Premier League

ENZO MARESCA cancelled a day off for senior Chelsea stars after they flopped in a training session with the club’s U21s.The first-team players who did not go away on international duty were supposed to enjoy a rest on Thursday.Enzo Maresca cancelled a day off for his senior Chelsea stars after a loss to the U21sCredit: GettyBut Maresca was so incensed by the standards he witnessed during Wednesday’s session that he changed his mind and demanded they show up again at the club’s base in Cobham.The Italian told the players in no uncertain terms that he would not tolerate any slacking off as Chelsea approach the business end of the season.The Blues boss made it clear that he expected every member of his squad to give the maximum as the team chase Champions League qualification and Europa Conference League glory.During the international break Maresca worked with the first-team squad members who remained at the club after the likes of captain Reece James and Enzo Fernandez joined up with their countries.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the Blues boss was bitterly disappointed to see Chelsea youngsters outwork and outperform senior stars.It was claimed that a team made up of under-21 players and even some from the under-16s won 3-0 against a side whose core was first-teamers.Donnell McNeilly, of the Under-21s, was said to have scored twice, with Chizzy Ezenwata, 16, claiming the other.But it is understood there was no formal match and the action was part of a stop-start training session.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSNevertheless Maresca was upset enough with what he saw to punish the first teamers and lay down a marker for the rest of the season.A number of Chelsea’s international stars returned to training today [FRI] and the standards are believed to have been much higher.Chelsea transfer target gets instantly booked for pointless skill as all out brawl is sparked in derby clash Players who were unavailableInternational Duty:Enzo FernandezFilip JorgensenMoises CaicedoLevi ColwillReece JamesPedro NetoMarc CucurellaJosh AcheampongTyrique GeorgeMathis AmougouInjured:Cole PalmerNicolas JacksonNoni MaduekeOmari KellymanSuspended:Mykhailo MudrykThe Blues are back in action next Thursday with a London derby against Tottenham.Meanwhile off the pitch Chelsea’s estranged owners are united in their mission to demolish Stamford Bridge.Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have put aside their differences to agree to pursue a completely new stadium instead of redeveloping their current home.But it remains to be seen if Chelsea will stay at the Bridge during construction of a new ground.Boehly is believed to favour building a new stadium at Earl’s Court, while Twickenham could end up being used as a temporary home. More

A FORMER Manchester United star looks unrecognisable with a new haircut and grey beard.The ex-player in question, now 46, is currently the manager of National League North side Scarborough Athletic.This former United star is unrecognisable from his playing daysCredit: InstagramHe now sports shorter hair and a grey beardCredit: InstagramThe ex-midfielder also played for Middlesbrough and West BromCredit: InstagramHe took the helm back in 2021, four years after retiring from professional football.As a player, he starred for the likes of Middlesbrough, West Brom, Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Man Utd.The midfielder made 252 Premier League appearances in total, with four Champions League outings also under his belt.Having joined United back in 1998, he played alongside the likes of David Beckham, Gary Neville and Roy Keane during his time at Old Trafford.READ MORE ON MAN UTDDuring his three-year spell with the Red Devils, he won three Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the Champions League.He was recognisable at the time for his long hair, which he would later hold back with a headband.If you haven’t guessed already, the player in question is… Jonathan Greening.The 46-year-old called time on his playing career in 2017 following a two-year spell with non-league side Tadcaster Albion.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordAfter earning all of his coaching credentials, he was appointed the manager of Scarborough Athletic in 2021.During his first season, he led the club to promotion from the Northern Premier League and won the North Riding Senior Cup.Paul Scholes feels like Man Utd are ‘begging’ for money to build new stadium Greening is now contracted to Scarborough until the end of the year.The ex-United star lives with his wife, Anna, and the couple have three children together.He also recently became a grandad and now has plenty of photos and videos with his new grandson on his Instagram.Greening spent three years with Man UtdCredit: Getty More

A MONUMENTAL summer awaits Arsenal with incomings and departures aplenty.But there is also a pressing need to tie down their Holy Trinity for the foreseeable future.Mikel Arteta will soon need to decide on how to tackle Bukayo Saka’s contract futureCredit: APWilliam Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are also out of contract in 2027Credit: GettyBukayo Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel are all out of contract in June 2027 – a daunting prospect with Mikel Arteta’s Emirates project so close to landing major silverware after five years of promise and progress.This simply cannot become a saga that is dragged into next season.Liverpool are a prime example of the mess it can cause with Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold set to walk away in a few months.But Arsenal fans can be fairly confident of avoiding a similar meltdown with Arteta at the helm – a manager who has the knack when it comes to convincing world class talent that North London is the place to be, and that the future remains bright and exciting.Arteta’s ability to win one trophy since December 2019 while keeping hold of his best players and strengthening year on year – as well as maintaining the trust and support of the board and the majority of the fan base – should not be underestimated.And when it comes to correcting a turned head or wandering eye of a player considering his options, Arteta often finds the right words to enthuse and motivate – just like Sir Alex Ferguson did in those early United days before finally tasting league glory in 1993.Arteta is honest and respectful, but he is also ruthless and direct.Behind the scenes, he enjoys heated debates with his staff and players during good times and bad to constantly get the very best out of them and to never feel comfortable.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSWhen trying to land new players, Arteta plays an active role in the negotiation process, a dominant voice in presentations that leaves those in the room in awe of his level of tactical detail and immense personalisation and passion.Battling Manchester City for Declan Rice’s signature in the summer of 2023, Arteta and ex-sporting director Edu double-teamed the sit-down discussions in person, using the analogy of: ‘The train is leaving – are you getting on board?’Arsenal Fan TV presenter Robbie credits ‘nature’s ozempic’ for incredible body Rice’s camp had met with several clubs but Arsenal and Arteta’s proposal had blown everyone else’s out of the water.The art of persuasion is also about subtlety, knowing when to push and when to back off.Granit Xhaka was practically out the door in October 2019 after being booed off by his fans and stripped of the captaincy by Unai Emery before Arteta took over two months later.In a heartfelt sit-down with Xhaka in his office, Arteta pleaded with the player to stay until the end of the season, but said he would respect his decision with his family a priority.Xhaka ended up staying, signed a new contract a year later and played a vital role in Arsenal’s transformation into title challengers before departing in July 2023.Talks on horizonSo what of Saka, Saliba and Gabriel? SunSport understands that Arsenal are keen to hold talks with the trio in the coming months. The club’s policy in the past has been to avoid allowing top talents getting into the last two years of their deals.But Arteta is usually hesitant to get into negotiations mid-season. On this occasion, they still have a Champions League quarter final to look forward to.While a deal for Hale End star Saka, 23, is a formality, Arteta knows Real Madrid are sniffing around Frenchman Saliba. In the unlikely event Arsenal were open to selling, he would be valued well past the £100m mark.At 24, Saliba has spoken of his desire to one day be the best defender in the world, and recognises he is best placed to continue his development in the Premier League under Arteta – so long as Arsenal are competing for and winning major titles, which is now the case.Gabriel, 27, has eye-watering interest from Saudi Arabia. A move was blocked in August 2023 which saw Arteta briefly drop the Brazilian to make sure his performances would not suffer as a result.He has since emerged as one of the Prem’s most complete players and his family is settled and loving life in London.Arteta has Arsenal’s prestige and history on his side, pointing to the fact this group can go down as club legends if they lift a Prem or European title.Saliba and Gabriel are coming into their peak years. Uprooting now – with a World Cup next summer – would be a huge risk to their form.There will also be a nudge towards their rivals. While Manchester City are undergoing a major rebuild, Arne Slot’s Liverpool may well lose three of their best players to contract disputes this summer.There is a belief within the club that Arsenal are perfectly positioned to take advantage next term, especially as they look set to finally end their search for a top No.9 this summer – the missing piece.Getting all three to commit by the start of next season will be a huge relief, but Arsenal are confident in Arteta’s power of persuasion.THE NUMBERS BEHIND ISAK VS EKITIKEALEXANDER ISAK is the striker all Arsenal fans want to see arrive this summer.But should Newcastle stand firm in their stance that he is not for sale, Mikel Arteta will have to look elsewhere.SunSport revealed this week that Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike is being monitored as an alternative, and the young Frenchman compares well to Isak.Ekitike was even targeted by Newcastle before they signed the Swede.The France Under-21 international has a similar profile to the Toon forward, tall and imposing but sharp on the ball and blessed with pace.Alexander Isak is a prime target for ArsenalCredit: GettyHugo Ekitike is also on Arsenal’s list this summerCredit: AFPWhile Isak has four more goals in five fewer games, Ekitike has three more assists and is not far behind when it comes to goal contributions per 90 minutes with 0.88 compared to the Newcastle man’s stunning 0.97.The 22-year-old spent half of the season playing alongside Omar Marmoush before the Egyptian’s move to Manchester City and has stepped up since his departure.Ekitike bagged three goals in the two games after Marmoush left for The Etihad.The stats show that the Frankfurt forward is constantly involved up top, having more shots and shots on target compared to Isak per game, though the latter has a better conversion rate.While Isak is clearly the more complete forward, any signing which isn’t the £150million rated Newcastle striker will have an element of risk.Ekitike is confident that, after learning a lot during his struggles at Paris Saint-Germain, he is ready to take the next step.A PIECE OF CAKE FOR NWANERISUNSPORT can exclusively reveal that Ethan Nwaneri was given celebratory cupcakes on the plane back from England U21 duty this week to celebrate his 18th birthday.And the Hale End star has left a lasting impression on his Young Lions teammates, not just from his brilliant debut goal in the 4-2 win over Portugal at the Hawthorns on Monday.SunSport understands that Nwaneri, along with Ipswich Town’s Omari Hutchinson – formerly of the Arsenal academy – were often the last ones to leave the training pitches at St George’s Park during their international camp.His professionalism, attitude and mentality are second to none, highly impressive for someone of his age and limited experience so far.There are those in the FA and the England senior set-up who feel it is only a matter of time before Nwaneri struts his stuff in the seniors under Thomas Tuchel.Ethan Nwaneri was the toast of England’s U21s on international dutyCredit: GettyMERINO’S BUSY BREAKMIKEL MERINO has not taken his foot off the pedal during this international break.The Arsenal midfielder – currently deputising as a striker with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus out for the season – played a combined 12 minutes off the bench across two Nations League games for Spain against the Netherlands, scoring in last week’s 2-2 draw.But not satisfied with that, he also visited his old pals back at former club Real Sociedad.He then got in some extra strength and conditioning training with trusted Spanish personal trainer Miguel Azanza.After breaking his shoulder in his first Arsenal training session following his summer switch, Merino has been working overtime to ensure he remains fit and available for Arteta.The work with Azanza included weighted ball throws and band work to maintain his shoulder strength heading into the home stretch to the season.SunSport understands Arteta and Arsenal’s coaching staff have been impressed with Merino’s physicality and competitiveness in training sessions, not one to hold back in challenges and aerial duels with teammates.Mikel Merino has been a hit up top for the GunnersCredit: Getty More

ANGE POSTECOGLOU’S Tottenham future is in serious doubt with club chiefs reportedly identifying Andoni Iraola as their top target to replace him.The Spurs boss is feeling the heat after winning just 10 of his 29 league matches this season.Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is the No1 managerial target for TottenhamCredit: GettyAnge Postecoglou’s position is in serious doubt this summerCredit: PATottenham sit 14th in the table as a result, 10 points off the top half.And the Athletic claims Postecoglou’s position is now coming under intense scrutiny.It’s reckoned that even if Spurs go on to win the Europa League, the Australian’s long-term future is covered in question marks.And Tottenham chiefs have now agreed upon their top target to replace Postecoglou this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBournemouth manager Iraola has been identified as Spurs’ No1 choice to take charge in north London.The Spaniard has worked wonders since moving to the south coast almost two years ago.Bournemouth are just four points off fifth place, which is almost certain to seal an extra Champions League spot.And Iraola has even been linked to the Real Madrid job as Carlo Ancelotti’s position remains shrouded in mystery.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut Spurs are determined to win the race for him, despite needing to pay a £10million release clause to secure Iraola from his Cherries contract.Should they miss out on him, Tottenham also fancy Fulham boss Marco Silva.Ange Postecoglou snaps at journalist over question ahead of Tottenham vs AZ AlkmaarHe has one year left on his Cottagers deal but SunSport understands that negotiations for an extension are close.Brentford’s Thomas Frank has also caught the eye and was previously targeted by Johan Lange during the Spurs technical director’s time at Aston Villa.Exclusive – new contract for SilvaBy Tom BarclayFULHAM are in talks with boss Marco Silva over a new contract.The Portuguese, 47, has been a sensation in West London since taking over in 2021, taking the club into the FA Cup quarter-finals and chasing a Champions League dream this term.And with his current deals only having a year to go in the summer, the Cottagers are keen to tie him down to fresh terms.Their need has also been greatened by Silva being among the list of possible candidates to take over at Tottenham should the North Londoners part ways with Ange Postecoglou.Postecoglou’s future at Spurs will likely hinge on the club’s Europa League campaign.If the Aussie can be successful by going deep in the competition – or better yet, winning it – he is expected to be safe.But go out in the quarter-finals to Eintracht Frankfurt after the international break and it could be curtains, given how poorly the club’s Premier League campaign is going.Spurs lost their 15th league game of the season last weekend, ironically at the hands of Silva’s Fulham.The ex-Watford boss, who has an £8.6million release clause in his current deal, is believed to be admired among the Tottenham hierarchy, along with Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola.Yet Fulham do not want to lose him, given the stellar job he has done, and will hope to persuade him to commit his long-term future to them.Silva took over a recently-relegated Fulham in 2021 with his reputation having taken a hit following his axing by Everton two years prior.But he proved his quality by instantly winning the Championship, before guiding the Cottagers to tenth and 13th in the following two Premier League seasons.Sunday’s win against Spurs in Silva’s 200th Prem match as a manager moved Fulham into eighth, just four points off the top four.The former Hull chief was in his native Portugal on Monday to be presented with a coach of the year award at the Gala D’O Gaiense by compatriot Carlos Queiroz.Silva spoke at the do of how England is the place to manage right now – two years on from snubbing a lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia with Al Ahli.He said: “After two or three years of my coaching career, I was already thinking about training abroad.“But you have to think about the best championship in the world, which was a goal.“I didn’t expect to have so many games in the Premier League but I am very pleased to have reached this number.”Silva is one of four Portuguese bosses managing in England’s top flight, along with Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim, Nuno Espirito Santo at Nottingham Forest and Vitor Pereira at Wolves.The double Prem centurion added: “All of us there know the Premier League has a different competitiveness and requires very great preparation.”Speaking of his own achievements so far, after receiving his gong, Silva said: “The most special year is yet to come.” More

MANCHESTER UNITED are once again without a game this weekend, due to being out of the FA Cup.Ahead of the Red Devils’ return to action next Tuesday, keep up to date with the latest goings-on behind the scenes at Old Trafford with our Man Utd Files.Ruben Amorim’s side have not played since March 16Credit: RexFRANC DISCUSSIONSMANCHESTER United will have to dig deep to land Ruben Amorim’s prime summer transfer target.Amorim is desperate to land former Wolves winger Francisco Trincao as part of a new-look United attacking unit next term.But Amorim’s former club Sporting Lisbon will play hardball – and are likely to demand a fee in EXCESS of the attacker’s £50m release clause.Trincao, 25, is under contract to 2027 after signing a four-year deal in 2023 following a £6m move from Barcelona.Barca, though, retain 50 per cent of his future transfer rights – which is where the going could get tricky for United.Sporting, braced for the departure of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, are even more determined not to let Trincao go, to the extent of preparing to offer him a new contract.Even if they can be persuaded to sell, Sporting want to recoup at least £35m.But they only get that if United – or another suitor – is prepared to pay TWICE as much, allowing Barcelona to get a similar share of the proceeds.Amorim is convinced Trincao, with the benefit of that season at Molineux in 2021-22, will be able to make a swift adaptation to the Prem.Yet with the likelihood of no European competition cash – unless United win the Europa League – he may have to consider an even more drastic summer sales policy to free the funds required to land him.Sporting are eager to keep Francisco Trincao this summerCredit: AlamySporting chiefs know that they are likely to lose Viktor GyokeresCredit: GettyTUCH AND GOHARRY MAGUIRE might be forgiven for feeling perplexed by Thomas Tuchel’s comments after his first international window as England boss.Tuchel suggested that he had omitted the United centre-half in favour of Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi because “they had better rhythm and deserved to be in”.But Maguire was never in a position to be selected having been out for nearly a month with a hamstring injury.His inability to train meant Maguire, 32, was in no condition to add to his 64 caps even if he had been named in the squad. Strange.Harry Maguire was not in a position to be selected by EnglandCredit: GettyBANK TRANSFERSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S grand plans for the 100,000-capacity “New Trafford” to replace United’s home since 1910 have not been universally welcomed.Some fans have been critical of the design, while the potential £2bn cost of the proposal has left other supporters wondering about the long-term impact on their pocket.But Ratcliffe and Ineos may point out that there were not dissimilar questions raised when United announced plans to move from their then-home at Bank Lane in Clayton, five miles across the other side of the city.Letters printed in local newspapers bewailed the prospect, with one fan moaning: “Bank Street was ours – cramped and muddy, but it felt like home. This new place is a stranger’s house.”There were also complaints about the impact on ticket pricing and questions over whether United could fill their new home.At least, unlike 115 years ago, there will be no open, uncovered terraces at Sir Jim’s palace of entertainment. But, doubtless, the same demands – a team that wins and deserves the stadium.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has launched ambitious new stadium plansCredit: PAMan Utd recently released imaging of their proposed new stadiumCredit: ReutersWELL I NEV-ERIN this most uncertain and stuttering of seasons at Old Trafford, it has been the one constant… Gary Neville will feature somewhere along the way.Passing judgement on good, bad and ugly as a pundit, of course, on why Erik ten Hag should be sacked/keep his job, for example.An interview with Sir Jim Ratcliffe? Gary’s your man. Creating a task force to explore regeneration around Old Trafford? Well he’s got to be on that.What about the voiceover for the magnificent new stadium unveiling? Neville – it’s a no-brainer.Now Manchester United’s omnipresent ex-full back has been asked to pick up another gauntlet… speaking up for the pensioners facing a 57 per cent hike on their season tickets.Slashing the 50 per cent OAP concessions, plus a general increase, means some older fans will have to pay nearly £400 extra. A rise many insist they simply cannot afford.Forums, phone-ins and message board have been flooded with irate supporters who have been Old Trafford regulars for over half a century.Including one fan posting urging Neville to take up the fight on behalf of United’s most loyal and long-standing followers.He wrote: “Please Mr Ratcliffe, explain why you think it’s ok to exploit us. We haven’t made the mistakes you have since your investment, but you want us to pay for it.“How about you cut the price as your employees have not provided good value for money? This is Manchester United Football Club, not JRFC.“He is just a businessman and a number cruncher. Please, please get Gary to speak up for the pensioners.“The extra revenue from the pensioners won’t be enough for any player’s wage for a week…stop this exploitation.”Over to you, GaryGary Neville can often be found somewhere at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersMan Utd fans are set for big price hikesCredit: GettyMan Utd have a tough run of fixtures coming upWARRIOR SPIRITIT was the pre-season promo visit that has led to the unlikeliest of friendships… and most telling of asides. In January Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Andre Onana visited four-trophy, clean sweep winners Wigan Warriors ahead of the new Super League season.They got a first-hand glimpse of everything… passing, tackling and kicking, with Mount and Maguire joining in with the latter, and were blown away by the spirit and togetherness between the players.The Manchester United trio were so impressed that an expected 45-minute stay lasted well over two hours – and an ongoing affinity for some.As someone whose entire career was spent in the south before joining United last season, Mount was hardly a die-hard RL fan… but he is now, and was back at the Brick Stadium when the Super League season began.For Cameroon keeper Onana it was a totally alien sport, but he struck up an immediate bond with young forward Junior Nsemba, whose parents hail from the same country.Maguire is a long-time RL admirer.. yet it was an aside to one Wigan star on his left that proved most memorable as he joked: “We could do with a spirit half as good as yours.”We think it was a joke, anyway…Harry Maguire and Mason Mount pose with Wigan Warriors star Luke ThompsonCredit: SWpix.comAndre Onana hit it off with Junior NsembaCredit: SWpix.comRUNAWAY LEADERSCHRISTIAN ERIKSEN’S passing ability would be heightened if he had a striker as quick as United fan Usain Bolt to run onto the end of them.But the Danish midfielder and Jamaican sprint legend were on the same side this week when they visited a special programme to help underprivileged youngsters in Manchester.Bolt and Eriksen joined in training drills with kids on the Street League scheme, which is on the shortlist for the Sport for Good prize at next month’s Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid.Win or not, those kids will never forget the time they spent with two genuine sporting icons.Christian Eriksen and Usain Bolt teamed up for a community initiativeCredit: www.olympics.com More