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      Paul Pogba reveals which club he wants to play for when he returns as ex-Man Utd ace’s doping ban is reduced

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      PAUL POGBA has revealed the club he wants to play for after he finishes serving a doping ban.Pogba’s career looked all-but over when he was hit with a FOUR-YEAR SUSPENSION after testing positive for elevated testosterone levels as a result of ingesting banned substance DHEA.Paul Pogba was slapped with a four-year anti-doping ban earlier this yearCredit: GETTYThe Juventus midfielder appealed the verdict and had it reduced to 18 monthsCredit: GETTYThe 31-year-old still has ambitions of playing for The Old Lady againCredit: AFPBut the former Manchester United midfielder and current Juventus star had his ban reduced to 18 months following a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.The 31-year-old’s ban was backdated to September 2023, meaning he’ll be eligible to play in March 2025.And the France international is looking forward to playing for The Old Lady again, telling ESPN: “I want to play for Juventus again.”The World Cup winner is even willing to take a wage cut to stay with the Serie A giants, although the Juve brass have held talks with his team about his lucrative contract.READ MORE ON POGBAHe said: “I’m ready to cut and to reduce my salary to stay at Juve.”I will talk with Thiago Motta. I want to demonstrate to be a great player again.”He later added: “Right now I’m with Juventus, so we don’t know really what’s going on.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPaul Pogba will be eligible to play again in March 2025Credit: REX”All the parties are talking, lawyers, etc. So I want to know what will happen next.Most read in Football”But my main focus right now is just to get myself ready. Paul Pogba ban reduced”I keep training and everything. Get ready for being able to join a team in January.”Pogba admits he likely would have hung up his boots had his appeal to CAS been unsuccessful.”I had many thoughts in my head,” he admitted. “I had so many thoughts to even stop playing.”I’m like: ‘What am I going to do?’ If it’s four years, you start making the maths in your head.”Four years not playing, training — which club is going to want me? “Would I be fit and stuff like that, you make a lot of pictures in your head.”But on the other side, I had faith obviously, and I was positive.”I knew I didn’t do anything wrong on purpose, so then thankfully that happened and they reduced it.”Pogba has also revealed the pain and hurt he has suffered as a result of the ban and insists he is not a “cheater”.What is DHEA?PAUL POGBA tested positive for elevated levels of DHEA, a hormone that naturally occurs in the adrenal gland, in August 2023DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, can be used to naturally boost testosterone production.It does not produce testosterone itself.It is on the world anti-doping banned substances list and carries a maximum of four years if the athlete took it deliberately to enhance their performance.DHEA can legally be sold over-the-counter in the US as a dietary product, known as prasterone.It is also taken as an anti-ageing therapy, and to treat depression and the symptoms of menopause, although there is little evidence to suggest it is effective, and it can cause serious side effects.In 2022, UFC fighter Bobby Green received a six-month ban after testing positive for a DHEA.Green said he had not realised that DHEA was banned after seeing a video on YouTube, and took the supplement after his wife bought it from a supermarket.He told Sky Sports News: “I accept responsibility of taking the supplement but I didn’t triple check it – even if it came from a professional.”If I have to be punished, then I’m fine with it. But it should never have been four years. I will accept 12 months.”Asked to reassure his fans that he has always played clean and not taken performance enhancing drugs, Pogba replied: “When you see me, you know me. People know me.”So even when everything happened people said: ‘we know Paul, he would never take that. If he did, he wouldn’t have known and it won’t have been on purpose’.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And this it totally the truth. I’m an honest person, I would say it.””I am not a cheater, I am someone that loves my sport. I love the game and I would never, ever. I like to win fairly and people know that.” More

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      Watch Thomas Tuchel’s awkward reaction when asked why he chose England over Man Utd

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      THOMAS TUCHEL was lost for words when asked why he chose to take the England job over Manchester United.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager was today revealed to the world as the new Three Lions boss.Thomas Tuchel was briefly lost for words after being asked why he chose England over Man UtdCredit: GettyTuchel had an awkward pause as he considered his responseTuchel, 51, has signed an 18 month contract that will see him earn £5million a year.FA CEO Mark Bullingham revealed they interviewed 10 people for the job before appointing Tuchel, with the contract being signed on October 8.However, before taking the job he was one of the biggest names linked with the Man Utd job amid the pressure hanging over Erik ten Hag.Asked about why he opted for England over United, Tuchel appeared lost for words at first as he only answered with an “umm”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter hesitating for a moment, he said: “Because the idea… and the way Mark and John [McDermott] presented it was very fast, very exciting, very confidential and trustful.”That was a decision for this job, and not against anyone else. I will not comment on any other clubs.”In a social media video before the press conference, Tuchel said he wanted to “get a second star” for England – as in win the World Cup.But one reporter gave Tuchel an apology after their “flippant” comment regarding those chances.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA reporter said: “Good luck,” in response to Tuchel’s declaration before offering an apology following a moment of awkwardness.Tuchel managed England captain Harry Kane at club level last season, but has revealed he did not consult the former Tottenham ace before taking the job.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.He also refused to confirm whether Kane would remain captain under him.Tuchel said: “Too early to answer these questions but you know how I think of Harry and how I fought to bring him to Bayern Munich.Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024″He is on his way to be a legend but it is important to have respect to Lee (Carsley) and not interfere next month.”Interim manager Lee Carsley will take charge of England’s Uefa Nations League games next month, before Tuchel takes full charge of the team in January.Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel.Another flashpoint saw Tuchel asked a question in German.He was asked how he would win over any grumbling England supporters that wanted a homegrown coach, before answering in English: “Everyone has their opinion and I can understand when someone says they would fancy an English coach more for the English team.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I can understand it, but I think we deserve a fair chance. We deserve it for having a good record, for never being shy of how much we love living here and working with Premier League players.”Maybe this counts a little bit for a British edge on my German passport, so we will try to convince [the fans] by results and how we play.”ANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England job More

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      Zinedine Zidane ‘in constant contact with Man Utd chief’ as Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues to consider Erik ten Hag future

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE has been in constant talks with one of Manchester United’s trusted chiefs.Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos team continue to weigh up what to do with Erik ten Hag’s future after holding crunch talks during the international break.Zinedine Zidane has been touted as a possible replacement for Erik ten HagCredit: SplashTen Hag has retained his role despite the pressure ramping upCredit: GettyIneos Sport CEO Jean-Claude Blanc has been in constant talks with fellow Frenchman ZidaneIneos’ chief executive officer of sport Jean-Claude Blanc has kept an open line of dialogue open with Zidane, according to The Independent.Ratcliffe and Frenchman Blanc have long been admirers of the former Real Madrid manager, who is yet to decide if he wants to return to management.Zidane’s three consecutive Champions League trophies is what Ineos is aspiring to bring to Old Trafford.Pressure is starting to mount on Ten Hag, with United 14th and on a -3 goal difference in their worst ever start in the Prem after seven games.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFor now it looks like United will stick by Ten Hag, who signed a one-year contract extension over the summer.Ratcliffe, Blanc and all other major decision makers held a seven-hour meeting in London last Tuesday but no details have emerged.Ten Hag survived a June review and was handed £205m during the summer window, to bring his total spending to more than £600m.With Thomas Tuchel now out of the running for the Man Utd job, Ratcliffe must adjust his shortlist should Ten Hag be sacked.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSZidane’s managerial careerIn four years at Real Madrid:2x LaLiga2x Supercopa de Espana3x Champions League2x Super Cup2x Club World Cup Tuchel was announced as England’s new boss and permanent successor to Gareth Southgate today.Zidane, 52, is one of the few men with winning pedigree who is currently out of a job.Thomas Tuchel gives his first message to fans as England manager But it was reported last month, that Zidane would reject the role, mostly on the basis of not being fully comfortable speaking English.He told L’Equipe: “Would I want to go to Manchester? I understand English, but I’m not completely fluent in it.”I know that there are coaches who go to clubs without speaking the language, but I work in a different way. “Many elements come into play in order to win, it is a global context. I know what I need to win.”But the Red Devils intend to keep that connection with Zidane open should there be a changes in both situations.He took charge of Real Madrid on two occasions and won two LaLigas and three Champions League titles.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has not managed since leaving Los Blancos for a second time in 2021.Graham Potter, Kieran McKenna, Simone Inzaghi, Ruben Amorim and Southgate also remain in contention to become the next United boss. More

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      Man Utd ‘facing snubs from TWO January transfer targets’ as horror start leaves Erik ten Hag’s side 14th

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly facing snubs from two January transfer targets after their horror start to the season.Erik ten Hag has endured an awful seven Premier League games after being handed a contract extension by Sir Jim Ratcliffe over the summer.Two Man Utd targets are ready to snub a winter move due to Erik ten Hag’s poor formCredit: GettyUnited have picked up just two wins so far this term to sit 14th in the table.The first came in a fortunate late victory against Fulham.While the other win saw United beat 10-man Southampton, who are joint-bottom of the table.Another two matches so far have been draws.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile United have already suffered three defeats, including heavy 3-0 losses at Old Trafford to both Liverpool and Tottenham.Their Europa League campaign is faring little better, with United so far drawing both of their games against Twente and Porto.And the Mail claims their dismal form is now starting to affect their transfers.It’s reckoned United have two major targets lined up for the January transfer window.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut both candidates are now “having seconds thoughts” about accepting a move this winter.It means United could be forced to look elsewhere for reinforcements.Gary Neville explains what happened in Man Utd meeting amid pressure on Erik ten Hag’s jobAnd their budget is already tight after spending over £200million on five signings, who have all struggled so far.Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt and Manuel Ugarte are yet to nail down first-team spots.While Leny Yoro is yet to make a single appearance after fracturing his metatarsal in pre-season.Noussair Mazraoui has had some joy so far at right-back.But he’s now out for at least three weeks as he recovers from a heart procedure.The ace’s absence is set to force a reshuffle for this weekend’s game against Brentford, with Diogo Dalot moving to the right and Jonny Evans in line to become an emergency left-back.Ten Hag’s Man Utd signingsThe Dutchman has brought in 21 players since moving to Old Trafford in 20222022-23:Antony, (Ajax) £86mCasemiro, (Real Madrid) £70mLisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46mTyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13mChristian Eriksen, (Brentford) freeMartin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loanWout Weghorst, (Burnley) loanJack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loanMarcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan2023-24:Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72mMason Mount, (Chelsea) £60mAndre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47mSofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loanAltay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3mJonny Evans, (Leicester) freeSergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan2024-25:Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52mManuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50mMatthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45mJoshua Zirkee, (Bologna) £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8m More

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      Man Utd cult hero Federico Macheda stunned club allowed ‘jack of all trades’ to leave in summer after stunning start

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      FEDERICO MACHEDA has admitted his surprise at Manchester United letting Scott McTominay leave in the summer.The midfielder, 27, signed for Napoli in a £25million deal in August.Scott McTominay has had a brilliant start to life in ItalyCredit: RexFederico Macheda played 36 times for Man UtdCredit: Getty – ContributorHe has since earned rave reviews under Antonio Conte, with fans and pundits alike thrilled with his early impact.The Scotland international played 255 times for United after coming through their academy.But as they looked to recruit Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain, McTominay was allowed to depart.Macheda, 33, played 36 times for the Red Devils between 2007 and 2014 – earning cult status for his debut wonder goal against Aston Villa.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking to Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli, the Italian confessed his shock at United letting McTominay go.He said: “I know McTominay quite well. I was almost in the first team at Manchester United and he played for the U-16 side.”Back then he didn’t have this physicality but you could see that he was a really good guy.“I’m happy that he’s settling in well at Napoli and he’s doing it quickly. Changing league is not easy and the approach he had proves his will and ability to take on new challenges.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He’s a jack of all trades as a footballer. He’s good at making offensive runs and helping the team off the ball. He’s a real worker and I’d define him as a fantastic signing.”Conte’s presence made a lot. When a coach like him wants you in his team it’s hard to say no. I was surprised that Manchester United decided to sell him.Man Utd ‘only do stupid things & kill stars, someone should be arrested’, rants journalist amid McTominay’s red-hot form”He always did well there despite their recent complicated seasons. Without any doubt, leaving and going to Napoli was the right choice.”Napoli are top of the Serie A table, having won five of their opening seven matches.McTominay has played five times for his new side, scoring twice and laying on an assist.Former Premier League star Paolo Di Canio recently had strong words to say regarding the transfer.The Italian, 56, claimed: “I would go to Manchester United to arrest all the directors – how can you give away McTominay?”Having played twice for Scotland during the international break, McTominay is set to return to club action against Empoli this Sunday. More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson seen for first time since axe as Man Utd ambassador as he dines with former member of staff

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON has been spotted for the first time since having his £2million-a-year salary cut by Manchester United.New Red Devils co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is currently on a major cost-cutting spree at Old Trafford, which has included axing 250 jobs.Sir Alex Ferguson was spotted leaving a plush Cheshire restaurant just hours after it was revealed he’s no longer a club ambassador at Manchester UnitedCredit: EAMONN AND JAMES CLARKEFergie, 82, didn’t seem to be down in the dumps and even took the time to take a selfie with a giddy United fanCredit: EAMONN AND JAMES CLARKERed Devils co-owner is on a major cost-cutting spree at Old Trafford and removed Fergie from the £2million-a-year roleCredit: GETTYThe Scot will retain his role as a non-executive member of the boardCredit: PAAnd the INEOS chief has made the decision to remove legendary club manager Fergie from his lucrative ambassadorial role.But the Scot, who amicably agreed to the decision, didn’t look down in the dumps about losing the gig as he was spotted leaving a plush restaurant on Tuesday night.The 82-year-old looked chipper as he left the Cibo Restaurant in Cheshire’s plush Hale Village.He even took the time to take a selfie with a United fan who spotted him.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSFergie, who is understood to have been at the Italian eatery with one of United’s former kit men, zoomed off in a black Mercedes after taking the snap.Fergie had his ambassadorial role – which earned him £2.16m a year – since October 2013 – five months after he retired from management.He will, however, continue to be a non-executive member of the board and be permitted to attend games.Ratcliffe’s decision to remove Fergie from his ambassadorial role has stunned the Old Trafford faithful.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFergie axe comes at the right time – and he knows itBy Phil ThomasIT is over a decade since he left the dugout but Sir Alex Ferguson has lost none of his sense of timing.When to sell, when to buy, when to change and ultimately when to go, Fergie has always been in a class of his own.Over the years there were countless decisions which had everyone scratching their head — but Sir Alex always knew the time was right.Some were more obvious than others. Like the night Manchester United won the Treble on the back of his substitutions.Others less so, like the summer of 1995 when terrace legends Mark Hughes, Paul Ince and Andrei  Kanchelskis were sold at the peak of their powers.The whole of football thought the manager had lost his marbles.But Fergie knew better, as he chose that year to unleash his “you win nothing with kids” Double heroes.Just as he knew best when it came to right-hand men.Brian Kidd, Steve McClaren, Archie Knox and Co — an endless list of world-class coaches who all came and went.And, of course, the biggest decision of all. Calling time on 26 years in which he had gone from the brink of the bullet to English football’s greatest-ever gaffer.The majority of people are convinced Ferguson stepped down because he knew United’s era of dominance was over.Maybe not the nosedive to come but certainly that an almighty rebuild was just around the corner. Another mass overhaul, yet not one he was prepared to oversee.Now another end has arrived. Not as dramatic or as out-of-nowhere, admittedly, but an end nonetheless.Next summer Fergie will leave his 12-year role as global ambassador. Many see it as the most ruthless swing of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting axe — and they are wrong.For while he is trying to save every penny in making United great again —  how’s that going, Sir Jim? — Ferguson has not suddenly and callously been told he is surplus to requirements.This decision was a two-way call. An amicable parting. Football’s own conscious uncoupling, in Chris  Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow lingo.And not, incidentally, a departure which means we will no longer see Fergie at Old Trafford on a matchday.That  simply  will  not  happen.   He  will still be there rain, wind or shine . . .Only now as a high-profile non-executive director, rather than a man with the ear — and the sway — behind the owners’ biggest decisions.Like he was when urging United to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo in 2021.Admittedly not his finest hour, rather an indication of the influence he still retained.Back then, until just before  Ratcliffe and his Ineos team arrived, in fact, Ferguson had the owners’ ear. Almost a hotline to the Glazer family, you could say.And those days are done.Not that Sir Alex is bereft at the thought. For a start, some of the staff sackings have enraged the Scot — long-serving photographer John Peters and kitman Alec Wylie, for example.This is not a cosy-cosy relationship with Ratcliffe being severed.If anything, it is closer to the opposite. And as Fergie the Red, in every sense The Boss — those who played under him still call him that  — knows, trousering £2million or so a year in such tight times is not a good look.Fair enough, not an amount anyone would turn down in normal circumstances.Yet when many in the steerage class are losing their livelihoods, it is not something that would have sat well with him.There is also the practical side of things as well.At the end of December, Sir Alex will be 83 years old, albeit still a freakishly fit 83 years old.Yet even though the grey matter remains oh-so-sharp and the mind clear as a bell, the bones grow creakier and even Superman had to put his feet up on occasion.That does not mean you will not see shots of Fergie alongside Ratcliffe at various points — Sir Jim loves too much the associated glamour of being pictured with the greatest.But any idea of Sir Alex having an emperor’s thumbs-down power has gone for good — and quite frankly that is something which suits both sides.Several Red Devils supporters have accused the billionaire of showing “disrespect” to the legendary manager, who will cease to be paid by the club at the end of the season.And that view is shared by Fergie’s former player Eric Cantona.What Sir Alex Ferguson ruthlessly told Man Utd stars after Aguero’s iconic goal won Man City the Premier League The Frenchman wrote on Instgram: ” Sir Alex Ferguson should be able to do anything he wants at the club until the day he dies.”Such a lack of respect. It’s totally scandalous.”Sir Alex Ferguson will be my boss forever! And I throw them all in a big bag of s***!”Former Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand also chimed in on the shock decision.He wrote on X: “If Sir Alex can be taken out, then NO ONE IS SAFE at Man Utd – anyone can get it now.”Ineos sending a message to ANYONE at the club?!?”Manchester United will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, welcoming Brentford to the Theatre of Dreams. More

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      Man Utd fans left raging as Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘sacks’ Sir Alex Ferguson before under-fire Erik ten Hag

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have slammed Ineos’ decision to “sack” Sir Alex Ferguson before under-fire boss Erik ten Hag.Ferguson’s multi-million pound salary has been ended by the new Ineos regime who are devoted to cutting costs amid high losses.Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassadorial contract has been ripped upSir Jim Ratcliffe and his team have sought ways to cut costs at Old Trafford since their arrival earlier this yearFans have been left reeling with some even slamming the decision to ‘sack’ Fergie before Erik ten HagJust five months after retiring in 2013, Ferguson signed a deal to become a global ambassador worth £2.16m per year.But now that decade-long contract has been torn up by Sir Jim Ratcliffe as Ferguson steps away from several time-consuming ambassadorial duties.It is claimed Ratcliffe met with the legendary boss in person to inform him that he will no longer receive his seven-figure salary.Fergie, 82, is understood to have received the decision amicably and with no ill feeling.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt has emerged the legendary boss was earning more than five members of Erik ten Hag’s squad as a Man United ambassador.But United fans haven’t been so calm about it.A group of supporters who want Ten Hag sacked have launched scathing attacks on the decision to “axe” Fergie before the Dutchman.Taking to X, one raging fan wrote: “I can’t believe they’ve sacked Sir Alex Ferguson before Ten Hag.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile another said: “Everything great about Man Utd is because of Sir Alex Ferguson. He deserves to be paid for every breath he takes.A third added: “This is just plain stupid and disrespectful. The greatest manager in Prem history and they can’t be bothered with it.”A fourth replied: “Obviously he won’t starve but pretty disgusting he’s literally bigger than the club.”A day in the life of workaholic Ten Hag revealed by ex-Man Utd coach who jokes ‘his wife is on verge of divorcing him’Before another rival fan doubled down: “Did they really just sack Fergie before Ten Hag 😂?”One more wrote: “What???? That’s very disrespectful to Sir Alex!”Ten Hag returned to Carrington on Monday to prepare for Saturday’s Premier League game against Brentford at Old Trafford.After that, it is a Europa League trip to a Fenerbahce side managed by former United boss Jose Mourinho, with many fans believing the Dutchman could lose his job after that.There’s been huge speculation about his future after United recorded their worst ever Prem start, before chiefs held a seven-hour board meeting in central London last Tuesday.Ferguson, who turns 83 in December, will not receive payments from the club beyond the end of the season.The former Aberdeen manager was earning more than five members of Erik ten Hag’s squad, as per Capology.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmong them were Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and reserve keeper Altay Bayindir.Fergie still act as a non-executive member of the board and will always be welcome at matches, after most recently attending Ten Hag’s 0-0 crunch clash away at Aston Villa.Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson’s reaction to Man Utd job axe revealed as club stop paying legendary manager millions

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON amicably accepted the decision to axe his multi-million pound role at Manchester United.Red Devils co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has cut costs by removing the legendary boss from his lucrative ambassadorial position.Manchester United will no longer pay Sir Alex Ferguson his £2million per yearIt is understood that Fergie received the decision well during a meeting with Sir Jim RatcliffeFerguson will still act as a non-executive member of the board and be welcome at matches.Just five months after leaving in 2013, the Scot signed a £2.16m-per-year deal to become a global ambassador and club director.But that arrangement will cease at the end of the season as Fergie, 82, steps away from a number of time-consuming duties.SunSport understands that it was an amicable decision between both parties.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFergie accepted the termination of his paid role with no rancour.Ratcliffe met with the Scot in person to tell him that cost-cutting measures will include no longer paying him his seven-figure salary.The Ineos CEO and his team have embarked upon a root-and-branch financial review after taking a 27.7 per cent stake in the club in February.Last month, it was revealed he is letting go of 250 employees at the club.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited have been making losses for some time and have been forced to exercise cost saving measures across the board to strengthen their position.The Red Devils’ latest figures take total losses over the past five years to more than £370m, according to BBC Sport.Man Utd board’s EIGHT-HOUR London crunch talks and what it means for Erik ten HagIneos’ cost cutting methods have also seen private chauffeurs and company credit cards axed.Staff and the players’ Wags had to pay for their own transport to the FA Cup final win over rivals Manchester City in May.And other perks like lunch, accommodation, extra tickets and a post-match party were scrapped.Fergie, who turns 83 in January, regularly attends games home and away, most recently a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa on October 6.The ex-Aberdeen boss won 38 trophies including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues during his 27 years as Man Utd manager.What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More