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      Ruben Amorim explains why Marcus Rashford is still exiled at Man Utd despite ‘WANTING to play’

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      MARCUS RASHFORD is still exiled from Manchester United by manager Ruben Amorim – despite “WANTING” to play.The forward has been left out of United’s last three matches, starting before they beat City 2-1 in the Manchester derby. Marcus Rashford is still exiled from Manchester United by manager Ruben AmorimRashford said he is ready to leave Man UtdCredit: GettyAnd Rashford threw his future into doubt by sensationally revealing he is ready “for a new challenge.” The 27-year-old England international has since been dropped from the squad entirely by his manager. Amorim said: “It’s my decision. He wants to play. He is trying. Yes, it’s my decision, only my decision. “No, I spoke with a lot of players individually during training so I’m trying to do things my way. And it’s the only way I know. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”If I don’t do that, I will lose myself and I will not lose myself. I know what I am doing.” Rashford will not travel to Wolves with United on Boxing Day.And SunSport revealed his team-mates are furious after he revealed plans to try and leave the club. Rashford could even be loaned out in January to try and resolve the situation. Most read in FootballWhy Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fitBy Martin LiptonMARCUS RASHFORD is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Rashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.Even so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.The facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee, even next month.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by La Liga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert.Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.Rashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt comes after he incredibly told journalist Henry Winter: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.”He added: “When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. ‘Not just Marcus’ – Ruben Amorim has theory on who’s behind bombshell Rashford interview and will ‘forget it.. for now'”You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.”If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse.”I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person.”When I leave, I’ll make a statement, and it will be from me.”Rashford has been dropped by AmorimCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd star Joshua Zirkzee ‘splits from long-term model girlfriend’ just months after Old Trafford transfer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Joshua Zirkzee has reportedly split from his model girlfriend. Zirkzee joined from Bologna in the summer for £36.5million but he has endured a tough start to life in Manchester.Celina Kerr is Joshua Zirkzee’s ex-girlfriendCredit: Instagram @ celinajadakerrCelina is a model and influencerCredit: Instagram @celinajadakerrShe is believed to have started dating Zirkzee during his time at Bayern MunichCredit: Instagram @celinajadakerrShe has over 100,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @celinajadakerrCelina regularly shows off her lavish lifeCredit: Instagram @celinajadakerrThe forward has only four goals from his 25 appearances this season.And according to GSM, things off the pitch are not much better after he split with his long-time girlfriend Celina Jada Kerr. The report claims the pair were “long-time sweethearts” having met when Zirkzee was at Bayern Munich – whom he joined aged 16.Celina is a model and influencer from Germany who graduated in Berlin with a degree in Media and Communication Management. READ MORE ON WAGSThey kept their personal lives and relationship private on social media but were once seen embracing on a video shoot for JD Sports.During the shoot, the couple wore unisex JD Sports tracksuits, which Celina shared on Instagram.But questions began to surface about their relationship when she was not seen around the forward in Manchester following his transfer.The report adds that Zirkzee and Celina have now unfollowed each other on social media.Most read in FootballCelina – who has more than 100,000 followers on Instagram – has also deleted pictures of herself with Zirkzee.Zirkzee was substituted after 54 minutes during United’s 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth on Sunday.The 23-year-old – who has started oly ten times for United – is part of Ruben Amorim’s squad that play Wolves at Molineux on Boxing Day. Zirkzee has struggled at Manchester UnitedCredit: AlamyCelina has unfollowed the footballer on InstagramCredit: Instagram @celinajadakerr More

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      Emi Martinez’s eight-word blast at Jack Grealish revealed as new footage of pair’s furious tunnel row emerges

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      FOOTAGE has emerged of what Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez told Jack Grealish in their furious tunnel row. Grealish was given a first start at Villa Park since leaving his boyhood club in 2021 as Pep Guardiola desperately tried to turn things around.Footage has emerged of what Emi Martinez told Jack Grealish in their tunnel rowCredit: XThe incident took place at Villa ParkCredit: XGrealish and Martinez clashed on the pitchCredit: ReutersThe argument spilled down the tunnelCredit: GettyBut Manchester City were handed a ninth defeat in 12 games thanks to goals from Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers. Things escalated before the half-time break when Grealish appeared to moan at the lack of added time shown. An argument broke out between the England international and his former team-mate Martinez. And new footage has captured the moment Martinez said to Grealish: “You think you’re a big boy, huh?” READ MORE IN footballThe keeper was booked by referee Peter Bankes for his involvement in the heated row. Grealish was relentlessly booed by the Villa fans who used to cheer his name before his £100million move to City. The former Villa captain lost his cool and put three fingers up to fans in retaliation – referencing either his Treble winning season or his number of Premier League titles won. England legend Michael Owen spoke out on social media to defend Grealish and slam fans who booed him. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOwen posted: “I often hear or see things in football that makes my blood boil. Most people will probably feel the same at some point or other. “I guess that’s quite natural when you care passionately about something, or in my case, when it’s something that has consumed your entire life.Four Man City stars including Haaland and Grealish ‘miss penalties against NO KEEPER’ in bizarre training live stream”There will always be kind, honest, generous, respectful, caring people in all walks of life just as there will always be nasty, jealous, spiteful, bitter people too. “Your job or where you’re from doesn’t necessarily make you fall into a certain category. “But to those Villa fans who booed Jack Grealish yesterday, you fall into the second category and should hang your heads in shame.”Grealish spent eight years with Villa, scoring 32 goals in his 213 appearances. Since moving to City, he has 14 goals in 143 games with also a Champions League winning medal to his name. But this season he has struggled amid City’s dip in form, with Grealish yet to score in 18 appearances. READ MORE SUN STORIESIt has led to speculation the playmaker could look to leave Manchester in a bid to re-find his form. Grealish put three fingers up at Villa fansCredit: PA More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘wanted Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos to help fund Man Utd’s £2bn Wembley of the North stadium plans’

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE considered Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos as investors for Manchester United’s stadium plans, according to reports.The Red Devils’ co-owner has made clear his desire to build a “Wembley of the North” for the Premier League giants.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has explored ways of financing Man Utd’s new stadiumCredit: GettyRatcliffe hoped to get billionaire Elon Musk on boardCredit: ReutersThere is also the option of keeping Old Trafford and pushing ahead with substantial renovations – with the tired stadium plagued by a leaky roof and an infestation of mice, among other issues.It is understood both plans would cost in the region of £2billion – double what Tottenham splashed on their new home.And The Athletic are reporting Ratcliffe thought about turning to high-profile business tycoons Musk and Bezos to finance the project.It is said the Man Utd chief considered approaching the pair worth a combined £583bn.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, it is “unclear” how seriously Musk and Bezos were considered as potential investors.Other ways of raising funds for the project have included the recent rise in ticket prices, as well as selling naming rights for the new ground.Ratcliffe and Ineos have been criticised since taking control of football operations at Old Trafford.They have overseen the sacking of manager Erik ten Hag, just months after offering him a new contract.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRatcliffe could propose a new venue on the land next to the current groundJeff Bezos was also cited as a potential investorCredit: GettySporting director Dan Ashworth also recently departed following a brief five-month stint.And new head coach Ruben Amorim is already struggling having lost four of his last six games in charge.Sir Jim Ratcliffe says Man Utd’s ‘Wembley of the North’ could be 100,000-seat mega-stadium if they leave Old TraffordOther controversial Ratcliffe decisions include letting 250 employees go, stopping paying Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2million-a-year ambassadorial salary, cancelling the Christmas party, and axing company credit cards and private chauffeurs.He has also gotten rid of staff lunches, accommodation, extra tickets and post-match parties.What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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      Premier League club announces major stadium changes with new capacity and away fans moved

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      BRIGHTON have moved the section for away fans in their stadium as part of a major stadium change. The new development will see an increased capacity by 800 to a total of 32,500. Brighton have moved the section for away fans in their stadiumThe project – part of a £40million investment – will also see a new fan zone built outside the stadium called The Terrace.The fan zone will have a pre and post-match sports bar, with capacity for up to 1,000 fans in the colder months.It will expand outdoors and cater for up to 2,000 in warmer months – making it the biggest fan zone in the Premier League.Deputy chairman and chief executive Paul Barber said: “I know our fans are looking forward to the opening of the new fan zone and are extremely excited to see these plans come to life. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It is another incredibly generous investment by our chairman Tony Bloom.”The Terrace will provide a brilliant addition to the matchday experience, as a place to meet friends before and after matches, watch live sport in a modern space, and enjoy a wide variety of food and drink offerings.“We will also be looking to utilise The Terrace for a range of different events and occasions in between matches too, providing a fantastic new venue for fans, the community and visitors to the city to enjoy.“We will be sharing further details between now and the spring, such as opening times and food offerings, but we will work with the best local Sussex suppliers to provide a great range of options.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIn 2027, away supporters will also be relocated to the south-west corner of the Amex.The shift will create a new area for home fans directly behind the goal at the south stand of the stadium.Premier League legend takes over as Northampton Town boss as he returns to management after six years outBrighton currently sit tenth in the league having most recently drawn against West Ham.The Seagulls will host Brentford in their next match on December 27. More

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      Kevin De Bruyne’s wife Michele wows as she goes braless in daring dress leaving fans speechless

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      KEVIN DE BRUYNE’S wife Michele wowed as she went braless in a festive dress to leave fans speechless.The Belgian posted a series of pictures with Manchester City star De Bruyne including one with their three children. Kevin De Bruyne’s wife Michele wowed as she went braless in a dressCredit: Instagram @lacroixmicheleShe posted a series of pictures of the pairCredit: Instagram @lacroixmicheleShe also uploaded a solo photo wearing a maroon dress – as fans rushed to her comment section. One said: “OH SO CUTE.”Another added: “Beautiful couple.”A third gushed: “Gorgeous.”READ MORE ON WAGSOne simply commented: “Beautiful.”Michele reportedly started dating De Bruyne in 2014 when he was playing for Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.She regularly posts selfies and photos of her family, and has racked up over 620,000 followers on Instagram.De Bruyne admitted that he may not have joined City if his girlfriend had not been pregnant at the time. Most read in FootballMichele gave birth to Mason Milian in 2016.De Bruyne showed his romantic side in December 2016 when he proposed to the blonde stunner beneath the Eiffel Tower in Paris.Pep Guardiola says ‘I’m the manager and I’m not good enough’ as Man City lose again They tied the knot in 2017 with a lavish wedding ceremony in Italy.A year later, their second boy Rome was born on October 31.They welcomed their third son, Suri, on September 5, 2020.The couple began dating in 2014They have three kids togetherCredit: RexMichelle is a big hit on InstagramCredit: Instagram @lacroixmichele More

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      Devastating Bukayo Saka injury update as Arsenal star faces FIFTEEN games out with hamstring KO

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      ARSENAL’S title hopes have suffered a hammer blow as Bukayo Saka could be out until March.The Gunners star is set to be sidelined for up to 15 GAMES at a crucial stage of the season.Bukayo Saka tore his hamstring against Crystal Palace on SaturdayCredit: GettyThe England winger was seen leaving Selhurst Park on crutchesCredit: The SunSaka tore a hamstring in the first half of Saturday’s 5-1 win at Crystal Palace.Boss Mikel Arteta revealed on Monday Saka, 23, will be out for “many weeks” — but the winger is expected to miss a big chunk of this campaign.Arteta admitted: “It’s not looking good. He’s going to be out for many weeks.“I cannot be too specific because I don’t know — but it will be many.READ MORE ON ARSENAL“The sample in this case is very small because he had very little issues.“But looking at him, the way he recovers from game to game, we can be hopeful we’ll make that period shorter.”Arsenal are third in the Premier League and six points behind leaders Liverpool, having played one more match.The Gunners now face 15 games in all competitions until February 25 — starting against Ipswich at the Emirates on Friday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSaka has 15 goal contributions in the Premier League this seasonThat does not factor in the possibility of Arteta’s men, who are in four competitions, also progressing in the cups.Arteta will only dip into the transfer market to replace Saka if “something unbelievable” came up in next month’s window.Major Arsenal blow as Bukayo Saka sidelined for ‘many weeks’ after being forced off with injury He added: “My focus is just about within the squad — the resources we have to be as competitive as possible.“We have many options to do that. But if something unbelievable is available, and if the club is willing to do it, we will have to consider it.”England ace Saka left Selhurst Park on crutches.Arteta revealed the England ace, who has scored nine in all competitions and supplied ten Prem assists this season, was devastated.The Spaniard said: “He is gutted. You can tell he has not been injured before as he was really emotional and down. We must lift him up.”Raheem Sterling is the obvious replacement on the right flank but the Chelsea loanee got a knee injury in training.Arteta added: “He’s going to be out for weeks but we need more tests.”15 matches Bukayo Saka is set to missPremier League unless statedIpswich (H) – December 27Brentford (A) – January 1Brighton (A) – January 4Newcastle (H) – January 7 (Carabao Cup)Man Utd (H) – January 12 (FA Cup)Tottenham (H) – January 15Aston Villa (H) – January 18Dinamo Zagreb (H) – January 22 (Champions League)Wolves (A) – January 25Girona (A) – January 29 (Champions League)Man City (H) – February 1Newcastle (A) – February 5 (Carabao Cup)Leicester (A) – February 15West Ham (H) – February 22Nottingham Forest (A) – February 25 More

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      Poyet sees Tottenham’s wild inconsistency under Ange and says things have not changed since he played for them

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU may be experiencing a wildly inconsistent season – but for Gus Poyet, things at Spurs are the same as they ever were.Tottenham started off last week beating Southampton 5-0 and Manchester United 4-3 in the Carabao Cup – but then were trounced 6-3 at home to Liverpool on Sunday.Gus Poyet played for three seasons at Spurs before going on to be a managerCredit: SportsfileIt means supporters never know what to expect from Postecoglou’s side.But Poyet sees no difference to how things were when he was playing for the club 20 years ago.And the Uruguayan does not believe that will change until the club fundamentally switches at its core.Poyet, who assisted Juande Ramos the last time Spurs won a trophy in 2008, told SunSport via Odds comparison: “It was like that when I played for them. I promise you, it was.Read more in football“We were there, we were able to beat the best team and then have the worst results. I remember being 3-0 up against Manchester United at home and we lost 5-3.“How can you be so good in the first half and so bad in the second half? “This year against Brighton was the same. Two-nil up at half-time and then they lost 3-2.“Things, they don’t change, until there is something from inside, and I mean right from the core, that change. Most read in Football“In Spurs, that core didn’t change over the years. It’s more or less the same.”Some supporters believe that change would involve chairman Daniel Levy and owners ENIC departing the club.Ange Postecoglou’s side have won seven and lost eight in the league – but scored more goals than any other teamThere was a protest ahead of the Liverpool game, and some balloons were released in the 24th minute to signify 24 years of ENIC ownership.But Poyet did not single out Levy or the way the club is run as the core switch that is needed – more a mentality shift akin to opponents Liverpool where everything is calmer.The ex-midfielder, who scored 23 goals in 98 Spurs games between 2001-04, added: “It’s a situation with Spurs where every year is like this wish from everyone that it’s going to be the year that something will change.“For whatever reason, I cannot explain, it’s unique, something always happens.“A bad result, or a terrible second half, or an incredibly bad performance.“The ups and downs are too dramatic. For a team to improve over the years, to be consistent, or to be there, you need to be more calm in the good and bad times.“We can talk about Liverpool, being good for so many years, but because you are competing with someone like Man City who are so good as well, it doesn’t mean you are going to win.“But you need to maintain it and not get frustrated for one bad result or one bad season.“With Spurs, everything is a bit up and down.“It has to come from inside, the consistency, from the core of the club. That’s something that will be important for Spurs if they want to achieve some stability.”A driving factor for the frustration that has engulfed Spurs in recent years is their 17-year wait for silverware.Postecoglou will hope to end that this term and is into the Carabao Cup semi-final, where they face Liverpool.READ MORE SUN STORIESTottenham fans protest ‘Levy out’ with black balloons as Spurs chairman akwardly watches on during Liverpool lossPoyet, who won the FA Cup as a Chelsea player, added: “If I was a Tottenham coach, I would not be thinking about anything else except winning a trophy.“You’re not going to win the Premier League but can I win a cup? Yes. Winning a trophy makes players winners. When you become a winner, it becomes a habit.” More