Premier League

GARY NEVILLE’S “World of Manchester United” could look a world away from their current Old Trafford home.Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is preparing to demolish the 74,310-capacity stadium to build a new ground for the Red Devils.Gary Neville wants to turn Old Trafford into a ‘World of Manchester United’Credit: SplashAI has predicted how Neville’s ‘World of Man Utd’ vision could lookCredit: MicrosoftFormer defender Neville is part of a task force looking at the future of the site, which has been United’s home since 1910.Revealing his own plans for the club’s home venue, he told The Athletic this week: “What I want to see is a world of Manchester Utd around that stadium – of opportunity, hope and belief.”It sounds Disneyfied, but I don’t mean a theme park. I mean where people visit that area and think, ‘Wow’.”In five, six or seven years, I want United to have the best stadium and training ground in the world, plus doing the right things on the football side.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”That will come again and we’re patient.”Neville’s hopes have now taken a step closer to becoming a reality after United hired architects to develop Old Trafford.Foster + Partners have been chosen for the project after previously working on Wembley Stadium.Their portfolio also includes the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, which hosted the 2022 World Cup final.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhat 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. Plans for the redeveloped Old Trafford site have yet to be revealed, but AI has predicted how United’s new stadium could look.Microsoft’s AI Image Generator has imagined a ground surrounded by tributes to the club.Inside the SoFi Stadium as Man Utd look for inspiration for new Old Trafford Maintaining features of the current stadium, the AI venue features a plaza for supporters running around the outside of the ground.Iconic design elements from Old Trafford have also been maintained, as well as a United badge on the pavement as fans enter the site.Meanwhile, another more ambitious design sees the venue turned into an island with a moat running around the stadium.Fans would have the option to travel by boat to matches, where the stadium features a curved roof in a modernised design.Another potential designs sees the stadium surrounded by a moatCredit: MicrosoftMinority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe plans to demolish the stadium to build a new home groundCredit: Jack Hill The TimesA host of possible designs for United’s new stadium have been imaginedCredit: Lord PingDevelopment work will give the venue a new look both inside and outside the groundCredit: Lord PingUnited have played at the Theatre of Dreams for 114 yearsCredit: AP More

NIGEL WINTERBURN thinks Mikel Arteta would be crazy to park the bus at Manchester City, saying: Not even tactical genius George Graham would do it.The Gunners travel to the Etihad on Sunday with the chance to lay down an early Prem marker — to vanquish the memories of last season’s costly goalless draw.Nigel Winterburn says Arsenal must be bold at the EtihadCredit: GettyMikel Arteta has put on a defensive masterclass against Pep Guardiola in the pastCredit: GettyGeorge Graham created a Scroogelike defence but not even he would play for a goalless draw against a Guardiola teamCredit: GettyThat result back in March ultimately cost Arteta’s men the title last term, finishing second behind Pep Guardiola’s side yet again by just two points.Arsenal legend Winterburn, 60, was a part of ex-boss Graham’s glittering tenure — where the phrase “1-0 to The Arsenal” was coined due to the team’s highly rigid defensive structure.But Graham, in charge from 1986 to 1995, was also a gambler in big bouts — famously winning 2-0 at Anfield in 1989 to finish above title rivals Liverpool on the final day.Former full-back Winterburn, who won two league titles under Graham, says it would not be “disastrous” to play for a draw against City, especially after beating Tottenham last week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut he argued: “They should go full out. I don’t believe for one minute Arteta would say otherwise.“But I’ve never sat down with an Arsenal manager going, ‘Well, we’ll just take the draw today’. You have to manage the game as it goes along.“Arsenal will have been working on everything they can do to stop Man City but also as well to hurt them.“You might have to sit a little bit, protect what you’ve got.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“But if you’ve got the opportunity to hurt the opposition, you’ve got to do that.“If you think you can sit in and stop City creating even one chance, you’re on another planet.Man City vs Arsenal Wags“Technically, if you come away from this weekend with a draw against Man City, it’s not a disaster because of that big result of the North London derby.“They’ll both be thinking they want to win this game but absolutely they mustn’t lose it.”Arsenal’s defensive record away from home in 2024 has been stunning, conceding just three times — and have already kept four clean sheets in five games in all competitions this term.With a growing injury list, including skipper Martin Odegaard, Arteta set up to frustrate Spurs before hitting on the counter, eventually winning via a Gabriel header from a corner.Winterburn added: “I don’t think that style is an Arsenal plan but it’s great to have the armoury in your bag of… you know what, when you get pushed back, let’s not panic.“If they do their jobs properly, if they communicate, they can stifle the opposition.“A lot of people said it reminded them of Graham’s Arsenal and it was absolutely superb to watch as a defender, seeing how they worked for each other, to control it through to full-time.“Tactically, George was a genius when he came up against certain opposition. But also, what we did is when we attacked, we knew what we wanted to do.“We wanted to get the ball forward, we wanted to get wide, crosses into the box. So, we still had that game plan going forward.“This Arsenal team are different to us, they want to play out from the back.“I don’t know if Odegaard or Bukayo Saka completely enjoy the pleasure of the defending.“But they know to achieve success and to beat teams, it is a necessity and they have shown they have the ability to sit in and be solid and counter.”During the North London derby, Sky Sports’ Gary Neville compared Arsenal centre-back duo Gabriel and William Saliba to club legends Tony Adams and Steve Bould.READ MORE SUN STORIESWinterburn — who played alongside Adams and Bould for club and country — said on behalf of freebets.com: “I understand where he is coming from.“Those two are starting to make less and less mistakes and they’re looking very, very strong.”Arsenal ratings vs Atalanta as Raya saves uninspiring Gunners in ItalyARSENAL had some David Raya heroics to thank for a points in the Champions League opener.Raya’s stunning double save just after the break spared Thomas Partey’s blushes after the midfielder gave away a penalty.And that was the closest either side came to a goal in the 0-0 draw.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…David Raya – 9Produced a simply stunning double save to stop Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then flung himself across to push away the follow-up rebound header – even better than his effort to deny Ollie Watkins.Robbie Savage labelled it the “best save I’ve ever seen” while Gunners fans lauded their Spanish hero, who has conceded just once in five games so far this term.Ben White – 7Given the daunting task of trying to keep Ademola Lookman quiet inside a rocking Gewiss Stadium but completed the job with his classic relaxed, languid demeanour.William Saliba – 8One of the world’s top centre-backs but did not need to be anywhere near his best – solid enough when called upon, including excellent late sliding tackle in own box.Retegui showed great movement but Saliba will have far sterner tests this season, none more so than up against Erling Haaland on Sunday.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Like his partner Saliba, Gabriel helped ensure the Arsenal defence came out on top.Starting to run out of words to say about this pair who just concede so few chances.Jurrien Timber – 7Adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side – showing just how much he was missed when sidelined last season.Arguably had the easiest evening’s work of the four defenders.Thomas Partey – 4Martin Keown described the Gunners’ retraction en masse during the transition as Arteta putting up his own “Thames Barrier”.But Partey nearly allowed the floodgates to open by giving away the penalty three minutes into the second half – only to be rescued by Raya’s heroics.Declan Rice – 6Top awareness to sniff out the Atalanta danger and help control midfield.But squandered a great chance to drive Arsenal forward when he won the ball on the halfway line and could have launched a potent counter.Kai Havertz – 6With Jesus starting up front, Havertz dropped into a deeper role – but he is perfectly comfortable there, too, and can carry the ball forwards.Little to show for his evening, though, but continued to put a shift in defensively until the final whistle.Buakyo Saka – 6Drew the foul from Ederson who collected an early yellow and from the resulting free-kick almost squeezed a low effort into bottom corner but for top save.Given a breather for final 20 minutes with an eye on Sunday.Gabriel Jesus – 5Captain on the night was his typical busy self early on getting himself around but virtually all of his involvement was outside the Atalanta penalty area.Withdrawn before the hour mark.Gabriel Martinelli – 4Struggled to get in the game and then when he did get in, squandered a really good chance when he blazed over.Definitely not hitting top form so far this season and may well find himself among the subs against Manchester City. 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SO will the best two teams in the Premier League bore the pants off the nation again on Sunday, as they did TWICE last season?Mikel Arteta pulled off his best Jose Mourinho impersonation for a goalless draw at the Etihad in March.Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola clashes have often been snoozefestsCredit: RexWhen the top two go head-to-head, there has been too much fear of losingCredit: PAIt was the only time in almost three years Manchester City failed to score in a home league match.At the Emirates last October, only a freakish late deflected goal by Gabriel Martinelli saved us from another stalemate on a day Arteta recorded his first competitive win over his old mentor Pep Guardiola.These managers have such mutual respect that games resemble chess matches to purists and paint-drying exercises for more casual viewers.Of the 380 top-flight games played last season, the two between Arsenal and City were two of the least enjoyable.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoth games produced only three shots on target — two of only three fixtures to feature such little action.Can we expect anything different on Sunday? Especially after both teams had goalless draws against Italian opposition in midweek Champions League openers.And especially when Arsenal miss captain and chief creative force Martin Odegaard?The timing of it, five games into the new term, will surely make Arteta even more inclined to accept the idea of a draw as a good result.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSStats from their clash in March paint a dull pictureWith Erling Haaland on 99 City goals — after nine in four league matches so far — and Footballer of the Year Phil Foden primed for a first start this season, Guardiola’s men would be hotly fancied against any other domestic rival.Yet Arsenal’s top-flight away form is extraordinary this calendar year.Man City vs Arsenal WagsSince losing at Fulham on New Year’s Eve, Arsenal have played 11 games on the road and that bore draw at the Etihad is the only one they failed to win.The only question is whether — had Arsenal shown greater ambition at City when in outstanding form in late March — they might have  secured a victory and first title in two decades.After all, City pipped them to the crown by just two points.Asked about Arsenal ‘parking the bus’ back then, City defender Josko Gvardiol replied: “I know what you mean but  I really don’t know how they will play.“We need to prepare in two or three ways just to be sure.”When questioned on Arsenal this week, Guardiola’s praise was all about their defensive qualities and ability to control matches.The City boss said: “It is an unbelievable team. They defend really well, don’t concede chances, don’t concede goals, they control everything.“They have been the biggest challengers in the last two seasons.They will be there for many years because they create a young team.”Inter Milan earned a goalless draw at City on Wednesday night.Simone Inzaghi’s side produced a decent blueprint for Arteta — albeit with a back three and wing-backs, a system Arsenal will not employ.Inter defended well, broke with pace and had 13 shots on goal, hinting at rarely-seen faults in Guardiola’s side.Might Arteta be able to produce something similar? Odegaard’s ankle injury doesn’t help.Yet Arsenal have City old-boys Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus among attacking options.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the idea of Arsenal trying to slug it out, toe-to-toe, is probably wishful thinking.We should all be prepared for another clash of the tight ’uns. More

EDDIE HOWE could take Newcastle top of the Premier League tomorrow – despite continued speculation over his relationship with Paul Mitchell.The Magpies travel to Fulham looking to extend their unbeaten start and know that three points will leave them sitting at the summit for at least 24 hours.Eddie Howe is hoping to end Saturday night top of the Premier League with NewcastleCredit: GettyIt is only the sixth time Newcastle have managed to go through their first four Premier League matches unbeaten and it’s their best opening for 29 years since Kevin Keegan was at the helm.However, even though he has been delighted with his players so far, he admits that Toon will not be able to mount a title challenge to either Manchester City and Arsenal, who collide at the Etihad tomorrow.Howe said: “I don’t see how we can compare ourselves to them currently, but the aim is to get there, the aim is to close the gap every day, every week.“That is what we are working towards. That has to be our aim, our longer term aim and short term aim and that is what I am trying to work towards.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDespite the positivity of the results on the pitch, Howe has had to continually answer questions over his relationship with new sporting director Mitchell.Last week he revealed that they had not spoken since the chief criticised the club’s recruitment and transfer policy before his arrival this summer.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhen asked if they had talked yet, Howe replied: “I’m not going go into every week in terms of our contact but collaboration, as I said last week, is what we’re looking to do to take the club forward.”When pressed again, he said: “I think I’ve just answered that one. I’m not going to go there.”Most read in FootballEddie Howe reveals best striker he’s ever worked with who’s scored 58 times this season while on £75-per-goal bonusBut he then continued: “Just so people know, I’ve had conversations with senior members of the board this week.“So I’m in regular communication with them, trying to collaborate and work together for the benefit of the club.“That’s always in my heart and that will always be while I’m manager of the club.”Meanwhile, Howe did admit that sorting out new deals for striker Alexander Isak, a doubt for Saturday with a toe issue, and Anthony Gordon was a top priority for Mitchell.The Swedish striker remains under contract until 2028 but is looking for a pay rise amid increasing interest while the England winger has entered the final two years of his agreement.He said: “I think having your players secure in their futures is key to their performances.“You don’t want the transfer speculation or the contracts potentially running into shorter terms because I think that it distracts and rarely benefits the player or the club.“So, my wish is that players are always focussed on their performances and that the outside distraction is minimal.Newcastle hope to sort out new deals fo star duo Anthony Gordon and Alexander IsakCredit: Reuters“Our best way to do that is to get them secure and happy but of course there is a balance because with wage structures and PSR we can’t be reckless with what we do either.“So we have to get those calls right but, of course, getting those players to play at their best levels will have a dramatic effect on our season.“I think that if there are issues with either player, or any player, then of course communication and resolving any issues is really important.”Howe also moved to stop any fan fears over his unhappiness by insisting that the club is unified despite talk of potential tensions upstairs.He said: “I think the club is unified. I don’t see any issues.“It depends where you’re talking about that unification, but the unification between me, the players, the supporters and the board is really strong.Speculation surrounding the manager’s relationship with Paul Mitchell (above) refuses to go awayCredit: Getty“I’m really happy, as I’ve said many, many times. I’m enjoying the work with the players.“I love the group that we have, I really do enjoy coming into work to plan training and to execute training with them.“I think we are on a journey together. I hope that journey can stay.”And he also maintained that the most important thing at any football club is the players as he looks to get them playing consistently at a high standard.Howe added: “I’m always the first one to say that the players are the most important people. For me, my direct work is always about the players and trying to get them in the best frame of mind to win matches.“The tighter the group, the more we come together, the better for everybody. I include the supporters in that, because they can directly affect the players on the pitch.“So creating the best environment, the whole club united on that front, is basically all we need to get results.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Now the other stuff is hugely important, boardroom level and behind the scenes. But that’s more for the transfer windows and those kind of things. At the moment, we can’t affect that.“So let’s come together, and I think the players really have. We’ve got a really good team spirit, a tight group. Now, it’s about getting us to consistently play well.” More