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    Premier League block Aston Villa request to move Liverpool clash – leaving Emery’s side with 5 brutal games in 14 days

    ASTON VILLA are facing a punishing fixture congestion consisted of five games in just 14 days.That is after the Premier League rejected Villa’s request to move next week’s clash with Liverpool.The Premier League rejected Aston Villa’s request to move next week’s clash with LiverpoolCredit: RexUnai Emery’s side face a brutal fixture congestion consisted of five games in just 14 daysCredit: RexThe frustrated Villans are scheduled to host the Prem leaders on Wednesday at Villa Park.That game was originally pencilled down for March 15 but it now clashes with the Carabao Cup final weekend with the Reds facing Newcastle on the 16th at Wembley.With the Champions League Last 16 starting in the first week of March, Unai Emery’s side wanted to push the Liverpool game back to later next month or later in the season.Villa’s argument was based on them having only one Premier League game next month at Brentford on March 8.Read More on FootballHowever, Prem chiefs blocked that request to leave Emery and co facing a brutal fixture pile-up over the next two weeks.Villa are now set to play Ipswich on Saturday, Liverpool on Wednesday, Chelsea on February 22 and Crystal Palace on the 25th.Emery’s men will then host Cardiff in the fifth round of the FA Cup on February 28.Villa are competing on three fronts this season after an impressive campaign last term.Most read in FootballThe Midland giants are favourites to qualify to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.They also finished in the Champions League’s top eight and made it straight to the Last 16.Emi Martinez reveals Unai Emery’s genius pre-match preparation that inspired Aston Villa to win over Bayern MunichAnd Villa are targeting another top-four finish in the Premier League as they are currently eighth with six points separating them from fourth-placed Chelsea. More

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    Man Utd players ‘already noticing major difference between Ruben Amorim and Erik ten Hag’ just months into the job

    MANCHESTER UNITED manager Ruben Amorim has adopted a significantly different approach to his predecessors at Old Trafford by maintaining a professional distance from many players.Amorim, 40, took over United in November when he replaced Erik ten Hag following Ruud van Nistelrooy’s brief stint as interim manager.Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is maintaining a distance from most playersCredit: PAErik ten Hag was especially close with ex-Ajax stars and Man Utd academy graduatesCredit: GettyMan Utd players praised Ruud van Nistelrooy’s man-management styleCredit: PAAccording to the Manchester Evening News, the Portuguese tactician has adopted a much more different attitude towards his players as he is not close with most of them.Ten Hag was known for his gruff nature during his two-year spell with the Red Devils but had close bonds with a number of players.That includes those the Dutchman signed from former club Ajax, such as Andre Onana, Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez.The 55-year-old was also popular among academy graduates, like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, as he was the one that promoted them to the senior squad.Read More on Man UtdVan Nistelrooy was also widely praised for his man-management style, despite only spending two weeks at the helm on a caretaker capacity.A senior United ace described the now Leicester boss’ squad management as “excellent”.Casemiro was especially a big fan of the Dutch tactician as they communicated in fluent Spanish following their separate stints playing for Real Madrid.However, Amorim is not getting attached to the majority of squad members.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis comes amid intense speculation that a major squad upheaval is planned this coming summer transfer window as the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss is looking to establish his own methods at United.This comes after the notable exits of Marcus Rashford, Antony and Tyrell Malacia during the January transfer window.Roy Keane reveals emotional reaction to Man Utd exit after bust-up with Sir Alex Ferguson It has been noticed that Amorim is naturally closest to fellow Portuguese aces Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, both of whom are expected to remain at Man Utd for next season. More

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    ‘She’s not with me’ – Jack Grealish pictured leaving swanky restaurant at the same time as mystery blonde

    JACK GREALISH shouted “she’s not with me” after being pictured leaving a swanky restaurant at the same time as a mystery blonde.The Manchester City star was all smiles as he departed Chiltern Firehouse in Marylebone on Wednesday night.Jack Grealish was spotted leaving a swanky restaurant at the same time as a mystery blondeCredit: SplashGrealish declared ‘she’s not with me’ as he left Chiltern FirehouseCredit: SplashKieran Gibbs’ twin brother Jaydon was situated between themCredit: SplashThe mystery woman and Grealish reportedly ‘looked cosy’ at the barCredit: SplashGrealish went back inside the venue before exiting alone and ‘sneaking’ into a carCredit: SplashGrealish looked to be in good spirits just a day after coming off injured in City’s 3-2 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.And the ex-Aston Villa star was spotted leaving the popular celeb hangout as a mystery woman walked behind him.Another man, believed to be former Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs’ twin brother Jaydon, was situated between them.The Mail claims she “accompanied” Grealish on his way out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile a source said the pair “looked cosy” at the bar before trying to make a “low key exit.”But outside, Grealish was heard shouting: “She’s not with me.”He then reportedly went back inside Chiltern Firehouse before coming out again completely alone.Grealish completed his exit by “sneaking” into a chauffeur-driven car.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd it remains unclear whether he will be involved in Man City’s Premier League clash against Newcastle tomorrow.Other celebrities at the venue that night are said to have included Mark Ruffalo, Ellie Bamber, Morena Baccarin and Jamie Carragher.Man City boss Pep Guardiola responds to late collapse to Real Madrid Grealish has been with long-term partner Sasha Attwood for over 12 yearsCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebeccaThe pair met while at schoolCredit: InstagramThey welcomed their first daughter together in SeptemberCredit: InstagramGrealish was forced off injured in Man City’s 3-2 defeat to Real MadridCredit: AFPGrealish’s night out in London came after he recently admitted 2024 had been “the most difficult year of my life.”The ace welcomed daughter Mila Rose with partner of 12 years Sasha Attwood in September – their first child together.But his football season was blighted by injury and long spells on the bench, leading to his omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad.Grealish said: “Last year, the whole year itself, it was weird because my little daughter was born, but apart from that it was one of the most difficult years.“Probably the most difficult year of my life for many reasons, on and off the pitch.“I found it really difficult. It’s a new year now and hopefully I can kick on.” More

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    Former Nottingham Forest flop gets suspended jail sentence for illegally filming ex-girlfriend during sex

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST flop Hwang Ui-jo has landed a prison sentence – after a court found him guilty of illegally filming his ex-girlfriend during sex.The South Korea striker spent two years on Forest’s books after a 2022 move from Bordeaux.Nottingham Forest flop Hwang Ui-jo has been found guilty of illegally filming his ex during sexCredit: AFPHe has been handed a suspended prison sentence of one yearCredit: GettyBut he never played for the Premier League side, instead going out on a series of loans.Hwang, 32, appeared 18 times for Norwich last season – scoring three goals for the Championship club.But he was charged with filming two women during sex without their consent on four occasions in 2022.And Seoul’s Central District Court handed him a one-year suspended jail term on Friday after convicting him of charges relating to one of the women.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe court said: “Considering that he filmed them with a cellphone during sexual intercourse against their will, the number of times the crime was committed, and the specific details of the filmed material, the nature of the crime is not good.”Given the seriousness of the socially harmful effects of illegal filming, it is necessary to punish strictly.”The court said Hwang’s punishment had been reduced as he had previously expressed his remorse, and the videos had been shared on social media by a third party.The striker has been with Turkish club Alanyaspor since joining them on an initial loan from Forest last year.Most read in FootballHe previously spent three seasons with Bordeaux, scoring 29 goals in 98 games for the French Ligue 1 club.Hwang has so far played 11 times for Alanyaspor this season, scoring five goals.Last season he featured eight times for the Turks, scoring just once.His contract with the Super Lig side expires this summer. More

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    ‘Emotions got the better of me’ – Liverpool boss Arne Slot breaks silence on red card controversy and mystery over ban

    ARNE SLOT has broken his silence after being sent off following Liverpool’s dramatic 2-2 draw at Everton. The league leaders looked moments away from going nine points clear after goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah. Arne Slot broke his silence after being sent off following Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at EvertonMichael Oliver sent Arne Slot off after Liverpool’s draw with EvertonCredit: ReutersCurtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure were sent off for their clashCredit: ReutersBut in the EIGHTH minute of stoppage time, Everton defender James Tarkowski hammered home a last-gasp leveller. It sent Goodison Park into a frenzy – but the drama was not over there. Abdoulaye Doucoure would goad the travelling Liverpool support – sparking a clash with Curtis Jones. And both were sent off after they started a mass brawl between opposing players of the Merseyside rivals. READ MORE IN football Anfield boss Slot was also shown red for his involvement in the chaos – and he then skipped the post-match press conference. But ahead of Liverpool’s home game with Wolves on Sunday, the Dutch manager spoke out but refused to give details over his ban. He said: “There’s an ongoing process now and I think I have to respect that we have to respect that so can’t go into details. “What happened was that the extra time, five minutes that ended up being eight, happens a lot. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The emotions go the better of me. I would love to do it differently and am looking to do it differently next time as well, but I don’t want to disturb the ongoing process.”The Premier League deleted a statement suggesting Slot will face a two-match touchline ban for alleged “offensive, insulting, or abusive language”.New footage of Arne Slot’s interaction with Michael Oliver emerges as mystery surrounds Liverpool manager’s red card So the process is still under review meaning the Dutchman could be in the Liverpool dugout over the weekend while the investigation carries on. But Jones will miss the match following two yellow cards. Slot added: “The good thing is we have played so many games. He got a second yellow I assume so that’s only one game. “Next Wednesday there is a game, he comes back from an injury so he already missed a few games.”I liked him a lot when he came on. It was our best part of the game, the only part of the game where I felt a bit of comfort and where it felt like a bit of control. That is maybe because we went 2-1 up.”I like a lot that he stands up for the team but I think there are also other ways to do that for the team and the fans. “I will talk with him about that. But it is the same for me, I should have acted differently after the game as well.”But it is an emotional game and sometimes people make the wrong decisions in an emotional moment and that’s what I did.”With Jones also out, Liverpool face more injury misery with Cody Gakpo to be sidelined along with Joe Gomez is out and Tyler Morton. READ MORE SUN STORIESSlot said: “Joe Gomez is out and Tyler Morton is out. Cody is a bit of a doubt as well, so let’s wait [to see] how he is today.”I had to take him off because of an injury, because he got a knock, so let’s see how he is today.” More

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    Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson wanted by Atletico Madrid with two Premier League rivals ready to do battle for transfer

    ATLETICO MADRID are plotting an ambitious summer move for Nicolas Jackson – but could face competition from TWO Premier League sides.The Chelsea striker, who is currently injured, has performed well this season bagging nine Premier League goals so far.Atletico Madrid are considering a move for Nicolas JacksonCredit: GettyBut there is still a question mark over whether he has the quality to lead Chelsea back to the top of the table which remains the west London club’s ultimate ambition.The Blues have been linked with moves for a new striker.And if they do enter the transfer market in the summer for a No9 it could push Jackson towards the exit.Atletico have long admired the player and the Spanish giants would be at the front of the queue should he become available.Read More in FootballBut SunSport understands Aston Villa and Newcastle are also monitoring developments.Aston Villa know that they face a fight to keep hold of their forward Ollie Watkins in the summer, with Arsenal keen to resurrect a deal for the player.And Alexander Isak could leave St James’ Park if Eddie Howe can’t deliver Champions League football.Earlier this month SunSport revealed that Newcastle were monitoring potential replacements. Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert is firmly on their radar.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJackson has scored nine Prem goals this seasonThey’ve watched the Cherries striker several times this season and believe he could be persuaded to follow in his father’s footsteps, Patrick Kluivert, who was a favourite on Tyneside.But Jackson, a proven Premier League goalscorer, would also appeal to Newcastle and they are closely monitoring developments.Shock new footage appears to show Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson slapping Nottingham Forest rival in face More

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    Nuno Espirito Santo named Premier League’s most-loved boss on Valentine’s Day.. but it’s bad news for Ange Postecoglou

    NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO has been named the Premier League’s most-loved manager. The Portuguese coach has plenty to smile about with his Nottingham Forest side still sitting third in the table. Nuno Espirito Santo has been named the Premier League’s most-loved managerCredit: RexThomas Frank was not far behindCredit: GettyAnd according to date collected by Heart Bingo on Valentine’s Day, Nuno has the highest share of positive posts on social media. It makes him the most beloved Prem boss on social media, with a 25 per cent positivity score. Just behind on 21 per cent was Brentford’s Thomas Frank with the returning Graham Potter – at West Ham – not far off with 18 per cent. It is not so pleasant viewing for under-fire Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, though. READ MORE IN footballHe ranks near the bottom with just eight per cent of positive posts – with 35 per cent negative. But rock bottom sits Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna – who came to the English top-flight with a stellar reputation. The Prem new-boys have struggled and stand second to bottom. McKenna appears to have taken the brunt of that with just four per cent of positive social media posts. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIpswich were promoted after coming second in the Championship last season – and McKenna believes he still has a winning side. He said: “I’ve said before I know how good a lot of the work is here. ‘You’re in cuckoo land’ – Roy Keane lays into Ian Wright claiming James Maddison is Tottenham’s missing link”I know the team that we’ve been and the team that we want to be again, but I also know the challenge that we have of the jump that we’ve made and how quickly it’s been made. “The chance to go up against good Championship opposition and what that entails and the feel of that game then is a good little confidence booster, even for people in the building, on some of the work that’s going on, some of the improvement that’s being made, but it’s hard to show it against Liverpool, against Man City, against some of the toughest games you have. “And with their being fewer games in the Premier League, it’s hard to always get the validation of the improvements that are being made for a group like ours. The couple of games in the cup have been good for that.”Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich are facing Prem relegationCredit: Getty More

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    ‘It was absolutely illegal at Man Utd’ – Gary Neville reveals he kept second life secret from Sir Alex Ferguson

    GARY NEVILLE has revealed how he kept his “second life” a secret from Sir Alex Ferguson during his time as a Manchester United player.Neville played 602 times between 1992 and 2011, winning eight titles and two Champions Leagues in the process.Gary Neville has opened up over his secret second life while being a Man Utd playerCredit: AFPNeville pulled out all the stops to prevent Sir Alex Ferguson from discovering his secretCredit: GettyThe right-back was also capped 85 times by England and remains a Man United legend to this day.However, Neville has now opened up on living a secret double life during his playing days.Speaking to The Times, he revealed how he would covertly study ARCHITECTURE while teammates enjoyed games of poker to pass the time travelling between games.Neville knew he had to keep things under wraps from Sir Alex, who demanded his stars gave 100 per cent focus and attention to the beautiful game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNeville ended up using his new-found skills to build a series of homes in northern Bolton, knowing Fergie’s spies mainly stuck to southern Manchester where most players were based.And the former defender would even use the name of a trustee, instead of his own, on documents to make sure he was never caught out.Neville, who ended up selling most of his 25 executive homes over the next decade without being busted, said: “I’ve still got four. My mum lives in one of them.“(Things were done) under the radar. Purely because I knew that it would be deemed a distraction.Most read in Football“For me, my football was everything. But distraction was absolutely illegal at United.“You could not be distracted by anything. At the same time, I knew that my football career would one day come to an end, and I knew I had to plan for that.”Neville now oversees a vast property empire boasting 56 businesses worth £100million.And it all started with him using his free time after training to understand the ins and outs of the trade.Neville continued: “I was going up on site every afternoon after training. I don’t know what other lads did.“But I would go on site, spend time in the design team meetings, sit on the construction meetings and make sure I was in cost meetings, bank meetings, sales meetings. I loved every aspect of it.“I used to bring the architects’ drawings with me in the bag for the plane on European trips. I wouldn’t read them before the game but you can’t sleep after, you’re wired.“I’d make sure no one was sitting next to me and then get them out and start looking at the drawings, the designs and all the things I needed to do.“For 10, 12 years, I had this almost double life. If you asked me what I know most about other than football, it would be property.” More