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      ‘That’s where they went wrong’ – Ex-Man Utd coach says Harry Kane was their no1 target but chiefs insisted on Hojlund

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      FORMER Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy has revealed why the club signed Rasmus Hojlund over Harry Kane.Back in the summer of 2023, then-United manager Erik ten Hag made it his priority to sign a new striker.Man Utd were set on signing Harry Kane before instead going for Rasmus HojlundCredit: GettyHoljund has managed 69 FEWER goal contributions than Kane in the same number of appearancesCredit: ReutersThe Red Devils quickly became heavily linked with Kane amid ongoing doubts surrounding his future at Tottenham.However, they could not reach an agreement with Spurs and instead chose to sign Hojlund in a £72million transfer from Atalanta.Just days later, Kane completed a stunning £104m move to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.Since joining Bayern, the England captain has scored 73 goals and provided 22 assists in 75 appearances.Read More on Man UtdMeanwhile, Hojlund has amassed just 26 goal contributions in the same number of outings.Ex-coach McCarthy, who left United in June last year, admitted the club made the wrong decision by focusing on the Dane.Speaking at the launch of Ladrokes’ Gaffer of all Accas, McCarthy said: “In the summer of 2023, Harry Kane was our No1 target.”Kane was the prime target, but obviously the price tag was an issue. Because he would have been leaving Spurs for United, a few extra million pounds were added on to the price tag, which, you know, for a 30-year-old wasn’t seen to be wise. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBenni McCarthy has revealed why United chose to sign HojlundCredit: Getty”But for £100 million, if you look at it now, you’d say that it would have been well worth it because he’s gone to Bayern and he’s still producing, he’s still scoring.”We should have just bitten the bullet and got Harry Kane and then also tried to invest in Rasmus Hojlund. That would have been the best thing for Rasmus if he had someone like Harry Kane involved.Harry Kane scores from a distance in Bayern Munich training “So yeah, Harry Kane was Erik’s No1 target. Erik really wanted him. Randal Kolo Muani was also very high on that list. Victor Osimhen was also on that list.”But I felt that if you’re going to want to spend that kind of money – £100 million plus – then you want to complete package. And Harry Kane, for me, was the complete package.”Unfortunately, the club didn’t see it that way. They looked at it as Rasmus Hojlund, in the long run, would be a more prized asset than investing in both Rasmus and Harry Kane.”So we stopped pursuing Kane, and we ended up getting just Rasmus.”Man Utd currently sit 15th in the Premier League table with just 27 points from 25 games. More

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      Newest Premier League ground opens doors for first time as stunning images show venue lit up at night and fans flood in

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      EVERTON’S new stadium opened its doors ahead of its scheduled grand unveiling for a few lucky fans.The Toffees are set to leave their historic Goodison Park ground – England’s first major football stadium – after 132 years.Everton’s new stadium opened its doors ahead of its scheduled grand unveilingCredit: GettyEverton invited 10,000 fans in a lucky ballot to attend an Under-18s friendlyCredit: EPABramley-Moore Dock lit up at night ahead of the scheduled openingEverton are officially moving to Bramley-Moore Dock in the summerCredit: GettyEager fans queue to get in for the first timeCredit: EPAAnd the Merseysiders are moving in to their brand new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium in the summer.But club chiefs decided to give a few supporters a sneak peek ahead of next season.About 10,000 fans were successful in a ballot for an Under-18s friendly against Wigan.The fortunate Everton faithful took a seat at the 52,888-capacity ground, which will be the seventh biggest stadium in the Premier League.Read More on FootballAnd they watched the incredible venue shine bright as it was fully lit up at night.But it was a Liverpool fan who stole Everton’s thunder with the first ever goal at their new stadium.Wigan U18 ace Harrison Rimmer took just 11 minutes to notch his historic strike before trolling the home crowd by raising six fingers.That was of course a reference to the combined total of European Cups and Champions League crowns lifted by his beloved Reds.Most read in FootballIt’s a time-honoured gesture made by brave players who support Liverpool after scoring at either of the club’s two fiercest rivals, Everton and Manchester United.The stadium’s four-year project came at an estimated cost of more than £750million.David Moyes says ‘boiling hot Goodison Park deserved drama’ in final Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton Bramley-Moore Dock has been selected to host matches at Euro 2028.It is hoped the project will contribute an estimated £1.3billion to the local economy.Everton’s last ever home game at Goodison Park takes place on May 18.The Toffees will host Southampton in what promises to be an emotional farewell.The final Merseyside derby will live long in the memory after James Tarkowski grabbed a stunning last-minute equaliser for the hosts and four people were sent off in wild scenes AFTER the final whistle. The Merseysiders appear to be securing their place in the Premier League ahead of next season after David Moyes’ return at the helm.Everton are 14th in the table with 13 points separating them from the relegation zone.Tarkowski fires home to spark wild scenes in the final derby at GoodisonCredit: Getty More

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      ‘I’m not causing any harm by wearing a pair of heels’ – Former Arsenal star reveals why he felt ‘misjudged’ at the club

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      FORMER Arsenal midfielder Miguel Azeez has admitted he felt “misjudged” throughout his time with the Gunners.Azeez first joined the London side at the age of five and spent the next 11 years climbing the Hale End academy ranks.Miguel Azeez has opened up about feeling ‘misjudged’ at ArsenalCredit: GettyThe midfielder, who now plays in Greece, expresses himself through fashionCredit: INSTAGRAMHe also has a love for music and artCredit: INSTAGRAMHe signed his first professional contract in 2019 and made his senior debut the following year in a Europa League match against Dundalk.That proved to be his only first team appearance for Arsenal as he was later sent out on several loan spells to Portsmouth, Ibiza and Wigan respectively before joining Spanish side Atletico Baleares last January.Seven months later, Azeez moved on again, this time to PAS Giannina in Greece.The midfielder has since made 13 appearances, scoring once.Read More on ArsenalAlongside football, Azeez enjoys expressing himself through art, music and fashion.But in a recent interview with The Athletic he revealed that he felt “misjudged” compared to his team-mates.The 22-year-old said: “I definitely felt, not adversity, but being misjudged.”Ask anyone at Arsenal — I was always first into training and last to leave.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAzeez left Arsenal last JanuaryCredit: INSTAGRAM”If I looked like a quintessential footballer they would not have thought anything of it but because of how I looked, the hairstyles, the face, jewellery, whatever it was, they would say, ‘He is trying to be aloof by coming in early to be by himself’. I was just trying to improve.”That word ‘aloof’ was used against me at Arsenal. My team-mates were in the changing room on their phones on Snapchat when I was in the gym working, but they would just see me by myself and put two and two together.Arsenal player ratings vs Leicester: Ethan Nwaneri excels amid injury crisis but dreadful Raheem Sterling shadow of old self”The players seemed to take to it, which was nice. It was from the coaching side of things.”I don’t know if it was an upbringing thing or a hierarchy thing. I took it as people thinking, ‘Who does he think he is? Does he think he is better than me?’.”Nah, I’m just being myself. I’m not causing any harm by wearing a pair of heels.”There was always this thing representing the badge. I get that, but I think they wanted a different image to what I was giving.”I guess there’s a lot of people who would change their personalities just to get to where they felt they needed to be. I’ve always said I’m a person who plays football.Nah, I’m just being myself. I’m not causing any harm by wearing a pair of heels.Miguel Azeez”When people start to think they are a footballer before they’re a person, that’s when they start to change who they are.”Recalling his Arsenal departure, he added: “I felt like I had to go. You would train with the 21s, be in with the first team and be on the bench but not get on. I had to try to create my own path.”I don’t think anybody would like a player not extending their contract, but it wasn’t the nicest send-off.”Normally, a player who was leaving would get their shirt signed by all the players and staff. I didn’t get that or a meeting saying goodbye.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Not that I cared as I don’t need that to feel validated but me being the longest-serving player, it would have been nice to get something.”SunSport has approached Arsenal for comment. More

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      ‘Are you f***ing kidding me?’ – Ex-Chelsea ace John Obi Mikel in X-rated rant after ‘disaster’ Maresca interview

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      CHELSEA hero John Obi Mikel put his former club on full blast in a sensational rant after manager Enzo Maresca’s “disaster” interview.The Blues’ humiliating 3-0 loss at Brighton last Friday effectively ended any slim Premier League title hopes.Chelsea hero John Obi Mikel lashed out at his former clubCredit: GettyObi Mikel blasted Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca’s statement that he’s ‘ahead of schedule’Credit: GettyObi Mikel criticised Chelsea loanee Jadon Sancho’s performancesCredit: PAObi Mikel put Chelsea captain Reece James on full blast due to his leadershipCredit: AlamyThe West Londoners have now won a mere two out of their last nine Prem matches, losing four of them.The Italian tactician, though, stated before the loss to the Seagulls, who also eliminated his team from the FA Cup with a 2-1 victory the week before, that his side are in fact ahead of schedule in terms of progress.That is after the ex-Leicester boss was ordered to deliver Champions League football in two years after he took on the job in the summer. His team are now sixth in the table, one point away from fourth.But Obi Mikel, 37, refused to hold back on his brutal assessment of Maresca’s statement.Read More on ChelseaThe double Premier League winner, who also won four FA Cups and the Champions League during his 11-year stint with Chelsea, lasedh out by dropping a total of 18 F-bombs.Obi Mikel told The Obi One Podcast: “‘Who the f*** has told them that? Are you f***ing kidding me? This is Chelsea Football Club.”You can’t be ahead of the f***ing schedule, this is the f***ing Chelsea Football Club, no disrespect to Leicester where he’s coming from, this is f***ing Chelsea Football Club. We are a Champions League football club, that’s what we are. “He can’t come out and say if the club employ you, if they’ve told you that, no, mate. This is a Champions League football club. We’ve always been in the Champions League. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I can swear to you right now I’ve never watched a f*** ng game in the Conference League. I’ve never watched it, I don’t care about it, that’s not who we are.”We are a Champions League football club. So for me, for him to come out and say we’re ahead of schedule, no you are not. We should be there. ‘Pressure shouldn’t be on the coach’ – Gary Neville slams Chelsea board for ‘unforgivable’ mistake”I think that comment that the manager made that we are not contenders to win the Premier League, that has got into the players’ heads and the whole thing since then has been a f***ing disaster. We have no clue what we’re doing.”Obi Mikel also targeted Manchester United loanee Jadon Sancho, who has struggled to impress since moving to Stamford Bridge in the summer with an obligation to buy for a reported £23milion fee.Sancho had another impressive loan stint at Borussia Dortmund during the second half of last season but he has only managed two goals and six assists in 22 appearances with the Blues.Obi Mikel added: “I watched the games, the game against West Ham was even worse than the game against Brighton. Against Brighton there was no character, there was no intensity, there was no leaders on the pitch.”There was no one telling Jadon Sancho, ‘Sancho the first goal you should have tackled for that’. There was no one telling Sancho, ‘What the f*** are you doing’?  “He’s [Sancho] deceived us with a good couple of games, you know we thought, ‘Oh f***ing hell, now we’re getting this Jadon Sancho from Dortmund’. But he’s gone again. Chelsea ‘need a striker'”He’s disappeared off the grid. He takes the ball, he doesn’t go past people anymore, he doesn’t create chances anymore, you know he doesn’t help the team as much as he should be.”Paul Winstanley [sporting director] I know you watching, you’re listening please and Todd Boehly [co-controlling owner and chairman], please we need a striker.”Nicolas Jackson is a fantastic guy, fantastic striker but he needs help. It’s not just his form, not just his goalscoring, what happens when he gets injured and we’ve seen it here now and we’ve come into the crucial part of the season where we need to win games and we need get to win games.”They’re not bad players but they need to do more, they need leaders, they need somebody who’s going to hold them by the f***ng neck and say, ‘Listen, wake the f*** up mate’. You need a f***ing leader who is going to say, ‘Wake up, wake the f*** up’. “They are too soft. That’s what I mean. I know I keep going back to when we were at the club but that’s something that helped us. “When you’re not doing things right JT [John Terry] calls you in, goes to maybe meets you in the gym, maybe meets you by the pool area, and says, ‘Listen what’s happening you need to do more. The club needs you to do more because we win games here’.”That led to another brutal assessment of current Chelsea captain Reece James, who has endured a raft of injuries the last four years and has struggled to regain his former prowess when he’s on the pitch.Obi Mikel said: “Ah f*** that, no, you think Reece James is going to speak to Enzo Fernandez? No, I don’t see that happening. “Reece James needs to do more as a captain, you can only do more by your performances, by being on the pitch, showing leadership on the pitch. He’s been injured half of his career at Chelsea. “You can’t go and say to a player, ‘You know, you need to do more’. No, you need to be on the f***ing pitch. That’s a disaster if we fail to qualify for the Champions League. I will view this season as a massive, massive disaster.”December is not a f***ing time to drink red wine and have turkey. You can enjoy your Christmas but we knew back then that this is the test when you need to win the Premier League. “It’s not a holiday period. It’s never a holiday period. So to win two out of 10 [eight Premier League matches after Christmas] since then it’s a huge, huge disappointment. I just hope we find our way back. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Cole Palmer, his form has dipped a little bit but the guy can’t do everything alone. The pressure always should be on the owners. “They’ve bought this football club with the sole purpose of winning – not making profit. If you buy Chelsea Football Club and think you are here to make profit, no mate you can f*** off, you can f*** off. You need to win trophies. You can make your profit but you need to win trophies.” More

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      Gary Neville predicts another year of Man Utd struggles due to Ruben Amorim’s ‘unforgiving’ tactics and £300m of ‘waste’

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      GARY NEVILLE has predicted another year of Manchester United struggles due to Ruben Amorim’s “unforgiving” tactics and £300million of “waste.”The Red Devils’ season hit a new low on Sunday as they lost 1-0 to fellow flops Tottenham.Gary Neville has predicted another year of struggles for Ruben Amorim and Man UtdCredit: AlamyNeville reckons there are two key areas that need strengthening immediatelyCredit: AFPIt leaves United languishing in 15th – just 12 points above the drop zone.And the misery could continue on Saturday when they travel to in-form Everton, who are now above them thanks to the skills of ex-United manager David Moyes.Ruben Amorim cut a frustrated figure after seeing his injury-laden side crash to defeat in London at the weekend.The Portuguese boss was forced to name EIGHT kids on the bench after United were hit by a raft of setbacks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmorim will now be hoping for some serious backing in the summer market as he looks to rebuild his squad.However, Red Devils icon Neville reckons fans will still have to wait a while before seeing Amorim’s plans fall into place.He claims a deficit of £300m over the last three years means it is going to take at least several more windows before Amorim has a squad he can call his own.Neville believes United need to start by signing two midfielders and three specialist centre-backs who are suited to the new 3-4-3 system.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos can’t afford more “waste” after splashing out on several duds last summer.Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast, Neville said: “How quickly can Amorim not just get good players in, but get players who can fit into this system?Gary Neville says he’s seen ‘nothing’ from Man Utd under Ruben Amorim “It’s a peculiar system, 3-4-3. It’s a system where you’ve got to find two midfield players who are good enough to play with each other and cover a lot of ground.“You’ve got to find three centre-backs – with two of the outside ones capable of playing out wide in the full-back areas, when the wing-backs go forward.“So you’re asking for specialists throughout the team. It’s not like other systems which are a little bit more forgiving.“How quickly can Amorim and the recruitment team at United get to a point where they can adapt this squad into a 3-4-3 squad?“It’s going to be a minimum of two to three transfer windows because of the investment that’s been made and we know the club’s on the edge of PSR.“They’ve lost £300m in the last three years, so there’s a real struggle and a real fight to be able to spend the money that they need in the transfer market as well.“There’s been a lot of waste in the last few years.”Man Utd ratings v SpursMANCHESTER UNITED slipped to a 12th defeat in the Premier League with Rasmus Hojlund coming under fire again.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Manchester United players against an underachieving Spurs side – who are now three places above them in 12th – in North London.Andre Onana – 3United can’t do anything with him between the sticks. Can’t be trusted to collect anything.His opposite number Vicario showed him a thing or two after returning for the first time since Spurs thrashed Man City in November.At fault for the first goal when he palmed out a relatively weak bouncing shot into Maddison’s path in the 13th minute.Noussair Mazraoui – 5An OK performance. Clever link-up play with Zirkzee but couldn’t get hold of Spence down the left-hand side.Pulled out an excellent cross for the Dutchman’s headed chance late-on.Matthijs de Ligt – 6His clearance stopped an obvious 2-0 before the half-an-hour mark.Harry Maguire – 5A mixed bag. Long ball over the top for Hojlund’s chance in opening 10 minutes and went on a few attacking runs himself in the first half.Did well to stop Dejan Kulusevski from having a go at the edge of the box. But bizarrely stopped in his tracks when a cross came flying into Son later on.Diogo Dalot – 6A difficult afternoon for the Portugal international as Son and Djed Spence left him for dead a few times.Hesitated when asked to shoot from five yards to make it 1-0 but helped Onana out with some clearances too.Patrick Dorgu – 4A Prem debut to forget. He was almost invisible from the left-hand side. And lacked quality when asked to get involved more in the second half.Was stupidly caught offside with Bruno Fernandes offloading a stunning cross pitch pass and booked late-on.Casemiro – 5Looked every bit a player that hasn’t played Premier League football for two months. Unsurprisingly booked for a late one on Son.Bizarrely dropped to the turf asking for a free-kick when nobody touched him. Was forced to play 89 minutes with eight teenagers on the bench. A difficult afternoon, indeed.Bruno Fernandes – 5Interceptions and breaking up play is not a part of the captain’s game. An uncharacteristically poor cross left United open on the counter.Did get back to stop Son from having a shot at Onana on the hour mark and started ticking in attack in the final 20 minutes.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Looked shaky and cut a frustrated figure after blazing over an absolute SITTER from 10 yards to level the scores.A bit of a shocker and looked a completely different player to the one who got United into the fifth-round of the FA Cup last week.Woke up a bit in the second half as Vicario kept him at bay with several superb stops. But the 20-year-old is clearly better off the bench.Joshua Zirkzee – 6The best of a desperately poor front three. There’s a street player in there and he’s great with his touches at times.But curled wide from 23 yards, stuck a header wide in the 70th minute and kicked an air shot in the final five minutes.Rasmus Hojlund – 3Is Hojlund the worst No 9 in United’s recent history?The young Dane, who was unlucky to have a chance saved by Vicario, was second best in every loose ball and kept losing possession.He was even caught offside after a pass from an Onana goal-kick in the first half – how often do you see that happen? More

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      ‘Man Utd directors should be arrested’ – How Scott McTominay proved old bosses wrong and became Napoli’s ‘new Maradona’

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      SCOTT McTOMINAY is proving Manchester United wrong – and Paolo Di Canio right – after becoming Napoli’s “Jolly Blue Giant”.Soon after Old Trafford chiefs sold the 6ft 3in midfielder to the Serie A club for £25million, Premier League legend Di Canio announced, with typical understatement:  “I would go to Manchester United to arrest all the directors – how do you give McTominay away?”Scott McTominay is the darling of the Napoli fans and Italian pressCredit: RexThe midfielder was sold by boyhood club United in the summer – against the wishes of many fans and then-boss Erik ten HagCredit: GettyMcTominay came through the academy under Sir Alex Ferguson – meaning United made pure profit on his £25m saleCredit: Instagram @scottmctominayHow much do Napoli’s fans agree? McTotally.That is the nickname that the club’s ultras have given to McTominay because of his all-action, totally committed, hard-running style.And the former Old Trafford trainee has become so crucial to Napoli’s title charge under Antonio Conte that many regard him as a successor to Diego Maradona as the leader of the team.Leading Italian media outlet Gazzetta dello Sport recenty hailed McTominay as “the warrior soul of Napoli”.The wildcard in Conte’s packThe midfielder was given the “Jolly” tag by local press soon after his arrival last summer.Playing cards imported to Italy from the UK contain a “Jolly Joker” and the Scotland international is regarded as the wild card in Conte’s pack, a versatile player who can be the difference between having a good hand and winning.But “jolly” also reflects how happy McTominay is in his new surroundings.He and girlfriend Cam Reading have been pictured out and about enjoying life on the Amalfi Coast.McTominay said: “It’s not easy going abroad and having to settle in, but it’s been quite seamless, to be fair, in terms of how much the Italian people have helped me settling into my house and whatever.”Things I need like a car or a taxi or anything like that. I’m very grateful to them. Inside Marcus Rashford’s demise from one of football’s biggest stars to £60m benchwarmer“They’re real great people who I’m very thankful for as well.”Last summer United cashed in on academy product McTominay – against the wishes of then boss Erik ten Hag and many supporters  – to help them meet Premier League financial rules.But it now looks like a false economy.While United spent around £50m on replacement midfielder Manuel Ugarte but still languish in the lower half of the Premier League, a McTominay-inspired Napoli are top of Serie A.The Scot’s six goals and four assists in 21 appearances tell only part of the story.McTominay’s physical presence at both ends of the pitch and his ability to fulfil a variety of roles has allowed Conte to ditch his usual preference for three at the back.Former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Conte said: “Scott is a complete player, versatile.“He can be a trequartista (effectively No10) behind the striker, he can be a mezzala (a central midfielder-cum-winger) in a three-man midfield, play in a two-man midfield or even wide in a 5-4-1 with licence to attack.”When I first walked into the Maradona Stadium it was surreal, knowing he is a legend of footballMcTominayMcTominay made a big impression in his very first start for Napoli, at Juventus back in September.Conte’s side ground out a 0-0 draw and Italian broadcaster Riccardo Trevisan claimed that McTominay had made Juve stars look like “children”.Trevisani added: “Seeing McTominay live is incredible, impressive. He looked like Gulliver with children, they bounced off him.”Months later, McTominay remains one of Napoli’s main men.Last month he scored in the 3-2 win over top-of-the-table rivals Atalanta. Days later, the Scot won the penalty from which fellow Premier League outcast Romelu Lukaku scored to complete a second-half comeback and seal a 2-1 win.If McTominay can inspire Napoli to their second Serie A crown in three seasons, he will join Maradona in the list of club legends.McTominay celebrates with his Napoli team-mates and coach Antonio Conte, who has hailed the midfielder’s versatilityCredit: GettyFans have compared McTominay to Napoli legend Diego Maradona for the impact he’s had on the title-chasing teamCredit: APPremier League icon Di Canio says United’s directors should be in big trouble for letting McTominay leaveCredit: SplashMcTominay and partner Cam Reading took the brave step of moving abroadCredit: Instagram / @camreading_But the couple have settled in well to their new life in southern ItalyCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskThe club’s stadium is named after the Argentina star who led them to their first ever Italian titles in 1987 and 1990.McTominay said: “When I first walked into the stadium it was a surreal feeling – knowing he is an icon, an absolute legend of football.“The people absolutely adore him, which is a huge factor, because of how well he played for them and the things he did in Naples. “So for us, he is definitely in our head and hearts.”Napoli fans have certainly taken McTominay to their hearts.They even expressed their concern and sympathy when it emerged he was moving to the suburb of Lago Patria.Although the area is popular with ex-pats and close to Napoli’s training ground, it has also gained a reputation as a crime hotspot, with burglaries and car theft.The Italian Navy has stopped showing staff the neighbourhood as a potential place to live.When news of McTominay’s choice of home came out, one fan commented: “I recommend that you close the door tightly in the evening.”But it is that £25m that Napoli paid for McTominay which is starting to look like daylight robbery.Manuel Ugarte was brought in by United for £50m, double what they sold McTominay forCredit: AlamyMcTominay moved to Lago Patria, but the picturesque area has a darker side More

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      Man Utd tipped to lose EVERY game except one as Rio Ferdinand reveals Red Devils relegation fears

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      RIO FERDINAND fears that Manchester United might not win again in the Prem this season.The Old Trafford legend has no confidence in Ruben Amorim’s side — who are still in the Europa League and FA Cup but only 12 points clear of the drop zone.Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United could genuinely suffer relegation this seasonFerdinand can’t see United winning any more games bar oneCredit: GettyIn fact, the former centre back has expressed fears of a potential relegation to the Championship.United are rotting in 15th place in the table after losing for the 12th time this season following a 1-0 defeat by fellow horror show Spurs.The 12 defeats are the most from their first 25 matches of a league campaign since 1973-74 – which ended in the club being relegated.Ferdinand, 46, said on his YouTube channel: “Only Wolves and West Ham separate my club from the relegation places.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“Do you realise we’re that close? Someone said we need 11 points just to stay up.“I’ve got the fixture list: Everton away, Ipswich at home, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest away.“Before hosting Man City, and going to Newcastle away, and then Wolves, Bournemouth, Brentford, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Leicester.“The only place I see us getting anything — and I’m not even saying a  win —  is Leicester.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I’m not seeing wins. That’s the problem.”One month ago, Everton were nine points adrift of the Red Devils but have now climbed a point above them in the table under the new manager bounce leadership of David Moyes.Gary Neville says he’s seen ‘nothing’ from Man Utd under Ruben Amorim Ferdinand’s nerves come after United endured their eighth Prem defeat under Amorim, who joined the historic club in November.A couple of wins would of course ease those concerns and leave United on track for what must be now regarded as a best-case scenario – mid-table obscurity with some deep runs in the FA Cup and Europa League.But a fresh injury crisis threatens to complicate an already dire situation.Amorim, 40, was without 12 squad players at Spurs, including Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, and Christian Eriksen.Meanwhile, Wolves will continue fighting and put in a stunning second-half display against Liverpool on Sunday.In fact, Vitor Pereira’s side could’ve got something out of the game – which finished 2-1 – after restricting the Prem leaders to zero attempts in the second 45 minutes. With 29 points after 25 games, and 31 points behind leaders Liverpool, United are now only two spots above the drop. More

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      Tottenham captain Son Heung-min reveals conversation with James Maddison following scathing Roy Keane criticism

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      SON HEUNG-MIN has told Roy Keane: You are wrong about James Maddison.Midfielder Maddison made it clear Keane WAS the target of his ‘shush’ celebration after netting the winner against Manchester United on Sunday, with a TikTok video posted later that night.James Maddison directed his darts celebration at Roy KeaneCredit: GettyHe shushed the former Manchester United captainCredit: GettyIt came after Red Devils icon Keane, 53, belittled the oche-obsessed star’s ability last week, saying: “Maddison isn’t bad, when he’s not at the darts.”Now Tottenham skipper Son has leapt to his team-mate’s defence, revealing the pair discussed the stinging criticism and how to prove it to be wide of the mark.South Korean international forward Son, 32, said: “Everybody has an opinion but I don’t care what they say.“Madders is one of the best team-mates I’ve played with in my career.READ MORE ON TOTTENHAM“In big games, he steps up and scores goals, that’s why we’ve missed him. “Me and Madders had a chat about this because he’s always had a good personality and been able to move on.“He’s shown people that it’s wrong. He showed great character and put on a great performance.”Keane’s comments about Maddison went viral — to the point where they even caught the Tottenham midfielder’s attention.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSUnited’s legendary Treble-winning captain Keane claimed: “If you think he’s going to come back and get Spurs into the top six, you’re in cuckoo land.“He’s a talented player. But if you’re a player in Spurs’ dressing room and Maddison’s back in the squad, you wouldn’t be looking and going, ‘He’s back, we’re going to be fine’.”Tottenham launch bizarre ad to reveal new kit with Gavin and Stacey star, Maddison playing darts and Peter CrouchKeane’s dig appeared to fire up Maddison against the Irishman’s old club, as he returned from three weeks out with a calf problem to net the game’s only goal after just 13 minutes.England star Maddison then hit back with his celebration where he made a ‘talking’ gesture with his hand before his trademark darts-throwing routine and then shushed Keane with his finger.He did not name who it was aimed at in his post-match interview.But it became clear later that evening with a video posted on social media platform TikTok.The footage started with Keane’s criticism, then fellow pundit Ian Wright urging Maddison to “silence” the former midfielder’s damning verdict, before a clip of Maddison’s goal and celebration to the backdrop of amusingly dramatic music.Maddison, who attended the Bafta Awards after-party on Sunday night, was one of four Spurs players to return from injury against United along with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and subs Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert.After a long three months with so many absentees, Spurs’ problems look to be easing with Dominic Solanke, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven hopefully back soon.Son paid tribute to youngsters like Archie Gray, 18, and 19-year-old Lucas Bergvall for stepping up over the winter in the absence of the injured senior pros.The Tottenham captain added: “I don’t want to dwell on our dreams or blame anything on us missing our main players.“In the period of time they have been out, everyone at the club should appreciate the job the young players have done and never forget all the tough moments they have faced in the last two-and-a-half months.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They didn’t deserve it but they have handled it really well.”Now it’s the turn of the senior players to step up.”Keane had a pop at Maddison on Stick To FootballCredit: YouTube @ stick to footbllSon Heung-min stood by his vice-captainCredit: Getty More