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      Erik ten Hag does NOT have a new Man Utd contract and Sir Jim Ratcliffe may have already hired his replacement

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      SO LET’S cut through all the you-know-what and get to the nub of the situation.However this appears to have been painted, Erik ten Hag does not have a new Manchester United contract.Sir Jim Ratcliffe with manager Erik ten HagCredit: GettyThere are no new assurances and nothing has changed.Yesterday’s grand announcement left the Dutchman on the same thin ice he was negotiating before winning May’s FA Cup final against rivals City.Ten Hag has effectively agreed to stay and work with the new controllers of football operations who, not long ago, were hunting someone else for the job.All that has happened is that the extra year in his original contract has been triggered to take it to 2026.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt is not the ringing endorsement of a new four or five-year deal.The 12-month pay-off will stay the same if what seemed inevitable at the end of the last Premier League season is delayed until the next one if things do not start well.Ten Hag said: “I am very pleased to have reached agreement with the club to continue working together.”In other words: “OK, I’ll stay.”Most read in FootballErik ten Hag is no safer now than before FA Cup winBy Neil CustisAfter Manchester United announced Erik ten Hag was staying on, they tried to explain why it has taken over two weeks since the Dutchman paraded the FA Cup at Wembley to actually tell him he still had the job.A thorough review of the season was needed even though Ten Hag said before the Cup final that this had been done.The club said that they had ‘considered all eventualities’.In other words ‘which manager would be best for us, and not necessarily the bloke we have got?’.And the club were also at pains to make it clear how much they admired Ten Hag’s ‘dedication, dignity and professionalism’.In other words he did not publicly flip his lid at the appalling way he was being treated despite asking Ratcliffe for a public vote of confidence months before the end of the season.Let us remember Ratcliffe did not even namecheck Ten Hag in his ‘congratulations message’ after the FA Cup was won, despite the fact it was all down to him and the way he outthought Pep Guardiola on the day.Read the full column from Neil Custis on Manchester United.Elsewhere he claimed: “We have found complete unity in our vision.”Meaning they all want to win trophies — well that is a relief.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowHe added: “We are strongly committed to making that journey together.”How they manage that is another thing because right now the strings are being pulled from different directions, with Ten Hag in danger of being the puppet.After all, the coaching team he put together has been dismantled and replaced, with Go Ahead Eagles boss Rene Hake and club goalscoring legend Ruud van Nistelrooy coming in.Or the future manager and assistant, if you listen to more cynical watchers of what is going on at the club.Striker coach Benni McCarthy has gone and Ten Hag’s former Ajax right-hand man Mitchell van der Gaag looks to be on his way too.Why has Ten Hag agreed to all this? Leaks from inside Old Trafford say it is because Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s word is law.On leaks, a recent email — apparently warning staff to stop leaking what was going on at the club — was LEAKED.Ratcliffe has put people in place in Sir David Brailsford, new sporting director Dan Ashworth, CEO Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox to do his bidding.Newcastle released Ashworth this week and he said: “Erik has reinforced his record as one of the most consistently successful coaches in Europe.”If that is the case why were talks held with Thomas Tuchel, as the hierarchy admitted to a dismayed Ten Hag?Ashworth added that “the club’s review of last season highlighted areas for improvement”. Cheers, Sherlock.While these words were being penned ahead of yesterday’s 11am release, none of the big names was on show as the devastating news was given to a staff meeting that 250 of 1,100 were out of a job.It is fair to say that morale is not at an all-time high at Old Trafford right now.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile players who have not been on international duty return to training on Monday.Roll-up, roll-up, the circus is still very much in town. More

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      Ex-Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson’s firm’s staggering earning last year revealed

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      FORMER Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson’s firm earned £1.6million last year — more than a decade after he retired.The Premier League legend’s ACF Sports Promotions Ltd now has £24.3million in assets and investments.Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson’s firm earned £1.6million last year — more than a decade after he retired from the roleCredit: SportsfileThe figure for the year to the end of June 2023 was up on the £22.7million held 12 months before.ACF lists the nature of its business as “other sports activities” — with Sir Alex, 82, raking in cash from book deals, speaking gigs and personal appearances since retiring from United in 2013.Sons Mark, Darren and Jason are also directors, as was Sir Alex’s wife Lady Cathy, who died in October aged 84.ACF has cash reserves of £5.1million and paid £188,832 in corporation tax.READ MORE ON SIR ALEX FERGUSONIt has almost £2million in heritage assets — football memorabilia on show at museums and universities.Sir Alex, who also managed Aberdeen and Scotland, set up his company – named after his initials including middle name Chapman – in 1983.But a note on the statement filed with Companies House shows ACF is “subject to an HMRC enquiry in relation to tax years from 2016-17 to 2019-20”. It added: “The company’s legal advisers are currently involved in an ongoing correspondence with HMRC to resolve these matters.”Most read in FootballSir Alex holds the Premier League trophy in 2013Credit: GettySir Alex Ferguson can’t stop smirking as he says he’s ‘quietly confident’ of landing biggest ever £2.7million win More

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      Five clubs Marcus Rashford could join after fallout with Ten Hag with Man Utd willing to sell £80m-rated star

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      MARCUS RASHFORD’S future looks set to lie away from Manchester United.SunSport has exclusively revealed that the Red Devils are willing to listen to offers for their academy graduate.Marcus Rashford’s future appears to lie away from Manchester UnitedCredit: GETTYThe 26-year-old fell out with manager Erik ten Hag last seasonCredit: GettyUnited want a hefty fee for the England internationalCredit: GETTYErik ten Hag is keen to cash in on the 26-year-old after two controversial mid-season partying incidents, one of which caused him to ring in sick and miss training before an FA Cup tie.United, however, won’t let their once-prolific striker leave the Theatre of Dreams on the cheap.It’s understood they want at least £80MILLION for their No10, who scored eight goals in 43 appearances last season.The United brass, however, would be willing to accept an offer in the region of £60m given his dip in form.READ MORE ON RASHFORDNews of United’s willingness to part company with Rashford will have no doubt perked up the ears of clubs around the world.So SunSport thought it’d only be right to go through the five serious contenders to sign the England international.Al-NassrThe Saudi Pro League giants, of course, snapped up the services of Cristiano Ronaldo after his explosive Old Trafford exit following his tell-all interview with Sun columnist Piers Morgan in November 2022.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSSo they could offer a similar refuge for the under-fire Rashford.Most read in FootballSeveral other Saudi sides will likely also want to bring the forward to the Kingdom, especially if they don’t have to break the bank with a huge transfer fee.Man Utd fans gush ‘lovely to see Rashford smiling’ as club releases new footage from dressing room after FA Cup winArsenalRashford has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Emirates over the last 18 months, despite the the North Londoners already have a wealth of attacking talent at their disposal.It’s been claimed Mikel Arteta – who is understood to be contemplating signing a new striker this summer – is an admirer of the forward.A move to the capital would be an easy transition for Rashford.However, whether United will be willing to sell their former star striker to a direct rival remains to be seen.A shock move to Arsenal could be on the cards for Marcus RashfordCredit: RICHARD PELHAMBarcelonaThe La Liga titans are long-term admirers of Rashford and tried to secure his services four-and-a-half years ago.Barca were linked with a fresh move for the England star last December, although a bid ultimately didn’t materialise.But with star forward Robert Lewandowski set to turn 36 next month, a summer swoop from the Catalans isn’t beyond the realms of possibility.Barcelona are long-term admirers of RashfordCredit: PABayern MunichBayern are said to have been keeping tabs on Rashford for several months – despite only signing England skipper Harry Kane last August.The Bundesliga big boys have reportedly identified the forward as a potential replacement for Leroy Sane.The Bavarians were pipped to the title by Xabi Alonso’s high-flying Bayer Leverkusen last season.So signing Rashford would be a major statement of intent from new Bayern boss Vincent Kompany.Bayern Munich could be a possible destination for Marcus RashfordCredit: PAParis Saint-GermainThe French champions are in the market for a new striker following Kylian Mbappe’s departure from the Parc des Princes.And they are said to have renewed their interest in Rashford before Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid was confirmed.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Ligue 1 side, of course, are familiar with how good Rashford can be on his day as he scored sensational later winners in their Champions League clashes with United in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons.So don’t be surprised to see the Three Lions star line up for the Parisians next season.Marcus Rashford could very well replace Kylian Mbappe at Paris Saint-GermainCredit: AFP More

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      Man Utd prepared to sell Marcus Rashford after fallout with Ten Hag… and could drop £80m transfer valuation

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will listen to offers for Marcus Rashford after the breakdown of his relationship with Erik ten Hag.The future of the manager was tied in with the Red Devils forward, 26.Marcus Rashford and Erik ten Hag do not see eye-to-eyeCredit: RexThe academy graduate is no longer a guaranteed starterCredit: RexRashford was not called up for Euro 2024Credit: ReutersNow Ten Hag is staying, the club will look to cash in on the academy graduate who became one of United’s brightest stars.They will want £80million for their No10 but may have to accept nearer £60m following his drop in form last season.Rashford and Ten Hag were barely on speaking terms by the end of it after he defied the manager by partying until the early hours in Belfast when he was due to train at Carrington later that day.Ten Hag had already warned him about his off-field conduct after he partied at a city centre nightspot following a derby hammering at home to Manchester City on October 29.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe manager said that was “unacceptable” but was enraged when just a few months later he was out until the early hours of Friday January 26 ahead of that Sunday’s FA Cup tie at Newport.He rang in sick later that day and missed training. He was axed from the squad as Ten Hag learned the full extent of what had happened.That shattered their relationship although the manager had to continue to use the speedster forward.Rashford thought there would be a fresh start when it looked like Ten Hag was getting the boot.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat was before the Dutchman guided the club to a shock FA Cup final victory over Champions Manchester City, which saw new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe make a U-turn.Rashford went from posting career best figures of 30 goals in 2022-23 to just eight last season as he lost his automatic spot in the starting line-up and place in the England squad for Euro 2024.Erik ten Hag STAYS at Man Utd – so now what?He is due back in training next Monday but unless he can have successful clear-the-air talks with Ten Hag, his future looks likely to lie elsewhere.United are already lining up new players, with Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt set to be first through the door for £40m after his stay in Euros with Holland comes to an end.Ten Hag worked with the 24-year-old at Ajax.Off the field Ratcliffe is axing staff with around a quarter of United’s 1,150 workforce informed in a staff meeting that they will be made redundant.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      England’s Mason Mount cuts ties with McDonalds worker & TikTok star after they’re spotted on dates

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      ENGLAND’S Mason Mount has cut ties with a stunning former McDonalds worker after they were spotted on dates.The Manchester United ace was seen out and about with influencer Freya Tidy in April.Manchester United ace Mason was pictured with Freya in AprilCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe pair were dating earlier this yearCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeMason celebrates Man U’s first goal during the Premier League match against Brentford FC in MarchFreya is a former McDonald’s worker turned Instagram and TikTok influencerThe pair were snapped walking in Altrincham, Greater Manchester.They looked at ease together wearing casual clothes as they climbed into his £120,000 Land Rover Defender 4×4.Mason was so distracted he ran over his parking time and was slapped with a £60 ticket by a warden.However three months later the pair have pulled the plug on their blossoming romance.READ MORE ON MASON MOUNTThey’ve also refused to remain friends, having unfollowed each other on social media.A source said: “It looks like it’s all over – Mason has unfollowed her on all social platforms and she’s done the same to him.”The Sun has contacted Mason for comment.Mason previously dated Chloe Wealleans-Watts before they split after five years in 2022.Most read in FootballAfter parting ways the Portsmouth native said that ‘football is his priority’.Meanwhile, stunning Freya has been spending time in Majorca, Spain since the split.She has over 300k followers on Instagram and millions of likes on her TikTok videos.Stunning Freya slipped through the netCredit: Instagram More

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      Portugal 0 Slovenia 0 (3-0 pens): Cristiano Ronaldo in tears after penalty miss but gets redemption in shootout win

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      CRISTIANO Ronaldo wiped the tears from his eyes after Portugal scrambled through to the last eight.Ronaldo’s extra-time spot kick miss – after a shocking decision by Italian ref Daniele Orsato – left the old stager crying with despair.Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the shootoutCredit: RexDiogo Costa was the shootout heroCredit: APThe keeper saved a European Championship record three penaltiesCredit: PAHe would have been bawling all night had Benjamin Sesko not missed an absolute sitter after Ronaldo’s fellow veteran Pepe fell over the ball.But Diogo Costa saved three in a row from Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovec and Benjamin Verbic to make European Championship history.And after Ronaldo scored – and apologised to the Portuguese fans – Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva following his example to earn a last eight showdown with France on Friday.It ensured Ronaldo was bailed out for his blunder – from a penalty that should never have been given 12 minutes into the added 30 minutes.READ MORE IN football Diogo Jota had run into the box but stumbled into defender Vanja Drkusic, who certainly played the ball, before tumbling over his knee.But the VAR booth in Leipzig upheld the call and Ronaldo, despite a night of frustration, would surely score.He struck with power, to the keeper’s left, but Oblak guessed right, brilliantly anticipating to turn the ball aside.Ronaldo’s tears were symbolic.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOnce upon a time, he would have found the moment, the imagination, to break down even a team as relentlessly determined as these Slovenians.While his spirit is still willing at 39, the flesh is now weaker.Watch as Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva are left in disbelief at referee’s antics during Portugal vs SloveniaThere was no lack of effort. No shortage of runs, shots, flicks or tricks, three free-kicks too.Yet it all foundered on the rugged Balkan rocks at the back, who simply refused to be bullied or blustered to ensure it went the distance.And then, when he was gifted the best opportunity of the lot, Oblak, whose heroics were lost amid the ultimate drama.Slovenia’s resilience and determination passed unnoticed as England’s sterile performance against them in Cologne was denounced.But there is nothing wrong with playing to your strengths, and that was exactly what they did.Ronaldo missed from the penalty spotCredit: PAJan Oblak made a tremendous saveCredit: ReutersOblak guessed right to keep it outCredit: ReutersYes, there were times when they were rocking, struggling against the pace of Rafael Leao, tormented occasionally by Bernardo Silva, always wary about the lurking presence of Ronaldo.But time and again, in a performance embodied by centre-halves Drkusic and Jaka Bijol, they found the block, the tackle, the clearance required.They needed, more than once, their keeper too.And when Jan Oblak was called upon, crucially in the final seconds of normal time when Jota sent Ronaldo in on goal, and then in extra-time, he stood tall and strong.There were other moments for Portugal. Of course there were.Ronaldo and the late-arriving Bruno Fernandes could not quite get on the end of one delicious Bernardo Silva cross.Then, after Leao’s surging run was ended by Drkusic’s lunge on the edge of his own box, Ronaldo’s effort flew past Oblak’s groping fingers but a fraction too high.Yet it was far from one way traffic, even if Slovenia were playing a Balkan version of rope-a-dope.Ronaldo was left devastatedCredit: GettyRonaldo was in floods of tearsCredit: AFPBruno Fernandes consoles his skipperCredit: ReutersLeft back Nuno Mendes rescued his side after Petar Stojanovic escaped down the right and tried to tee up Andraz Sporer before Sesko struck at Diogo Costa from distance.Portugal’s closest first half effort saw Joao Palhinha’s shot scraping Oblak’s right post after Leao had forced his way into the box while Bernardo Silva smacked wide straight after the restart.Ronaldo was engaged in a couple of running spats with the resolute Slovenians, who were throwing themselves in the way of everything.Oblak punched away another thumping Ronaldo free-kick which would have knocked a hole clean through the net and probably the stands behind his goal too before the first of two huge chances Sesko had been waiting for, one on one against Pepe from half-way.The Leipzig striker was too good for the veteran defender but then scuffed wide with his left foot.When Ronaldo’s late chance ended in Oblak’s midriff, it ensured an extra half hour, Martinez screaming out instructions in the middle of the huddle.Ronaldo, seemingly impassive to the hectoring, did not look so stoical after his miss, although Slovenian boss Matjez Kek saw red for voicing his fury at the official.READ MORE SUN STORIESHad Sesko, given a clear run on goal by Pepe’s stumble, past Diogo Costa, Ronaldo would have joined the 41-year-old in the dock.He missed and redemption was granted by the Portuguese keeper. A narrow escape, for Ronaldo and Martinez.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Katie Zelem leaves Manchester United after six years with the Women’s Super League side

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      KATIE ZELEM is the second senior player to leave Manchester United Women with the midfielder departing this month.The England ace’s exit comes a day after forward Lucia Garcia’s departure with goalkeeper Mary Earps also reportedly set to leave.Katie Zelem captained the Man United side that won a Women’s FA Cup for the first time in the team’s history this yearCredit: GettyZelem played 161 times for the Red Devils after rejoining the club in 2018Credit: GettyThe midfielder, who has 12 England caps, was part of the Lionesses squad that reached the 2023 Women’s World Cup finalCredit: GettyEarlier today the club paid tribute to Zelem, 28, who made history last month becoming the first Red Devils skipper to lift the Women’s FA Cup.  The lifelong Man United fan, whose contract at the end of June, spent six years with the side making 161 appearances and netting 32 goals.Her departure comes in a week in which the Manchester giants have faced criticism over plans to move their WSL aces to portable buildings at their Carrington training ground. The training complex is undergoing a £50million renovation with club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe talking of wanting to “create a world class environment for teams to win”.Read More Football StoriesWith United men’s indoor facility being revamped, their women’s squad are reportedly being moved out of their state-of-art base which will be used by the club’s Prem side next season.Zelem, who was born in Manchester began her Red Devils’ journey in the club’s Girls’ Centre of Excellence at eight, playing in their academy until 2013.With United not having a senior women’s side due to the team being disbanded in 2005, Zelem joined rivals Liverpool whose players then included England ace Lucy Bronze.The midfielder went on to win back-to-back WSL titles under head coach Matt Beard during her four-year spell in Merseyside before joining Juventus for one season in 2017.Most read in FootballA year later Zelem returned to Manchester to join a Red Devils re-established back in 2018 with Casey Stoney appointed as head coach.She helped the team win promotion from the Championship to the women’s top-flight in 2019 and captained them to a 4-0 FA Cup final triumph over Tottenham last month.The midfielder’s England team-mate Earps, 31, is expected to leave United during the summer transfer window with the goalkeeper heavily linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.England forward Nikita Parris is rumoured to be leaving Man United this summerCredit: GettyAnd Nikita Parris, 30, is rumoured to be another high-profile player linked with a summer move away from United.Last month The Athletic reported the Lioness had turned down a megabucks move to US top-flight club North Carolina Courage.It is claimed the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side wanted Parris to join before their division’s April 19 transfer deadline. More

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      Fans criticise Manchester United plans to move women’s side into portable buildings during Carrington revamp

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      MANCHESTER United have been criticised by fans over plans to move their women’s side to portable buildings with the men’s team using their base next season.United’s WSL aces are reportedly having make way for their Prem counterparts due to renovation of the men’s indoor training facilities.Manchester United WSL side will moved into portable buildings next seasonCredit: GettyUnited’s men’s squad are set to use the women’s and academy buildings due to renovation work on their indoor facilitiesCredit: GettyThe Red Devils’ men’s squad will have priority access to the £10million women’s and academy building whilst their facility is given a makeover, according to the Guardian.They say the portable spaces to be used by the club’s WSL players and their backroom staff will include changing rooms, meeting rooms and office spaces. Revamp work on the men’s facility at Carrington, which began on Monday, is being carried out as part of a £50million project of led by architect Norman Foster.Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who purchased a stake in United via his company Ineos, says the aim is “to create a world-class environment” with the “training ground renovated to the highest standard”.Read More Football StoriesHowever news of their WSL side being from shifted from their £10million building to accommodate the men’s squad has angered some supporters.And scores took to social media platform X to question the move which comes a month after the team made history winning the Women’s FA Cup for the first time.One fan described it as “two steps back” whilst another posted that United’s WSL squad “deserves respect”.Earlier this month Sir Jim Ratcliffe spoke about transforming the club’s Carrington training complex in a bid to improve performance.Most read in FootballThe Man United owner said: “When we conducted a thorough review of the Carrington training facilities and met with our men’s first-team players, it was clear the standards had fallen below some of our peers.”This project will ensure ­Manchester United’s training ground is once more renovated to the ­highest standards.”Lord Foster, a fellow ­Mancunian, has brought some great inspiration to the design, in ­conjunction with the Manchester United team.”We look forward to seeing the improvement to the facilities but most importantly on the pitch.”Reports of the women’s side moving into portable buildings come in a week in which United bid farewell to versatile forward Lucia Garcia.Today the club confirmed the departure of the Spain ace who netted a brace during their 4-0 FA Cup final win against Tottenham last month.The player who joined the Red Devils from Spanish club Athletic in July 2022 is has been linked with a move to Mexican top-flight champions Las Rayadas.Of her departure from United, Garcia said: “I am going to miss every single piece of Manchester United.”All my friends, all the team, all the staff, all the workers here. I think one of the hardest parts is to leave the fans.”I feel the support they give to me. I can feel they love me and I love them.READ MORE SUN STORIESLucia Garcia is leaving the Red Devils after two years with the club for a summer move to Mexican side Las RayadasCredit: Getty”I just feel it in my heart like ‘boom, boom, boom’. They give me the power to keep going, to keep fighting.”But at the end of the day, I have to say goodbye. “That’s so hard for me, and the only thing I can say to you all is I love you [from] the bottom of my heart.” More