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      Everton confirm 777 Partners’ takeover has COLLAPSED leaving club on brink of going bust

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      EVERTON have confirmed that 777 Partners’ proposed takeover of the club has collapsed.It leaves the Toffees in danger of going into administration if owner Farhad Moshiri cannot find another buyer.Everton confirmed 777 Partners will not be buying the clubCredit: AlamyOwner Farhad Moshiri needs to find a new buyer or the club could go into administrationCredit: GettyManager Sean Dyche will see several of his best players sold as they desperately attempt to raise cashCredit: Getty777 Partners’ proposed takeover was worth £500m and they have already pumped in £200m to keep the club afloat.But Premier League chiefs refused to ratify their takeover agreement over worries the Miami-based company did not have the cash to meet its obligations after US insurance giant A-Cap cut ties with them.And the company were then hit with legal actions in the US and Europe.An Everton statement confirmed the takeover is dead, saying: “The agreement between 777 Partners and Blue Heaven Holdings Limited for the sale and purchase of the majority shareholding in the Club expired today. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The Club’s Board of Directors recognises the considerable level of financial support 777 Partners has provided the Club over recent months and would like to take this opportunity to thank them for this.”The Club will continue to operate as usual, while it works with Blue Heaven Holdings to assess all options for the Club’s future ownership.”The Board of Directors would like to thank everyone connected to Everton for their patience over recent months and reiterate its commitment to providing further updates when it is appropriate to do so through the Club’s official communication channels.”Everton’s financial problems saw them slapped with a points deduction last campaign – but they still managed to avoid relegation.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEVERTON’S BEST PLAYERS SET TO LEAVEBy Jack Rosser
      ESTIMATED fees for Everton’s biggest stars:

      Jarrad Branthwaite £75m
      Amadou Onana £45m
      Vitaliy Mykolenko £35m
      Jordan Pickford £20m
      Dominic Calvert-Lewin  £20m
      James Garner £18m
      Dwight McNeil £18m
      Beto £18m
      James Tarkowski £12m

      Going into administration will see the club automatically docked nine points next season.The club’s total current debt is at a reported £583m amid the building of their new £760m Bramley Moore Dock stadium.The mess Everton are in explainedAround £200m is also needed to complete the ground.Every Everton player is currently up for sell as the club in crisis desperately tries to raise funds.The end of the club’s financial year is June 30, giving Moshiri only 16 days to sell players to start balancing the books.The likes of Jordan Pickford, Jarrad Branthwaite, Amadou Onana, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are all attracting interest.England centre-back Branthwaite is wanted by Manchester United and striker Calvert-Lewin is into the final year of his deal at Goodison Park and could be signed in a cut-price deal by Newcastle.Meanwhile, Crystal Palace shareholder and American billionaire John Textor could enter the race to buy Everton.He has expressed his interest in a takeover after declaring he is ready to sell his 45 per cent stake in the Eagles.Building work continues at the Bramley-Moore Dock StadiumCredit: GettyEverton are set to move in for the 2025/26 seasonCredit: EPAJarrad Branthwaite could be signed by Man Utd in a cut-price dealCredit: GettyJordan Pickford could also be offloadedCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd ‘contact Xavi’ over replacing Erik ten Hag – but face fight with European giants

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have approached former Barcelona boss Xavi about becoming the club’s new manager, according to sensational reports in Spain.The legendary midfielder, 44, was dismissed by the Catalan giants last week after a turbulent few months at the helm.Xavi was sacked by Barcelona last week despite agreeing to continue just weeks earlierCredit: GettyErik ten Hag’s future remains unclear at Manchester UnitedCredit: AlamyHe had initially confirmed he was leaving in January, before Barcelona convinced him to stay on in April.But he was then axed before their final game of the season against Sevilla, with German Hansi Flick already announced as his replacement.Now Xavi is out of work, with AC Milan and the South Korean national team having already made contact with him.And according to AS, Man Utd have also made an “informal” approach for the Spain icon amid uncertainty surrounding the future of head coach Erik ten Hag.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, it remains Xavi’s preference to take a year away from management before he looks for his next role in 2025.He won 89 of his 142 games in charge of Barcelona, claiming the LaLiga title and Spanish Super Cup in the 2022/23 campaign.He then guided them to second place behind Real Madrid in the league this season, while they also reached the Champions League quarter-finals.Prior to his dismissal, Xavi told the press: “To the new manager, I tell you: ‘You will suffer’.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”This is a very complicated place to be. This is a difficult job and you have to be patient.”I have the feeling that everything I have done in these two-and-a-half years has caused an earthquake.”Man Utd coach reveals why Jadon Sancho refused to apologise to Ten Hag before exile that sparked Dortmund transferBarcelona confirmed his departure in a statement that read: “The club wishes to publicly thanks Xavi and the rest of his coaching staff for their commitment, dedication and generosity, and for their help in reaching an agreement to sever the contract.”Furthermore, we wish him success in the future on both a personal and professional level.”Meanwhile, Ten Hag’s future is still unclear despite Man Utd’s FA Cup triumph over Manchester City.Aside from Xavi, those tipped to replace Ten Hag include Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi and Gareth Southgate.SunSport’s verdict on Man Utd flopsSir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have a busy summer ahead to get Man Utd’s squad in order for next season. Below SunSport gives it verdict on how they should deal with the Red Devils flops this summer.
      Andre Onana – STAY: After a dodgy start at Old Trafford Onana has proven to be one of the more reliable members of the squad this season despite being peppered with shots constantly.
      Altay Bayindir – GO: Reports in February suggested Bayindir was unhappy with his bit part role at Man Utd amid interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray. If profit can be made on a sale then it should be done.
      Tom Heaton – STAY: Veteran goalkeeper Heaton, 38, is a reliable back-up and is on a relatively small wage at the club. So long as he is happy it makes sense to keep him.
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka – GO: Wan-Bissaka, 26, has never managed to make the right-back position his own. With his contract up in 2025 it makes sense to cash in now.
      Diogo Dalot – STAY: Dalot, 26, has been one of Man Utd’s most consistent performers this season.
      Raphael Varane – GO: If it wasn’t for his injury record there would be a strong shout to keep Varane, but costs need to be cut to allow the squad to be freshened up.
      Harry Maguire – GO: Maguire has showed he has the right character to be at Man Utd but overall ability and desired profile are another matter, with Maguire too slow to play in a high line defence.
      Lisandro Martinez – STAY: Martinez, 26, is second to none in terms of build up play. He needs a long-term defensive partner on the right side and to cut out the injuries which have plagued him this season.
      Jonny Evans – GO: Veteran campaigner Evans could easily be on the stay list if he was only going to be a bit part player. But he has shown his advanced years at times this season.
      Victor Lindelof – GO:  Lindelof, 29, has been reliable if not unremarkable in his Man Utd career. He has one year left on his contract so should be moved on if a decent transfer fee can be got for him.
      Willy Kambwala – STAY: He should be given the opportunity to mature for a few years behind a senior CB pairing before stepping into the first team as a starter or being moved on.
      Luke Shaw – GO: One of the Premier League’s best left-backs when fit, Shaw has been a good servant when available. But alas that has been his Achilles heel once again this season.
      Tyrell Malacia – STAY: Malacia, 24, was decent enough to earn some merit in his first season at Man Utd before injury ended his season and inadvertently led to his second season being a write off.
      Sofyan Amrabat – GO: Amrabat, 27, looked like a world beater at the Qatar World Cup with Morocco. But he’s had an underwhelming season in England and his loan spell will almost certainly not be made permanent.
      Casemiro – GO: An alarming physical decline has seen him turn from key star to burden. If a club is willing to buy the 32-year-old – who has two more years on his contract – then United should snatch their hand off.
      Christian Eriksen – GO: Eriksen proved a useful asset and Ineos should look to bring in another player with similar traits, but frankly his legs have looked gone towards the end of this season.
      Kobbie Mainoo – STAY: The first of the so-called untouchables, Mainoo has been a rare glimmer of hope in the Red Devils midfield this season.
      Mason Mount – STAY: Mount can be given the benefit of the doubt until summer 2025 at least after a debut season riddled with injury.
      Scott McTominay – STAY: McTominay, 27, has proven himself to be a brilliant plan B off the bench this season, and that is exactly why Ineos should look to keep him.
      Bruno Fernandes – STAY: Man Utd’s best player since his arrival just over four years ago, Fernandes, 29, remains second-to-none when it comes to creating chances while his tenacity boosts those around him.
      Antony – GO: There’s a case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history. Despite some memorable moments he simply isn’t Man Utd quality.
      Anthony Martial – GO: Ultimately Martial needs to be let go when his deal runs out this summer after an appalling injury record of late.
      Marcus Rashford – STAY: As easy as it would be to say Rashford should leave the club this summer, it is difficult to look at the market and find many available players capable of scoring 30 goals a season.
      Alejandro Garnacho – STAY: Another third of the untouchables trio, Garnacho has made the right-wing his own since coming into it. He’s a raw talent but has shown he has the quality to improve.
      Rasmus Hojlund – STAY: A slow burner in his first Man Utd season, the 21-year-old has often been starved of supply which has led to him being unable to get the goals his movement and unselfish play often merits.
      Amad Diallo – STAY: In the fleeting moments he has been on the pitch for Man Utd this season, Diallo has looked dangerous and exciting. He should be given a chance to flourish with some proper chances in the first team across a whole season. More

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      Mason Greenwood likely next club revealed with European giants at front of queue to sign Man Utd striker

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      MASON GREENWOOD is edging ever closer to a Manchester United exit, SunSport can reveal.The forward, 22, announced on social media this week that he was leaving Getafe, having spent a successful season there on loan.Mason Greenwood is set to join a new club this summerCredit: GettyHis preference had been to remain in Spain, and try to secure a switch to Barcelona.But the departure of manager Xavi has left those plans in tatters.He’s now looking likely to move to Italy with Juventus at the front of the queue to sign the player.The Italian giants have been watching Greenwood since Christmas, and sent a number of different scouts to his Getafe games.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThey’ve all reported back with rave reviews and pointed out how they believe Greenwood could easily make the switch to Serie A, and help boost Juventus next season.Greenwood also harbours an ambition to force his way back into Gareth Southgate’s thinking after the Euros.But, at present, Southgate has no plans to invite the player back into the international fold.Man Utd’s new owners, meanwhile, have already decided that Greenwood has no future at the club.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSErik ten Hag – whose own future at Old Trafford is in grave danger – had wanted to retain the services of the player at the start of this season.But club chiefs feared a fans backlash and let him leave.Mason Greenwood’s final Getafe match delayed by horror injury to keeper as ambulance forced to come on to pitchThey are now keen to push through a sale to free up funds for a summer recruitment spree.Greenwood was named Getafe’s player of the season for the 2023-24 campaign.In addition to clubs in Spain and Italy, he has attracted interest from Borussia Dortmund.Jadon Sancho, who has spent the second half of this season at Dortmund, could also leave Man Utd in the coming weeks.But a final decision on that will not be made until the owners decide who will be in the dugout for the start of next season. More

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      Former Premier League star, 33, suspended for telling ultras where bitter rivals are staying

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      FORMER Brentford and Leeds defender Pontus Jansson has been suspended by Swedish side Malmo after allegedly telling fans where their opponents were staying.A preliminary investigation has found contact between the centre-back, 33, and one of the team’s “violent supporter factions”.Pontus Jansson has been accused of providing Malmo fans with sensitive informationCredit: GettyJansson played for Leeds and Brentford across a seven-year stint in EnglandCredit: PA:Press AssociationThis was discovered when 14 Malmo hooligans were arrested after a fight with Djurgarden supporters in which tables, chairs and flares were thrown, while gunshots were also allegedly involved.Jansson, who is accused of being in a group chat with the violent fans, is alleged to have revealed information about where opponents Elfsborg were staying before their “golden match” last year.As a result, Afton Bladet are reporting he has agreed with Malmo to sit out of their league match against IF Brommapojkarna on Saturday.It is understood Elfsborg moved their overnight stay from Bastad to Helsingborg after the sensitive information was shared.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDue to the circumstances, they went to the new hotel in a neutral bus after consultation with police.Fireworks were still set off outside the Helsingborg establishment, waking some players up.However, Elfsborg’s former head of security, Jonas Livered, claims nothing of a serious nature took place.Meanwhile, Jansson, who returned for a second stint with Malmo last summer, has apologised for distributing the information.Most read in FootballThe Swedish defender said: “Everyone knows that I have a great commitment to Malmo FF and the support for the association and the team.”When the results failed in 2022, I played in England and was then invited to a chat group where Malmo FF was discussed.Brentford captain Pontus Jansson says Marcelo Bielsa is a ‘God’ and says you ‘just have to listen and learn from him'”My intentions were purely good, I wanted to see if there was any way I could contribute to strengthening support for the team and help turn the team’s performance around.”He went on to add: “In retrospect, I fully understand that I was in a context that I should not have been a part of.”I should have left the group, which I have now done, already when I returned to Malmo FF last summer.”This is also why, when I found out what suspicions there were against others in the group, I immediately turned to the association.”The 14 Malmo hooligans recently arrested will be charged next week with crimes such as violent rioting and attempted robbery.Jansson, who has 27 caps for Sweden, played 120 games across three seasons with Leeds in the Championship.He joined Brentford in 2019 and racked up 115 games for the West London club, earning promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs in 2021. More

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      Arne Slot urged to make bold tactical tweak and CHANGE Liverpool star’s position to get the best out of him

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      A DUTCH football legend has urged a Liverpool player to make a surprise positional change under new boss Arne Slot.This player and his team-mates are preparing for a whole new era on Merseyside after Jurgen Klopp’s departure as manager.Rafael van der Vaart wants to see a Liverpool ace switch positionCredit: GettyArne Slot has replaced Jurgen Klopp as manager of the RedsCredit: AFPThe German bid an emotional farewell to Liverpool after the 2-0 win over Wolves last week and will be replaced by Dutchman Slot.Popular duo Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara are also leaving the club along with Klopp’s staff.Mo Salah has shown that he is ready for the big change by undertaking a major one himself regarding his hairstyle.However, former Tottenham and Real Madrid attacker Rafael van der Vaart, 41, feels another Red should look to make a huge transformation – only this time on the pitch.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRyan Gravenberch, 22, joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich for £40m last summer but has endured a mixed first campaign.He played 38 appearances, 21 of them being starts, but scored just four times and provided two assists in that period from his usual position of No.8 under Klopp.Now Van der Vaart wants to see him move from being behind the front three and suggested that he instead drops back to a deeper position in order to change his fortunes.And he highlighted their Dutch compatriot Nigel de Jong, who played there for Man City, and Arsenal legend Patrick Viera as two examples for him to follow.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSpeaking to Dutch outlet Voetbal International, Van Der Vaart said: “I advise Ryan to opt for a role as a defensive midfielder.“That will not be an easy choice for him, because he can do much more. You can compare it with Nigel de Jong in the past.Arne Slot to make 3 key changes at Liverpool“Nigel could do much more than the subservient controller he eventually became.“But in that specific role he reached an absolute top level.“Nigel decided he was going to be a pit bull and that’s it.“Ryan is also very versatile and I recommend him to make a similar choice.“In a role like Patrick Vieira once played at Arsenal and France.”Ryan Gravenberch has endured a mixed first season at AnfieldCredit: EPASlot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan King

      LIVERPOOL’S new manager Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.
      But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.
      Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.
      But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.
      Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.
      “The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.
      Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss.

      Gravenberch recently discussed his first year at Anfield and says he was happy after getting more game time than he had done at Bayern.He said: “That’s why I’m satisfied with my season at Liverpool. I wanted to make more minutes and I succeeded.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I have played good matches, but also lesser ones. No, I’m not as tired as I am after a season where you’ve played everything.“I haven’t played everything. Can that freshness be an advantage? Well, I’m ready if you ask me. Anyway, first let’s be part of the final selection.”Liverpool go DutchWHO’S who in the Liverpool dugout next season.
      Manager Arne Slot, 45
      Slot has led Feyenoord for three seasons, wining the Eredivisie title in 2023 and the KNVB Cup in  2024.
      A former footballer in Holland, he is known to be a perfectionist and favours attacking football like Jurgen Klopp.
      Assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff, 49
      Hulshoff currently serves as Ronald Koeman’s assistant manager with the Holland national team and also works alongside Slot at Feyenoord.
      He has had two spells as manager at little-known Dutch side Cambuur.
      Head of performance Ruben Peeters, 31
      A former fitness coach at Genk, Peeters has been working with Slot at Feyenoord since 2021. 
      The Belgian has a Master’s Degree in Sports Sciences.
      Chief analyst Etienne Reijnen, 37
      Former centre back who retired from football in 2020 to move into coaching.
      In October 2023, Reijnen joined Feyenoord as assistant coach, to focus on analysing and providing technical advise to Arne Slot. More

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      Erik ten Hag sees ‘next Kobbie Mainoo’ as future Man Utd first-team star as fans predict breakthrough season

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      FANS are predicting a “breakthrough” campaign for a Manchester United wonderkid that is highly-regarded by Erik ten Hag.The Dutchman is still in limbo regarding his future at Old Trafford as he waits to see whether Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos axe him.Kobbie Mainoo capped a stunning breakthrough season with FA Cup gloryCredit: GettyAfter last year’s League Cup victory, Erik ten Hag was pictured speaking to Mainoo, and the Manchester United manager did something similar with a different youth player after the FA Cup winCredit: ESPNTen Hag won the League Cup in his first season in charge and led the Red Devils to a top four finish to ensure Champions League qualification.But this term has proven to be a lot more difficult as he came under huge pressure following a series of dreadful results.United finished eighth, the lowest in their Premier League history, but ended it on a high by defeating neighbours Man City to lift the FA Cup at Wembley on Saturday.That secured them Europa League football for next term thanks to teenage star Kobbie Mainoo’s matchwinner.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe 19-year-old midfielder’s emergence from the academy into a first-team regular, and the England squad, has been one of the few bright spots this term.Ten Hag had a famous moment with Mainoo, who was still a relative unknown, after the League Cup win over Newcastle in February 2023.Now fans are convinced that he has picked Toby Collyer as his “next Mainoo” after he was spotted deep in conversation with the ace during the Wembley celebrations last week.Ten Hag made a beeline for the 20-year-old, who had travelled with the squad as a spare man, and embraced him on the pitch.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTen Hag was spotted talking to Collyer at WembleyCredit: BBCToby Collyer is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his fellow youngsterCredit: GettyThe boss gestured to the fans while speaking in the ear of Collyer in scenes reminiscent of that with Mainoo.The Telegraph reports that the defensive midfielder “is regarded as a player with first-team potential” by the manager.Watch ‘wholesome’ moment Kobbie Mainoo asks Man Utd fan for THAT bucket hat he wore after FA Cup final heroicsAnd that led to fans speculating about big things ahead for the youngster after seeing his chat with Ten Hag.One fan wrote on X: “I saw Ten Hag chatting to him like Mainoo last year in the Carabao final.”Another said: “Spoke to him like he spoke to Mainoo so next season might be a breakthrough for him.”A third added: “Ten Hag was talking with him at the end of the cup final game just like he did with Kobbie after we won the Carabao Cup last year. I already know he’s gonna cook for us next season.”And a fourth said: “First was Kobbie Mainoo… Now is Toby Collyer.”The defensive midfielder could potentially fill a void left by Casemiro as the veteran Brazilian continues to be linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.He is best-deployed in a number six role which allows him to dictate play.Collyer arrived at Old Trafford from Brighton in 2022 and has already been recognised at international level.He has caps for England at both under-16 and U17 – captaining each age group.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe star is under contract at United until 2025 but is still yet to play competitively for the first-team.However, Ten Hag did get a look at him last pre-season in their friendly against Wrexham in the USA and he is expected to travel with the seniors again when they go on tour after the summer. More

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      Red Bull launch first move into English football as they purchase stake in former Premier League giants

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      LEEDS have struck a deal with energy drink firm Red Bull to help power them back to the Premier League.United fell short of an immediate return to the top flight this season after losing to Southampton in the play-off final.Red Bull own Bundesliga side LeipzigCredit: GettyRed Bull’s racing team are hugely successful in F1Credit: GettyThe partnership will see the Austrian-based company become the team’s shirt sponsor and buy a minority stake in the Championship side.Red Bull already own a number of football teams including RB Leipzig in Germany, Salzburg in Austria and MLS’ New York Red Bulls.They also own the current F1 world champions Red Bull Racing and sister team Visa Cash App RB – formerly known as AlphaTauri.The move sees their first investment into English football as they will take a shareholding, alongside majority owners 49ers Enterprises’ group.READ MORE IN football Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe said: “I am thrilled that Red Bull is joining us to build a bright future for Leeds United and shares our deep respect for this truly special club.“As Chairman, our consortium of investment partners will be invaluable to me as we approach this important moment for the club, now and into the future. “Red Bull’s addition is a historic milestone that will further empower the club to reach its full competitive potential.”A statement of Leeds website added: “Today’s announcement that Red Bull will be joining forces with Leeds United reinforces the international popularity and significance of the club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Beginning in the 2024/2025 season, Leeds United will feature Red Bull branding on the front of Leeds United men’s and women’s first team kits.Another Hollywood A-lister and fellow Leeds investor is Russell Crowe, who watched the side on Match of the Day while he was growing up in New Zealand.Paris Hilton joins Hollywood A-lister and darts icon in bizarre good luck message to Leeds for Championship play-off “Red Bull will also become the club’s Exclusive Energy Drink Partner with branding featured inside Elland Road and during the club’s official media appearances.”Red Bull’s CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments, Oliver Mintzlaff, added: “We are delighted to be an important element and partner of Leeds United.”A club that is certainly one of the biggest in England and has a rich and successful history.”The ambition to bring Leeds United back to the Premier League and establish themselves in the best football league in the world fits very well with Red Bull. “We look forward to the partnership and are optimistic and energized about the future.” More

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      Leicester ‘considering Man Utd legend’ to replace Chelsea-bound Maresca despite him ‘sparking player revolt’ in last job

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      LEICESTER are considering a swoop for Ruud van Nistelrooy to replace Chelsea-bound Enzo Maresca as boss, according to reports.The Foxes won the Championship with 97 points last season under former Manchester City assistant Maresca.Ruud van Nistelrooy is under consideration to land the Leicester jobCredit: GettyFoxes boss Enzo Maresca is set to leave for ChelseaCredit: GettyThey are now looking for a new manager, with Maresca, 44, having agreed a five-year deal to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge.And, according to Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri, Van Nistelrooy is under serious consideration by Foxes chiefs.The Manchester United legend, 47, began his coaching career as an assistant to Guus Hiddink with the Dutch national team in 2014.He later coached PSV Eindhoven’s Under-19s, before eventually landing their first team gig in 2022.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDuring his one year in charge, Van Nistelrooy won the KNVB Cup with PSV.The former striker went on to resign with one game to spare in the Eredivisie season, with his side second in the table.At the time it was claimed by ESPN that Van Nistelrooy had left his post amid a “player revolt” over his coaching and tactics.The Dutchman primarily deployed a 4-3-3 formation during his time at PSV, although occasionally dabbled with a 4-4-2.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSVan Nistelrooy starred for Man Utd between 2001 and 2006Credit: PA:Press AssociationHis side set up to retain possession of the ball, playing a patient, highly structured style.Despite their Championship title success, many Leicester fans have not been particularly sad to see Maresca go.Man Utd’s best XI of academy graduatesThe former City coach also set his side up to play a patient, possession-based style – at odds with the direct football many at the King Power have favoured over the last decade.Maresca has been accused of having “no Plan B” by sections of the Foxes faithful, while his side’s football was met by groans at times at the King Power.While supporters were not always convinced, Maresca did achieve great buy in from his players.’HE’S INCREDIBLE’Midfielder Harry Winks, who played under Pochettino, Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte at Tottenham, even made a bold claim about Maresca.Winks, 28, told Sky Sports: “He’s by far the best manager I’ve worked for. He’s incredible.”Everybody will say he’s going right to the top in terms of managerial stature. He’s got everything. He’s a great man manager.”He’s tactically incredible in some of the decisions that he tells us to do before the game and how he views the match is something I’ve never experienced before in football.”Why Leicester fans WON’T miss Maresca
      By Graeme Bryce
      IT IS fair to say most Leicester fans were not exactly pleading with Maresca to stay.
      OK, they were not queueing up and offering to drive him to Stamford Bridge.
      But there will not be too many tears shed or much wailing at the King Power either.
      The fans’ attitude to losing their incredibly successful boss could be summed up in a word: ‘Meh’.
      Maresca failed to win over the paying public who never really took to his patient, possession-based style of football.
      Having been brought up — some would say spoiled — by the swashbuckling title winners of 2016, with Jamie Vardy spearheading manager Claudio Ranieri’s shock champions, Maresca never really got off the ground at the King Power.
      So it will be interesting to see what Chelsea’s notoriously impatient fans make of Maresca’s ‘death by a thousand cuts’ style of play.
      It was not long before some of the old-school Leicester fans started moaning that Maresca’s patient, play-out-from-the-back style was becoming too boring to watch.
      During a 3-1 win over Swansea which left them ten points clear at the top, there were moans and groans coming from the stands amid cries of, ‘Get the ball forward’.
      Fans accused him of stubbornly sticking to his Plan A — even when it was not working — and claimed he was way too slow to make substitutions.
      But one thing Blues fans can look forward to is his man-management and his attention to detail.
      And the Foxes players also adored their manager.

      Back in March, Van Nistelrooy underlined his desire to one day work in the Premier League.He said: “I have had offers from various clubs, also in my own country, but I would love to work in England or in Spain.”I want to coach in a league where I have played, because in those countries I speak the language fluently. In my opinion, I have gained plenty of experience. I have gone through the ranks.”On what he brings to the table, the decorated former star continued: “I did the younger youth teams at PSV Eindhoven, I was coach of the under-21s and subsequently became manager of the first team.”I have managed a lot of different players. I helped young talented players develop, let them grow, like (Cody) Gakpo, (Noni) Madueke, (Johan) Bakayoko and Xavi Simons. I was able to support them in their development.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It matters to me that it is a well organised club. I still want to work with young players, but ideally with a mixture of experienced professionals.”I want to help them improve and bring a winning mentality. The latter is the most important thing. With my style of football.”Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo Maresca
      ENZO MARESCA is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.
      Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.
      His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.
      He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.
      His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.
      Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.
      He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.
      He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.
      Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.
      He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”
      During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi. More