instead of stopping United, had the opposite effect.”Damiani says United turned up the pressure by telling them and the player they would walk away if a deal could not be done in the winter window.Manchester United player ratings against Crystal PalaceHe said: “We asked several times to postpone everything until the summer, also promising the young man that he would not miss the opportunity.“For us too it was a historic step, we just wanted to do it in July.“The English communicated to us their desire, the club and its coach, to be immediate.“There was an ultimatum, now or never, also giving this message to the player himself.“You cannot judge Dorgu, you are 20 years old and Manchester United comes to you with an offer like that.“The combination of these factors led us to think that we would have gone from being consistent to being stupidly obstinate.” More

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    ‘I made a mistake’ – Man Utd flop Memphis Depay’s grovelling apology after suspended prison sentence for drink-driving

    MEMPHIS Depay has issued a grovelling apology after landing a prison term for drink-driving.Monaco police stopped the former Manchester United striker at the wheel of his Rolls Royce last August.Memphis Depay has publicly apologised after landing a suspended prison term for drink-drivingCredit: ReutersMan Utd paid PSV Eindhoven £25million for Depay in 2015Credit: GettyAnd a court in the French Riviera city handed him a four-month suspended jail term and £7,500 fine earlier this week after hearing he was over the alcohol limit.The former Prem star – who earns around £170,000-a-week with Brazilian club Corinthians – has also been banned from driving in Monaco for two years.Dutch international Depay was not in court to hear the verdict.But the 30-year-old wrote on social media: “I would like to come on here and apologise.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Last summer during my holidays in Monaco I made a mistake, and decided to drive home after having some drinks in a restaurant.”I should’ve got into a taxi instead, but I didn’t.”So I would like to apologise, and wanna take full responsibility for my action.”2024 was a year of lessons, and I will definitely learn from this one.  2025 we will do better.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDepay, who also apologised at the time of his arrest, now has two weeks to appeal the decision.United – then led by Louis van Gaal – paid PSV Eindhoven £25million for Depay in 2015, but he managed just seven goals in 53 games.Rooney reveals he gave Depay a ‘talking to’ after Dutch star turned up to Man Utd game in a Rolls Royce and cowboy hatThe striker rebuilt his career with Lyon, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid before joining Corinthians last year.Despite his well-travelled playing career, Depay has been a reliable asset for the Netherlands national team, scoring 46 goals in 98 caps.Depay joined Brazilian outfit Corinthians last yearCredit: ReutersUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More