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

    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

    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

    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

    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

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    How Man Utd could line up with Marcos Alonso and Ivan Toney as target shock new transfers

    MANCHESTER UNITED could bring in two more signings before the transfer window closes later this month.Erik ten Hag has already splashed out nearly £140million on Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui.Manchester United are understood to be interested in Marcos AlonsoCredit: GettyIvan Toney has also been linked with a switch to Old TraffordCredit: RexBut they could yet welcome more arrivals in the next fortnight, with the deadline of August 30 looming large.Former Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso, 33, who is now a free agent, has been linked with a move to Old Trafford after leaving Barcelona at the end of last season.Man Utd remain short on left-back options with Luke Shaw out until the international break and Tyrell Malacia still absent after knee surgery.Brentford striker Ivan Toney, 28, has also been mooted as a potential target for Man Utd.READ MORE ON MAN UTDA £60m price tag and a possible fight with Chelsea could put the Red Devils off, but they may feel they need extra firepower up top to go with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.If Alonso and Toney are to come in, Man Utd could line up against Liverpool on August 31 with nearly half their team as new signings.Andre Onana will remain the keeper, but three of the back four may be fresh faces.Alonso, De Ligt and Mazraoui could all slot in alongside Lisandro Martinez.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHow Man Utd could line up with Alonso and ToneyCasemiro and Kobbie Mainoo will likely remain at the base of the midfield.But the shake-up in the forward line could see Marcus Rashford drop to the bench.Man Utd fans gush ‘Adidas are absolutely killing it’ as ‘genius’ video showing off 2024-25 third kit is releasedThe most likely option off the left is Alejandro Garnacho, with Zirkzee on the other flank and Bruno Fernandes behind Toney.Man Utd kick off the Premier League season on Friday night when they host Fulham.They then travel to Brighton on August 24, before taking on Liverpool at Old Trafford in the final match before the international break. More

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    Man Utd fans gush ‘Adidas are absolutely killing it’ as ‘genius’ video showing off 2024-25 third kit is released

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans have fallen in love with the Red Devils’ third kit ahead of the new Premier League season.The strip was launched with a captivating video on social media, featuring the likes of Hollywood’s actor Barry Keoghan – who is a lifelong United fan – and a breadth of talent, young and old.Man Utd and Adidas have launched their third kit for the 24/25 seasonSaltburn actor Barry Keoghan featured in the new Adidas adCredit: X @ManUtdAnd Hojlund, Garnacho and Mainoo created their iconic celebration from last seasonCredit: X @ManUtdWell known United fan on social media Angry Ginge was also brought inCredit: X @ManUtdAdidas have brought back their classic trefoil logo to mark the brand’s 75-year anniversary in 2025.Other changes see a Red Devil emblem coming in to replace the club’s traditional badge.And Adidas Originals released a unique advert – led by BAFTA winning star Keoghan – at United’s old training ground, The Cliff, to launch the kit.The sportwear brand invited a raft of stars from both the present day and decades gone by to grace the sentimental production.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSuch is the wealth of talent in the film, you’d be forgiven for blinking and missing two Treble winners, and even the club’s longest-serving skipper.The first face seen, after Keoghan’s, is long-serving left-back Luke Shaw, who was tasked with getting some pitchside coffees.Eagle-eyed fans then spotted United’s much-loved trio of Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo perched on a wall – recreating their viral celebration against West Ham last season.Denis Irwin, Bryan Robson, Jaap Stam, and two-time FA Cup winner Frank Stapleton, who is the Saltburn actor’s second-cousin, also featured. Most read in FootballThe idea stems from the celebration after Garnacho scored against West HamFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmad Diallo can be seen shaking his head after one of the players receives a yellow card for taking his shirt off after scoring a goal.This was a clear nod to last season’s last-gasp FA Cup victory over Liverpool, where Amad – who scored in the final seconds of extra-time – was sent off for taking his shirt off in celebration.Man Utd complete stunning £60million Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui transfers as duo arrive from Bayern MunichFans were quick to fall in love with both the kit and the advert, with one person taking to X to write: “Adidas are absolutely killing it!!”A second said: “This is probably my favourite piece of content United have ever produced 🖤.”A third read: “This is such an incredible piece of production. It’s a perfect vibe for this new kit.”A fourth wrote: “Who’s the genius behind this. WOW!”Meanwhile, the officially verified Adidas UK account wrote: “The original Manchester.”While another replied: “This is unbelievably class. I have Goosebumps.”New signing Noussair Mazraoui wearing the new third kitCredit: Instagram @manchesterunitedFormer Man Utd star Rio Ferdinand helped out with the launch of their new third kitThe new look is a hit with supporters More

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    Man Utd fans fume ‘get this man off TV’ after Sky Sports pundit’s ‘insane’ take on Matthijs de Ligt

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans have leapt to the defence of new signing Matthijs de Ligt.The Red Devils announced that De Ligt had completed his £45m switch from Bayern Munich on Tuesday.Matthijs de Ligt signed for Manchester United on TuesdayCredit: GettyMan Utd fans have fumed at Tim Sherwood’s take on the dealCredit: GettyDe Ligt, 25, arrives at Old Trafford alongside side fellow Bayern wantaway Noussair Mazraoui in a double swoop for the Premier League giants.Fans are already excited to get a glimpse of De Ligt in action with the Dutch international previously playing for top teams across Europe in the shape of Ajax, Juventus and Bayern.But Sky Sports pundit Tim Sherwood isn’t totally convinced that the new arrival is the right man for the job at United, insisting that he may not be an improvement on the defenders Erik ten Hag already has at his disposal.He said: “If I was a Man Utd fan I wouldn’t be jumping up and down with excitement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”When he was a little bit younger he was a very good player and a good prospect, but he’s gone to a big club in Bayern Munich and he’s lost his way.”Adding: “Do I think he’s better than Harry Maguire? I’m not sure. He’s certainly not better than [Lisandro] Martinez.” Harry Maguire has come under fire over recent seasons for a drop off in form and started just 18 league games for United last season.De Ligt was viewed in a similar vein in Bavaria last term, making just 16 Bundesliga starts for Bayern and falling behind Eric Dier in the pecking order at the Allianz Stadium.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNonetheless, United fans have fumed at the suggestion that De Ligt isn’t an upgrade on their current centre-back options, taking to social media to hit out at Sherwood’s comments.One wrote: “Lmao get this guy off TV!”Man Utd complete stunning £60million Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui transfers as duo arrive from Bayern MunichWhile another added: “He must be insane if he thinks Harry Maguire is better than De Ligt…”And a third asked: “Does anybody take this guy seriously?”However, others seemed to agree with the former Aston Villa and Tottenham boss – suggesting De Ligt has struggled since leaving Ajax in 2019.One wrote: “He couldn’t get a game ahead of Eric Dier. Quality a few years ago as a kid though!”And another chimed in, writing: “He’s got a point… he might work out, but it’s signing a ‘name’. It’s still the same old United.”Fans aren’t the only ones who agree with Sherwood either, Man Utd club legend Paul Scholes also voiced his concerns around the signing earlier this week.Scholes, who was speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet, said: “With Man Utd, we’re talking about players who can’t get into their team.”He’s [De Ligt] not playing for them [Bayern], that has to be a big concern, especially when Eric Dier is playing in front of him.”That is a massive concern for me.”Paul Scholes has also explained his concerns around De Ligt’s move to Man UtdCredit: GettyWhy De Ligt is the perfect Man Utd signing By Lee Scott One of Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag’s biggest headaches has been fixing their leaky defence.Despite still not being anywhere near his peak years De Ligt has built considerable experience so far in his career with Ajax, Juventus and Bayern Munich and he has 45 caps at senior level for the Dutch national team.While he is not necessarily a highly modern ball playing type of defensive player he is a player with the defensive strengths and instincts to help shore up a United defence that was, at best, leaky last season.He has a great ability to read the game which was one of the biggest issues that we saw from the United defensive unit last season.De Ligt is also a master in one-on-one situations, who shows strength and intensity in his duels.The Dutch star does a good job in keeping things simple and tends to make good decisions in possession.The pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt makes perfect sense for United and for Ten Hag as a young defender who is still to reach his peak.He has considerable experience at a high level and he understands the game model and system of play of the manager.Click here to read our full analysis on De Ligt joining Manchester United.De Ligt made his name at Ajax as a youngster, playing under current United boss Erik ten Hag for the Amsterdam club.And Ten Hag even made him the youngest captain in the club’s history, aged just 19.However, Scholes isn’t convinced that United should be choosing their new signings based off Ten Hag’s familiar faces.He added: “When you’re bringing in players for £40m, £50m just because he’s played for him [Ten Hag] two or three years ago.”Juventus got rid of him, he wasn’t good enough there and he obviously hasn’t been good enough at Bayern Munich.”He’s coming to us almost like a second-rate defender.”De Ligt and Mazraoui join Leny Yoro as United’s three defensive acquisitions this season.The Red Devils have invested heavily in bolstering their back line, but will be without 18-year-old wonderkid Yoro for the start of the season after he picked up an injury on his pre-season debut.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe £52m centre-back has had to undergo surgery following a metatarsal injury that could keep him out of action for up to THREE MONTHS.United start their league campaign on Friday as they welcome Fulham to the Theatre of Dreams for the curtain raiser of the new Premier League season. 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    Man Utd hold shock transfer talks over Marcos Alonso with former Chelsea and Barcelona star now a free agent

    MANCHESTER UNITED are considering a swoop for former Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso, according to reports.Erik ten Hag’s defensive injury woes have continued into the new season, with Luke Shaw ruled out until the international break with a fresh calf problem.United have considered a move for free agent Marcos AlonsoCredit: GettyAlonso was out injured for most of last season as Barcelona finished second in La LigaUnited remain short on left-back options with Tyrell Malacia still out after his knee surgery caused him to miss the whole of last season.And according to The Athletic, ex-Chelsea star Alonso has been discussed as a potential option by Old Trafford chiefs.The 33-year-old is a free agent after his contract with Barcelona expired at the end of last season and he would be open to returning to the Premier League.The former Champions League winner with Chelsea was limited to eight appearances last season owing to a back injury.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAlonso joined Stamford Bridge in 2016 in a deal worth £24m from Fiorentina and made 212 appearances for the Blues, scoring 29 goals.Ten Hag was forced to rely on centre-back Victor Lindelof and defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat to fill the void at left-back last term.Meanwhile, star centre-half Lisandro Martinez was forced to play on the left-side of defence during the Community Shield on Sunday.The Red Devils suffered a 7-6 defeat on penalties to Manchester City following a 1-1 draw at Wembley.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Man Utd have had a welcome boost with the signing of right-back Noussair Mazraoui, 26, from Bayern Munich.The Dutchman’s ability to play on the left was a factor in United picking him to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka who joined West Ham for an undisclosed fee this week.Paul Scholes says ‘that is a massive concern for me’ as Man Utd legend opens up on ‘second-rate’ De Ligt transfer Meanwhile Matthijs de Ligt, 25, also joined United in a combined deal with Mazaroui worth £60m, including add-ons.The Red Devils have been heavily linked with a move for PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte, whose agent Jorge Mendes arrived in England to broker a deal on Tuesday. More