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      Alejandro Garnacho slams Man Utd’s ‘s***’ season and drops transfer exit hint as brother fumes he was ‘thrown under bus’

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      ALEJANDRO GARNACHO slammed Manchester United’s “s*** season” while dropping a major transfer hint. And speculation that Garnacho is an unhappy United camper only strengthened after his brother’s social media outburst.Alejandro Garnacho slammed Manchester United’s ‘s*** season’Credit: AlamyThe Argentine was left out of the starting XI that was beaten by Tottenham in the Europa League final in Bilbao.That is despite starting in ten of their matches in the European campaign, scoring just the once. United’s defeat in Spain – while sitting 16th in the Premier League – caps off a horror season. And Garnacho, speaking to Argentine press and translated by Fabrizio Romano, said: “It’s difficult for all of us. This season has been s***.READ MORE IN football “We lost the final, we didn’t beat anyone in the league. It’s very difficult.” Garnacho cryptically added: “I’ve played every round until I reached the final, but I only played 20 minutes today.“I’ll enjoy the summer and then we’ll see.”Garnacho’s brother Roberto then caused a stir by posting on Instagram: “Working as no one else, helping every round, coming from two goals in the last two finals, just to be on the pitch for 19 mins and get thrown under the bus.”Most read in FootballMan Utd ratings: Diallo best player in Europa League final but Hojlund out of his depthAMAD DIALLO’S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham.Rasmus Hojlund’s plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years – as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches.Spurs clinched it from virtually their first opportunity – on 42 minutes.Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Sarr’s inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way.The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick.But United’s chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest.The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on.Here’s how SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge rated United on a miserable night individually and collectively for Ruben Amorim’s men…CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe winger – linked with a move away in January – was benched against Spurs with Mason Mount and Amad Diallo operating as forwards.Amorim was probed on his decision to leave Garnacho out for Mount, to which he replied: “It’s easy to say that now.Maguire and Romero in post-match scrap as Man Utd and Tottenham stars’ battle continues after Europa League final”Who missed the big opportunity in the first half in the semi-final? Garnacho. Football is like that.”Garnacho, 20, has played 58 times this season across all competitions, more than any other United player. He has 11 goals to his name and remains linked with a move away from Old Trafford, with Chelsea showing interest earlier in the year.Ruben Amorim took aim at GarnachoCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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      Chelsea join Arsenal and Liverpool in transfer race for £84m former PSG star after incredible season

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      CHELSEA have reportedly joined Arsenal and Liverpool in the race for Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike.The 22-year-old striker managed just four goals at previous club Paris Saint-Germain.Chelsea have joined the race for Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo EkitikeCredit: ReutersBut Ekitike has finally discovered his scoring boots in Germany, netting 22 goals in all competitions for Frankfurt.His 15 league goals led them to a third place finish and Champions League football.But the Frenchman’s form has not gone unnoticed.Arsenal and Liverpool are both interested in snapping him up this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet RMC Sport claims it could be Chelsea who end up winning the race.It’s claimed that the Blues are among several clubs who have made an approach for Ekitike.Chelsea are eager to bolster their squad with a free-scoring striker this summer.And Ekitike’s profile makes him the perfect fit for Enzo Maresca’s young squad.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever, suitors will have to pay a pretty penny to bring him to England.It’s reckoned Ekitike will fetch anywhere between £67million and £84m – having cost Frankfurt just £14m last year.Spurs fans in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium go wild as Brennan Johnson fires Lilywhites ahead vs Man United in Europa League final Chelsea have also been linked with a switch for Ipswich’s Liam Delap, who has an active £30m relegation release clause.But he is thought to be favouring a move to Manchester United, forcing the Blues to look elsewhere. More

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      ‘Not to be horrible’ – Bale sends message to Man Utd fans and reveals Sir Alex Ferguson problem after failed transfer

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      GARETH BALE sent a message to Manchester United fans as he opened up over his failed transfer.The Wales icon, 35, became one of the game’s top stars during a six-year stint at Spurs.Gareth Bale has sent a message to Man Utd fans over his failed transferCredit: AFPBale has lifted the lid on the impact of Sir Alex Ferguson in his transferCredit: AlamyBale’s stunning final season form, which saw him net 26 goals while being crowned Player of the Year, secured a then-record £89million move to Real Madrid in 2013.And he saw his trophy cabinet finally fill up with three LaLiga titles and FIVE Champions Leagues in eight campaigns.But things could have gone differently had Bale ended up at Manchester United instead.The forward was first linked with a Red Devils switch in 2007 when he was still at Southampton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBale ended up moving to Tottenham instead, and once again was linked with United when he departed for Real in 2013.Now, the ace has opened up on why he never moved to Old Trafford.Speaking ahead of United’s Europa League final against former club Tottenham, Bale explained that Sir Alex Ferguson’s exit played a big role in his decision to join Real instead.And he has no regrets, telling talkSPORT: “It was a couple of times I was close to joining but it never quite materialised.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford“I think the closest was when I actually joined Madrid. It was between United and Real, and at the time Fergie had left, so it didn’t quite have that aura.“I think the team was ageing a little bit so I felt like I’d always had my heart set on Madrid anyway.Man Utd & Spurs supporters party all day in Bilbao’s fan zones ahead of Europa League finalMAN UTD VS TOTTENHAM – EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL LIVELatest betting odds, offers and predictions “I feel like I made the right decision in the end, not to be horrible to Man Utd fans, I feel I made the right choice.Bale, who retired in January 2023 after a stint with MLS side LAFC, added: “I think it would have definitely been a bigger factor (if Fergie had stayed). “Having such a legendary manager, somebody with that kind of pedigree who you kind of trust with your career.”It definitely would have made the decision a lot harder but ultimately he wasn’t (staying), so it was more of a simple decision for me.”Bale was crowned Player of the Year during his final season at SpursCredit: GettyHe went on to win FIVE Champions Leagues at Real MadridCredit: AP More

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      ‘Lack of consistency has blown my mind’ – Fans stunned at glaring Liverpool gaffe on Premier League trophy

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      STUNNED eagle-eyed football fans were left baffled at an apparent gaffe on the Premier League trophy.Liverpool will get their hands on the famous piece of silverware on Sunday afternoon.The Premier League trophy has been updated for 2024-25Credit: GettyThe silverware was engraved with ‘Liverpool F.C.’Credit: GettyThe new addition caused controversy onlineCredit: GettyVirgil van Dijk looks set to lift the trophy at Anfield following the Reds’ clash with Crystal Palace.It is the second time Liverpool have won the Premier League since its inception in 1992.Their previous title came in the Covid-hit 2019-20 season as Jordan Henderson was forced to lead the celebrations in an empty stadium. But now the engraving has been done for the 2024-25 season with Liverpool crowned champions again.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, supporters immediately spotted a strange quirk when the Premier League tweeted a photo of the base of the trophy. In 2019-20, the winners’ name is etched into the silver as “Liverpool”.But in 2024-25, it is “Liverpool F.C.”.At first it was unclear whether the image the Premier League tweeted was an AI-generated picture or not – especially as the two fonts and spacing from 2019-20 and 2024-25 appear to be ever so slightly different.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, a series of photographs were released on Wednesday seemingly of the trophy engraving taking place at jewellers Asprey London.And SunSport understands the engraver did add “F.C.” to the 2019-20 “Liverpool” after doing the 2024-25 version. Confusingly, various photos from previous years appear to show both “Liverpool” and “Liverpool FC” on the base of the trophy.And in yet another video from 2020, Liverpool’s name is at the bottom of a column, rather than top – although there may be multiple replicas.Either way, fans flooded social media with comments about the strange disparity.One said: “The lack of consistency in ‘Liverpool’ and ‘Liverpool FC’ has blown my mind here.”Another wrote: “Can you put ‘FC’ next to the 2019/20 winners to match 2024/25, as that’s doing my OCD no favours lads.”A third added: “Get him to add the FC up there too.”Read More on The SunA fourth commented: “Congratulations to Liverpool and Liverpool F.C. on their respective wins.”And a final user replied: “Why FC on that one but no FC on 2019/20? It’s doing my head in.”Jordan Henderson lifted the trophy in an empty Anfield in 2020Credit: GettyOne photo shows the 2019-20 winners as ‘Liverpool F.C.’Credit: GettyThis version of the trophy shows ‘Liverpool’Credit: Getty More

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      Kevin De Bruyne’s wife Michele steals show on Man City legend’s final Etihad appearance and sends emotional message

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      KEVIN DE BRUYNE’S wife Michele stole the show as he bid farewell to Manchester City.Michele, 31, sent her husband an emotional message after Tuesday night’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth at the Etihad.Kevin De Bruyne’s wife Michele stole the show as he bid farewell to Man CityCredit: ReutersThe midfielder was joined by his family on the Etihad pitchCredit: GettyMichele showed her support for De Bruyne with an emotional Instagram postCredit: ReutersThe game marked De Bruyne’s final home appearance after a decade of trophy decadence.And even manager Pep Guardiola shed tears as tributes were paid to De Bruyne, 33, by team-mates past and present in a post-match presentation.The Belgian was joined on the field by his three children – Mason, nine, Rome, eight, and Suri, five.And wife Michele also stayed by De Bruyne’s side during an emotional evening for all present.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut afterwards, she paid her own personal tribute to De Bruyne on Instagram.Belgian Michele, who met her man in 2014, posted a touching photo showing her gazing into the eyes of her partner.And she also gave a nod to City, where De Bruyne won six titles and the 2023 Champions League, in a heartwarming caption.Michele, who married De Bruyne in 2017, wrote: “Forever home.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFans reacted with delight, with one saying: “Incredible story, incredible team.”Another declared: “We will miss you, Royal Family.” Kevin De Bruyne given emotional Etihad send off as Man City take huge leap towards return to Champions LeagueMichele and De Bruyne have been together since 2014Credit: Instagram @isabel.stmsThey got married three years laterCredit: Instagram @lacroixmicheleThe pair share three children togetherCredit: InstagramOne noted: “What a family, we will miss you so much.”Another added: “Beautiful, good luck to you and the family.”Thoughts now inevitably turn to De Bruyne’s next club, with the veteran playmaker showing he’s got what it takes to cut it at the highest level.He was thought to be attracting interest from several of City’s rivals.But potential Serie A champions Napoli now look to be in pole position after De Bruyne reportedly ruled out remaining in England.Speaking after his final game, the icon paid tribute to Manchester and insisted it will always be “home.”De Bruyne said: “Manchester is home, Manchester is where these little kids were born.Read More on The Sun“I came here with my wife, Michelle, to stay for a long time, I didn’t expect to be here ten years.“To do what we’ve done as a club, supporters, teammates, we’ve won everything.” More

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      Phil Foden set for showdown talks with Man City and England as star admits to struggling mentally as well as physically

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      PHIL FODEN wants talks with England and Manchester City over his summer plans – as he feels he needs a break.The Etihad favourite revealed he has been nursing an ankle ligament injury in recent weeks which has affected his form.Phil Foden admitted he is on the brink of burnoutCredit: ReutersThe playmaker might need to step back from his summer commitments for club or countryCredit: GettyHe also admitted the mental issues which he spoke about earlier in the campaign due to off-the-field problems are still affecting him.Foden has ten goals and six assists in 44 appearances across all competitions this season.It is a stark drop off from the 40 goal involvements that saw him crowned PFA, Football Writers’ and Premier League player of the year last term. Foden was an unused sub against Bournemouth on Tuesday night.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCity round off their disappointing league campaign against Fulham on Sunday.But the season is far from over.Thomas Tuchel is due to name his squad on Friday for the World Cup qualifier against Andorra and the friendly with Senegal.For City and Chelsea players, that camp will be swiftly followed by preparations for the Club World Cup.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPep Guardiola’s side are involved in the 32-team tournament, with their opening match on June 18 and the final on July 13.Should City go all the way, they will play seven matches in the United States.How to cure England’s Bellingham, Foden and Palmer headacheThe final is just 34 days before the 2025-26 Premier League season gets underway, with a record-breaking bumper next summer.So Foden needs a chat to work out how to navigate the next weeks as he battles the ankle issues while on the brink of burnout amid football’s relentless schedule.The six-time Premier League champion – who was part of the England squad that reached the Euro 2024 final last summer – said: “It’s been difficult. “I picked up an ankle injury against United in early April and it’s taken time to heal. It was a bad ligament damage to the ankle.“It took a while to heal before I can push myself back in training, I had to look after it.“Obviously it’s a difficult situation for me with the internationals right around the corner.“It’s something we have to speak with the club and national team to see maybe if it’s better to rest and get my ankle fully 100 per cent back how I want it.“I just don’t know at the moment, it’s a conversation to be had and we’ll see what happens.“I need a few weeks off it without playing football and obviously I can’t get it at the moment.”Foden candidly opened up on the injury being another negative note on what has been a “frustrating” season with his struggles on and off the pitch.But he will hope to hit the ground running in 2025-26 – as he looks to fill Kevin De Bruyne’s boots and break into the Three Lions’ starting XI for the World Cup. Foden added:He added: “It’s been a frustrating season for me. I’ve had a lot of things going on off the pitch mentally.“It’s one of them, sometimes there’s things in life that are bigger than football.“This season I’ve struggled a little bit. Hopefully come next year I can get my head mentally right, get back where I left the season before.“I know what I’m capable of doing and the quality I have. And I know if everything was okay I’d definitely be better on the field.“Sometimes things happen and you have to deal with it and move on.Unfortunately I’ve had a difficult season.“Now it’s just about improving and getting back to my best. I know my standards and what I can reach. I’m looking forward to getting back.”He added: “A lot of people don’t know what football players have to go through and play with. I’ve had a lot of ankle pain and playing with it in the last couple of months.Read More on The Sun“Some people don’t see what we go through, it’s frustrating for me because I know it’s been hard to get it right.“You need time for it to heal but me being me I just love to come back on the football pitch as soon as possible. Maybe I’ve come back too early for my liking. But it’s what I’m like.”Pep Guardiola may need to protect his playmaker ahead of next seasonCredit: GettyFoden picked up the ankle ligament damage in the Manchester derby on April 6Credit: Rex More

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      Kevin De Bruyne reveals best XI from his time at Man City with major snub to legendary star

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      MANCHESTER CITY legend Kevin De Bruyne shared his all-time favourite XI of former team-mates at the Etihad.And De Bruyne, 33, made some bold choices by omitting a few massive names.Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne revealed his all-time favourite team-mate XIDe Bruyne left Man City legend Sergio Aguero outThe playmaker is leaving City in June when his contract runs out after 10 stunning years in Manchester where he amassed a staggering total of 108 goals and 177 assists in 421 appearances.The Belgium international has done it all at Man City as he won six Premier League titles, two FA Cup trophies, five League Cup honours and the 2023 Champions League.De Bruyne played his last ever home game with the Citizens on Tuesday and helped Pep Guardiola’s side win 3-1 against Bournemouth.And the attacking midfielder commemorated the occasion by sharing a dream XI of all his favourite City team-mates before the match.Read More on FootballAnd there were some glaring omissions, one of the main ones being himself!The Belgian went with Ederson in goal and Kyle Walker at right-back along with Josko Gvardiol on the other side.Man City’s legendary captain Vincent Kompany was paired up with John Stones at centre-back.De Bruyne went with an exciting midfield trio consisted of Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan and David Silva – leaving club legends Yaya Toure and Fernandinho out.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd the No10 finalised his dream team with Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland up front, with the great Sergio Aguero posing as the biggest omission.De Bruyne opted against including himself in that esteemed group but will be joining another major pantheon.Roy Keane cracks joke live on Sky Sports as he tells De Bruyne to join Man UtdThe ex-Chelsea star will become the seventh all-time great after Mike Summerbee, Francis Lee, Colin Bell, Kompany, Aguero and David to have his own statue at the stadium. More

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      ‘I will quit’ – Pep Guardiola gives Man City ultimatum over squad issue that is ‘impossible for my soul’

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      PEP GUARDIOLA has vowed to leave Manchester City if they do not trim their squad this summer.Going into next month’s revamped Club World Cup, City have endured their first trophyless season since 2016-17, Guardiola’s first at the Etihad.Pep Guardiola believes that his squad his too bloatedCredit: ReutersCity waved goodbye to Kevin De Bruyne last nightCredit: ReutersLast night the Etihad Stadium said a fond farewell to club legend Kevin De Bruyne as the Belgian played his last home game for City.Guardiola has admitted that he wants more exits to follow this summer as he prefers to work with a more streamlined squad.Following last night’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth, the 54-year-old admitted: “I said to the club I don’t want that [a bigger squad].”I don’t want to leave five or six players in the freezer. I don’t want that. I will quit. Make a shorter squad, I will stay.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s impossible for my soul to [tell] my players in the tribune [stands] that they cannot play.”Having all arrived at City in the last 12 months, Savinho, Abdukodir Khusanov, Claudio Echeverri and Vitor Reis all failed to make last night’s matchday squad.Highly thought of academy products Rico Lewis and James McAtee also missed out.Man City’s official website lists 28 first team players, in addition to Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips, Joshua Wilson-Esbrand and Maximo Perrone out on loan.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBernardo Silva could be on the way out this summerCredit: GettyJack Grealish has endured a disappointing seasonCredit: GettyOn City’s bloated squad, Guardiola added: “Maybe [for] three, four months we couldn’t select 11 players, we didn’t have defenders, it was so difficult. After, people came back, but next season it cannot be like that.”As a manager I cannot train 24 players and every time I select I have to have four, five, six stay in Manchester at home because they cannot play. Kevin De Bruyne given emotional Etihad send off as Man City take huge leap towards return to Champions League”This is not going to happen. I said to the club, I don’t want that.”Guardiola signed a contract extension to 2027 last November.City have been boosted by recent returns for long-term absentees Rodri and Oscar Bobb.By way of comparison, Manchester United’s squad also lists 28 players, Chelsea’s 31 and Liverpool’s just 24.Nine members of Guardiola’s first team squad are in their 30s; Ederson, Stefan Ortega, Scott Carson, Nathan Ake, John Stones, De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva.Jack Grealish and Manuel Akanji, meanwhile, will turn 30 in the next few months.Read More on The SunCity have spent around £200million on transfers this season, and can be expected to splash out more this summer.Last year’s Prem champions have been linked with Lyon starlet Rayan Cherki, but have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.Kyle Walker was loaned out to AC Milan in JanuaryCredit: Getty More