Premier League

MANCHESTER UNITED are set to axe up to 200 more staff in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s latest brutal cost-cutting move.The British billionaire paid £1billion for 27.7 per cent of the club last year and has since gone to desperate measures to fix finances at Old Trafford.Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to axe more behind-the-scenes members of staffCredit: AlamyFans have already protested the Ineos regimeCredit: AFPThe Sun understands that between 100-200 employees will be sacked in his latest bid to reduce costs.All departments are at risk of seeing their numbers slashed.A source exclusively told The Sun: “Ultimately, football is a business but there are hundreds of people who work tirelessly behind-the-scenes who contribute to any club’s success. “Morale is already on the floor after last year’s job losses. This will come as another big blow.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt comes after Ratcliffe made 250 of the 1,150 workforce redundant in July.Man Utd have lost £300million across the past three years and despite cash injected by the Ineos regime, the long-term picture remains “challenging”.Ratcliffe is determined to bring the glory days back to the club and is willing to transform things on and off the pitch to do so.Man Utd are understood to be exploring every option to save money and increase revenue.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut the news comes just a day after the New Zealand rugby team sued Ineos for “failing to pay sponsorship fees.”Ratcliffe’s controversial first year at United included raising ticket prices, getting rid of Sir Alex Ferguson from his £2.16m per year ambassador role and cancelling the staff Christmas party.Man Utd reveal first pics of redeveloped 100,000-capacity Old Trafford in ‘biggest regeneration scheme ever seen’He even ended the £40,000 donation to a fund that helped ex-Man Utd players after retirement and replaced staff’s £100 festive bonus with a £40 M&S voucher. Senior members of the behind-the-scenes team saw their company credit cards and private cars cancelled.And when Man Utd made the FA Cup final in May, Ratcliffe ended staff perks like free travel, food, a party and accommodation for the trip Wembley.All while there has been little to cheer on the pitch this season, with the team languishing in 13th in the table.Manager Ruben Amorim even admitted relegation was a “possibility” earlier this season and called his side the “worst United team in history”. The club announced at the end of last year that they were going to scrap concessions and hike ticket prices to a minimum of £66 each for members – the most expensive lowest price in the Premier League.It led to fierce criticism from club legends like Paul Scholes and fans protested with banners that read: “Stop exploiting loyalty.”Supporters also vented their anger at Ratcliffe after their 1-0 win over Fulham three weeks ago, with X-rated chants and a confrontation with the owner as he left the stadium at full-time.United have still spent heavily in the transfer market, splashing £190million on new players in the summer.But there are concerns over breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules should more work not go into balancing the books.READ MORE SUN STORIESRatcliffe, meanwhile, has grand plans to build a new stadium dubbed the “Wembley of the North”.The government has backed the proposed project to redevelop the Old Trafford area and construct a 100,000-seater ground.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

EVERTON have made important plans for their historic Goodison Park home.The Toffees are set to leave their stadium of 133 years for Bramley Moore Dock at the end of the season.Everton are set to leave Goodison Park at the end of the seasonCredit: AFPThe Toffees have launched the Goodison Legacy ProjectCredit: ukgbcFrom the beginning of next term, David Moyes’ side will play around two miles south west of their traditional Goodison base.But that does not mean that they will allow their community to be forgotten.Everton, who will play Liverpool on Wednesday night in the final Merseyside derby at their historic home, submitted the Goodison Legacy Project to local government in April 2020.The plan includes several ways in which the 3.39-hectare site can remain an important community asset beyond the Toffees’ departure.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEverton’s plans aim to provide affordable and social housing with 10 new development blocks featuring 173 residential units.A new health centre is also set to be built, in addition to residential care facilities and an education facility.The Project commits to building a park, providing new green spaces for local residents.While new office spaces could provide job opportunities for locals.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSEverton will move to their new Bramley Moore Dock homeCredit: AFPEverton have also committed to keeping plenty of reminders of the club’s significant footprint in the area.The famous statue of club legend Dixie Dean will remain, rather than being moved to Bramley Moore Dock.Everton boss David Moyes tries to look forward after Tottenham win While Goodison Park’s iconic southwest gates will also stay put.Everton’s new £760million Bramley Moore Dock home is set to boast a 52,888 capacity.It will open its doors for the first time next Monday, as the Toffees’ Under-18s host Wigan.The friendly match will serve as a test event for the new stadium, with 10,000 spectators set to be in attendance.Two more test events will be scheduled prior to its full opening at the start of next season.Meanwhile, a “Farewell to Goodison” festival is set to take place between May 30 and June 1.The event is set to feature appearances from club legends, as well as live music.The iconic southwest gates of Goodison will remainCredit: Getty More

MANCHESTER UNITED need to make seven signings or risk relegation, according to Paul Scholes.The Red Devils have endured yet another torrid season with Ruben Amorim so far unable to transform their fortunes.Man Utd need seven new signings or face relegation says Paul ScholesCredit: ReutersScholes raised concerns over some players in the squadCredit: GettyFormer midfielder Scholes has been very critical of several players in the squad and believes United need a revamp to improve results.Scholes, 50, claims United need a whole new spine through their team and could need seven new faces in their squad.He told The Overlap Fan Debate: “There are a few things that are concerning. There’s a lot of stuff he (Ruben Amorim) needs to do, we all know that, especially in transfer windows, but I don’t see a core of players.”When you look at teams, you look right down the spine of a team. Liverpool: great goalkeeper, great centre half, forwards, midfielders, whatever. I don’t think United have any of that in any position.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I think a new goalkeeper is needed, possibly two centre halves, two centre midfield players, and two centre forwards.”Alright, I’ll go for one centre midfielder and one centre forward, but with a bit of stature, a bit of quality, and really create a spine. When you’ve got that spine right, then you can add bits to it.”Scholes has also questioned whether certain stars are capable of playing in a Premier League-winning side.Even players who have performed well have been scrutinised by Scholes, who took aim at the United defence.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAsked if he rates De Ligt, Scholes said: “Not really. Where are your ambitions? I’m talking about getting a team to win the Premier League.”Are you going to win the Premier League with De Ligt and Yoro as your centre-halves? Is “quite good” good enough for Manchester United?Roy Keane launches incredible blast at ‘shocking and boring’ Man Utd after woeful first half vs Leicester”Even when Lisandro Martinez is fit he’s not good enough to win the Premier League.”With De Ligt, his age and his amount of clubs does concern me. He seems to have got worse as he’s got older. Those clubs have got rid of him for a reason.”[Leny] Yoro is a young player but I haven’t liked what I’ve seen so far. Did you see the Southampton game? Look, he’s a young player and I would keep him in the squad.”Scholes has also expressed concerns over Kobbie Mainoo as he thinks he is lost and managers are unsure of what his best position is.He highlighted a problem with his athleticism, saying: “I think Mainoo is lost. I’ve talked about Declan Rice being lost before – I think Mainoo is lost as well. They don’t know what to do with him.”I don’t think he knows where to play on a football pitch because he’s been played in one of the number 10 positions, he has been played in the two in the midfield, which I can see probably doesn’t suit him because I don’t think the greatest athlete.”He’s a great footballer. I think the No 10 does suit, (but) the false nine, never in a million years.” More

JAMES COLLINS has revealed how he signed a contract with a Premier League club — only to rip it up 20 minutes later in a classy gesture.The Wales icon, 41, spent 14 of his 20 professional careers playing in England’s top flight for West Ham and Aston Villa.James Collins signed a deal with a Premier League club before ripping it up 20 minutes laterCredit: XThe incident occurred after Collins left West Ham in 2018Credit: Getty Images – GettyAfter starting in the lower divisions with Cardiff, Collins joined West Ham in 2005.He played 65 times for the Hammers before joining Villa in 2009.But after 108 games, Collins returned to West Ham in 2012 and became a stalwart in defence with 149 outings.He was released in 2018 after his contract expired.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd that opened the door to a sensational return to Aston Villa.Dean Smith had just taken over as manager and offered a short-term deal to Collins, who had already been training at the club to maintain his fitness.Delighted with the outcome, the centre-back eagerly penned his documents before joining teammates for his first official training session.But after neglecting to warm up, Collins immediately suffered an injury as he popped his calf while sprinting.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe veteran knew it would keep him out for several months — nearly the same amount of time as his Villa deal.And in a heartwarming gesture, Collins went straight up to Smith before insisting his recently-penned contract be ripped up.Football icons’ strange hobbiesCollins had already spent time at Aston Villa earlier in his careerCredit: GettyIt saw Collins miss out on a dream return to Villa Park, with the defender eventually joining Ipswich before retiring at the end of the 2018/19 season.Collins told Peter Crouch’s podcast: “You’re only going up there to train. Dean Smith gets the job, JT goes in with him.“So I spoke to JT, he said ‘carry on coming up and we’ll have a look at you’. “I felt good doing a bit of training, they offered me a contract. It was going to be a two, three-month contract.“This is how mad it is as a footballer. I had to sign it on the Thursday to be on the bench for the Saturday.“I signed it Thursday about 10.20am. I’m signing it, stuff like that, so by the time I’ve signed and gone out for training, the boys have started their warm ups and they’re on the sprints.“So I thought me being old, I’ll go straight into the sprints. I did a sprint and popped my calf.I thought I can’t sign a four-month contract and be injured for two of themJames Collins“I’ve just signed this contract for Villa, so I went over to Dean Smith and JT and went, ‘boys I’ve just popped my calf’.“Because I’ve done my calf so much I knew it was quite bad. I went running quick and ripped the contract up because I knew I would only sign for three, four months.“I did love my time at Villa and they were really good to me. But I thought I can’t sign a four-month contract and be injured for two of them.“I was technically a Villa player. I went to Smith, ‘look, I can’t do that to you because I could be out for two months’. READ MORE SUN STORIES“I ran back in to the secretary and said, ‘have you sent that contract off yet?’ She went, ‘no’, so I went ‘we’re going to have to rip it up, I’ve just pulled my calf’.“I could have sat there, I knew my calves could have been two or three months, their contract wasn’t (long) so I said, ‘let’s rip it up, I can’t do that to you’. Then I went, got fit and ended up at Ipswich.”James Collins’ football careerCardiff, 2000-2005: 86 games, 6 goalsWest Ham, 2005-2009: 65 games, 2 goalsAston Villa, 2009-2012: 108 games, 6 goalsWest Ham, 2012-2018: 149 games, 7 goalsIpswich, 2018-2019: 6 games, 0 goalsWales, 2004-2016: 51 games, 3 goalsTrophies: League One play-offs, FAW Premier Cup (Cardiff) More