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      ‘Never won anything’ – Jim Ratcliffe slams Man Utd over David Moyes decision and gives 2 reasons he was destined to fail

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE slammed Manchester United’s decision to appoint David Moyes as manager.Moyes took over at Old Trafford when Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.David Moyes lasted less than a year as Sir Alex Ferguson’s replacement at Manchester UnitedCredit: EPASir Jim Ratcliffe slammed the appointmentCredit: AlamyFerguson was a key figure in the selection process for his successor.But his fellow Scot struggled to have the impact many hoped – and he was sacked by April after less than a year in the dugout.And minority owner Ratcliffe hit out at the appointment as he highlighted two reasons why Moyes was destined to fail.Ratcliffe told The Times: “Look, I like David Moyes, and I think he’s a really good manager.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”But to go from Sir Alex Ferguson to Moyes is not where I would have gone. “Moyes stepped into the shoes of Ferguson, who’s won the Premier League 13 times, who won the Champions League twice and then you’re handing over to a guy that has never managed big players and had never won anything. “He’s not necessarily got the personality to stand in front of them all.”But despite being one of Britain’s richest people and supporting United since he was a boy, Ratcliffe’s spell has not gone down well with fans.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe bought his £1billion stake in his beloved Red Devils in December 2023 and has been on a huge cost-cutting drive since – including hiking ticket prices, making redundancies and cancelling the staff Christmas party.And now Ratcliffe has responded to the criticism by threatening to walk out on the club if it continues.Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains his plans for the new Man Utd Stadium He added: “It can be unpleasant. And I’ve probably failed on the having fun front. I mean, I can put up with it for a while.”I don’t mind being unpopular because I get that nobody likes seeing Manchester United down where they are, and nobody likes the decisions we’re having to make at the moment.”So, eventually, if it reached the extent that the Glazer family have been abused, then I’d have to say, look, enough’s enough guys, let somebody else do this.”They can’t really come to a match, the Glazers. They’ve retreated into the shadows a bit now, so I’m getting all the bloody stick.“We bought in and I haven’t seen them since.”At the moment, I don’t have security, I don’t have to walk around like that.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”But it would defeat the object, wouldn’t it? You couldn’t tolerate it at that level, it just wouldn’t be fun.”Ratcliffe also singled out the previous regime for allowing the state of United to slip down.He said: “I wouldn’t have tolerated Ed Woodward, or Richard Arnold.”Richard was a rugby man, he didn’t even understand football. Ed didn’t have the credentials to manage the club.”He was a merchant banker, an accountant. He wasn’t the chief executive.”The management of Manchester United have been given a huge amount of rope.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The owners just managed the club and left the football side alone and they’ve made a lot of very poor decisions over 12 years, stupid things.”They made a complete c***-up of it, shocking really. They couldn’t see where they were headed.” More

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      ‘He’s goated’ – Erling Haaland smashes Alan Shearer record against Brighton in incredible new feat for Man City striker

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      ERLING HAALAND smashed Alan Shearer’s record for goal involvements after scoring against Brighton. The striker opened the scoring from the spot to make it 100 goal involvements in just 94 matches. Erling Haaland smashed Alan Shearer’s record for goal involvementsCredit: APThat beat Shearer’s record after the Newcastle legend achieved it in 100 games. Eric Cantona and Mo Salah managed it in 116 games and Sergio Aguero in 118 – to leave Haaland in a league of his own. One fan said: “Scoring sensation.”Another added: “He’s goated.”READ MORE IN football It comes after manager Pep Guardiola recently compared his No9 to Lionel Messi – who he worked with at Barcelona. Guardiola said: “I’ve been with Messi, but it’s incredible what Erling has done. And I want more. I want more for Erling.”He has to help us. He has to help us more and more and more to achieve what we want to do this season.”But the numbers are unbelievable since he arrived. Being part of that in every game. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Hopefully he can reach you know that the little record [100 Premier League goal involvements] tomorrow.”Pervis Estupinan levelled for Brighton but Omar Marmoush put the Premier League champions back in the led before the break. City currently sit fourth as they push for a Champions League place next season. Dan Burn’s gone from pushing trolleys at Asda to potential England glory – he fully deserves his call-up More

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      ‘One c***-up and you’re legendary’ – Jim Ratcliffe reveals first piece of advice Man Utd icon Sir Alex Ferguson gave him

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has revealed the first thing Sir Alex Ferguson told him after he bought a stake in Manchester United.Ratcliffe, 71, has endured a difficult first year at Old Trafford.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has gotten to know Sir Alex FergusonCredit: GettyRatcliffe, 71, axed Ferguson from his ambassadorial roleCredit: PAThe Red Devils went into this weekend languishing 14th in the Premier League.While the British billionaire has also drawn criticism for several off-field decisions – including scrapping ticket price concessions and making mass redundancies at United.Since buying into the Red Devils, Ratcliffe has gotten to know their legendary former manager Ferguson.Speaking to The Times, the Ineos chief revealed: “The first thing Alex Ferguson said to me was that the shirt can be too heavy. It applies to everyone here really, the coach, the players — the owner.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”It’s turning me into an old man. It’s hard to do the interviews. On camera for 40 minutes, one cock-up and you’re legendary for it.”Remember [jewellery chain chief executive] Gerald Ratner, the guy with the rings? Spent his life building a business; one word, all gone.”It takes a lot out of you. Because it’s around the world in a heartbeat. It goes viral. Everything is scrutinised. It takes one small piece…”Ratcliffe axed Ferguson from his £2m-per-year ambassadorial role last year.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMan Utd have not won the Premier League since Ferguson’s departureCredit: GettyOn the conversation that led to the decision, Ratcliffe said: “I take my hat off to Alex.”I sat down with Alex, just the two of us in the room, and I said, ‘Look, the club isn’t where you may think it is. It is spending more than it’s earning and we’re going to finish up in some difficulties. Honestly, we can’t really afford to continue to pay you £2 million a year’.Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains his plans for the new Man Utd Stadium “I said I’m going to, ‘Leave it with you, let you have a think about it’. It was very grown up.”Maybe a little bit grumpy at the beginning but he got it, and he came back three days later, after talking to his son, and said, ‘Fine, I’m going to step away from it. My decision’. I think it reflects really well on Alex, because he put the club before himself.”During the wide-ranging interview, Ratcliffe refused to speak negatively on the unpopular Glazer family, calling them “really decent people”.While United fans regularly sing songs criticising the Glazers, chants about Ratcliffe could also be heard during their match at Fulham earlier this season.’ENOUGH’S ENOUGH’On potentially taking abuse from fans, Ratcliffe admitted: “So, eventually, if it reached the extent that the Glazer family have been abused, then I’d have to say, look, enough’s enough guys, let somebody else do this.”They can’t really come to a match, the Glazers. They’ve retreated into the shadows a bit now, so I’m getting all the bloody stick.“We bought in and I haven’t seen them since.”At the moment, I don’t have security, I don’t have to walk around like that.”But it would defeat the object, wouldn’t it? You couldn’t tolerate it at that level, it just wouldn’t be fun.”On who is to blame for United’s current toils, Ratcliffe decided to take aim at Richard Arnold and Ed Woodward, rather than the Glazer family.Ratcliffe said: “I mean, I wouldn’t have tolerated Ed Woodward, or Richard Arnold.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Richard was a rugby man, he didn’t even understand football. Ed didn’t have the credentials to manage the club.”He was a merchant banker, an accountant. He wasn’t the chief executive.”Ratcliffe took aim at Ed Woodward and Richard ArnoldCredit: PA More

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      Premier League LIVE SCORE: Man City take LEAD vs Brighton via Haaland, plus four more games in Saturday’s action

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      MANCHESTER City’s enticing encounter with Brighton headlines the Premier League’s Saturday action as the two fight for respective European places.Pep Guardiola’s side have already lost nine games this season – the most in five seasons and face a tense race for the lucrative Champions League spots. Whilst their south coast visitors have won their last six games in all competitions as Fabian Hürzeler looks to guide the club back to Europe in his debut season. Elsewhere, David Moyes welcomes former employers West Ham and the fight at the top-table extends to the evening game as Brentford travel to Bournemouth, plus Nottingham Forest, Ipswich, Southampton and Wolves all in action. Kick-off: 3pm GMT/5.30pm GMTTV channel: Games are not televised/Sky Sports Bournemouth XI: to follow… Brentford XI: to follow… GOOOOALLLLLBrighton have levelled things up again!Copy linkCopied47′ – Saints 0 Wolves 2It’s Larsen at the double for Wolves!The striker gets through on goal and fires a clean shot past Ramsdale.It’s a well-taken effort and one that sends the Wolves fans wild!Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGOOOOOALLLLLLSouthampton are sinking without a trace as Wolves go two up!Copy linkCopiedPEEEEEEEPWe are underway again in all four games!Copy linkCopiedEverton 0 West Ham 0It started off fairly innocuously. But both sides have had several chances and will feel aggrieved not to be ahead.Bowen’s brilliant volley almost went in before Pickford saved Everton.As for the hosts themselves, they will still be raging after seeing what appeared to be a nailed-on penalty get overruled by the pitchside monitor.Copy linkCopiedMan City 2 Brighton 1From SunSport’s Martin Blackburn:“Omar Marmoush is rapidly establishing himself as a crowd favourite at the Etihad – and the Egyptian forward further endeared himself to them with a super strike to restore City’s lead.“He took a pass from Ilkay Gundogan and thumped home a 20 yarder. Earlier Haaland chalked up his 100th goal involvement in the Prem with an early penalty – also won by Marmoush.“But Pervis Estupinan cancelled it out with a clever free-kick. Expect more goals in this Champions League shoot-out.”Copy linkCopiedIpswich 0 Forest 3From SunSport’s Dan King:“’That’s why you’re going down’ and ‘You’re going down with the Leicester’ – the Forest fans are spot on.“Three bits of poor defending and three bits of typically ruthless Forest finishing, and Ipswich are staring another defeat, and a return to the Championship, in the face.“Nikola Milenkovic grabbed the first after Town did not deal with the second phase after a corner.“Anthony Elanga broke like lightning to score the second soon afterwards.“And Elanga latched on to a Milenkovic punt to race past the Ipswich defence to make it three. Game over.”Copy linkCopiedSaints 0 Wolves 1From SunSport’s Jack Rosser:“This game is there for the taking if either side decide to turn up.“Wolves are ahead thanks to a dreadful lapse at the back from Southampton but have hardly offered much.“Some energy and intent from either side and they could gain an advantage quite easily.”Copy linkCopiedHalf timeLatest scores:Man City 2 Brighton 1Southampton 0 Wolves 1Everton 0 West Ham 0Ipswich 0 Nottingham Forest 3Copy linkCopiedEverton 0 West Ham 0Controversy here.Everton wanted a penalty after Beto appeared to be fouled by Mavropanos.VAR recommended a video review of the incident.But the referee was not having it and denied Everton the spot-kick.Copy linkCopiedSaints 0 Wolves 1From SunSport’s Jack Rosser:“Just over half an hour in and Southampton fans are turning on manager Ivan Juric.“Southampton have been flat since conceding a terrible goal despite their strong start.“Fans at St. Mary’s are now venting at Juric, chanting ‘get a striker on the pitch’ after he opted to start without one for the second game in a row.”Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopied42′ – Ipswich 0 Forest 3It’s Elanga again!This time the winger runs through onto a long ball from Milenkovic.Ipswich again fail to deal with it.And Elanga buries it to put Forest out of sight.Copy linkCopiedGOOOOALLLLLForest are clear here! It’s three!Copy linkCopied39′ – Man City 2 Brighton 1Pep Guardiola won’t want to let this one slip…City go back in front and it’s January signing Marmoush who delivers.The ace is played in by Ilkay Gundogan and fires a sumptuous shot into the net.Copy linkCopiedGOOOOOOALLLLLLMan City are back ahead!Copy linkCopied37′ – Ipswich 0 Forest 2It’s bad news for Ipswich as Forest have DOUBLED their lead!Anthony Elanga is the scorer and the hosts have a lot of thinking to do at half-time.Copy linkCopiedGOOOALLLLLIt’s a quickfire double for Forest!Copy linkCopied35′ – Ipswich 0 Forest 1Milenkovic has put Forest ahead!Ipswich fail to clear a corner and the defender fires home!Copy linkCopiedGOOOALLLLLForest are ahead at Ipswich!Copy linkCopiedEverton 0 West Ham 0Jarred Bowen goes close for the Hammers!He kicks the ball in the air before launching a volley at goal.And Pickford is forced to tip over the bar to keep the shot out.Copy linkCopiedMan City 1 Brighton 1 – Yellow cardCarlos Baleba is in the book for Brighton now.The midfielder went in recklessly on Jeremy Doku.And he is now walking a tightrope.Copy linkCopiedMan City 1 Brighton 1From SunSport’s Martin Blackburn:”Just when you think they are getting back to their old selves, City shoot themselves in the foot. “It’s the story of their season. Erling Haaland put the champs ahead from the spot but they gifted the Seagulls a way back in with a cheap free-kick which Pervis Estupinan shaped past a motionless Stefan Ortega. “Surely the keeper should have done better.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEverton 0 West Ham 0Neither side bathing themselves in glory here.But it’s Everton who have looked more likely to make something happen.The Toffees have already had five shots at goal, with two of them on target.And Potter’s men need to step things up if they want the win today.Copy linkCopiedIpswich 0 Forest 0From SunSport’s Dan King:“Neither goalkeeper has made a proper save yet. Early on, the Nottingham Forest were hinting that Thomas Tuchel may not have picked a proper squad.”’England’s No 10’ was the chant in praise of Morgan Gibbs-White, whose omission was among the curiosities in Tuchel’s selection decisions.“Elliot Anderson’s shot has just hit Chris Wood, which sums up this game for chances so far.”Copy linkCopied21′ – Brighton 1 Man City 1City’s lead didn’t last long!Pervis Estupinan has curled in a glorious free-kick to level things up.Game on!Copy linkCopied More

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      Arsenal ‘in talks with Nico Williams’ agent’ over bargain £48m move for Atletico Bilbao star but face war with Bayern

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      ARSENAL have contacted Nico Williams’ representatives about a bargain summer transfer, according to reports.The Gunners are hoping to significantly bolster their attack ahead of next season.Nico Williams is in red-hot demand ahead of this summerCredit: ReutersWilliams, 22, has excelled in LaLiga with Athletic Bilbao and was among Spain’s star players as they won Euro 2024 last year.According to Bild reporter Christian Falk, Arsenal have opened dialogue with Williams’ management team over a potential summer move.The winger has a release clause in his contract, understood to stand somewhere between £48million and £67m.Arsenal will face significant competition for Williams’ signature.Falk adds that Bayern Munich are also keen on securing the Spanish wide man.While in January it was reported that Chelsea and Liverpool are admirers of Williams’ talent.The Pamplona-born star has played 23 times in LaLiga this term.Williams has scored four league goals and laid on a further five during the 2024-25 campaign.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe homegrown Athletic Bilbao star penned his most recent contract with the Basque side in December 2023.Williams’ deal runs until 2027, although the release clause offers him a way out.Nico Williams reveals which Ghanian and former Premier League cult-hero footballer he looks up tooArsenal have recently had to contend with injuries to Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.Mikel Merino has had to fill in as a forward, while on-loan Raheem Sterling has struggled for form in the Premier League. More

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      ‘Whole Premier League card’ – Zlatan targeted for sensational Misfits Boxing bout with ‘so many’ footballers lined up

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      ZLATAN Ibrahimovic is being lined up for a sensational boxing bout by Misfits Boxing – with the promoters claiming they could put on a “whole Premier League card”.YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI founded the celebrity-style platform crossover bouts alongside his manager Mams Taylor. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is lined up for a shock boxing fightCredit: Instagram @iamzlatanibrahimovicWayne Bridge could also fight on a cardCredit: GettyDanny Simpson was the first ex-Prem star to fight on MisfitsCredit: GettyEx-Prem winner Danny Simpson, 38, was the first footballer to make the switch to the ring, drawing with YouTuber Danny Aarons, 22, in August. His former team-mate Phil Bardsley, 39, is now in talks with Misfits while Wayne Bridge was on the verge of fighting KSI himself. And promoter Taylor revealed retired superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic – a black belt in taekwondo – is his dream name to join the roster. He told SunSport: “I’ve got so many footballers – that I’m not gonna name – but I’ve got so many footballers that want to do this.READ MORE IN football “I could do a whole Premier League card at this point, which I think could be quite fun. “But we’ll see, there’s a lot of footballers and international footballers as well. So let’s see, but I’m still chipping away at Zlatan, I want Zlatan.”I’m determined to get him in that ring.”Taylor is a friend of 43-year-old Ibrahimovic’s agent and has been trying to convince the AC Milan legend to do a boxing debut.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBridge, 44, was set to fight KSI, 31, on short notice on March 29 in Manchester as Misfits scrambled for a late-notice opponent. But the ex-Chelsea defender pulled out after KSI referenced his infamous feud with John Terry. KSI’s team reveal new term for Jake Paul grudge fight to finally make £250million bout happenTerry allegedly had an affair with Bridge’s former partner Vanessa Perroncel in 2009 – something both had always denied. And KSI said when facing off with Bridge: “Aren’t you the guy that let John Terry smash your ex?” Bridge – who shares an 18-year-old son with Vanessa – withdrew from the fight just days later. But Taylor hopes the retired left-back – who has boxed in two charity bouts before – will still lace up the Misfits gloves. He said: “We all like the sensationalism of a beef, we all like, ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe he said that’ to a degree.”But I don’t want anyone walking away and feeling like, ‘Oh man, this gave me a horrible feeling or it affected me psychologically in a negative way or or it hurt my family’.”So I don’t want anyone to feel that way. I want them to have a positive experience from it, so I hope he can put that incident behind him and maybe I’ll match make him with someone who’s not got as much of a gift of the gab.”And they have similar vulnerability where they agree to go in respectfully. I’m still chipping away at Zlatan, I want Zlatan! I’m determined to get him in that ring.Misfits Boxing co-founder Mams Taylor “But I’d love to see him in the ring and what I’d really like is to have him in the ring to show the fans who were naysayers, that he can actually fight.”KSI will now fight Dillon Danis, 31, who is 2-0 in MMA and lost his boxing debut to Logan Paul, 29, in October 2023. And he apologised to Bridge in private for his controversial remark. Taylor said: “I know JJ the next day felt bad and he’s like, ‘Do you think I should DM him?’ “And I said, yeah, just say what’s in your heart and he goes, ‘Yeah, I’m obviously just trying to promote this and I thought he knows the landscape of Misfits and how it can go left with, with things like that.'”I think he realised maybe he went a step too far. He acknowledged that he went too far and he didn’t do it publicly to make it a PR thing. “He personally wanted to actually DM him and just say, ‘Hey man, I’m sorry, door’s open if I can make it up, if there’s anything we can do. I didn’t want to upset you. I just wanted to promote the fight.'”I think Wayne Bridge has spoken about that somewhere, I’m not sure, but I think he acknowledged it and I think we move on.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Look, Wayne Bridge is a man’s man at the same time, I get it would have put strain on his family, but I think he’s a proper man and he’s moved on.”I’d like to see him in a Misfits ring and make sure he’s looked after and has a good experience on his next fight.”KSI facing off with Wayne BridgeCredit: misfits boxing More

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      Virgil van Dijk breaks silence after Wayne Rooney called Liverpool star ‘lazy’ in shock Champions League defeat to PSG

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      VIRGIL VAN DIJK has hit back at Wayne Rooney and insists the Liverpool dressing room doesn’t listen to outside noise.It comes after Rooney labelled Van Dijk’s movements in the lead up to PSG’s goal in their Champions League defeat on Tuesday “lazy”.Virgil van Dijk has broken his silence after Wayne Rooney called Liverpool star ‘lazy’Rooney called out Van Dijk for failing to track Ousmane Dembele’s run for PSG’s goal at AnfieldDembele celebrates scoring on TuesdayCredit: GettyLiverpool were beaten 4-1 on penalties by the reigning French champions at Anfield to exit Europe at the last-16 stage.Arne Slot’s side had held a 1-0 lead from the first leg, but PSG levelled the tie in the 12th minute of the second leg through Ousmane Dembele.Dembele scored from close range following a rapid PSG attack, with the forward having initially found Bradley Barcola on the right wing.Barcola’s cross led to confusion between Alisson and Ibrahima Konate and the Liverpool defender deflected the ball into Dembele’s path to finish.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDespite the mix-up between Alisson and Konate, former Manchester United star Rooney called Van Dijk “lazy” in tracking Dembele’s initial run from the half-way line.Van Dijk has since said his focus on trophies and not on Rooney.The Dutchman responded: “Someone told me about this. I think at that particular moment I’m helping [Andy] Robertson, telling him to clear the outside, I take the inside.”I’m even explaining now what I thought at that moment but if he thought it was lazy then he gave his opinion, that’s it. Did you think it was lazy?Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I think I said it to someone as well, there were so many challenges for those players years ago and obviously it’s a challenge for the players nowadays that you have to deal with opinions here and there and it gets blown up all the time.”But looking at what I see in the dressing room, I think the boys are doing well in terms of keeping their heads down and focusing on the task ahead. That’s the most important thing I want to see.Moment Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are pulled apart after apparent spat during Liverpool training “If we get the reward for it at the end of the season then I’m sure Liverpool is going to be bouncing.”The Liverpool skipper also cleared up his row with PSG chiefs in the corridor at Anfield after full-time.Rooney had told Amazon Prime: “This goal from Liverpool’s perspective is wrong in so many ways.”They are trying to press the ball and Van Dijk gets lazy. “If you keep your eye on Van Dijk, he’s walking and leaves a massive gap to Dembele.”All he has to do is come across and cover Dembele because there is no other pass for Paris to get out and he doesn’t.”Dembele gets it and he’s got a lot of space, gets the ball out wide and then Konate doesn’t switch on and then he reacts.”Van Dijk is out of contract in the summer and fans could well be witnessing the end of his Anfield career.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe latest reports claimed the 33-year-old is mulling over a mega-money approach from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.Liverpool are focusing on the business end of the season, including Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle at Wembley.Van Dijk’s stats in the Champions League this season More

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      Reason Man Utd did not sign Geovany Quenda ‘revealed’ as Sporting star agrees shock £42m Chelsea transfer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED reportedly never submitted a bid for Geovany Quenda before Chelsea agreed to sign the winger from Sporting Lisbon.Chelsea agreed a fee of £42million for Quenda, 17, and he will join the Portuguese club in the summer in a seven-year deal.Reported Man Utd target Geovany Quenda joined Chelsea last weekThe 17-year-old sensation is a former protege of Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim.But after biding his time, Chelsea stepped in with what reports called a “secret blitz” to land the right winger, who can also play wing-back.Quenda underwent a medical in private and agreed to join after being impressed by Enzo Maresca’s vision for the West London giants.But the Manchester Evening News has since debunked the theories that he snubbed United for Chelsea.READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited reportedly met with the influential agent Jorge Mendes in November as his agency was tasked with negotiating on Quenda’s behalf.But United’s interest didn’t extend beyond informal discussions.A source familiar with the talks said United’s preference was to wait to sign Quenda.And the mid-season addition of Patrick Dorgu, a fellow left-footed wide player, impacted the Red Devils’ interest.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSQuenda has been called up to the Portugal squad again for their Nations League double-header against Denmark this month.But Chelsea fans will have to wait over a year to see their new man in action.Paul Scholes says ‘it’s about time Manchester United caught up’Quenda, who turns 18 next month, will stay at Sporting for the entirety of the 2025-26 season before linking up with his new Stamford Bridge pals in July 2026.The left-footer has played 35 times for Sporting already this season, including huge Champions League games, scoring just once.He had been expected to join Man Utd, given his links to Amorim and the fact he’d be considered a perfect fit on the right of his old boss’ preferred 3-4-3 formation.But instead, he will join fellow wonderkids Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez – who join this summer – in West London.Quenda joined Sporting in 2019, aged just 13, with Amorim coming aboard a year later. More