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    How pundits predict Premier League title race will unfold with Man City slump and Arsenal to finally end drought

    THE Premier League RETURNS this weekend to cap off an incredible summer of sport.And predictions aplenty have already been made for what promises to be another exciting season in the English top flight.The Premier League resumes action this weekendCredit: THE TIMESDefending champions Manchester City will bid to win an incredible FIFTH straight titleCredit: PAPlayers-turned-pundits like Paul Scholes have been chiming in with their predictions for the seasonCredit: GETTYWill Pep Guardiola be able to guide Manchester City to an unprecedented FIFTH straight Premier League title?Or will Arsenal finally be able to break the Sky Blues’ stranglehold on the league and end their 21-year-long wait for domestic glory?Footie fans up and down the country have been chiming in with their predictions for the new season, which kicks off on Friday night.Pundits galore – both those on TV and those in their YouTube armchairs – are starting to weigh in with their thoughts on outcomes for the new campaign.READ MORE PREM NEWSAnd SunSport has rounded up predictions from some of the biggest names in the game for you to cast your eye over.Paul ScholesThe former Manchester United and England midfielder told beIN Sports: “I think the favourites are the same as last year. “Man City will be favourites, closely followed by Arsenal.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I do expect Arsenal to be the team to win it this year. I think they’ve progressed over the last couple of years under Mikel Arteta.Most read in Football”I just think this year is the time where they are ready to win it. Incredible timelapse video shows Premier League stadium transform for multiple different sports weeks before new season”It’s not going to be easy, there’s going to be a lot of competition because the top seven or eight teams in England are all good teams.”But I just think Arsenal will be the team to break the Manchester City cycle this season.”Jamie CarragherThe Liverpool legend told Sky Bet: “I’ll go Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool. Fourth? I think that will be… I’m gonna go [with] Tottenham.”Fifth, I’m gonna go [with] Manchester United. And sixth, I’m gonna for; I’ll go with Aston Villa.”Jamie Carragher reckons Manchester City’s reign of dominance will continueCredit: GETTYMark Lawrenson“I think that Arsenal can finally pip Manchester City to the title this season, they’ve got better season by season.”Mikel Arteta is a driven man, and nearly all of the players there are players he has brought in.“Signing Riccardo Calafiori as well, they will hardly concede.”Scoring has been a little bit of a problem for them, but I think they’ll sign a striker before the end of the transfer window.”That could be what secures them the Premier League title.”Mark Lawrenson is tipping Arsenal for Premier League gloryCredit: AlamyMichael Owen”Arsenal and Manchester City will go in virtually everybody’s top four predictions,” the former Liverpool and Manchester United man told Casino Hawks. “And I think Liverpool will probably be in there as well despite there being some questions over how well Arne Slot will fit in.”I had a thought about Newcastle but Aston Villa are solid and look to be still improving.”In terms of the order, my thought process is if City are not gonna win it, they could actually drop away a little bit.”It’s almost like if City are not gonna be really in the race after 10 games then their priority could go elsewhere – I think there could be a big surprise this season.”I’m going to go for Arsenal first, Liverpool second, Aston Villa third and Manchester City fourth.”Michael Owen reckons Arsenal will lift the Prem trophy aloft at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyAdrian ClarkeThe former Arsenal midfielder said: “Manchester City will be favourites to win their fifth consecutive title, but I do feel it could be Arsenal’s time to be champions.”The team has improved under Mikel Arteta season after season, and if that happens again the Gunners will reach 90 plus points.”With a few additions and fire in their belly, I fancy Arsenal to end their wait for the title.”He added: “I see the title race being more of a two-horse race this season as Liverpool adjust to Arne Slot’s rebuild at Anfield.”I do feel that Tottenham Hotspur have a great chance of landing top four this season, but Ange Postecoglou will want more players to come in before the end of August that suit his style.”Several high-profile pundits believes Arsenal’s title drought will come to an endCredit: REXGary NevilleFormer Red Devils right-back Gary Neville revealed his top four predictions on Stick to Football, brought to you by Sky Bet.Neville backed Man City to make it five-in-a-row with Arsenal following closely behind in second.Controversially, the outspoken pundit stuck Manchester United in third and Tottenham in fourth – leaving Liverpool to miss out on a spot in the top four.Explaining his decision, he said: “I think that Tottenham fell away badly [last year], but they’ve got something.”I think they’ve got something and I’m going for Tottenham [above Liverpool.”Later adding that he thinks Liverpool may not even make the top six under new boss Arne Slot.Gary Neville thinks Man City will come out on top once againCredit: PAIan WrightArsenal icon Ian Wright has backed his former side to finally lift the league title after missing out to City for the past two seasons.Wrighty told The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet, that he thinks the Gunners will finish first with City in second, and Manchester United and Aston Villa making up the final two spots in the top four.Backing Villa to have another great season, he said: “You can’t not have Villa in the top four.”Not with the way they’ve been moving and the signings they’ve made.”I thought Liverpool, but I’ve changed my mind. We’re making predictions before we know everything, but they’ve made a few really good signings.”Adding: “That manager [Unai Emery] knows what he’s doing. They’ve got a goalscorer, a really good midfield.”[Amadou] Onana has gone there, they have [Ian] Maatsen at left back and [Ezri Konsa] at the back. I’m telling you man, their whole spine is brilliant.”Ian Wright has backed his former club to finally lift the league title againCredit: GettyRoy KeaneRoy Keane, also speaking to the Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet, explained he expects Man City to retain their title with Arsenal chasing behind in a close second once again.The Man Utd legend backed his old club to finish third and Aston Villa to sneak in behind them and grab fourth spot.Speaking on that final top four spot, Keane said: “I don’t think it’ll be Spurs. Villa have got more chance than Spurs.”Adding that Unai Emery will be able to balance Villa’s Champions League campaign with their Premier League fixture list.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe explained: “I think he’s used to European football that manager, he knows it.”The format has changed in the Champions League this year, it’ll be different – I’m telling you.”Roy Keane has faith in Manchester United to restore their spot back in the top four, but thinks Man City will still come out on top as championsCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd ‘break the internet’ as Matthijs de Ligt transfer announcement goes wrong

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S finally announced the arrival of Matthijs de Ligt and his Bayern Munich team-mate Noussair Mazraoui.The Dutch defender joined the club in a £43million transfer this week.De Ligt was announced as a Man Utd player on Tuesday eveningCredit: GettyNoussair Mazraoui was announced 15 minutes laterCredit: GettyHe was officially unveiled as a United player on Tuesday, much to the delight of fans.But so many people clicked on the announcement that it caused some problems on the website.Fans said they were unable to access the website link and shared screengrabs of the issue on social media.One person said: “Can’t see the De Ligt update in the app.”Read More on Man UtdWhile another joked: “We broke the internet.”De Ligt became the third player to sign for Man Utd this summer following the arrivals of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro.Upon his arrival at Old Trafford, he said: “As soon as I heard that Manchester United wanted me, I felt an excitement about the opportunity for a new challenge at such an historic club.”In the conversations that followed, I was impressed by the vision that the football leadership set out, and the role they saw for me in it.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSome fans struggled to access the Man Utd website following Matthijs de Ligt’s announcementCredit: Manchester United”Erik ten Hag shaped the early stages of my career, so he knows how to get the best out of me and I cannot wait to work with him again.”I know what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and I’m determined to continue that record at this special club.”New Man Utd signings Matthijs de Ligt hits Sexy Fish restaurant on first night out in Manchester Just 25 minutes after unveiling De Ligt, the Red Devils announced the signing of Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich.The Morocco international said: “It’s an incredible feeling to be a Manchester United player, and I cannot wait to walk out at Old Trafford wearing the red shirt.”I know that I’m joining the club at an exciting time; everyone I’ve spoken to has the same ambition for us to win trophies together and I can feel the determination to achieve that.” More

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    Chelsea’s outrageous transfer spending spree put into context as they are compared to Premier League rivals

    PEDRO NETO became Chelsea’s 35th signing of the Todd Boehly era last week.The winger completed a £54million transfer to Stamford Bridge last week.Pedro Neto became Chelsea’s 35th signing of the Todd Boehly eraCredit: GettyRaheem Strerling was Boehly’s first signingCredit: GettyHe joins the likes of Cole Palmer, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku and Moises Caicedo in joining the Blues within the last year.Chelsea now boast a squad of 48 players – 35 of whom signed after Boehly took over in May 2022.Raheem Sterling was the American’s first addition just two years ago.Now SunSport have looked at every Premier League club and who they purchased 35 signings ago…Read More in FootballArsenal – Matteo GuendouziGuendouzi joined the Gunners from FC Lorient all the way back in 2017.He spent four years at the club, making 82 appearances, and went on two loan spells before moving to Marseille in 2022.The 25-year-old left the French side this summer to sign for Lazio.Matteo Guendouzi joined Arsenal in 2017Credit: Getty Images – GettyAston Villa – Tyrone MingsThe centre-back joined from Bournemouth in 2017 after an initial loan spell.Most read in FootballEvery Premier League team’s transfers 35 signings agoMings has since made 166 appearances but missed the majority of the 2023-24 campaign with a knee injury.Bournemouth – Jack StaceyThe 28-year-old signed for Bournemouth in a £4m transfer from Luton in 2019.He went on to make 98 first team appearances before leaving for Norwich last summer.Brentford – Mads RoerslavRoerslav joined Brentford when they were still in the Championship back in 2019.He is still at the club and has since made 123 appearances across all competitions.Brighton – Adam LallanaA move that many fans might remember, Lallana joined Brighton from Liverpool in a free transfer in 2020.Following Graham Potter’s move to Chelsea in 2022 he stepped in as assistant interim manager to Andrew Crofts.Lallana left Brighton this summer to join Southampton in a free transfer.Adam Lallana joined Brighton in a free transfer from LiverpoolCredit: GettyCrystal Palace – Vicente GuaitaGoalkeeper Guaita joined Palace from Getafe in 2018 and spent five years at Selhurst Park, making 154 appearances.The 37-year-old left last summer to return to Spain and now plays for Celta Vigo.Everton – Lucas DigneDigne was a big signing for Everton when he first joined from Barcelona in 2018.He signed for the Toffees in an £18m move and quickly established himself as first-choice right-back.He played 127 times for Everton but left in January 2022 to join Aston Villa.Fulham – Frank AnguissaAnguissa joined Fulham in 2018 but was sent on loan to Villarreal the following year when the Cottagers were relegated from the Premier League.He then spent a year on loan at Napoli before joining the Italian giants in a permanent transfer in 2022.Ipswich – Tete YengiAustralian striker Tete Yengi joined Ipswich from A-League side Newcastle Jets.Having signed for the Tractor Boys in 2021, he failed to make a single first team appearance before leaving for Livingston earlier this summer.During his time at Ipswich he was loaned out three times, to Vaasan Palloseura, Northampton Town and Kuopion Palloseura.Leicester City – Harry MaguireAnother high-profile transfer, Maguire joined Leicester from Hull in 2017 for just £12m.After two years at the King Power Stadium he then signed for Manchester United in a huge £80m transfer, making him the most expensive defender in Premier League history.Maguire has since made 207 appearances for the Red Devils and has 63 England caps and counting.Leicester made over £60m in profit from the sale of Harry Maguire, who joined from HullCredit: PA:Empics SportLiverpool – Roberto FirminoA fan-favourite among the Reds, Firmino spent eight years at Anfield after signing from Hoffenheim all the way back in 2015.He won the Premier League and Champions League during his time at Liverpool and made 362 appearances.He now plays for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia.Roberto Firmino was a fan favourite at LiverpoolCredit: GettyManchester City – Aymeric LaporteLaporte signed for City in a £57m transfer from Athletic Bilbao in 2018.He won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League during his time at the Etihad before leaving for Saudi Arabia last summer.Aymeric Laporte joined Man City in 2018Credit: GettyManchester United – Eric BaillyBailly completed a £30m switch from Villarreal to Man Utd back in 2016.He made 113 appearances but fell out of favour when Erik ten Hag took over two years ago.The defender is now a free agent having left United upon the expiry of his contract in July.Eric Bailly spent eight years at Man UtdCredit: GettyNewcastle – Federico FernandezThe 35-year-old joined Newcastle from Swansea in 2018 and went on to spend four years at St James’ Park.After leaving he joined Spanish side Elche and has since played for Al-Duhail and Estudiantes.Nottingham Forest – Brandon AguileraCosta Rican midfielder Aguilera joined Forest in 2022 following the club’s promotion to the Premier League.He was loaned out twice by the club, to Estoril and Bristol Rovers, and made just three appearances for Forest before joining Rio Ave this year.Southampton – Theo WalcottWalcott became a Premier League icon during his time with Arsenal between 2006 and 2018.He eventually left the Gunners after falling down the pecking order and joined Everton.However, he returned to Southampton – his first club – in 2021.Walcott spent two years with the Saints before retiring from professional football last year.Theo Walcott retired after leaving SouthamptonCredit: APTottenham – Ryan SessegnonSessegnon was viewed as one of the most promising talents in England when Tottenham signed him from Fulham in 2019.However, he never quite established his spot in Spurs’ starting line-up.He suffered several injuries during his time at Spurs which hindered his time in the first team.Sessegnon rejoined Fulham this summer in a free transfer, signing a two-year deal.West Ham – Felipe AndersonThe winger spent three years with West Ham after joining from Lazio in a £36m transfer in 2018.He made 73 appearances for the Hammers and returned to Lazio three years later.Anderson now plays for Palmeiras in Brazil. Wolves – Matija SarkicSarkic joined Wolves from Aston Villa’s U23s in 2020 and spent three years at Molineux.He signed for Millwall last summer and became the club’s first-choice goalkeeper in the Championship.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, Sarkic tragically and unexpectedly passed away in June.The club paid tribute to him on the opening day of the Championship season at the weekend.Matija Sarkic joined Wolves from Aston Villa’s U23sCredit: Getty More

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    We live in shadow of legendary Old Trafford… but fear new £2bn stadium yards away will ‘rip the soul’ out of Man Utd

    RESIDENTS living in the shadow of Old Trafford fear the club’s plan to build a brand new £2billion stadium just yards away will “rip the soul” out of Manchester United.United chiefs recently made the decision to build a new, state of the art stadium rather than redevelop the iconic stadium they have called home since 1910.Man Utd plan to build a new £2billion stadium which would replace Old TraffordCredit: Lord PingStephanie Ross, 41, with her son, 15, said she feared moving from Old Trafford would ‘rip the soul’ from the clubTanya said the stadium would be a big boost but was unsure about Old Trafford being changedResidents living in the shadow of Old Trafford are worried about the changeThe club has yet to make a final decision but co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to bulldoze their home of 114 years and create a new state-of-the art stadium on nearby land.The £2bn project could be completed by 2030 and it would replace Wembley as the biggest stadium in the country.If approved, the stadium would become the second largest in Europe behind Barcelona’s revamped 105,000-seater Nou Camp.However, the club does not intend to demolishing Old Trafford completely but instead scaling it down to a 30,000-seater venue.Read More in FootballDie-hard fans fear moving from the Theatre of Dreams, which has capacity of 74,000, could “rip the soul” out of the club.Others have expressed concerns it will add to existing problem such as rubbish, parking and fans using alleyways as toilets.Many had already called on United chiefs to redevelop it due to its “sense of history”.But they do not want to move permanently and are still against he downscaling of the stadium, even if it is to not be demolished completely.Most read in FootballUnited fan Stephanie Ross, 41, said: “I don’t feel it would be same atmosphere if we moved to a new stadium.“I’m worried about how much money it would cost and think it would rip the soul out of the club.Manchester United to field patched-up defence in Community Shield clash “I would rather they stayed and fixed Old Trafford.”Richard Walsh, 35, said: “If it happens, it happens. But leaving Old Trafford would mean losing the stadium’s sense of history.“And I’m also concerned what will happen to ticket prices if we go to a new stadium.”One resident, who didn’t wish to give her name, said she feared a new stadium would cause more issues for residents.She said: “It’s just the mess that’s caused on match days. There’s a lot of littering and problems with people parking illegally.“People say to me, ‘Well you shouldn’t live next door to a football stadium.’“But you can’t excuse fans using the alleyways as a toilet.”Another resident said she objected to paying £51.50 a year for a parking permit outside to park outside her own home when fans regularly turned up and parked on the road anyway.“You never see the traffic wardens on match days,” she added.“And if I want someone to come and see me I have to pay for a visitor’s parking permit which is another £51.50.”“I don’t think it will make much difference.”The legendary Old Trafford could be scaled back if the new stadium is builtCredit: GettySusan Tighe is not worried about more fans and says the atmosphere is greatBut other locals such as Derek White, 66, backed the plansHowever, other locals believe that proposed plans to build a 100,000 seater stadium will be a “big boost” for the area.Derek White, 66, said: “I think it’s a great idea to build a new stadium, it will bring more business into the area, which is a good thing.“Some of the takeaways and pubs around here only get really busy on match days.”Resident and United fan Tanya Jackson, 53, said: “They are trying to build the area up around here so a new stadium would be a big boost.“It’ll be great for the area because they’ll build new hotels and things like that.”However, she was unsure about the changes that could potentially be facing Old Trafford.Tanya added: “But I don’t know about knocking down Old Trafford – there’s too much history in there.”Susah Tighe, 64, has lived on one of the roads near Old Trafford for 40 years, said she has got used to thousands of fans on match days, although it’s sometimes a case of “batten down the hatches”.She said: “There’s never been any trouble and there’s a good atmosphere.“So I’m not really bothered by the though of another 25,000 plus fans.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.They plan to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a second venue. They will scale it down to a 30,000-seater that can then be used for the women’s team and academy matches.That would mean the history remains with statues and the Munich clock and memorial plaque all most likely staying in their current positions.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. She added: “I think they also need to think about the transport links – 100,000 is a lot of people.”But a United steward, who didn’t want to be named, likened trying to redevelop Old Trafford to “putting plaster on rotting walls” because it’s so outdated and in disrepair.“Everyone knows about the leaking roof, but there are a lot of other problems,” he said.“The only answer is a new stadium. We’ve seen what Manchester City have done and we’re a far bigger club than they are.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We have the space to build a new stadium so the club needs to follow Ratcliffe’s vision.”The Sun have contacted Manchester United for comment. More

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    Sir Jim Ratcliffe reveals why he kept Erik ten Hag after Man Utd boss ‘tried to fix leaks in the roof’

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has revealed the reason why Manchester United opted to keep Erik ten Hag on as manager.During a dismal season at Old Trafford, Ratcliffe and his Ineos company took over sporting control of Man Utd, before they decided to keep under pressure Ten Hag following FA Cup glory at the end of the season.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has revealed why Man Utd kept Erik ten HagCredit: ReutersHe revealed Ten Hag was trying to ‘fix the roof’ as well as manage the teamCredit: RexBoyhood Man Utd fan Ratcliffe has got to work straight away in trying to restore the club to its former glory, with plans for a rebuild of both the squad and first-team facilities – including a new stadium – well underway.The billionaire describes the process as a “clean sweep”, which has seen many staff behind the scenes allegedly leave the club by mutual consent.However, this did not extend to the man most responsible for getting results on the pitch.Instead, Ratcliffe revealed the reason he found some sympathy for the former Ajax manager.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSpeaking to The Times, the 71-year-old said: “We’ve got some very good people and some fresh faces.”You can’t put your head in the sand, you have to face facts. “It needed a fresh start, so that’s what we’ve done.”Erik is a good guy and had been doing his best, but doing too much.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He was trying to sort out the squad and fix leaks in the roof at the same time.”In his interview – conducted just 25 miles from the Arctic Circle in Iceland – Ractliffe also revealed he is keeping a video diary for the future for an as-yet-untitled documentary.Community Shield Man Utd vs Man City: Player RatingsHe also opened up on the long and hard process of acquiring his 27.7 per cent share in the Red Devils, comparing it to fishing for a salmon. He said: “[It took] enormous patience — it was on the line for a long time.”He added: “I think we tried and tried many, many different permutations to do a transaction with the Glazer family, and for one reason or another [each] had their challenges or obstacles so in the end we did the deal that we could do. “At the end of the day, in my view, the key thing is to just have a good relationship with the other owners, which are the Glazer family — the six siblings. “You know, they’re really good people. And they are passionate about the club. “The key is not the legal agreements. “The key is that we have common objectives, which are to see Manchester United be successful, and that we trust each other.”Ten Hag’s side lost out on penalties in the Community Shield yesterday despite arguably being the better team over the 90-minute Wembley season curtain raiser. Man Utd kick off the Premier League season when they host Fulham on Friday evening.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter bringing in Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro, they are expected to welcome Bayern Munich duo Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui following medicals tomorrow.Meanwhile, a new central midfielder is also being targeted, with names such as Manuel Ugarte, Sander Berge and Youssouf Fofana linked. More

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    Ivan Toney could be set for shock transfer abroad having been linked with moves to Arsenal, Man Utd and Chelsea

    ENGLAND star Ivan Toney is a top target for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli, according to shock reports.The Brentford striker has been heavily linked with an exit as he has just one year left on his contract.Ivan Toney is wanted by Saudi Pro League chiefsCredit: ReutersSunSport exclusively revealed that the Bees were initially ready to slash their asking price to just £30million for Toney.But after new striker Igor Thiago picked up a knee injury that is set to rule him out until December, the club were having a re-think about selling their main man.A host of Premier League clubs have been linked with a move for Toney – including Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham.But reporter Fabrizio Romano claims there is interest from the Saudi Pro League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe reports that Toney is one of the “main strikers being considered” by chiefs in the Middle East.Al-Ahli have supposedly had an interest since January.The report also claims that the player is “assessing his options” and is yet to make a decision on his future.But his choices could now be limited as United have signed Joshua Zirkzee, Spurs have completed a deal for Dominic Solanke and Niclas Fullkrug has joined West Ham.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSToney scored four goals in 17 games last season after serving an eight-month betting ban.He was also a member of the England squad that fell just short in the final to Spain.A move to Al-Ahli would see him team-up with ex-Prem stars Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino.Man Utd transfer target Ivan Toney talks about his experience playing for England More

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    Bruno Fernandes strikes new deal to make him best paid player at Man Utd after dropping major quit hint before Euro 2024

    MANCHESTER UNITED captain Bruno Fernandes has reached an agreement on a new deal.The midfielder is set to become the highest paid player at Old Trafford, at least Casemiro’s £350,000 weekly salary.Bruno Fernandes has extended his contract with Manchester UnitedCredit: PAMaking him the highest paid player at Old TraffordCredit: GettyThe new deal will be valid until June 2027 with an option to extend until 2028.The news, reported by Fabrizio Romano, ends the speculation around the Portugal international’s future – who was previously on £220,000 per week.He had been the subject of exit rumours after United failed to qualify for European football with a record-low eighth-place Prem finish last term.Fernandes had previously dropped a huge exit hint that he would consider all options moving forward after the Euros.READ MORE MAN UTDHe told DAZN Portugal in April: “A player always has to want to be here, but at the same time, you have to want him to stay. At the moment, I feel there’s that on both sides.”So, if you want me to be very honest, if I have to think about not continuing in the Premier League.”But he’s now reaffirmed his commitment to United, according to transfer expert Romano, who says Fernandes’ salary will be at the “top MUFC level” and the deal will be signed before the close of the transfer window.The 29-year-old is central to Erik ten Hag’s plans, with many believing the side must be built around him.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAside from creating the most chances in the Premier League last season (114), Fernandes has notched 54 goals in 159 appearances since 2020.He has also provided a staggering 41 assists in that time, with United often struggling for an out-and-out No9.Community Shield Man Utd vs Man City: Player RatingsFernandes joined the Red Devils in January 2020 in a transfer costing an initial £47million rising to £68million.He, alongside Alejandro Garnacho, were United’s best players during the Community Shield defeat on penalties to Manchester City on Saturday.Everything came through Fernandes, and the dynamic duo linked up for the opening goal in the 80th minute, before City won 7-6 in the shootout. More

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    Fans say ‘Onana needs to drop this gimmick’ as Man Utd keeper brings back his old antics in Community Shield shootout

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left red-faced after watching Andre Onana’s attempts at mind games in the Community Shield shootout.The Red Devils rued missed chances in their 1-1 draw, before losing 7-6 on penalties to Pep Guardiola’s side at Wembley.Andre Onana tried his best to get into the head of Erling HaalandHis antics failed to have the desired effect on the Manchester City ace in the shoot-outCredit: GettyManuel Akanji hit the winning spot-kick after Jonny Evans had skied his effort over the bar, ensuring the champions avoided a second consecutive Wembley loss to the FA Cup winners.United substitute Alejandro Garnacho appeared to have won it courtesy of a stunning solo goal with 10 minutes of normal time remaining.But Man City regained their composure and found an equaliser through a Bernardo Silva header in the 89th minute to bring the match to penalties.During the spot kicks, Red Devils goalie Onana was spotted trying his best to put off Erling Haaland and several of his team-mates.Most read in FootballThe Cameroon ace took a step to his right and then began pointing at the huge space to his left, almost daring the Norwegian ace to shoot there.Onana, who only saved Silva’s first penalty, continued to throw his arms in that direction as the ice cool Haaland strode forwards to take his kick.However, the United stopper’s antics failed to have the desired effect as he dived the way opposite way and Haaland slotted home in the direction he was pointing.This comes as Onana was found guilty of the same antics in United’s preseason penalty shoot-out exhibition against Arsenal in LA last month.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFootage of Onana was immediately shared on social media, and it quickly got supporters talking.One posted: “Onana needs to drop this gimmick man.”Manchester United’s top transfer targetsAnother said: “The biggest clown in the football history – Onana😂😂.”A third commented: “He told us to expect new things!😂”A fourth replied: “Bro why does Onana keep doing this to us.”A fifth wrote: “He always like to drop meme every matchday.” More