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      Man Utd star Tyrell Malacia opens up on injury hell that sparked wild conspiracy theories

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      TYRELL MALACIA has responded to wild conspiracy theories that emerged online during his lengthy injury lay-off.The Manchester United left-back, 25, has not featured for the Red Devils since the final Premier League game of the 2022/23 season in May last year.Tyrell Malacia’s last Manchester United game came in May 2023Credit: RexHe has been plagued by a recurring knee problem, but returned to the pitch earlier this week in an U21s game against Huddersfield in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.Dutchman Malacia posted very little on social media during his 17-month absence, leading fans to speculate about his whereabouts.Outlandish theories were dreamt up by conspiracy theorists on social media, including that he’d entered witness protection.But Malacia has now quashed any of those suggestions.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSpeaking to The Athletic, he said: “No, nothing was true. No, no. I’ve just been doing my rehab.”Especially when I was in Holland, I was close to my family — so just training, family, sleeping; training, family, sleeping. The only thing I’ve done.”He continued: “First of all, I’m not really a guy who’s on social media a lot.”If it wasn’t my cousin or my mum sending me this, I wouldn’t even know. Most of the time, a week after I’d find out they were saying this or that.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”As long as my family and I know I’m good, it’s enough. The most important thing is that I know I’m good.”During his time on the sideline, Malacia’s dad fell ill and his grandmother – who he describes as “my second mum” – passed away.Forgotten Man Utd star slapped on the head by team-mates as he returns ‘like a new signing’ after 15 MONTHS outAmid this difficult time, he kept a low profile and remained very private.On his dad, he said: “It’s a bit difficult, because I’m not like a guy who talks about these types of things, but my dad got sick.”He wasn’t able to walk anymore. For my family, it was a big, big impact. It’s still difficult sometimes.”But social media discussions about where he was still got back to him through friends when he was in Holland.He said: “People were saying ‘are you not worried or don’t want to say anything’, especially friends around me, because other people were asking them because they couldn’t get through to me.”They were asking me, ‘Don’t you want to say something publicly about it?'”I was like, ‘No, because I’m not on the internet a lot, I don’t get all this information. If you guys didn’t tell me, I wouldn’t even know. I’m fine’.”Malacia’s imminent return is an early boost to new manager Ruben Amorim as he looks towards his first game in charge away at Ipswich on November 24.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe played 39 games during his first season but did not feature at all in the 2023/24 campaign.He has revealed Casemiro gave him his FA Cup winner’s medal after they triumphed at Wembley last season. More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe considers HALVING payments to disabled supporters association in latest Man Utd cost-cutting measure

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will reportedly consider HALVING the budget allocated to their disabled supporters’ association.Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is in charge of football operations at Old Trafford, set about trying to slash costs immediately after arriving earlier this year.Sir Jim Ratcliffe could agree to a controversial new cost-cutting method that would affect Man Utd’s disabled supporters groupCredit: PAHe made 250 people redundant ahead of the 2024-25 campaign and axed several members of staff from United’s pre-season tour.Senior staff had their access to private cars withdrawn, while some workers had their meal plans drastically changed.In one of Ratcliffe’s most recent cost-cutting methods, legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson was let go from his ambassadorial role.But the British billionaire could now agree to a hugely controversial move in a bid to lower spending even more.Read More on Man UtdThe Daily Mail claims United could HALVE the budget they allocate to the Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association.As things stand, MUDSA is given £40,000-a-year by the club.It feels like the club has lost touch with its soul.Man Utd insidervia The MailFunds go towards a variety of areas including a yearly Christmas party which is attended by the first team squad.MUDSA also works with the Manchester United Foundation to deliver sporting events for people with mixed abilities.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSShould the Red Devils agree to go ahead with the cuts, it would likely generate a hostile response.An insider told the Mail: “This is nothing short of a disgrace. The figures they are talking about are a drop in the ocean and the optics would be horrific. It feels like the club has lost touch with its soul.Man Utd legend Paul Scholes reveals the player who sent him into retirement after Sir Alex Ferguson ‘mistake’ “The disabled supporters’ club has always been a big part of Manchester United and when you see how much money is being wasted on paying off managers and bringing in players who aren’t good enough, something like this will be very difficult to justify.”Man Utd have declined to comment.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. More

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      Premier League club likened to comedy movie villain after releasing ‘floodlit friendly’ anniversary shirt

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      WOLVES have been likened to a comedy movie villain after releasing a special edition shirt.The Premier League club are famed for their unique gold shirts – the only professional team in England to wear that colour.Wolves have unveiled a special edition gold kitCredit: Instagram / wolvesIt pays homage to a match they played against Honved 70 years agoCredit: Instagram / wolvesSome fans compared it to Austin Powers character GoldmemberBut now they have released a new shirt that is truly gold in honour of a match played 70 years ago.Wolves are commemorating their ‘floodlit friendly’ win over Honved in 1954.The 3-2 win over the Hungarian side, considered one of the best in Europe at the time, helped lead to the formation of the European Cup.The kit pays homage to the unique strip wore in 1954, which was made from fluorescent material to allow the players to reflect the floodlights, which were a rarity at the time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans can buy the limited edition shirt for £60, with a special gift box including additional memorabilia available for £125.It is fitted with a classic thick collar and every inch is a solid gold colour, including the Wolves badge.Fans have been reacting to the design with some likening it to Austin Powers baddie Goldmember.Another reacted saying: “That shirt is amazing.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “That is a pretty smart top 👏👏”And another commented: “100 times better than their regular home shirt this season.”‘Serious problems at PGMOL’ Ex-Prem ref blasts VAR after baffling decisions at Liverpool and Wolves More

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      Former Man Utd star who knocked out Wayne Rooney ready to become second ex-Red Devil to join Misfits Boxing

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      A SECOND former Manchester United player is ready to join Misfits Boxing.Phil Bardsley famously showed his boxing skills when he knocked out Wayne Rooney in the kitchen. Phil Bardsley is keen to join Misfits BoxingCredit: SplashDanny Simpson made his boxing debut in the summerCredit: SportsfileAnd he hopes to take inspiration from Danny Simpson by stepping into the ring for a proper bout. Simpson put his Premier League winner’s medal from the 5,000-1 Leicester City success on the line when he drew with Danny Aarons at Misfits 17 in August.Now former Red Devils team-mate Bardsley is keen to follow in his footsteps, by lacing up the gloves and joining the KSI-founded promotion. The ex-defender, 39, said: “I’d certainly be interested in getting into the ring like Danny Simpson. I’ve had people ask me the question and I spoke to Simo about it recently.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”I’ve spoken to Wayne Rooney about a potential fight of his own but the issue he has is that he wants to manage and coach and it would be a bit stupid to go on Misfits or something like that and fight a YouTuber when he’s coaching.”But for me, I’m keen, Simo has spoken to someone at Misfits who spoke to some YouTubers but I don’t think there has been any takers yet which is unfortunate because I like to think I can give it a go. “If someone offered me a few quid for a fight, I certainly wouldn’t turn it down.”On the day the news broke in The Sun and the video of the dust-up went viral, Rooney responded by scoring against Tottenham and then did his knockout celebration.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd though that fight had a very limited audience in the privacy of Rooney’s Cheshire home, his close pal reckons the former England captain could light up Wembley again – in the ring rather than in the box.Bardsley – who launched his own property business after retiring – added to OLBG: “We had no idea that the boxing clip would go viral because we didn’t even know it was being filmed.Sky Sports pundits announce never-before-seen broadcast for huge Arsenal vs Man Utd clash Bardsley famously fought Wayne Rooney in the kitchenCredit: The SunThe ex-England captain ended up flat out on the floorCredit: The Sun”It then got released and sold and it was just one of those things, we’d probably had one too many drinks and then got the gloves out.”People sometimes forget that we are just normal lads from normal backgrounds and that’s just what lads do sometimes.”We had a swing and chinned each other a few times, we both like our boxing and I got the better of him on that occasion.”Wayne Rooney vs Jake Paul would definitely sell out Wembley, you can imagine the audience that would bring in, both in person and online as well.Would Wayne beat Jake Paul? It’s tricky because Jake Paul has done it for a long time now and Wayne hasn’t done it at that level in front of a huge audiencePhil Bardsley”The younger generation would be mad on all the build-up and the clips on their phones, the influencer boxing scene is huge and they’re filling their pockets now.”Would Wayne beat Jake Paul? It’s tricky because Jake Paul has done it for a long time now and Wayne hasn’t done it at that level in front of a huge audience.”He played football in front of millions before Jake Paul was on the scene but fair play to him, now he is doing it on the big stage and getting paid fortunes.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m not sure about him fighting Mike Tyson though, a 20-something lad fighting a 58-year-old, it’s bonkers. “You can understand it financially but I couldn’t fight a 60-year-old man for whatever amount of money. But that’s just me.”Rooney then did this hilarious celebrationCredit: Getty – ContributorBardsley was not part of the team that won the 2006 League Cup finalCredit: GettyHe made 18 appearances for the Red DevilsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Premier League’s biggest overachievers revealed with Man Utd, Arsenal and Man City all suffering huge drop-offs

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      BRIGHTON are this season’s biggest over-achievers.And Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United are all suffering a significant drop-off from last term.Brighton have exceeded expectations this seasonCredit: AFPChelsea have also impressedCredit: GettyMeanwhile, Man Utd have experienced a drop-offCredit: GettySunSport experts have analysed the like-for-like performances of every top flight team compared to the same period in 2023-24.To ensure a full comparison, the three promoted teams – Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton – are awarded the results that relegated Burnley,  Luton and Sheffield United respectively got in their matches.And Brighton’s stunning comeback win over champions City on Saturday mean the Seagulls are a superb nine points and 11 goals better off than after the same 11 matches last term.It is a sign of the impact of new Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler on his squad, which fell away under predecessor Roberto de Zerbi last term.Read More in FootballBut there is ammunition for Enzo Maresca and Andoni Iraola to point to about their positive impacts this term.Chelsea – seven points better off – and Bournemouth, who have earned an extra six points from the matches are second and third in the comparison table.And while Liverpool’s brilliant start to the campaign – and the recent wobbles for City and Arsenal – have put Arne Slot’s men five points clear at the top, they have actually slightly under-achieved last term’s efforts under Jurgen Klopp, with the same points tally and a goal difference worse by three.At the bottom end, even Wolves’ first win of the season over Southampton cannot hide the fact that Gary O’Neil’s side had earned 12 points more after the corresponding matches last season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBrighton top the tableCrystal Palace, on minus seven, and Everton with six points fewer, fill the “relegation zone”.But the next three sides up from the bottom are United, who have earned five points less, Arsenal picked up four more in the same games last term and City, who are three points down as a result of that defeat at the Amex.Pep Guardiola says Man City is not ‘in a dark place’ despite Sporting Lisbon loss More

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      ‘He bottled it,’ squeals Gary Neville as Jamie Carragher gives updated Premier League title prediction

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      GARY NEVILLE mockingly excused Jamie Carragher of “bottling it” after the Liverpool legend sat on the fence with his updated title prediction.With Arne Slot’s side five points clear at the top of the Prem, The Overlap cast were asked to reassess their predictions from the start of the season.Gary Neville excused Jamie Carragher of ‘bottling it’ after the former Liverpool star failed to predict who would win the Premier titleBut Carragher was caught with his tail between his legs after failing to chose a winner come May.He first argued that Arsenal were out of the running because they’re nine points behind Liverpool.But then revealed that Man City, who Carragher picked at the start of the season, have a chance, and the know-how, to catch Liverpool.His opinion that Liverpool share a 50-50 chance with Pep Guardiola’s out-of-form outfit, sparked animated laughter from the rest of panel.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSpeaking on The Overlap’s Stick to Football Podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, a boisterous Neville said: “So are you moving from City to Liverpool?”Carragher replied: “No, no. What I’m saying is City can close the gap, they’ve won it before in the second half of the season.”Before a high-pitched Neville, 49, teasingly interjected: “WHAT! Shut up stop talking. So who you going with?”A red-faced Carragher, 46, doubled-down: “I said before it’s 50-50.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThis sparked utter chaos from Neville, Jill Scott, Roy Keane and Ian Wright, who were brave enough to pick a team, as they burst out screeching.A jumping and throwing Neville said: “He’s bottled it! He doesn’t wanna say Liverpool are going to win the league.”VAR footage of William Saliba red card released by PGMOL as Arsenal fans rage at Liverpool fan’s inputKeane and Scott bent down in laughter as an energetic Wright smacked the table.Carragher turned to divert attention back to the discussion by shouting over them: “There’s no way that Arsenal can win the league.”When repeatedly pressed for a precise prediction by pal Neville, Carragher finally reluctantly said: “I’ll stick with City.”The discussion was sparked by a Sky Sport’s Instagram post that said Liverpool have a 60 per cent chance of winning the title.The probability percentage gave City a 34 per cent of winning, while Arsenal have dropped to just a 4 per cent chance.Liverpool sit five points clear of Man City at the top of the leagueCredit: PACarragher later explained that pundits shouldn’t feel pressure to always go with their first choice from the start of the season.Meanwhile, Neville and Wright stayed with their Arsenal predictions because only “11 games have been played”, while former Lioness Scott and Keane remained with their picks City.But Arsenal will need to be near perfect, with them already having lost two of their first 11 games this season.The group then discussed the nine England stars who have pulled out of international duty this week.Neville said: “Do we all agree that the England players are having it on a bit?”Carragher replied: “100 per cent”, before Wright backed Bukayo Saka’s and Declan Rice’s integrity. Kane made his feelings clear in an interview with ITV SportThis comes after captain Harry Kane accused players of “taking advantage” of the unusual predicament of there being no full-time manager in post.The 101-cap striker, 31, told ITV Sport: “I think England comes before anything. It comes before club and it is the most important thing you play as a professional footballer.”Gareth was hot on that and he wasn’t afraid to make decisions if that started to drift from certain players.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s a shame this week obviously. I think it’s a tough period of the season and maybe that’s been taken advantage of a little bit.”I don’t really like it if I’m totally honest. I think England comes before anything, any club situation.”Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here. More

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      Man Utd legend Paul Scholes reveals the player who sent him into retirement after Sir Alex Ferguson ‘mistake’

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      MAN UTD legend Paul Scholes realised he had to retire for the final time after Gareth Bale ran him ragged.Scholes initially called time on his illustrious playing career at the end of the 2010-11 season after winning the title for the 10th time.Paul Scholes says he ‘knew it was the end’ for his playing career after being exposed by former Tottenham star Gareth BaleCredit: YouTube/ The OverlapScholes has revealed that he felt exposed by Gareth Bale when he came out of retirementCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdBut the Old Trafford ace was tempted out of retirement just seven months later to help Sir Alex Ferguson’s injury crisis at the time.After returning in January 2012, Scholes went on to play for another 16 months before eventually hanging up his boots for the final time in May 2013 at the age of 38.But Scholes revealed it was a “mistake” to agree to return and “knew” it was time for him to step aside after a particularly humbling afternoon against Spurs star Bale.Bale had become one of the most devastating players in the Premier League and would soon join Real Madrid in a deal worth £85m.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSScholes told Football’s Greatest podcast: “I actually thought the first time I retired would be the end.”I came back for six months originally and then the manager wanted me to stay for another season and I think that was a mistake.”I think it was the first home game of my last season, against Tottenham. I remember I didn’t actually play that badly but I remember playing against Gareth Bale.”Now this could have happened to me when I was 21 but he was just starting to burst and he was flying. Most read in FootballBale scored in Tottenham’s 3-2 win at Old Trafford in 2012Credit: Action Images – ReutersScholes would go onto win his 11th Prem title in 2012-13Credit: Getty – ContributorFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I remember him going past me two or three times and I knew I couldn’t compete with that, I had absolutely no chance.”I was in the ice bath later and I could’ve been in there for two days, I could barely move for three or four days.’He should get a job somewhere else,’ fumes Roy Keane as he blasts Man Utd star for gesture after goal “That’s when I knew that was the end. It was a mistake to play that season.”Bale scored in Tottenham’s 3-2 win at Old Trafford in 2012, a game which convinced Scholes he should retire for good.Scholes would play in Ferguson’s final home game as manager of United – but he wasn’t all that keen.He added: “It was a special moment (to come on for his final game) but I didn’t really want it, I wanted to go away quietly. “I didn’t even want to play the last game and even that confirmed I was doing the right thing.”Ranked by his peers as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, it’s not hard to imagine why Ferguson requested for one of his favourites to come out of retirement. Scholes was part of United’s iconic Class of 92Credit: GettyScholes made his comeback in a 3-2 win over rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup and also revealed how he had to go to the local sports shop to pick up a new pair of boots for the match.Some players didn’t know he was coming back until they saw his shirt in the dressing room.He made 17 appearances that season as United lost out to City for the league title on the final day of the season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 66-capped England star went onto win another Prem title with United the following season – his 11th of his career.Since retiring, Scholes has become a well-respected football pundit, working on TNT Sports – and Premier League Productions.Ferguson asked Scholes to come out of retirement in January 2012Credit: Mark Robinson – The SunWhat Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.” More

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      Brazil legend Ronaldo snubs Zidane, Figo, Beckham and Rivaldo and picks former Aston Villa star as best-ever teammate

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      BRAZIL legend Ronaldo Nazario has snubbed a host of superstar pals by picking a former Aston Villa star as his best-ever teammate.Ronaldo, 48, is arguably the greatest No9 in history after starring for some of football’s top sides.Ronaldo Nazario has revealed his best-ever teammate is an ex-Aston Villa starBrazil legend Ronaldo won two World Cups and two Ballon d’Ors in his primeCredit: Getty – ContributorA two-time Ballon d’Or winner, he banged in goals for Barcelona, Real Madrid and both Milan clubs while winning a host of trophies.Ronaldo also led Brazil to TWO World Cups and is now owner of LaLiga side Real Valladolid.As a result of his incredible career, the former hitman has played alongside some of the best in the business.Ronaldo got to link up with fellow superstars like Romario, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho at international level.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile club life saw him play alongside icons including Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and David Beckham.However, Ronaldo feels that another unsung hero trumped them all.Before playing at Barcelona, Real Madrid and the Milan clubs, Ronaldo’s first spell in Europe saw him turn out for Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven.He continued his fine form from first club Cruzeiro by netting 54 goals in 57 matches while also winning the Dutch Cup.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd it was at PSV that Ronaldo struck up a strike partnership with former Belgium star Luc Nilis.The pair linked up superbly on the pitch for two years before Ronaldo was snapped up by Barca.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersRonaldo loved his partnership at PSV Eindhoven with Belgian striker Luc NilisCredit: ReutersNilis played five times for Aston Villa before a leg break ended his careerCredit: GettyNilis went on to net 133 goals in 212 games across six seasons for PSV, winning two titles in the process.His career came to an abrupt end in 2000 after just five matches for Aston Villa when he suffered a complicated leg break that almost required amputation.But despite not being as glamorous a name as some of Ronaldo’s Galactico friends, Nilis has the honour of being his greatest-ever teammate.Ronaldo said: “I played with people like Figo, Romario, Zidane, Rivaldo, Djorkaeff and Raul, but nobody was like him.“(Nilis) was simply fantastic, certainly the best teammate I’ve ever had.”Ronaldo played with numerous superstars over the years including RivaldoCredit: AP:Associated PressZinedine Zidane, David Beckham and Luis Figo were among his pals at Real MadridCredit: EPA More