Premier League

ERIC CANTONA claims Manchester United has lost its soul as he signed his whole family up as shareholders in rebel club FC United.The French legend was back in town at the weekend and took in the disappointing goalless derby against City.Eric Cantona launched a stinging attack on Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: GettyThe minority Manchester United owner has come under fire throughout his tenureCredit: PABut he also made his feelings known by agreeing to become a co-owner of FC United of Manchester – while acquiring shares for his four children and two brothers.Cantona fired another blast at new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe for some of the decisions he has made since he moved into the club early last year.He claims the Ineos owner and his team are trying to “destroy everything” and blasted the decision to move away from Old Trafford.Cantona, 58, said: “I support United because I really love United, but now if I was a fan and I had to choose a club I don’t think I would choose United.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“For me, that is very important to respect these people like you respect your manager and your team-mates.“I think since Ratcliffe arrived it’s the complete opposite and this team of directors they try to destroy everything and they don’t respect anybody.“They even want to change the stadium.“The soul of the team and the club is not in the players. All the people around is like a big family.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I don’t feel close to these kind of decisions. They have another strategy, another project. Do you feel close to this project? I don’t think so.”Cantona – who spent five glittering years at Old Trafford – says it is almost unrecognisable now from the club he knew.Fans say ‘you really aren’t ready’ as bizarre footage emerges of Man Utd legend Eric Cantona’s interviewHe said: “I remember a dressing room with players and Sir Alex Ferguson, all these people you don‘t know who helped us to feel at home and be in a family.“I think it’s very important to respect these people like you respect your manager and team-mates.“Since Ratcliffe arrived, it’s the complete opposite. He doesn’t want Sir Alex Ferguson as an ambassador anymore. He is more than a legend and I think we have to find this soul again.”Last month, it emerged United have drawn up plans for a new £2billion ‘New Trafford’ in the shadow of the Theatre of Dreams.The hope is it could be ready in just over five years – but Cantona is not impressed by the proposals.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.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. He said: “The stadium is iconic. For me, Arsenal lost their soul when they left Highbury and I’m sure a lot of fans miss Highbury.“It’s like when you go in a house and feel a special energy. Can you imagine Liverpool playing in another stadium than Anfield? “It’s impossible. I don’t think United can play in another stadium than Old Trafford.“But I think maybe we are dreamers and they are more like an economy and a strategy. I hate this kind of thing. I hate this kind of decision.”Cantona revealed he offered help to the new regime to restore United to its former glory – but they did not take him up on it.He said: “I work a lot making movies and TV series. I started a long time ago when I left football.“Until the end of October this year I will shoot movies, but I said to them I can put that (aside) and concentre and help you to rebuild something.Read More on The Sun“And they don’t care. Me too, because I work. I don’t ask anything. But I feel sad to see United in this kind of situation.“So, for me and the respect for myself, I had to do it and I did it, and they didn’t care and I don’t care. They decided something else. They have another strategy, another project.”Cantona spent five years lighting up Old TraffordCredit: Getty Images – GettyUnited released plans for their 100,000-seater new stadiumCredit: AFPCantona offered his services to the Ineos owners – but they rejected himCredit: GettySir 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

FANS have been left baffled by a surprisingly list of the top 100 goalkeepers in the world.Number crunchers at CIES Football Observatory Index have ranked shot stoppers across the world based on stats to see who is the best.Gianluigi Donnarumma claimed top spot with a score of 95.5 out of 100Credit: AlamyRobert Sanchez was surprisingly came sixthCredit: RexAndre Onana failed to make the cutCredit: AlamyThey have taken into account the level of competition, results of games played and the “deviation in the percentage of saves compared to the expected value” to come to their conclusions. And CIES have given top spot to PSG and Italy No1 Gianluigi Donnarumma, who scored 95.5 out of 100.Second place went to Inter Milan’s Yann Sommer and the bronze medal position was awarded to Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois.But fans have been left shocked by some of the other names in the top ten, including Brentford stopper Mark Flekken and Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFlekken has made 130 saves in the Premier League this season, 30 more than any other player, while keeping five clean sheets.Sanchez is ranked sixth by the statisticians despite much criticism from Chelsea fans this season.The Spaniard has made five errors directly leading to goals in the Premier League, which is the joint-highest amount in the division.But Chelsea supporters do not need to worry about the goalkeeping position as loanees Djordje Petrovic and Kepa Arrizabalaga make the top 100.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe man spending the season at Strasbourg ranks 11th and Bournemouth’s No1 is 17th.Alisson is regarded by many as the best goalkeeper in the league, but he has to settle for 33rd with a score of 75.1 out of 100.Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirtThat is behind Celtic’s Kasper Schmeichel in 19th and Burnley’s James Trafford in 27th.Meanwhile, it is bad news for Manchester United keeper Andre Onana as he has failed to make the top 100 entirely.His predecessor between the Old Trafford sticks David De Gea is 53rd after a strong campaign at Fiorentina.Other surprise inclusions are Tottenham’s Antonin Kinsky in 67th, while the club’s first-choice option Guglielmo Vicario is nowhere to be seen.Sheffield United ace Michael Cooper and West Ham star Alphonse Areola just about sneak in at 81st and 86th respectively.Fans have slammed the rankings, with one saying: “Immediately I saw Sanchez’s of Chelsea name there, I disregarded the list.”Read More on The SunAnother added: “Did David Raya and Emi Martinez start playing a different sport?A third wrote: “Scandalous.”Mark Flekken made the top five after making more saves than anyone else this seasonCredit: AlamyInter Milan star Yann Sommer was ranked secondCredit: GettyThibaut Courtois had to settle for thirdCredit: Reuters More

RIO FERDINAND has named four players that Ruben Amorim must sign this summer. The former Manchester United centre-back has identified the problem positions that he feels Amorim needs to address.Rio Ferdinand has identified four key problem positions at Manchester UnitedRio Ferdinand believes that Ruben Amorim needs serious backing this summerCredit: GettyThe Red Devils languish in the bottom half of the Premier League table – currently 13th – 15 points adrift of the top four.United face Olympique Lyon in their crucial Europa League quarter-final clash in France on Thursday, with Europe’s secondary competition Amorim’s only chance of silverware in his first term at Old Trafford.The Portuguese has overseen a radical shift in formation since he took over the reins from Erik ten Hag, moving from the Dutchman’s 4-2-3-1 shape to his own 3-4-2-1 system that earned him plentiful admirers at Sporting Lisbon. He was cautiously backed in the January transfer market, with Patrick Dorgu arriving from Lecce to address the injury crisis at left wing-back, while Ayden Heaven joined from Arsenal to add youth to the central defensive ranks. Read more FootballHowever, Ferdinand, speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents Show, believes that there are four players that could begin to turn the tide at Old Trafford and position United on a positive trajectory once again.The six-time Premier League winner said: “I agree with Gary Neville that they need five players, I think they need four or five players but they will be constrained by [Profit and Sustainability Rules].”I want a centre midfielder to play alongside [Manuel] Ugarte; that player needs to be able to take the ball and transfer it through to Bruno [Fernandes] and the strikers. And you know who I’d go for? Adam Wharton.”21-year-old Wharton is currently at Crystal Palace, having arrived from Blackburn Rovers in January 2024 for £22.5million, with his performances so good that he forced his way into England’s Euro 2024 squad.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSScoring goals seems to United’s biggest problem, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee both struggling to shoulder the striking burden. As such, Ferdinand has his eyes on a striker that is tearing up the Turkish Super Lig this term.Rio Ferdinand calls out Roy Keane and Gary Neville’s takes on Man Utd vs Man City Ferdinand said: “We need [Victor] Osimhen”. “We need experience. We need someone who knows how to score. We need someone who can come and show these young strikers at Man United how to do it.”If I’m Man United, I’m making it happen. I want someone who knows their way around the pitch at an elite level and knows how to score at the elite level consistently. Osimhen’s done that.”Osimhen, the 26-year-old Nigerian, scored 31 times in all competitions as Napoli ended a 33-year drought for a Serie A title in 2022-23, and he hit 17 the season after that. However, he fell out with the Italian side, and was shipped out on loan to Galatasaray, where he has netted 26 goals for the Turkish league leaders.Adam Wharton has caught Ferdinand’s eyeVictor Osimhen could be the answer to Man Utd’s goalscoring woesCredit: GettySunSport reported previously that Napoli and United could strike a stunning swap deal that sees Marcus Rashford and Osimhen move in opposite directions, when Rashford’s loan deal at Aston Villa expires at the end of the current campaign.Ferdinand identified Matheus Cunha as his third top target, focusing on the Brazilian’s uncertain future at Wolves as a key reason to pursue a deal. Ferdinand said: “Another one I’d go and buy is Cunha. “He’s made it clear that he wants to leave so I’d go and get Cunha.”The forward threw his future at Molineux into doubt last month, admitting that he was eyeing “the next step”, despite penning a new four-and-a-half year deal with the Black Country outfit in February. Cunha has 13 goals in 26 Premier League appearances this term, and his goalscoring knack, as well as his versatility across the frontline, could make him an ideal signing for Amorim. The final name that Ferdinand presented was a former Manchester City academy prospect, who has since made his name in the Bundesliga as one of the continent’s leading right wing-backs. Ferdinand added: “You know who else I’d go and get? [Jeremie] Frimpong at right wing back.”   Read More on The SunFrimpong, the Netherlands international, currently plies his trade at Bayer Leverkusen, and has been touted as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool. The 24-year-old has featured 43 times in all competitions for Xabi Alonso’s Bundesliga champions, laying on 11 assists and scoring four goals.Matheus Cunha is eyeing a move away from WolvesCredit: GettyJeremie Frimpong has lit up the Bundesliga with LeverkusenCredit: EPA More