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      A strike sensation and Serie A ace who struggled in Prem.. who Arsenal could turn to as Arteta hints at January spree

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      MIKEL ARTETA has revealed Arsenal are “on it” when it comes to January recruits.And the Gunners boss has hinted that Kieran Tierney could be sold to raise funds after admitting the Scottish full-back still cannot play in the system that he prefers.Mikel Arteta has hinted Arsenal could dip into the transfer market this summerCredit: AlamyThe Gunners are in the midst of a defensive injury crisis, with the likes of Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Magalhaes among those unavailableCredit: GettyThe North Londoners have been hampered by injuries in the opening months of the season and currently have another defensive crisis to muddle through ahead of a busy festive period.Ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash with Monaco the likes of Gabriel, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Thomas Partey were missing from training.Add to that the long-term absences of Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu and Arteta could be without a recognised first-choice full-back with an upcoming Prem clash against Everton.Arsenal have already put out NINE different Prem combos at the back this term, with midfielder Partey often used as a makeshift right-back.READ MORE ON ARSENALAsked about January business, the Spanish boss said: “The window that gives us an opportunity to strengthen the team if we feel that is needed and we feel that we have the capacity to do that.“We are on it and just have to assess the situation because it is changing every week. At the moment not for the better but I’m positive that in a few weeks we’re going to be in a better place.”Because of their dire situation, Arteta could be forced to start Tierney in an Arsenal shirt for the first time since May 2023 – who has not featured in Europe for the club since November 2022.Tierney, 27, was signed in the summer 2019 from Celtic for around £25m by former manager Unai Emery but has swamped with injuries – spending last season on loan at Real Sociedad.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArteta may feel the need to show potential buyers that the Scotland international is fit and ready to be sold – although it is unlikely they will be able to recoup the fee they paid for him five years ago.More worryingly, despite playing under Arteta for nearly half a decade, Tierney appears unable to play as an inverted full-back to the level of full-back rivals Timber and Zinchenko.Mikel Arteta ‘gutted’ with Arsenal draw against Fulham Arteta explained: “It is about the player having certain qualities. First is he willing to do it? Does he want to do it, yes or no? The other one: is he capable of doing it and does he understand it?“When a player has those three ingredients anything can happen. We see that with many other players.“But if a player doesn’t really fill it, it is more of a problem and we as coaches we have to find solutions. I would play [Tierney] in situations that he is more comfortable with.”So, who could Arsenal bring in to bolster their title charge? They currently are six points off leaders Liverpool who have a game in hand, and perhaps require a spark to go on a consistent run.Left wing is an area they need to strengthen, even with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard to choose from, especially given Arsenal’s over-reliance on Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka down the right.Former target Ademola Lookman, 27, is ripping it up for Atalanta, netting 17 goals last term – including a Europa League final hat-trick – and already has 10 in 17 games this campaign after scoring in their 3-2 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.He joined the Italians in August 2022 for an initial fee of around £12.5m on a four-year deal, but looks unlikely to leave next month even if the Gunners offer double what Atalanta paid for him.Kai Havertz has just one goal in his last seven Prem outings with calls for striker reinforcements growing.Arsenal have kept tabs on Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko but would likely need to offload before bringing anyone in.Gabriel Jesus has just one goal this term in all competitions, but Arteta has revealed the club are currently NOT looking to sell the Brazilian they bought for £45m from Manchester City in the summer of 2022.Should defensive issues persist then Arteta may be forced to add to his numbers. Versatile Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato, 18, has been a long-term target but could cost between £25m and £30m.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, Arteta is also wary of overcrowding. With everyone fit, he has EIGHT defenders including Gabriel, White, Zinchenko, Timber, Calafiori, Tomiyasu, Jakub Kiwior and William Saliba.Academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly is also an option, currently sidelined with a foot infection. The 18-year-old inverted full-back has appeared six times in all competitions this season already.The Gunners could attempt to sign Ademola Lookman, who has impressed for AtalantaViktor Gyokeres is another targetCredit: GettySesko has also been looked at More

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      Man Utd replace £100 Christmas staff bonus with £40 M&S voucher in latest Sir Jim Ratcliffe PR disaster

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has replaced Manchester United’s £100 staff Christmas bonus with a £40 M&S voucher in his latest money-saving measure.The British billionaire, 72, continues to cut costs in a drastic attempt to balance the books at Old Trafford. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has turned into the Christmas Grinch with his brutal cutsStaff saw their £100 cash bonus replaced with a £40 M&S voucherCredit: GettyAnd morale among employees no doubt took another hit when news of the changes to their Christmas gifts was announced.As reported by The Telegraph, when the Glazers ran the operation, United usually gave their staff at Christmas an extra £100.However, as the first anniversary of Ratcliffe’s 27.7 per cent takeover on Christmas Eve approaches, he is not feeling very generous during the festive season.And the cash gift was swapped out for the gift card to spend at Marks & Spencer. READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe PR own goal disaster prompted a wave of reaction from fans on social media hitting out at the club’s hierarchy.One said: “When people are reminiscing fondly about the Glazers, you know things are properly grim.”Another wrote: “Bizarre… yet an extra £10k a week on a player wouldn’t even be flinched at.”A third joked: “Anyone started a gofundme to top up the Man Utd’s £40 M&S gift voucher?”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd a final user fumed: “SJR: The billionaire who cancels Christmas parties at Manchester United and swaps £100 bonuses for £40 M&S vouchers. Who needs the Grinch when you’ve got Scrooge Jim.”The tightening of the purse strings follows news that broke in October that Ratcliffe had cancelled the traditional United staff Christmas party.Man Utd reveal first pics of redeveloped 100,000-capacity Old Trafford in ‘biggest regeneration scheme ever seen’Elsewhere, Ratcliffe made 250 redundancies in the summer including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex Wylie.Matchday staff lunchboxes were scrapped, with suggestions that some workers even ate their food next to the toilet.Ratcliffe’s “back to work” policy forced all employees back into the office – even though there is not enough space, prompting the club to fork out to temporarily convert hospitality suites into offices between home matches. Private chauffeurs and company credit cards for the United top brass were also cut while staff had to pay for their transport to the FA Cup final, where they were only given one ticket each. Fans have been hit, too, with the club deciding to ditch concessions tickets for pensioners and children, raising the minimum home ticket price to £66 – sparking furious protests outside Old Trafford.There were also suggestions Ratcliffe plans to half the £40,000 annual budget given to the Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association. Ratcliffe is on a cost-cutting rampage at Old TraffordCredit: PASir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdRATCLIFFE’S FIRST YEAR AT MAN UTDDecember 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucher More

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      Ruben Amorim will teach Pep Guardiola how to be humble – but he won’t do it by burning cash like City and United have

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      MANCHESTER United boss Ruben Armorim is ready to give Pep Guardiola more lessons in how to be more humble.Amorim’s Sporting Lisbon humiliated Guardiola’s Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League before the Portuguese took over at Old Trafford last month.Pep Guardiola and Ruben Amorim go head-to-head in the Premier League for the first time on SundayAnd as the new United manager prepares for his first Manchester derby, a former close confidant reckons he will bring his City counterpart down a peg or two in the short and long term.Goncalo Ferreira was communications chief at Braga when Amorim took his first job as a top-flight manager in 2019.Ferreira believes Amorim will revive United without spending the kind of money they have wasted in recent years, and without the resources that Guardiola has enjoyed at the Etihad and in his previous jobs at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.Ferreira said: “I think Ruben will give Guardiola some lessons in humbleness. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Ruben isn’t a ‘rich’ coach, in terms of mentality. He respects everybody.“He doesn’t think he is the best coach in the world. He doesn’t need that focus. He only needs the space and the time to work, and hopefully then the results will arrive.“He will prove that with maybe cheaper players than United is used to, you can win. “Let’s make a team. United had great teams in the past. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“United started to think that to build success they should do the same as City, burn money. “It’s not about burning money.”Man Utd’s Player Ratings Against Nottingham Forest Ferreira is now boss of agency Global Take Over but before taking the job at Braga he was a journalist and came into contact with Guardiola.He recalled: “I interviewed Guardiola and I know what I felt. “I thought he was talking to me but thinking about other things he had to do afterwards. Not humble. “You won at Barcelona. People can say it’s easy if you have Messi. You won at City – you had Sergio Aguero, David Silva. “Let’s win at  Roma, they have some money but don’t win a lot. Let’s win at Dortmund, for example, not in Bayern. It’s difficult.”Amorim was flying high after his Sporting Lisbon side thrashed City 4-1 in NovemberCredit: PAAmorim and Guardiola will be shaking hands again at the Etihad on SundayCredit: AFPFerreira feels Guardiola and City were guilty of underestimating Amorim and Sporting when they travelled to Lisbon at the start of last month.The City boss was having to manage an injury-hit squad in which senior players like Kevin de Bruyne and Kyle Walker were feeling their way back to match sharpness.Guardiola also gave centre back Jahmai Simpson-Pusey his first start, the day after his 19th birthday. And although the young defender acquitted himself well, Ferreira felt Guardiola’s overall team selection was flawed.Ferreira said: “Even with the players that he chose, from what he had, he didn’t take Sporting too seriously. “No-one in Portugal ever did that because everybody knew that Sporting had the best coach and if they were in their normal way, they would win because they had the best players.“But although Sporting is a good team, it isn’t Real Madrid or Barcelona or Bayern or one of the big teams of the world. Yet they beat City 4-1.“Guardiola learned a lesson. Because he won everything and is rich, he is lacking a little bit of humbleness.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim has had an up and down start at United, while City are enduring the worst run of Guardiola’s reign and his entire managerial career – which included that defeat in LisbonIf Guardiola isn’t careful, the new man at Old Trafford may kick him when he’s down again. More

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      Hidden message on Cucurella’s new £220 boots as Puma’s cheeky marketing campaign backfires after Chelsea star’s slips

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      MARC CUCURELLA’S infamous Puma boots featured a cheeky marketing slogan.The Chelsea full-back, 26, ditched his footwear for a different pair after slipping in the build-up to Tottenham’s first two goals last Sunday.Marc Cucurella twice slipped the build-up to Tottenham goalsCredit: APCucurella, 26, decided to change his boots during the first halfCredit: GettyThe full-back switched back to an older pair of Puma bootsCredit: GettyFollowing his side’s 4-3 comeback win, the Spaniard posted a picture of his original boots in a bin with the caption “Sorry Blues”.Having risked Puma’s wrath, Cucurella swiftly deleted the image from his Instagram Story – but not before it had swept across social media.The Chelsea ace had been wearing a studded pair of Puma’s new Future 8 boots.When he shuffled over to the bench to change them following Dejan Kulusevski’s goal, Cucurella switched into Puma’s previous Future 7 edition.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Future 8 boots are on sale at £220 per pair, with Puma having claimed that they boost “Ultimate Precision, Adaptability and Performance”.During Sunday’s game, Cucurella’s pair also featured a message on its heel.Alongside an exclamation mark, it read: “This boot might be leaked. We’re used to it. Don’t worry. Stay tuned.”It was then followed by the date “03/03”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCucurella’s boots featured a cheeky marketing sloganCredit: GettyThe Future 8s ended up in the bin after Sunday’s matchCredit: instagramCucurella has not worn the Future 8s in training this week, ahead of the Blues’ Europa Conference League clash with Astana tomorrow.He has instead stuck with the Future 7s for sessions at Cobham.Moment Cole Palmer stops interview to quiz Chelsea team-mate Marc Cucurella on his boots after Tottenham clash After Sunday’s game, Cole Palmer stopped mid-interview to ask Cucurella about his boots.The England star, 22, cheekily asked: “Yo Marc, the boots, where are they?”Cucurella replied: “They are in the bin.”In a further Instagram post, the full-back joked: “It almost slipped away… but proud of the amazing team effort to turn things around.”Cucurella has not worn the Future 8s in training this weekCredit: Reuters More

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      Chelsea owner Todd Boehly in talks to buy 169-year-old UK newspaper in £550m deal

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      TODD BOEHLY is in talks to buy The Daily Telegraph.The Chelsea co-owner, 51, could help to fund Dovid Efune’s bid to acquire the UK Newspaper.Todd Boehly is interested in acquiring the TelegraphCredit: AlamyDovid Efune has been trying to strike a deal to buy the UK newspaperCredit: GettyEfune, 39, already owns The New York Sun and is looking to add the Telegraph to his portfolio.He has been in exclusive talks for nearly two months to buy the newspaper, but this period of exclusivity is set to end in the coming days.The Telegraph’s current ownership group, headed by Jeff Zucker, is said to be coveting at least £550million ($700m).According to the Financial Times, Boehly could step in to help fund Efune’s bid.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShould Efune drop out of the running, however, it’s said that Boehly could try to buy the Telegraph outright.The American is already a familiar name in the UK having completed a £4.25bn ($5.4bn) deal to buy Chelsea alongside Behdad Eghbali in 2022.As of the end of 2023, the Telegraph possessed more than one million subscribers.Zucker is chief executive of the RedBird IMI group, which took control of the Telegraph, as well as sister publication The Spectator, last December having paid off debts of its previous owners the Barclay family.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRedBird IMI were quickly then forced to take bids for both titles by the UK government, however, due to their Abu Dhabi-backing.They have agreed a £100m ($127m) deal with British billionaire Paul Marshall to sell The Spectator.Angry Chelsea fan slams Todd Boehly’s transfer policy and claims no Blues supporters are happy with his running of the ‘unrecognisable’ clubWhile Efune and now Boehly are exploring a deal to acquire The Telegraph.Boehly has several other business interests in sport aside from Chelsea.He owns 20 per cent of MLB franchise the Los Angeles Dodgers, while he and Mark Walter acquired 27 per cent of NBA giants the Los Angeles Lakers in 2021.The businessman also possesses a stake in the Los Angeles Sparks WNBA franchise, while in June 2023 Boehly’s BlueCo bought Ligue 1 side Strasbourg for around £65m ($83m).In the summer it was reported that Boehly and Eghbali were at loggerheads and wanted to buy each other out at Chelsea.But since then it has been claimed that the rift between the two has healed somewhat.Boehly co-owns Chelsea alongside Behdad EghbaliCredit: Getty More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe slammed over ‘laughable’ start to Man Utd reign as Gary Lineker reveals ‘the worst thing of all’

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has been slammed over his “laughable” start at Manchester United. The British billionaire completed a 25 per cent takeover at Old Trafford in December and assumed control of football operations.Sir Jim Ratcliffehas been slammed over his ‘laughable’ start at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyDan Ashworth left his role as sporting directorCredit: PAErik ten Hag was sacked as Utd bossCredit: GettyBut things have gone from bad to worse with sporting director Dan Ashworth’s exit the latest to cause controversy in the red half of Manchester. It followed less than two months after Erik ten Hag was sacked with Premier League legend Alan Shearer full of criticism. He said on The Rest is Football podcast: “It’s not a good look at all for them is it?”It’s pretty bloody embarrassing what’s gone on with Dan Ashworth leaving and the decisions that since they’ve been in there in terms of the money that they’ve spent.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”The decisions that they’ve made with Ten Hag extending his contract, sacking him, paying him off, giving him the players that they have in the summer, then getting rid of him.”Then putting Dan Ashworth on gardening leave, getting him out of Newcastle, paying compensation for him, then getting rid of him after five months.”It is laughable really, it’s such a terrible look. So yeah, I dunno, it’s not a good look.”Ratcliffe sanctioned five big signings since his arrival last year. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSInside Man Utd chaos with Dan Ashworth axed just five months into jobBy Neil Custis The blame game has another victim as things go from bad to worse at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s first sporting director, Dan Ashworth, arrived in the summer and is gone before Christmas.SunSport exclusively revealed in November that there was trouble at mill.That the new senior management team were already blaming each other for the mess the club were in.Chief executive Omar Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.New part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said making decisions was all down to them.Meanwhile, Jason Wilcox thought it was all a mess under previous boss Erik ten Hag but was part of the team that encouraged him to stay after every other candidate ran for cover.Defeat Nottingham Forest in December, after their second-half capitulation at Arsenal a few days previously, proved too much.READ MORE ON MAN UTD’S CHAOS Man Utd signings under Sir Jim Ratcliffe Leny Yoro: £52mManuel Ugarte: £42mMatthijs de Ligt: £45m Noussair Mazraoui: £15m Joshua Zirkzee: £36.5m.Leny Yoro cost £52million, Manuel Ugarte was signed for £42m, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui both joined from Bayern Munich for £60m and Joshua Zirkzee was £36.5m. And Gary Lineker believes the wasteful spending is among United’s biggest sins under Ratcliffe – who hired Ruben Amorim as Ten Hag’s successor.Sir Alex Ferguson saved my Man Utd career with 10-word comment after I started going out every night, says Rio Ferdinand He said: “Ultimately, the worst thing of all is the recruitment and the amount of money that they’ve paid out for players that have not realised what they obviously thought was good potential.”So it just shows you down to football, whoever comes in you’ve got to get that side of it right. “Whatever your budget and it’s not easy because you can never be sure how a player’s going to perform at a football club till he gets there.”But Micah Richards argued: “The only thing I would say on that one, in their defence the players that they’ve bought at the time were playing really well.”Where I think they’ve got it wrong is they’ve not bought players for a system, they’ve just bought individuals who have not performed which has just made them look ridiculous.”If you look at someone like Antony, when he was at Ajax he was on fire but where was he playing? READ MORE SUN STORIES”And the new manager now, he likes to play three at the back, four in midfield and three up front, what is his strategy going forward now?”That is what we have to see because you’re right Gary, there’s been a lot of big decisions that have just been awful.”Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker and Micah Richards criticised Man UtdCredit: The Rest Is Football More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson ‘steps in to make sure legendary Man Utd boss’s family keep director’s box privileges’

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      LEGENDARY Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly stepped in to make sure the family of Sir Matt Busby have kept their privileges at Old Trafford.Busby, who managed United for 24 years between 1945 and 1969, passed away in 1994 but members of his family have since been gifted complimentary season tickets in the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand.Sir Alex Ferguson has stepped in to help the Busby familyCredit: GettySir Matt Busby passed away in 1994 but his family have been given complimentary season tickets each yearCredit: Hulton Archive – GettyThe seats had been located next to the directors’ box and have access to a lounge.However, it’s understood they were moved to a different area of the stand as part of a restructure earlier this year and the Busbsys lost their hospitality table as a result.According to the Daily Mail, they were concerned over a lack of communication from United.But Ferguson intervened and spoke to Omar Berrada, the club’s chief executive, and chief operating officer Collette Roche to ensure the family were still taken care of.Read More on Man UtdThey were subsequently given access to the directors’ bar again.Sources say there was never an intention to withdraw the privileges.They also claim the Busbys will always be welcome at Old Trafford.An insider told the Mail: “There are two things you don’t touch at United – one is Fergie and the other is the Busbys.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNew United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has ruffled some feathers with his cost-cutting attempts in recent months.He removed Ferguson from his ambassadorial role in October and stopped paying his £2million annual salary.’I nearly fainted!’ – Sir Alex Ferguson reveals the £630,000 signing that ‘took my breath away’Ratcliffe also axed 250 members of staff including comms man John Allen, who has worked at United for 25 years, as well as the club historian and a much-loved kit man.And the Telegraph claimed this week that the new chief has also replaced staff bonuses with a voucher.Rather than each member of staff receiving £100 extra ahead of the festive season, they have now been given a £40 voucher for M&S.What Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.” More

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      Liverpool have a secret weapon in bid to win Premier League title – and he’s only played 20 minutes this season

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      LIVERPOOL have a secret weapon as they bid to turn their Premier League lead into a title.Arne Slot has a player who is earning a reputation as the ideal man to bring on to close out a game.Wataru Endo is a Liverpool super-sub but was left on the bench for the draw against NewcastleCredit: Rex FeaturesEndo#s game time has been extremely limitedCredit: ReutersBut the Kop boss failed to give Wataru Endo a late cameo against Newcastle.And some Liverpool fans reckon it cost the Reds two points as Fabian Schar grabbed a last-minute equaliser in the 3-3 thriller at St James’ Park last week.Supersubs like David Fairclough and Divock Origi have gone down in Anfield folklore.But bit-part player Endo has made his mark by helping to stop goals rather than score them, despite playing only 20 minutes of top-flight football this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe most popular sport in Endo’s homeland of Japan is baseball.Like a closing pitcher brought in from the bull pen to stop the opposition batters from scoring at the end of a match on the diamond, Endo has proved effective as a substitute at shutting down games and seeing Liverpool over the line.The Reds have conceded only once during the Japan captain’s 15 appearances as a replacement in the Premier League since he arrived from VfB Stuttgart in summer 2023.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat was the stoppage-time own goal by Joel Matip which handed Tottenham a 2-1 victory in September 2023.Most read in FootballThe game was overshadowed by controversy because of a VAR cock-up that led to Luis Diaz’s first-half goal for Liverpool being wrongly disallowed.Gary Neville tells Jamie Carragher to ‘f off’ after Liverpool legend performs incredible U-turn on ‘selfish’ SalahEndo has been brought on 11 times since and the Reds have not let in a single goal.And the only other top-flight match Liverpool have lost after the midfielder’s introduction was the 2-0 defeat at Everton in April, when the Toffees scored both their goals before his arrival.Overall, Endo’s record as a Premier League sub is played 15, won 11, drawn two, lost two, across a total of 149 minutes of football.His only top-flight goal was the 87th-minute equaliser against Fulham in December last year, four minutes after coming on for Ryan Gravenberch.And a minute later Trent Alexander-Arnold scored what turned out to be the winner in a 4-3 victory.Endo, 31, has been on the field for only 20 minutes in the Premier League this season, across six substitute appearances.But Reds fans will wonder whether his energy and combativeness would have allowed them to see out another come-from-behind win at Newcastle in their last Premier League match.Slot has had a brilliant start as Liverpool boss, guiding the team clear at the top of the league in his debut season after replacing Jurgen Klopp.But one area where the Reds are lagging behind is in substitutions changing games.Slot bottom of the leagueIn fact, Slot is bottom of the table of Premier League bosses for making an attacking impact with substitutions.So far the Dutchman has made 56 changes in 14 games, but none of his replacements have scored and only three times has a sub created a goal.At the other end of the table is Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, whose 72 substitutes have produced seven goals and 13 assists between them.Slot could quite reasonably argue that Liverpool are sitting top of the league because he gets his starting XI right and makes changes mainly to stop the opposition from coming back into games, rather than to score more goals.Maybe the Kop boss missed a trick by not bringing Endo on against Newcastle.But Liverpool continue to be linked with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, after failing to land the Spain midfielder in the summer.READ MORE SUN STORIESGravenberch has been a revelation in the No 6 role under Slot, which has been a big factor in the lack of opportunities for Endo.If the Japan star is still at the club after January, he may yet have an important role to play as Liverpool try to close out a record-equalling 20th English title win.Arne Slot’s substitutions have failed to make an impactCredit: PA More