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      Gary Lineker reveals he snubbed Premier League manager job offer – and gives three brutally honest reasons why

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      GARY LINEKER revealed he turned down the opportunity to work as a manager in the Premier League.Lineker is arguably the most famous UK media personality thanks mostly to his work as presenter of Match of the Day ever since he took over from Des Lynam in 1999.
      Gary Lineker revealed Match of the Day could have looked very differentCredit: BBC
      However, the popular football show could have looked very different if the ex-England star decided to follow in the footsteps of fellow legends and try his luck in management.
      The 62-year-old was offered the top job at Aston Villa and his beloved Leicester in the 1990s.
      In fact, the late Doug Ellis – who was Villa chairman from 1982 until 2006 – called the Tottenham legend personally and offered him the position.
      But the Barcelona hero turned down the opportunity, just like he did with the Foxes, because that career path never “appealed” to him.
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      The ex-Everton star was certain that wouldn’t work and is adamant he wouldn’t “have been very good at it”
      The popular presenter also remembered how much he disliked training as a player.
      Finally, the former striker wouldn’t be able to handle a dressing room as he couldn’t even be able to leave someone out of the team.
      Lineker told The Rest Is Football: “It never appealed, for a variety of reasons.
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      “I don’t think I’d have been very good at it. I don’t think I could have coped with leaving someone out of the team.
      “I never really loved training, I found it quite boring most of the time. So if I didn’t like training, I’m not going to really like watching training. It just never, ever, ever crossed my mind.
      “I got a couple of job offers, I think Villa, Doug Ellis asked me to be Villa manager, and Leicester did at one point.
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      Lineker was offered the opportunity to manage Aston Villa and LeicesterCredit: BBC
      “I got a phone call from Doug Ellis, it was shortly after, I can’t remember the era apart from the fact that it was relatively soon after I’d finished playing.
      “And he said, ‘Would you be interested in the Aston Villa job?’ And I just said, ‘Management is not for me, sorry Doug’.” More

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      Alan Shearer jokes his description of Evan Ferguson makes him ‘sound like a w***er’

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      ALAN SHEARER jokingly said his description of Brighton wonderkid Evan Ferguson makes him “sound like a w***er”. The Premier League’s all-time top goal scorer revealed his high hopes for the 18-year-old and how he sees his younger self in him.
      Alan Shearer says the world is Evan Ferguson’s oysterCredit: PA
      Shearer joking said he ‘sounds like a w***er’ when speaking about FergusonCredit: Getty
      Ferguson has emerged as one of the brightest talents in football, scoring four goals in four games for the Seagulls.
      He made the headlines after Brighton’s 3-1 victory against Newcastle for becoming the fourth 18-year-old to score a hat trick in the Premier League.
      The Irish international follows in the footsteps of legends Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler and Chris Bart-Williams.
      Shearer is among those impressed by Ferguson’s breakthrough and sees his style of play in the striker.
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      The Newcastle icon wrote in The Athletic: “I’m not sure how to write this next bit without sounding like a w***r.
      “But as I watched Ferguson against Newcastle, I caught myself thinking, ‘Yeah, I recognise that’ or, ‘Hmm, I may have seen some of that before’.
      “I don’t know whether it was his exuberance or confidence, the touch of arrogance, but that little strut, the way he handled himself, was very reminiscent of how I felt at that age.
      “Goals were my drug and we share the addiction.”
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      Ferguson made his senior debut as a 14-year-old, coming on for Irish side Bohemians in a pre-season friendly with Chelsea in 2019.
      The forward impressed against Frank Lampard’s star-studded team and even set up the Bohemians’ 89th-minute equaliser with a cheeky stepover.
      This had the Brighton academy sweating to land the youngster after spotting his talent before that – but he joined them in 2021.
      Shearer, who scored a hat-trick against Arsenal on his full debut for Southampton aged just 17 – believes the world is now Ferguson’s oyster.
      The Prem legend continued: “Steer clear of injuries on the pitch and knobheads off it and the world lies at those lethal feet of his. Yeah, I like what I see.
      “What do I love about him? Everything.”
      His talent has not gone unnoticed by Premier League rivals as Manchester City are linked to snatching the striker next summer.
      Even Gareth Southgate has reportedly tried to tempt the teenager to switch allegiance to join the Three Lions, according to the Metro. More

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      Fans baffled at ‘weird and unnecessary’ reason why Son Heung-min can’t take selfies with supporters’ iPhones

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      FANS have been left perplexed after Son Heung-min seemingly refused to touch a supporter’s iPhone.Son was approached by a fan who wanted to get a selfie with the Tottenham captain.
      Son Heung-min refused to touch one supporter’s phoneCredit: TikTok / @stevie_king
      But fans have worked out the reason the Tottenham skipper had no problems with holding someone else’sCredit: TikTok / @stevie_king
      But in bizarre scenes, the South Korean star appeared to say to the supporter he was not able to hold her mobile phone.
      Son apologetically put his two hands together and explained that she has to take the snap rather than him.
      However, in a later clip at the same location, the attacker is seen holding another fan’s phone without any issues as he took the photo of them together.
      Eagle-eyed viewers believe they have figured out the unique reason for the different behaviour.
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      Son is a brand ambassador for Samsung and signed a contract to be a partner of the tech giants earlier this summer.
      Fans have noticed that the first woman, who saw her phone rejected by Son, had an iPhone but the second had a Samsung.
      It led to many being convinced that he is not allowed to be seen holding Apple products due to his deal with their rival company.
      Some were baffled by the strict rules, one said: “This is just weird and unnecessary.”
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      Others praised the fans’ favourite, saying: “Sonny = Loyalty.”
      Since becoming the face of Samsung in South Korea, Son has done adverts promoting their range of products.
      The Premier League golden boot winner two seasons ago has also struck brand deals with Burberry, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Gatorade, AIA Singapore, Tiger Beer and Adidas in the past.
      He has even danced in an ice cream advert in his homeland.
      Son has scored three goals in five games this season for Spurs. More

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      Van de Beek attracting transfer interest from two clubs with Man Utd outcast offered last-minute career lifeline

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      MANCHESTER UNITED outcast Donny van de Beek could seal a move away from Old Trafford this week with two clubs showing genuine interest, according to reports.The 26-year-old has not made a competitive appearance for the Red Devils since January.
      Van de Beek could leave United on loan this weekCredit: Getty
      He spent the second half of the 2022-23 campaign on the sidelines with a knee injury and has since fallen down the pecking order.
      Erik ten Hag allegedly has no plans to re-introduce him to the first team squad, so club officials are now looking to facilitate a transfer.
      And according to football journalist Nicolo Schira, two Turkish clubs have expressed an interest in signing Van de Beek on loan.
      Although the two clubs have not been named by Schira, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce have both previously been linked with a swoop for the midfielder.
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      The Turkish Super Lig transfer window closes on Friday, meaning a deal will have to be struck this week.
      Van de Beek joined Man Utd in a £39million transfer from Ajax in 2020.
      He has made just 60 first team appearances and provided two goals and two assists.
      Ten Hag has now cut him out of the squad altogether.
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      Van de Beek was snubbed from Man Utd’s 25-man squad for the Champions League last week.
      And he is yet to be named in the Premier League squad this season. More

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      Sky Sports and TNT Sports could be forced to make major historic change to Premier League coverage

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      BROADCASTERS Sky Sports and TNT Sports are hoping to make a series of changes to their in-game coverage of the Premier League.TNT Sports, formerly BT Sport, introduced some unique features ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Nottingham Forest last month.
      Broadcasters want to speak to players after they have been substitutedCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Fans loved the new features on TNT Sports earlier this seasonCredit: Twitter / @footballontnt
      In one instance, presenter Jules Breach and Ally McCoist spoke to Gunners captain Martin Odegaard at the entrance to the Emirates Stadium.
      Breach also completed a link in the tunnel at half time while the players returned to the pitch.
      The changes proved to be a roaring success among fans, so both TNT Sports and Sky Sports are now keen to implement new features to enhance the in-game experience for fans.
      According to The Daily Mail, in-game interviews and cameras in the dressing rooms could become the norm.
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      Broadcasters want to be able to speak to players just moments after they are substituted during a match.
      The prospect reportedly received a ‘lukewarm response’ when it was relayed to clubs last week.
      International partners have told Premier League executives that they want them to improve access while matches are taking place, which has prompted the proposals for change.
      In a recent off-pitch change, PGMOL chief Howard Webb has started to release VAR audio as a way of explaining why some decisions were made during games.
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      His most recent broadcast was aired last week, when he justified some decisions made during Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United.
      Webb also spoke about about the decision by Simon Hooper to not award a penalty for Andre Onana’s clumsy collision with Sasa Kalajdzic. More

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      Old Trafford matchday atmosphere set to take a hit as Man Utd’s singing section REFUSE to take part in two matches

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S singing section is refusing to take part in two upcoming matches due to an ongoing dispute with the club.The Red Army [TRA] are the group responsible for managing the singing section in the Stretford End at Old Trafford.
      Manchester United’s singing section will not be present for upcoming games against Crystal Palace and GalatasarayCredit: Getty – Contributor
      But they will sit out of games against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup and Galatasaray as they believe the club has classified them as a ‘risk group’.
      The group held talks with United and was informed that members of a risk group could attract the attention of authorities.
      But United deny categorising TRA in such a manner, stating the risk group classification was a suggestion from local authorities.
      A club statement read: “Our Chief Operating Officer met with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and received confirmation that The Red Army were not classified as a ‘risk group of supporters’. The above clarification was shared with The Red Army on 26 May 2023.
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      “We have not had any further updates from Greater Manchester Police to say they have reclassified The Red Army as risk supporters and we do not expect to.
      “We are disappointed that The Red Army are not running the section for these cup games as these fixtures represent two very important matches in key competitions and the atmosphere section plays such a vital role in supporting the team in the big moments.
      “We are proud of what has been achieved and the support that section provides to Erik (ten Hag) and his team, and we will continue to try to work with The Red Army as it is not in the interests of the team, the fans and The Red Army members that the section is not operational.”
      The TRA was formed in 2017 to improve Old Trafford’s stale atmosphere.
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      It has encouraged younger fans to attend matches and for some it has allowed them to connect with other supporters.
      United welcome Palace to Old Trafford in back-to-back games at the end of the month, and the TRA will be in place for the Premier League visit – but not the cup. More

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      Six players holding Man Utd back according to Souness, including ‘gamble’ Hojlund and ‘Steady Eddie’

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      SIX players are holding Manchester United back, according to Graeme Souness. The Red Devils have endured a difficult start to the new season on and off the pitch.
      There are big expectations for Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund this seasonCredit: Getty
      Andre Onana replaced David De Gea at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
      Erik ten Hag’s side have looked very unconvincing so far with defeats away at Arsenal and Tottenham – and narrow victories over Wolves and Nottingham Forest.
      There have also been the situations with Mason Greenwood, Jadon Sancho and now Antony.
      And now Souness has piled in on the Old Trafford club’s big spending – and identified his key culprits.
      That included new expensive recruits Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana who cost a combined £119million this summer.
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      Hojlund made his debut at Arsenal last week – but is still managing a back stress fracture – while Onana was lucky to avoid giving a penalty away on his debut.
      Souness said: “I don’t think Manchester United are going to be any better than they were last season.
      “They’ve spent £72m on a young centre-forward in Rasmus Hojlund, who has not got a great goalscoring record.
      “He played 34 games for Atalanta and only hit the back of the net ten times. Now he’s come to a league where it’s really tough to get goals.
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      “I might be wrong but that’s one hell of a gamble for somebody that doesn’t have a proven track record.
      “I think Onana will make them better at playing out from the back but will he do the most important thing in keeping the ball out the back of the net? I’m not sure about that one.”
      Souness also piled in on attackers Sancho, Antony and Anthony Martial – while Casemiro did not escape the wrath of the fiery Scot.
      Sancho has been an outcast following his public spat with Ten Hag, Antony struggled for form before his delayed return to training amid abuse allegations and Martial has not hit double figures for goals in a season since 2019-20.
      Casemiro, meanwhile, is starting to be exposed for his lack of movement in the middle of the park.
      Liverpool icon and former Sky Sports pundit Souness told the Express: “I wrote an article five years ago stating it was the last chance saloon for Anthony Martial. Yet he’s still starting matches as their main focal point in attack.
      “He isn’t a Manchester United player. He will get you excited and then let you down.
      “I still don’t think Antony or Jadon Sancho are long-term solutions for United if they want to win the Premier League and Champions League. They’re still relying on Marcus Rashford.
      “I’ve been heavily criticised for saying this but in my view Casemiro is a Steady Eddie. He’s a good player but not one you want to pay money to go and watch.”
      Antony has not had the impact he would have wantedCredit: Getty
      Jadon Sancho has been pushed aside by Erik ten HagCredit: Getty
      Anthony Martial has struggled to impress in recent timesCredit: Getty More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo skinned me then WINKED at me when he was at Man Utd – I couldn’t believe what I was seeing

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      MICAH RICHARDS has revealed how Cristiano Ronaldo would WINK at him on the pitch.The Portuguese was a tricky winger during his first spell at Old Trafford, tormenting defenders with his skill and speed.
      Cristiano Ronaldo used to wink at Micah Richards after taking him onCredit: Getty
      Richards was not immune to punishment and had a few tough games up against Ronaldo.
      He revealed CR7 would leave him mesmerised with his skill on the ball and after being beaten by the winger Ronaldo would wink at him.
      Richards, 35, told The Rest is Football podcast: “When I played against Ronaldo, wow, you couldn’t switch off for a second.
      “He would come to be and do five stepovers in two seconds. And I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing he was such a genius.
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      “I was twisted and tangled before you knew it.
      “He never said anything but he just used to wink at me all the time.
      “He used to do a Cruyff chop and then he’d go past me on the inside and then just wink at me – I’d be swearing to myself.”
      Gary Lineker compared Ronaldo to Lionel Messi on the Rest is Football pod, stating the former Barcelona star is the greatest of all time.
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      But at 38-years-old Ronaldo is still going strong and has 20 goals in 24 games fo Al-Nassr.
      Messi is also still producing for new club Inter Miami and helped fire the MLS side to their first ever trophy last month. More