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      Ex-Man Utd cult icon Phil Jones announces RETIREMENT more than TWO YEARS after playing final match

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      MANCHESTER UNITED cult hero Phil Jones has announced his retirement from football.The 32-year-old has not played since leaving Old Trafford at the end of the 2022-23 season.Phil Jones has announced his retirement from footballCredit: GettyHe has not played for more than two yearsCredit: GettyHis last appearance came 12 months earlier in a 3-0 victory over Brentford, making it more than two years since his kicked a ball.Jones told BBC Radio 5 Live on Saturday: “My career finished shorter than I would have liked.”I’m glass half full. I have completed my A licence and I want to get out there and challenge myself in coaching.”Ultimately I want to take charge of a team. I am determined to get there.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSJones, who won 27 England caps, joined United from Blackburn in 2011 but struggled with numerous injuries throughout his career.During his 12 years at the United, Jones won the 2013 Premier League title in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final campaign as manager.He added: “I did everything I could to return to playing but with so many rehabs I was coming back from, it has an effect on you and your family.”He assumed a youth coaching role at Carrington last September after his contract expired. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe former England star made 229 appearances for United and netted £32.5million in wages, according to Capology.Ferguson tipped him for the very top, saying: “I think Jones may be one of the best players we have ever had, no matter where we play him.Jones’ trophy cabinet1 x Premier League 1 x FA Cup1 x League Cup1 x Europa League1 x Community ShieldMan Utd star Lisandro Martinez brutally trolls Adama Traore after Fulham rival ‘killed him’ in 1-0 opening day win“At 21 years of age, he is going to be a phenomenal player. I think he can play anywhere on the pitch.”He has such a massive influence, with his instinct and reading of the game. He has a drive about him.”He was well known for his unusual style of defending which often made him a figure of light-hearted fun among fans.Supporters will remember him for his bizarre facial expressions and and one of the most unorthodox headers in football against Arsenal in 2015.Jones’s header against Olivier Giroud will go down in Premier League folkloreCredit: Getty Images – GettyJones’ funny faces often featured on social media after United gamesCredit: Getty Images – GettyJones collided with Giroud again in 2018Credit: Getty – ContributorJones against Wolves in 2022Credit: AFP More

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      Gary Neville reveals mega-money bet with Jamie Carragher on Man Utd v Liverpool in title race as Keane picks his winner

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      WHO will finish higher, Manchester United or Liverpool? The yearly debate between Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville resumed on Friday with the punditry duo wagering £5,000 on their respective clubs.Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have wagered over who will come out on topAfter United won their opening game against FulhamCredit: RexEx-Man United defender Neville stated that whoever’s team finishes lower will have to make a £5,000 donation to charity.The former right-back is still backing his beloved United to finish above their Merseyside rivals this season.Addressing Roy Keane after the game, Neville said: “Roy, before the game me and Carragher had a £5,000 bet for charity.”That Liverpool would finish above United and United would finish above Liverpool. Whoever obviously loses, it then goes to charity.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut Keane – known for no nonsense punditry style – shot down any chance of him getting involved in the stake. The former United captain replied: “Don’t get me involved in that bet.”Before Neville then pressed: “Who do you think is going to win the bet though?””I think United,” Keane responded. But his comment prompted a fit of laughter from Carragher.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKeane then clarified: “‘If United stay fit, their star players. Then they’ll do it.”Erik ten Hag was presented with an injury crisis last season after his side struggled through 66 different cases, particularly to key defenders.Awkward moment Man Utd ace Lisandro Martinez calls out Jamie Carragher live in Sky Sports before settling old scoreLiverpool, meanwhile, finished third in Jurgen Klopp’s last season and will be guided by new boss Arne Slot – who has big shoes to fill.Yet many pundits agree with Carragher that Liverpool will finish in the top four as they kickstart a new era at Anfield.Keane previously told The Overlap podcast that Liverpool won’t finish in the Champions League qualification places, as they haven’t done any business in the transfer market.The Reds missed out on signing their top No6 target, with Real Sociedad star Martin Zubiamendi rejecting the move last week.Earlier on Friday, Ten Hag’s side got their 2024-25 campaign underway, claiming a late 1-0 victory against Fulham.New summer £36.6m signing Joshua Zirkzee guided a cross from Alejandro Garnacho to seal the win.Man Utd ratings vs Fulham as new boys shine… but Mount and Amad struggleDEBUTANT Joshua Zirkzee was the hero for Manchester United in an evening where their new guns showed what they are all about.The Dutchman had to remain patient for his opportunity but he took it brilliantly once he came on the pitch.Zirkzee came on for Mason Mount on the hour mark and had been quiet up until his pivotal moment.Ten Hag will take positives from the display and it was his astute sub which led to the winner as his side got their season off to a flyer.Here is how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the Red Devils display…Andre Onana – 6Made an outstanding early tip over from Kenny Tete and was rarely seriously troubled beyond that.Noussair Mazraoui – 7A pretty impressive debut from the Moroccan. Looks assured on the ball, gets forward in support and can put a foot in.Harry Maguire – 7Dominant and commanding in defence, but embarrassingly booked for diving at the other end. Really Harry, even you?Lisandro Martinez – 6Skinned by Adama Traore early. Showed all his defensive guile in how he handled him after that, and got back superbly to deny a breakaway goal.Diogo Dalot – 6Had his hands full dealing with Traore’s pace, but knocked in a couple of wicked curling crosses at the other end.Casemiro – 7Headed over then shot over, but two great passes put Fernandes clean through. Often looked United’s most likely source of a goal.Kobbie Mainoo – 8So crisp, so tidy, so rarely wastes a pass. Another near-flawless, if not exactly flair-packed, display from the youngster. Fizzed a shot just wide, too.Mason Mount – 5So desperate to do well, which earned him an early booking. Only Leno’s legs denied him the goal his effort deserved.Amad Diallo – 5Made one marvellous mazy run into the box, although the tumble to ground that followed wasn’t so impressive.Marcus Rashford – 6Still nowhere near the star of two years ago, but another step in the right direction at least. Some way to get yet, though.Bruno Fernandes – 7Fluffed two great chances, driving at keeper Leno’s legs twice when Casemiro put him through, but sprayed passes around and started the move for the winner.SubsAlejandro Garnacho (for Diallo, 60mins) – 6Put a spark in United when he came off the bench and teed up the winner.Joshua Zirkzee (for Mount, 60 mins) – 7The debut he dreamed of. Barely had a touch, but then fed the ball wide and stuck out his left foot to jab the winner.Matthijs de Ligt – (for Mazraoui, 81 mins) – 5Was only on for the last ten minutes and looked solid although he did not have too much to doJonny Evans (for Maguire, 81 mins) – 5Scott McTominay (for Mainoo, 84 mins) – 5 More

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      Man Utd hero Zirkzee reveals what Ten Hag told him minutes before stunning debut goal as full impact vs Fulham revealed

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      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE has revealed what Erik ten Hag told him just minutes before he got Manchester United’s season up and running.The £36.5million summer signing from Bologna came off the bench to score the winner in the Red Devils’ season opener against Fulham, striking in the 87th minute.Joshua Zirkzee fired Manchester United to victory in their season opener against FulhamCredit: GETTYThe £36.5million signing came off the bench to fire the Red Devils to a 1-0 winCredit: EPAZirkzee has revealed Erik ten Hag’s final words of encouragementCredit: REXAnd The Netherlands international was well and truly fired up as he took to the hallowed Old Trafford turf thanks to some last-minute encouragement from Ten Hag.”To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn’t be better,” he told Sky Sports.”I’ve been told [scoring at the Stretford End] is one of the best feelings at Man Utd. “I’m so thankful and blessed I could experience it in my first game. It’s an amazing feeling.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”At the end of the day, we got the win, that’s all we wanted. I can’t really explain the feeling, it’s just very nice.”I feel very warm here. It’s a great team. We want to achieve something great. It’s been amazing, it’s been a dream actually.”The manager told me to bring an energy and help the team as much as possible, just that.”Manchester United is a huge club. You should always strive for the best. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”That includes day-by-day giving 100 per cent, that’s the plan. It’s all good vibes.”Zirkzee, 23, replaced Mason Mount in the 61st minute of the Prem opener.Player Ratings: Manchester United vs FulhamAlthough he ultimately broke the deadlock, the majority of his touches came OUTSIDE of the box.In fact, out of his 12 touches, only ONE of them was inside the 18-yard box, his crucial conversion of Alejandro Garnacho’s cross.Ten Hag was impressed by Zirkzee’s goalscoring debut but wants to see more from the young forward.He said: “Scoring for a striker is important and he should be where he was.”But he has more qualities and he has to get the right balance – he has to be arriving in the box to get the finishes, but we also want him to link up.”We have some great midfielders around him to make up combinations.”First game, but it is good to strengthen the belief. I have seen many spaces where we have to improve but that is normal.”Erik ten Hag was impressed by Joshua Zirzkee’s display but wants more from the strikerCredit: AFP More

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      Paul Pogba puts mansion back on sale for £4m following four-year footie ban

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      PAUL Pogba has put his mansion back on the market for £4million to try to claw back earnings following his four-year footie ban.The ex-Man Utd ace, who failed a drugs test a year ago, bought the home, featuring an indoor football pitch, for £3million in 2016.Paul Pogba has put his mansion back on the market for £4millionCredit: GettyPogba’s Cheshire home was bought for almost £3millionCredit: MercuryHe tried to let out the home in Hale Barns, Cheshire, but had to drop the rent from £27,500 a month to £18,000 when he failed to find a tenant.The sprawling 7,400sq ft mansion is now back on the market.The property boasts an open plan living area, landscaped gardens, a games room, gym, and an indoor footie pitch dubbed the P.P Arena by Pogba.It also has a gated entrance after the midfielder was targeted by burglars in 2022, who broke in while his children were sleeping upstairs.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPogba had been playing a Champions League game at Old Trafford against Atlético Madrid when he had to rush home, saying it was the family’s “worst nightmare”.The Juventus player was banned from football in February for four years after failing a drugs test.The substance found in his system last August was DHEA, which can naturally boost levels of testosterone.Juventus are terminating his contract, with the incident casting doubt over whether he’ll ever step foot onto a pitch again.Most read in FootballWhile awaiting the verdict over his footie ban, Pogba’s earnings were slashed to just £1,700-a-month – a far cry from the £6.8million-a-season he’d expected.He also faces losing his lucrative sponsorship deals, such as a £31million contract with Adidas.Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand tells Paul Pogba he ‘needs to speak’ after four-year ban for doping Pogba, who denies wrongdoing, is currently living with his wife Zulay in Italy in a mansion owned by Cristiano Ronaldo. More

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      Fans joke Harry Maguire is auditioning for the Olympics after ’embarrassing’ dive in box for Man Utd against Fulham

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      HARRY MAGUIRE is already in hot water with fans – after an outrageous dive.The Manchester United defender was even accused of auditioning too late for a spot on this summer’s Olympics springboard – when hoping to win a penalty against Fulham.Harry Maguire sparked controversy after his reaction to a challenge from Fulham new boy Emile Smith Rowe in the first Prem game of the seasonMaguire went down easily, appearing to scream tooOver he goes, as Maguire makes the most of his moment in the boxMaguire missed Euro 2024 through injury but was paired alongside Lisandro Martinez in United’s defence for Friday night’s Premier League opener.And fans joked he might have made Paris 2024 – if the plunge he made at Old Trafford had come a couple of months earlier.Maguire tumbled over in the box far too easily when Fulham new boy Emile Smith Rowe extended a leg late in the first half.The centre-back flung both arms out in front of him with his mouth wide open in apparent pain as he fell to the deck.READ MORE TOP STORIESDespite his protests, Maguire was booked for simulation.And former Red Devils’ defender Gary Neville described the incident as a “little bit awkward”.Nev then spelt his feelings out more frankly by calling it a “dive” and adding: “Maguire throws himself to the ground.”In fact, just days after the Paris Games ended, one fan pointed out on X: “Hey yo Maguire the Olympics are done mate no need to dive.”Most read in FootballMaguire saw yellow as he was booked for a move that many fans reckon should also have left him with a red faceFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA second observer urged someone to let the star know “the Olympic gold for diving was already won last week”.  And a third viewer wrote: “Harry Maguire diving… What a start.”Awkward moment between Erik ten Hag and Roy Keane shown live on Sky Sports as fiery Irishman says ‘I’ll be waiting’But the 63-cap ace also won plaudits for his general display in a 1-0 victory sneaked late on by sub Joshua Zirkzee.And although Maguire’s dive made waves, he won sizeable praise too – for what might be considered the opposite manoeuvre to taking a plunge.One admirer suggested: “Harry Maguire winning a big header is one of the most beautiful sights in the natural world. It’s like seeing a breaching humpback whale.”That certainly blows a hole through all the criticism he gets. More

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      Luke Littler tells Man Utd ‘I’m still waiting’ as he wants to join his dad in seeing club dominate once again

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      LUKE LITTLER is ready for an early alarm call to watch Manchester United before the New Zealand Masters final day.The teen sensation beat Jonny Tata 6-3 in his first round clash in Hamilton on Friday.Luke Humphries aims to keep up his record of a title a month while hoping Man Utd rediscover their status as Prem top dogsCredit: RexThe Warrington whizkid eventually overcame truck driver Jonny TataCredit: X formerly Twitter / @OfficialPDCNow Littler, 17, is ready for a red-eye alarm call to watch the Reds against Fulham before his quarter-final clash with Dimitri Van den Bergh on the other side of the world.He revealed: “I’ve set an alarm for seven in the morning. I’ll watch the boys.“It’s always good to get new signings in. I’ve witnessed a few trophies in my time whereas my dad and family have witnessed everything. I’m still waiting to witness it all and I’m very confident.”Littler was smashed 8-1 by Gerwyn Price in last weekend’s Aussie Masters final.READ MORE TOP STORIESHowever, he’s determined to keep up his incredible run of winning a title every month in 2024.He added: “I’d love to win over here and get another title. Tick one off for August, if not there’s plenty of chances.“I saw that stat going into the ProTour and I checked it was the last day so win this one and then I can go home.“I did win it and I am aware that I’ve picked up a title every month.Most read in FootballLittler was thumped 8-1 by Gerwyn Price in the Australian Masters finalCredit: PDC“I’ve got used to New Zealand and Australian time. It’s a bit unfair on myself because I’ve got to go back to the UK in a few days and used to my time.“I felt really good coming into it and practice was going well and I’m just glad to take it on stage and get another win.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25.“It’s always good to get back to winning ways no matter how you do it.“Now I can’t wait for tomorrow and hopefully another long day.“Last week I played well in the semis and in the final it just didn’t happen. One of those games you’ve just got to say well done to the winner and just get on with the next one.“I don’t really learn anything from defeats. I just pick myself up and go again.”World Champion Luke Humphries also cruised through with a 6-3 win on Kayden Milne.Inside Littler’s massive riseLUKE LITTLER has taken the darts world by storm since exploding onto the scene at the PDC World Championship. More

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      Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane reveals shock plan to QUIT as Man Utd legend blames ‘hassle of fans’ after headbutt row

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      ROY KEANE is planning to quit punditry.The Manchester United legend was headbutted by an Arsenal fan at the Emirates last year.Roy Keane has opened up on his futureCredit: GettyAn Arsenal fan was banned from football for three years over a confrontationCredit: Tristan Kirk/ Evening StandardAnd he says the “hassle” means he is planning to call it a day within the next 10 years.On his 53rd birthday, Keane was asked Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast: “Hopefully, I’ll be out of this rat race in about 12 months.”A nice house somewhere, a bit of land, a few animals.”Jamie Carragher asked if he would still be a pundit in a decade.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Absolutely f***ing not,” Keane responded.”You must be joking. I’ll struggle for the next 10 months doing this.”I don’t think I’ll be doing punditry in 10 years’ time.”I love football but the hassle of matches, getting to games and the hassle of fans – I was in court a few months ago with somebody headbutting me – do you think I enjoy that side of it? Absolutely not.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The games are fine. Getting to the games, parking up, people shouting your name – good stuff, bad stuff – it’s a nuisance.”Sky Sports and ITV star Keane made his punditry debut in 2011 and has been a regular on screens since.Fans in hysterics as video from Community Shield shows the difference between greeting Roy Keane and Ian WrightThe Old Trafford icon revealed last month that new United chief Dan Ashworth once rejected him for a job.The former United captain has not worked as a manager since leaving Ipswich in 2011.He has been linked to several roles since including a return to Sunderland, who he guided to the Premier League before stepping down.Keane, 52, revealed he once interviewed for the West Brom job with Ashworth, who spent time at the Baggies when they were a Premier League team between 2007-12.Roy Keane’s angriest momentsWhat really ticks off Roy Keane?The Irishman is known for his no-nonsense approach to football.And some particular things really do get on Keane’s wick.It all makes for great entertainment for fans, who love the Man United legend’s take on the beautiful game.But is Keane being a bit too sensitive himself?From smiling players to ABBA, nothing is sacred.And we all know about his dislike for a prawn sarnie…Here are the things that really make Roy Keane angry.However he was turned down by the man who became United’s sporting director earlier this month.Keane joked as he spoke about Ashworth’s arrival at Old Trafford on the Stick to Football podcast.He said: “I don’t know if he’s that clever because he interviewed me for a job a few years ago and didn’t give it to me. It was the West Brom job.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The interview was good, just a bit of chit chat about football and my plans. It’s always strange for any manager, what is a good or bad interview? It’s hard to gauge.“Sometimes you get a feeling for somebody, and you respect who they go with. I sat with him, and it wasn’t meant to be obviously.” More

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      Staggering amount of money Erik ten Hag has spent to reunite with former Ajax stars after FIFTH transfer for ex-player

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      ERIK TEN HAG is making a habit of relying on his old pals from his days at Ajax.The Manchester United boss sealed the transfer of two more former Ajax stars this week taking his total spend on familiar faces to a whopping £236.8MILLION.Erik ten Hag is making a habit of signing his former players from AjaxCredit: AlamyManchester United announced the arrival of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui this week, both of whom played under Ten Hag at Ajax previouslyCredit: GettyUnited announced the arrivals of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui in a double switch from Bayern Munich on Tuesday.The Bavarian duo both spent their formative years developing under Ten Hag in Amsterdam and have now reunited with the Dutchman at Old Trafford.De Ligt and Noussiar join three other ex-Ajax men who have been lured to the Theatre of Dreams since Ten Hag’s arrival in 2022.Here SunSport takes a look at every player Ten Hag has fallen back on during his tenure with the Red Devils…READ MORE ON MAN UTDMatthijs de Ligt – £45mMatthijs de Ligt worked under Ten Hag in perhaps his most successful Ajax team.The centre-back was made captain by Ten Hag when he was just 19 years old and played pivotal role in the 2018/19 Ajax side that shocked the world by making it into the Champions League semi-final.Since leaving Ajax in the summer of 2019 De Ligt has played for both Juventus and Bayern Munich, failing to recreate his heroics from the start of his career.But a return to the familiar system that he thrived in some five years ago could help revitalise the 25-year-old’s career. Most read in FootballTen Hag made De Ligt the Ajax captain when he was just 19 years oldCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNoussair Mazraoui – £12.8mMazraoui, 26, left Bayern Munich alongside De Ligt to work alongside Ten Hag once again.The Morocco international was part of Ten Hag’s final Ajax side before the tactician left Amsterdam to pursue the job at Old Trafford.Mazraoui is the cheapest name on the list of former players that Ten Hag has convinced the Man Utd board to splash out on.Man Utd complete stunning £60million Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui transfers as duo arrive from Bayern MunichAndre Onana – £47mShot-stopper Andre Onana cost United a whopping £47m last summer – a fee that makes him the third most expensive goalkeeper in history.Onana was signed from Inter Milan, but had formed part of Ten Hag’s Ajax side before his Italian switch.The Cameroon keeper was the man between the sticks during Ajax’s Champions League run under Ten Hag and will be in familiar surroundings with new man De Ligt back in front of him.Andre Onana and De Ligt were formidable together in AmsterdamCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdLisandro Martinez – £46mLisandro Martinez is certainly the most successful purchase on this list with the defender one of United’s top performers when fit.Martinez cost the Red Devils £46m, but has looked decent value for money since his arrival in 2022.The central defender made 120 appearances under Ten Hag before switching to Man Utd.Antony – £86mAntony made 79 appearences under Erik ten Hag at Ajax, racking up 42 goal contributions in that time.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat would go some way to explaining how the Man Utd boss managed to convince the bigwigs at Old Trafford to fork out an eye watering £86MILLION on the winger in 2022.Since arriving in Manchester Antony has featured 82 times, making just 16 goal contributions with the heavy weight of his astronomical price tag.Ten Hag’s first two arrivals from Ajax were Lisandro Martinez and AntonyCredit: Getty More