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      Scott Carson is forgotten man with more Prem titles than Cristiano Ronaldo and more Champions Leagues than Ronaldinho

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      IF you are asked to name current Manchester City players, you would be forgiven for not remembering third-choice keeper Scott Carson.But the 39-year-old, who celebrates his birthday today, has a glittering trophy cabinet that puts legends to shame.Scott Carson has won four Premier League trophies at Man CityCredit: GettyHe has lifted 14 trophies in 11 matches for City and LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe keeper has been called a role model by Pep GuardiolaCredit: RexA record 18 years separate Carson’s (back right) two Champions League triumphsCredit: RexCarson is one of the most decorated players in English football history thanks to his spells at Liverpool and City.Despite only playing 11 matches for the two clubs, the veteran has won an incredible 14 trophies combined during his time at both sides.Four Premier Leagues, two Champions Leagues, two Super Cups, two League Cups, two Community Shields, a Club World Cup and an FA Cup is not a bad showing for a total of 917 minutes on the pitch.In fact, that’s more Prem titles won than Cristiano Ronaldo, Patrick Vieira and Frank Lampard.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis two Champions League crowns mean he has got his hands on the trophy more times than Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry, David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.Carson also holds the record for the longest gap between his first and last triumphs in the competition.His first came in 2005 when he was on the bench for Liverpool as they beat AC Milan in the final in Istanbul.A remarkable 18 years later in the same stadium, Carson was part of the squad as Man City beat Inter Milan to pick up his second Champions League medal.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSScott Carson has more Premier League titles to his name than Cristiano RonaldoCredit: ReutersCarson has even got one more Champions League crown than icon RonaldinhoCredit: Getty – ContributorIt is easy to dismiss his trophies due to a lack of time on the pitch and fans have said he has “the best job ever” being amongst the world’s best teams without the pressure of playing.But his role at Man City should not be underestimated.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelCarson’s training ground keeper job is vital and his influence in the dressing room is huge.Pep Guardiola explained: “The best advice I could give to the young players is to stay around Scott Carson as much as possible in the locker room.”Every second he is training and every minute you get on the pitch and in the changing room with Carson, you value.“It’s like the young actors have to be with the old actors on the set. They are wiser and have the values of the profession.”On other occasions, Guardiola has said: “I was fortunate to know this guy. He’s like a captain, built incredible love for the team. I’m pretty sure when we need him, he’ll respond.”And the boss has added: “He is a guy when he talks everybody listens. He helps take quality training sessions.”Carson’s leadership is valued so much by City that he has now been there for six seasons.He gained his experience playing for the likes of Leeds, Charlton, Aston Villa and West Brom in the Premier League.The stopper even had a two-year spell in Turkey with Bursaspor and time in the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday, Wigan and Derby.But nobody would have expected Carson to have such an incredible career after he made an infamous mistake while in goal for England.During a crucial Euros qualifier against Croatia, the keeper with four caps parried a speculative Niko Kranjcar effort into his own net that stopped England making the 2008 tournament.READ MORE SUN STORIESSteve McClaren was sacked the day after and Carson’s time at the top could well have been over.But he has bounced back in incredible style and hopes to guide City to a fifth consecutive Prem title from behind-the-scenes once again. Scott Carson made a horror mistake for England that stopped them making Euro 2008Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Lisandro Martinez under fire for controversial photo as Man Utd fans fume ‘this is not the time’

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      LISANDRO MARTINEZ has been slammed by Manchester United fans after sharing a controversial photo.The defender is away on international duty with Argentina after a difficult couple of weeks with United.Lisandro Martinez came under fire for posing with Liverpool star Alexis Mac AllisterCredit: X formerly Twitter / @LisandrMartinezThe Man Utd defender is away on international duty with ArgentinaCredit: X formerly Twitter / @LisandrMartinezMartinez was on the end of a 3-0 drubbing from LiverpoolCredit: ReutersMartinez started in consecutive defeats to Brighton and Liverpool, having been embarrassed 3-0 in the latter fixture.But just days after that humiliation he posed for a photo with Reds star Alexis Mac Allister, his Argentina team-mate.Martinez, 26, beamed in the snap and did not pose for a photo alongside any other team-mates, which provoked criticism from United fans.One reacted saying: “Mate, we just got battered by Liverpool on Sunday. Choose when to put out a pic of you & a Liverpool player wisely. This is not the time Licha.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnother added: “This is proper s**** from Martinez.”But the sad reality is players in this generation don’t care about rivalries the way players did a decade ago. I hate the way football is now.”A third wrote: “The harsh reality is most of the players at the club don’t care about results or understand the culture and rivalries.”And another commented: “He talks so much about passion and the shirt to not understand the basics. This pic is just so wrong right now.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother Argentine Red Devil, Alejandro Garnacho, was subject to criticism online after the Liverpool defeat.The winger is yet to reach the high standards he set last season this time around with one fan posting a compilation video showing Garnacho losing the ball and misplacing passes. Man Utd fans say ‘this is a tough watch’ as Ten Hag claims he ‘feels sorry’ for journalist in awkward interviewGarnacho hit back in a since-deleted post, saying: “Wasting your time making clips of me – your life so far.” More

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      Former Liverpool Champions League winner Joel Matip, 33, handed Premier League lifeline after three months unemployed

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      JOEL MATIP has been handed a Premier League lifeline as West Ham are in the market to bring in a central defender as a free agent.The former Liverpool ace has been without a club for nearly three months.Free agent Joel Matip is being targeted by West Ham who are looking to sign a defenderWest Ham let both Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd leave on loan last week and new boss Julen Lopetegui is keen to further bolster his backline.Matip is among the players being targeted with talks for a potential deal for the 33-year-old set to continue this week.The Hammers are also eyeing 31-year-old John Egan as well who left Sheffield United over the summer.Lopetegui’s side have already purchased Max Kilman for £40m and Jean-Clair Todibo on loan with an option to sign him for £34.2m next summer.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd after a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City last weekend and 2-0 loss to Aston Villa on their season opener, West Ham still need to improve their defense.West Ham academy star Kaelan Casey, 19, was on the bench during Saturday’s defeat.But Lopetegui is hoping either free agent can come in as an option for Kilman, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Todibo.Matip has been jobless since leaving Liverpool at the end of last season after his contract expired at Anfield.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe spent eight years and 201 appearances for the Reds under Jurgen Klopp.The defender has not played since December 3 after suffering a knee injury.What’s new this season? Egan exited Sheffield United after six years and 200 appearances at the club.The Hammers are also in talks with former Sheffield United star John Egan More

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      Tottenham flop Steven Bergwijn BANISHED from Netherlands team as Koeman blasts ‘his book with us is closed’

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      STEVEN BERGWIJN has been dropped from the Netherlands national team after manager Ronald Koeman said his “book is closed with us.”On Monday Ajax confirmed the departure of 26-year-old attacker to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad for £17.6million.Steven Bergwijn has been dropped from the Netherlands squadCredit: AFPThe former Ajax star recently signed for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad for £17.6millionCredit: Instagram @ittihadclub.saNetherlands boss Ronald Koeman said the Tottenham flops ‘book is closed with us’Credit: PAKoeman has selected many of the stars who went to Euro 2024 to face Bosnia & Herzegovina in Eindhoven on Saturday and Germany in Amsterdam on Tuesday.But Tottenham flop Bergwijn has been left out of the squad ahead of the international break.During a Tuesday press conference, Koeman brutally told reporters that Bergwijn’s international career is over after moving to Saudi Arabia.He said: “Steven Bergwijn goes to Saudi Arabia at age 26. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”It’s clear that this has nothing to do with sporting ambition.”His book with the Dutch National Team is closed. He probably knows what I would have said this.”Bergwijn came up through the youth ranks and Ajax and PSV Eindhoven before beginning his senior career with the latter.And in January 2020 the winger completed a £27m transfer to Spurs but he failed to make an impact and two years later headed back to Ajax in a £26.4m deal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBergwijn scored 29 goals and provided 12 assists in 80 games in the Dutch capital before making a move to Al Ittihad.In Jeddah, the 26-year-old will play alongside the likes of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Moussa Diaby and Fabinho.What’s new this season? It comes after striker Ivan Toney was left out of Lee Carsley’s England squad as he joins Saudi side Al-Ahli. More

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      Man Utd star Alejandro Garnacho snaps at social media troll in 11-word now-deleted post over cruel ‘highlights’ video

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Alejandro Garnacho hit back at an online troll in a now-deleted tweet.The 20-year-old has had a mixed start to the season, with the Red Devils losing two of their three Premier League games so far.Alejandro Garnacho snapped back at an online bully on social mediaCredit: EPAGarnacho scored in the Community Shield defeat to Manchester City and assisted Joshua Zirkzee’s winner versus Fulham – but his performances have still been criticised by some.After United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, an account on X posted a cruel highlights video of the player losing the ball and misplacing passes.The upload was titled: “Alejandro Garnacho – Season so far.”And to the surprise of fans, the winger snapped at the bully and replied to his post.READ MORE ON MAN UTDGarnacho said: “Wasting your time making clips of me – your life so far.”The horrid troll then responded: “Focus on your first touch and dribbling you bum. If you weren’t so bad I wouldn’t have any footage to post.”Garnacho then deleted his initial reply.The Argentine had a tough afternoon against Liverpool, with Arne Slot’s tactical masterclass often forcing him deep into a right-back position.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut his efforts were still appreciated by Man Utd fans at Old Trafford as some booed Erik ten Hag’s decision to sub him off after 69 minutes.The manager was asked about his tactical switch and he explained: “It was the first start for Zirkzee and for Garnacho. Then you decide to bring players on who can have an impact. Man Utd fans say ‘this is a tough watch’ as Ten Hag claims he ‘feels sorry’ for journalist in awkward interview”Amad Diallo, he deserved it [to come on]. He can have an impact. We then brought a player off who is not used to 90 minutes.”Man Utd player ratings vs LiverpoolMANCHESTER UNITED had a horror show against Liverpool as they lost 3-0.Casemiro was so bad he was taken off at half-time.But were there any positive performances at Old Trafford?Andre Onana – 5Nothing he could do about any of Liverpool’s goals and made a few saves to prevent the scoreline from getting worse.Noussair Mazraoui – 5Came close to scoring in the first half and looked solid enough against Diaz although he did push up too high before Liverpool’s opener.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Left Diaz and Domink Szobozslai in acres of space for the opening goal but was left in a tricky spot thanks to Casemiro’s error. Booked for a shocking late tackle on Diaz.Lisandro Martinez – 3Lost Diaz for the second goal which meant the Colombian was able to score unmarked from the penalty spot.Also guilty of giving away the ball too easily and was not tight enough with his marking.Diogo Dalot – 4Was caught out pushing up too quickly for the first goal and did not do enough to stop Mo Salah’s cross in the build-up to Liverpool’s second.Looked dangerous in attack at times but too infrequently as he had plenty of defensive work to do since Rashford did not track Trent Alexander-Arnold.Casemiro – 2A horror show in the first half as he gave the ball away in the lead up to both of Liverpool’s goals.He was caught on the ball for the second after a shocking misplaced pass left his defence vulnerable for the opening goal. Hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 4Fell victim to the Casemiro curse as he was shrugged off the ball in a terrible position, allowing Liverpool to add a third with ease.Bruno Fernandes – 5Was United’s most creative spark but that is not saying much. Tried to get his side going in the first half but looked short of ideas and inspiration after the break.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Still appears to be a little rusty and is yet to hit the heights he reached last season.Marcus Rashford – 3Nothing came off for the out-of-sorts forward who must be running out of chances before he is dropped.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Quiet up-front and had little influence on the wing as well, but missed a clear-cut chance with his head and should have turned in Rashford’s cross which he met at the far post.SubsTom Collyer (for Casemiro, HT) – 5A difficult game for the youngster to make his Premier League debut but he put himself about and won a few tackles.Harry Maguire (for De Ligt, 69mins) – 5Shored things up at the back as Liverpool took their foot off the pedal.Amad (for Garnacho, 69mins) – 5Provided a spark on the right and looked more lively than Garnacho.Christian Eriksen (for Zirkzee, 86mins) – N/ANot on long enough to make an impact. More

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      Inside Jack Grealish’s incredible summer, from partying with Robbie Williams and Calvin Harris to becoming an uncle

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      JACK GREALISH enjoyed an incredible summer which included becoming an uncle and partying with Robbie Williams.The winger also made a return from injury to feature against Ipswich before starting in Manchester City’s 3-1 thrashing of West Ham.Jack Grealish had a busy summer which included returning from injuryHe also met popstar Robbie WilliamsAnd partied at Creamfields festival with John McGinnThat is where Grealish met DJ Calvin HarrisThe winger also became an uncle as sister Kiera gave birth to baby RubenGrealish celebrated his other sister Hollie turning 21He had a very busy August attending a festival and hanging out with celebrities.At Creamfields festival he was joined by former Aston Villa team-mate John McGinn, alongside a few other pals.He met DJ Calvin Harris on site as well as legendary pop star Robbie Williams, with the pair posing for a photo.But it has not been all partying for Grealish, who was recalled to the England squad by interim boss Lee Carsley for games against Ireland and Finland.READ MORE ON JACK GREALISHGrealish became an uncle after his younger sister Kiera gave birth to baby Ruben – and he also announced in July that he and partner Sasha Attwood are expecting their first child.The City star shared an update on social media saying: “Perfect news,” and posted a photo of his newborn nephew wearing a City top.He also celebrated the 21st birthday of his other sister, Hollie.Grealish posted a collection of photos of him and his younger sibling to commemorate the milestone.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe 28-year-old captioned his post, which included three light blue heart emojis: “@Holliegrealish. Happy 21st birthday to my lovely little sister.”Love you loads.”Grealish is a father-to-be with girlfriend Sasha Attwood pregnantCredit: SplashJack Grealish sneaks out of Bernardo Silva’s birthday party in underground tunnel as Man City stars hit town with Wags (1)Doting Grealish celebrated lifting the Premier League title last season by sharing a hug and kiss on the cheek with Hollie in a heartwarming photo.Grealish also hit the town to celebrate another birthday – his team-mate Bernardo Silva who turned 30. More

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      How Chelsea could line up in SIX YEARS’ time with entire squad full of players under contract until the 2030s

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      NICOLAS JACKSON became the latest Chelsea star to commit his future well into the next decade. The striker signed a new long-term deal until 2033, becoming the latest Blue to pen a lengthy extension. Chelsea now have 20 players under contract into the next decade as part of a ploy to circumvent Profit and Sustainability Rules. The West Londoners were hugely active in the summer transfer window, signing TWO goalkeepers. Mike Penders, 19, joined for £17million from Genk and will arrive next season after remaining with the Belgium side on loan. Filip Jorgensen, 22, was brought in for £20.7m from Villarreal and looks set to stay as Chelsea’s cup keeper this season. READ MORE on Chelsea Jorgensen and Penders are touted as ones for the future and could play with a mix of fresh and current talent in defence.Renato Veiga, who can operate at left-back, centre-half or midfield, penned a seven-year deal in the summer after leaving Basel. Right-back Malo Gusto has started this season as Enzo Maresca’s right-back in the absence of Reece James and is contracted to 2030. Chelsea also beat Manchester United to the signing of £14m centre-back Aaron Anselmino, who has since gone back out on loan to Boca Juniors. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd he could be a future defensive partner of Benoit Badiashile, 23, who is tied down to 2030. In midfield, Chelsea twice broke the Premier League transfer record for Enzo Fernandez and then Moises Caicedo, costing over £200m together. Angry Chelsea fan slams Todd Boehly’s transfer policy and claims no Blues supporters are happy with his running of the ‘unrecognisable’ clubFernandez, 23, is contracted to 2032 while Caicedo, 22, is tied down to 2031 and even has the option to extend that another year. The form of Cole Palmer, 22, saw the Blues brass act quickly by handing him a new extension to 2033. Going forward, the club have planned for the future with Estevao Willian, just 17, signed for £47m with a contract running to 2033.They also paid around £17m for 17-year-old Kendry Paez, who can join Chelsea next year from Ecuadorian Serie A club Independiente del Valle. Other notable names on big contracts include Mykhailo Mudryk, 23, Joao Felix, 24, and Pedro Neto, 24, who have deals running till 2031.Noni Madueke, 22, and summer signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, 25, also have deal expiring in 2030. READ MORE SUN STORIESJadon Sancho, 24, could well join the pack after he arrived on loan from United with the option to make it permanent next summer. Chelsea are a circus – it will be TERRIBLE for football if they win anything, says Troy DeeneyCHELSEA are a circus — aren’t they?, writes Troy Deeney.But the bigger concern should be if somehow, some way, Todd Boehly’s insane master-plan brings about success this season.Finish in the top four. Win a trophy like the FA Cup.He will then turn around and say: “See, it works” and all of a sudden, other clubs will begin considering copying this mad model to try and compete in the Premier League.Before you know it, there will be a bigger divide between the top clubs and the rest and this country’s top flight will become something we have been fighting against — a Super League.The smaller sides and promoted teams will be wiped out by the elite and will end up saying, ‘What’s the point?’Football as we know it will change, and there will be no going back.As a neutral, you don’t want to wish failure on a club or a regime, but it’s depressing to think about.We should almost be looking at it in amazement — the owners have come in with this model and they’ve treated it as if they are buying stocks and shares, not players or human beings.Boehly has wiped away any sense of sentiment or old-school values from that club and the worrying thing is that he doesn’t seem to care.Does he even like football?Read Troy Deeney’s hard-hitting opinion on Boehly’s Chelsea shambles in full.Or check out all of Troy’s columns on SunSport. More

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      Arsenal full squad wages revealed for 2024-25 season with Raheem Sterling taking top spot but surprise key man very low

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      ARSENAL’S wages for the 2024-25 season have been revealed – with Raheem Sterling the top earner.The Gunners will be desperate to go one better in the Premier League this year after falling short of Manchester City by just two points last season.Raheem Sterling is the highest-paid player at Arsenal this seasonCredit: GettyThe loanee from Chelsea earns £325,000 per weekCredit: GettyMikel Arteta strengthened his squad with a series of new additions in the summer transfer window. David Raya made his loan switch from Brentford permanent while Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino joined for a combined £70million. Goalkeeper Neto came in as the back-up for Raya with Aaron Ramsdale heading to Southampton.But it was the deadline-day loan signing of Sterling from Chelsea that sparked shockwaves in the Premier League.READ MORE ON ARSENALSterling, 29, was booted out of first-team training by new Blues boss Enzo Maresca.But Arteta stepped in to offer the winger an escape route, reuniting with the player he worked with at Manchester City.Sterling’s Chelsea contract sees him earn a whopping £325,000 per week.And his arrival at the Emirates meant he secured top spot among the player salaries.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesHowever, Arsenal are understood to be paying no more than 50 per cent – £162,500 – of Sterling’s wages, with Chelsea covering the rest. Sterling overtook Kai Havertz as the No1 earner with the German on £280,000.How superstar Mikel Merino is the final piece of Arsenal’s jigsaw – City should watch outGabriel Jesus (£265,000), Declan Rice and captain Martin Odegaard (both £240,000) complete the top five with Thomas Partey on £200,000.Bukayo Saka earns £195,000 per week, pipping the likes of William Saliba (£190,000), Gabriel Martinelli (£180,000) and Ben White (£150,000).New defender Calafiori’s deal pockets the Italian £120,000 a week while fellow summer arrival Merino is understood to be on around £90,000, the same as Leandro Trossard and Jurrien Timber.Surprisingly, Raya is one of the lowest-paid players on £85,000.That figure is only ahead of Jakud Kiwior (£58,000) and Neto (£50,000).Academy graduates Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah both exited the club in big-money moves.READ MORE SUN STORIESMarquinhos, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares, Karl Hein, Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson all left on loan – the latter joining Smith Rowe at Fulham alongside ex-Gunners men Alex Iwobi and Bernd Leno.Arsenal’s stars are still some way off the Prem’s top earners, with £400,00-a-week Kevin De Bruyne leading the way, ahead of Manchester City team-mate Erling Haaland on £375,000 a week.Kai Havertz’s wages are £280,000 per week at the EmiratesCredit: GettyGabriel Jesus’ contract is worth £265,000 per weekCredit: GettyDeclan Rice and Martin Odegaard are on £240,000 per week, with Thomas Partey on £200,000Credit: GettyBukayo Saka currently pockets £195,000 per weekCredit: GettyArsenal have a tricky start to the season More