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      Ange Postecoglou opens up on playing on pitch covered in TOADS as Tottenham prepare to brave 3G Tamworth turf

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU will bid to stop Tottenham’s FA Cup hopes croaking on Tamworth’s plastic 3G pitch on Sunday.But that is nothing compared to the surface the Aussie and his South Melbourne team once played on in Fiji — which was infested with TOADS.Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou doesn’t worry about Tamworth’s plastic 3G pitchCredit: AlamyPostecoglou has had worse than Tamworth’s pitch ahead of Tottenham’s FA Cup matchCredit: GettyIn 1999, Postecoglou’s Aussie side travelled to the Pacific Island for qualifiers ahead of the inaugural Club World Championship and found a ground littered with the amphibian critters.But they showed enough Kermit-ment to reach the finals  a year later and faced Treble-winners Manchester United in Brazil.Postefroglou . . .  sorry, Postecoglou recalled: “Warming up, there were toads which kept jumping on the pitch. At the time, you’re kind of going, ‘Really?’“But when you realise what was at stake — a fair bit of money and the opportunity to play at the Maracana against some of the best teams in the world — it was quite extraordinary.”Read More on FootballThat game 26 years ago was the Oceanic final of qualifying against local side Nadi at Prince Charles Park. South Melbourne won 5-1 and went on to play United, Vasco da Gama and Necaxa of Mexico.The gap between Postecoglou’s Melbourne team and United is similar to the 96 divisional spots between Tottenham and National League Tamworth.United won 2-0 but it was much tighter than had been expected.And the Aussie knows players can pull a ribbit out the hat for the biggest game of their lives.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPostecoglou, 59, added: “We were a semi-pro team playing at the Maracana against the great Manchester United. So there was a fair difference between us.“But qualifying for that tournament probably destroyed our domestic season because players didn’t want to risk getting injured.Ange Postecoglou proud of patched-up Tottenham’s win over Liverpool “We ended up losing but we gave a decent account of ourselves and some of my players, probably played the best game of their lives.“You know Tamworth have had a couple of defeats recently. It’s probably because their mind has been on this game.“What we’re going to face on Sunday is players hoping to play the best game of their lives.” More

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      I’m a Man Utd star following the footsteps of my dad and aiming to shock Liverpool in biggest game of my career so far

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      A MANCHESTER UNITED loanee is looking to end rivals Liverpool’s stunning momentum when Accrington Stanley visit Anfield.The Premier League high-flyers and Accrington face off on Saturday in the third round of the FA Cup.Manchester United loanee Sonny Aljofree plays for Accington Stanley this seasonCredit: RexSonny is the son of ex-Man Utd academy graduate HasneyCredit: GettySonny is determined to beat Liverpool in the FA Cup and was contacted by Man UtdCredit: GettySonny used to watch his dad Hasney take on Liverpool with PlymouthCredit: Sonny AljofreeAnd Sonny Aljofree – the son of United academy graduate Hasney – is expected to line up against the Reds from the start after joining Stanley on loan in August.Sonny, 20, had a feeling he would be locking horns with Man Utd’s biggest rivals before the draw and is relishing the incredible opportunity.The centre-back, who trained with the first team last season despite never making a senior appearance, is set for a full circle moment.Following the FA Cup draw, Hasney, 46, sent his son an old photo of him watching his dad’s former team Plymouth take on Liverpool from the Kop stands in the FA Cup third round back in 2017.Read More on Man UtdSonny told Manchester Evening News: “I was sat in the kitchen, having my tea with my family and I saw Liverpool come up and I had just a funny feeling. “I was like, ‘I can’t play against United at Old Trafford, so the next best thing will probably be Liverpool here’.”I said to my mum, ‘This is gonna be us here’. Obviously, it came up and all of us have just gone off and started cheering.”It’s another chance to learn and gain valuable experience. I think everyone’s up for it, and I definitely am because as a United fan, you want to beat them, so that’s what we’re going there to do, hopefully.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUnited contacted Sonny after the draw and sent him a powerful message.However, the Manchester giants also urged him to “take it in” and enjoy this incredible opportunity.Man Utd fans say ‘call the game off’ as Ruben Amorim confirms major line-up decision for Arsenal FA Cup clash Sonny added: “[Man Utd told me] Just win. “They’ve told me to [make] sure that I take it in and not just let it go by, so just as much as it is a massive experience and there’ll be nerves around it, just trying to take it in and appreciating the kind of magnitude of the game that I’m hopefully going to be involved in.”Hasney will be one of 50 to 55 friends and family supporting Sonny on the biggest day of his career, which has seen him registering 16 appearances with Accrington across all competitions.The former defender began his career at United before leaving the club without making an appearance. The ex-England youth international went on to play for Bolton, Dundee United, Plymouth, Sheffield Wednesday, Oldham and Swindon Town.He returned to the Red Devils as a youth coach before taking up a role as head of coach education and development in Singapore.Sonny added: “My dad’s always been the one who’s been giving me advice throughout and his thoughts and you take that and do it because he’s been through it. He knows what I’m going through.”I think there’s not that much advice you can give me against Liverpool, except making sure I’m doing all the right things leading up to the game, so I have no excuses when it comes to it. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think that’s what he’s always said to me no matter how you play, you just can’t have any regrets leading up to any game that you’re playing, so you’re leaving it all out there and making sure in your head you’re prepared and ready, doing all the right things leading up to it.”Sonny joined United’s academy at a very young age but has yet to make a senior appearance with the club instead loaning him out to Altrincham before moving him to Accrington.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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      Man Utd stars’ wages revealed as Amad Diallo TRIPLES salary with new contract – but shock name is bottom

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      AMAD DIALLO has earned a huge pay rise at Manchester United thanks to a bumper new contract.The 22-year-old put pen to paper on a new five-and-a-half year deal this week, extending his stay at Old Trafford to June 2030.Amad Diallo has penned a new £100,000-a-week contractCredit: GettyThe 22-year-old has tripled his salaryCredit: GettyAmad will now take home £100,000-a-week – over three times the amount he earned previously.He said: “I am really proud to have signed this new contract. I have had some incredible moments with this club already but there is so much more to come. I have huge ambitions in the game and I want to achieve history at Manchester United. “I have learnt so much since arriving here four years ago; I am very grateful to the coaches and staff who have helped me to develop, and to the fans for driving me forward every day.  “It has been a difficult season for everyone, but I fully believe that we are on the right path and the future is going to be really special.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I am ready to give everything to help the team and make our supporters proud again.”Amad’s new deal bumps him much higher in Man Utd’s wage list and above the likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Diogo Dalot.Meanwhile, academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo reportedly earns the least out of all United players.Casemiro tops the list as the club’s highest earner, taking home a whopping £375,000-a-week.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCasemiro is still United’s highest earnerCredit: GettyHe is followed by Marcus Rashford and club captain Bruno Fernandes, who both earn a weekly wage of £325k.The Red Devils will reportedly look to get Rashford off their wage bill this year amid a run of poor performances.OLD TRAFFORD STADIUM VT YOUTUBE masterAC Milan and Tottenham are allegedly among the clubs interested, but he will likely have to accept a significant pay-cut.Mason Mount – who has made just 32 appearances since joining Man Utd in July 2023 – ranks fourth in the club’s list of earners, pocketing £250,000-a-week.And under-fire Antony – who cost the Red Devils £86million almost three years ago – earns a weekly wage of £200k.He is followed by the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire and Christian Eriksen.Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Andre Onana and Leny Yoro are all among the players in the middle of the list, as are summer signings Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte. More

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      Man Utd fans say ‘call the game off’ as Ruben Amorim confirms major line-up decision for Arsenal FA Cup clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ruben Amorim confirmed Altay Bayindir will play in goal against Arsenal in the FA Cup. United travel to the Emirates on Sunday and do so with some tweaks to the side. Altay Bayindir will play in goal against Arsenal in the FA CupCredit: GettyAmorim revealed Andre Onana will be rested with back-up stopper Bayindir replacing the Cameroonian. He said: “Altay is going to play.” Bayindir – signed for £4.3million from Fenerbahce in September 2023 – has made only four United appearances since joining. They have all been in either the Carabao or FA Cup – failing to play in the Premier League. READ MORE ON MAN UTDBayindir’s most recent came against Tottenham in United’s 4-3 Carabao Cup quarter-final loss at Tottenham in December. And the Turkish international was beaten direct from a corner by Son Heung-min.Arsenal are also on a run of scoring from corners – leaving United fans fearing the worst.One said: “Advantage Arsenal then.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother added: “Game’s over before it even started.”One joked: “Call the game off.”Which football clubs could Marcus Rashford join?Another said: “Congratulations Arsenal for winning against Man United tomorrow by 3-0, with two goals directly scored from corners.”Reports recently indicated manager Amorim wants to sign a goalkeeper this year to push Onana. And Bayindir’s agent Sefa Seyrek claimed the United No2 has attracted attention elsewhere. Seyrek told Sports Digitale: “Altay had offers from many European clubs last summer. “There are currently clubs that are interested, but Altay wants to stay and play in Manchester. The club definitely does not want to lose Altay.”Andre Onana and back-up keeper BayindirCredit: Alamy More

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      Wayne Rooney shows off fresh-faced new look as Man Utd legend supports wife Coleen at launch of new wellness range

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      WAYNE ROONEY was seen supporting his wife Coleen at the launch of her new wellness range this week.I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! runner-up Coleen was the woman of the hour at Liverpool ONE shopping centre on Thursday as she attended the launch of her new range with Applied Nutrition.Wayne Rooney supported Coleen at her launch on ThursdayCredit: SplashThe I’m a Celeb runner-up was launching her new wellness range with Applied NutritionCredit: SplashRooney beamed while watching his wife greet fansCredit: SplashThe United legend watched from a distance at Liverpool ONE shopping centreCredit: BackGridA large queue formed outside the pop-up shop with fans desperate to meet the 38-year-old.And she received support from husband Wayne, who watched on with a huge smile.Manchester United legend Rooney, 39, is currently out of work after losing his job with Plymouth Argyle.And he sported a new look, having shaved off the shaggy beard he had during his time at Plymouth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe long beard has been replaced by designer stubble as Rooney smiled alongside his celebrity wife.He was seen putting his hand on Coleen’s shoulder as they chatted during the launch.Rooney – who won 120 caps for England between 2003 and 2018 – is looking for a new job after leaving Plymouth.The ex-striker parted ways with the Championship side on New Year’s Eve following a nine-match winless run.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the board of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, in particular Simon Hallett and Neil Dewsnip who I shared great relationships with.”Thanks also to all the staff who made me feel welcome and who make the club such a special place, the players and fans for their efforts and support during my time as head coach and I wish them all the best for the future.”Coleen and Wayne have been together since they were 16 and are parents to sons Kai, 15, Klay, 11, Kit, eight, and Cass, six.Coleen Rooney opens up on husband Wayne’s bizarre bedroom habit and the time Man Utd legend started a fire Rooney had a thick beard when he was manager of PlymouthCredit: RexColeen appeared on Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast this week to discuss her career and 16-year marriage to Rooney.She revealed that her husband once came close to accidentally setting their bedroom on fire by sleeping with a hairdryer on.Coleen explained that he needed white noise to fall asleep, which is why he used the device.She said: “It’s a fan when I’m in the bed, but if not, it is a hairdryer.”If I get up, if he is still in bed I hear him get a hairdryer.”Has he told you that it has caught on fire before? The hairdryer is on cool, but one time he was cold, so it turned it to hot – and it blew up.” More

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      Rodrigo Bentancur’s collapse caused by concussion, confirms Postecoglou as he gives injury update on Tottenham star

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      RODRIGO BENTANCUR suffered a concussion as a result of his horror fall, Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has revealed.The 27-year-old collapsed on the pitch during the first leg of Spurs’ Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool on Wednesday.Rodrigo Bentancur appeared to collapse against Liverpool on WednesdayCredit: AFPHe was stretchered off and rushed to hospitalCredit: EPAPedro Porro rushed to his aid before he received treatment from club doctors and paramedics.Bentancur was subsequently taken off on a stretcher with oxygen and transported to a nearby hospital.After undergoing some medical examinations, he returned home on Wednesday night.And doctors have determined that he suffered a concussion as a result of his worrying fall.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPostecoglou told Spurs’ official website: “It looks like a concussion but nothing more than that.”He was in the hospital, obviously, and they did all of the tests in terms of checking, making sure everything is okay.”And all good. He is back home. He is fine. He is feeling good. “We’ll obviously follow the protocols now. I think it is a couple of weeks where you have to make sure everything is okay.”Most read in FootballConcussion protocols mean Bentancur will miss a minimum of 12 days of matches as a result of the injury. Players are at times permitted to return after a five or seven-day period. But Bentancur’s period of ineligibility has been extended as he suffered a concussion on the opening day of the season.Bentancur gave fans an update on social media, writing: “All good, guys! Thank you for the messages!!! Congratulations for the victory boys!!!”The Uruguayan will now be set for a period on the sidelines while he recovers from his concussion.He gave fans an update on social media after returning homeAccording to the Daily Mail, he will not be allowed back to the club’s training ground until he is given the medical green light.Spurs doctors will stay in regular contact with the midfielder to ensure he is not rushed back.Tottenham went on to beat Liverpool in the semi-final first leg earlier this week.Lucas Bergvall scored a late winner to give his team the advantage going into the second leg at Anfield.Discussing the incident with Bentancur after the match, Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou said: “I don’t have all the information.READ MORE SUN STORIESAntonin Kinsky embraced by family after stellar Tottenham debut against Liverpool”My understanding is he is conscious and he was conscious when he got to the dressing room. We took him to hospital to get him checked over.”It was worrying and always a concern but from what I know hopefully he will be OK.” More

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      Arsenal star Ben White and wife Milly announce they are expecting first baby in heartwarming post

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      ARSENAL star Ben White and wife Milly have announced they are expecting their first baby in a heartwarming post.The Gunners star and his partner left fans delighted as they revealed the latest addition to their family on social media.Ben White and wife Milly announced they are expecting a babyCredit: Instagram / @millywhiteThe Arsenal star and his partner revealed the news onlineCredit: Instagram / @millywhiteThe loved-up pair were congratulated by fansCredit: Instagram / @millywhiteMilly posted a series of snaps showing the couple walking hand-in-hand.While in another picture, White could be seeing lovingly covering her stomach with his hand.Milly captioned the picture: “Half of you, half of me.”Fans were delighted with the amazing news.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne said: “Congrats, such an exciting special time.”Another declared: “Best news, so happy for you both.”One noted: “So special.”Another added: “Eeek crying again.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhite, 27, and Milly, also 27, started dating in early 2022.They enjoyed several luxury holidays together before White popped the question just months later.Michael Owen argues back as Howard Webb reveals VAR took SEVEN SECONDS to decide Brighton penalty vs ArsenalWhite and Milly shared a series of loved-up snapsCredit: Instagram / @millywhiteIt is the latest adventure in their whirlwind romanceCredit: Instagram / @millywhiteWhite and Milly enjoyed their wedding day in May 2023 in front of family and friends.And their baby news is the latest heartwarming update from the popular couple.White has played 12 times for Arsenal this season due to injury.He underwent surgery after picking up a knee problem in November.And White is not expected back for several months.When he is fit, White could make a return to the England set-up after sensationally ruling himself out of international contention.He left the squad during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to personal reasons and hasn’t played for the Three Lions since.READ MORE SUN STORIESThomas Tuchel has promised England’s players a clean slate after taking over from Gareth Southgate.Asked about White, Tuchel said: “Yes. I will reach out to him.”White and Milly got engaged just months after datingCredit: Instagram @millywhiteThey were married in 2023 and can’t wait to welcome their first childCredit: Splash More

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      Everton holding talks with David Moyes over Goodison Park return ex-West Ham boss rejected other job offers

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      DAVID MOYES is in talks for a shock Everton return to replace Sean Dyche.The Toffees axed Dyche, 53, just hours before their FA Cup tie against Peterborough on Thursday.Sean Dyche is in talks for a stunning return to EvertonCredit: AlamySean Dyche was sacked hours ahead of the FA Cup tie with PeterboroughCredit: PAAnd former boss Moyes, 61, has entered talks with Everton after being immediately considered as a replacement. An early approach was made to Moyes and his staff by new owners, The Friedkin Group, before they took control at Goodison Park.The ex-West Ham boss, who left the east London club in the summer, has rejected a number of different offers since leaving the London Stadium – including international jobs and some in America.Speaking last month after being awarded an OBE, he said he was not done in management.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Scot told the BBC: “I don’t consider myself done yet but I am certainly enjoying some time off.”The one thing I won’t do is put any manager under pressure personally, because I don’t believe in it. “I have not liked it when I have been in that position myself.”We are all getting a little bit older and I have to make sure I am doing the right thing for myself.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Football is in my blood. It has been since I was a boy. I love watching football and I have enjoyed my career.”If there is another part to it, so be it. But I would only want it to be a good part. I wouldn’t want to be coming in and doing something which is very difficult.Awkward moment new BBC MOTD favourite upsets David Moyes with comment live on TV as he gives deadpan response “I don’t want to be at the bottom of the league and fighting relegation which I have had a few times, so we will see how things go.”Moyes spent 11 years in charge at Goodison Park before leaving for Manchester United in 2013, leading them to the 2009 FA Cup final and to a 4th placed finish in 2005. More