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      Eddie Howe could take ‘unified’ Newcastle top despite sporting director tension but says they can’t compete with top two

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      EDDIE HOWE could take Newcastle top of the Premier League tomorrow – despite continued speculation over his relationship with Paul Mitchell.The Magpies travel to Fulham looking to extend their unbeaten start and know that three points will leave them sitting at the summit for at least 24 hours.Eddie Howe is hoping to end Saturday night top of the Premier League with NewcastleCredit: GettyIt is only the sixth time Newcastle have managed to go through their first four Premier League matches unbeaten and it’s their best opening for 29 years since Kevin Keegan was at the helm.However, even though he has been delighted with his players so far, he admits that Toon will not be able to mount a title challenge to either Manchester City and Arsenal, who collide at the Etihad tomorrow.Howe said: “I don’t see how we can compare ourselves to them currently, but the aim is to get there, the aim is to close the gap every day, every week.“That is what we are working towards. That has to be our aim, our longer term aim and short term aim and that is what I am trying to work towards.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDespite the positivity of the results on the pitch, Howe has had to continually answer questions over his relationship with new sporting director Mitchell.Last week he revealed that they had not spoken since the chief criticised the club’s recruitment and transfer policy before his arrival this summer.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhen asked if they had talked yet, Howe replied: “I’m not going go into every week in terms of our contact but collaboration, as I said last week, is what we’re looking to do to take the club forward.”When pressed again, he said: “I think I’ve just answered that one. I’m not going to go there.”Most read in FootballEddie Howe reveals best striker he’s ever worked with who’s scored 58 times this season while on £75-per-goal bonusBut he then continued: “Just so people know, I’ve had conversations with senior members of the board this week.“So I’m in regular communication with them, trying to collaborate and work together for the benefit of the club.“That’s always in my heart and that will always be while I’m manager of the club.”Meanwhile, Howe did admit that sorting out new deals for striker Alexander Isak, a doubt for Saturday with a toe issue, and Anthony Gordon was a top priority for Mitchell.The Swedish striker remains under contract until 2028 but is looking for a pay rise amid increasing interest while the England winger has entered the final two years of his agreement.He said: “I think having your players secure in their futures is key to their performances.“You don’t want the transfer speculation or the contracts potentially running into shorter terms because I think that it distracts and rarely benefits the player or the club.“So, my wish is that players are always focussed on their performances and that the outside distraction is minimal.Newcastle hope to sort out new deals fo star duo Anthony Gordon and Alexander IsakCredit: Reuters“Our best way to do that is to get them secure and happy but of course there is a balance because with wage structures and PSR we can’t be reckless with what we do either.“So we have to get those calls right but, of course, getting those players to play at their best levels will have a dramatic effect on our season.“I think that if there are issues with either player, or any player, then of course communication and resolving any issues is really important.”Howe also moved to stop any fan fears over his unhappiness by insisting that the club is unified despite talk of potential tensions upstairs.He said: “I think the club is unified. I don’t see any issues.“It depends where you’re talking about that unification, but the unification between me, the players, the supporters and the board is really strong.Speculation surrounding the manager’s relationship with Paul Mitchell (above) refuses to go awayCredit: Getty“I’m really happy, as I’ve said many, many times. I’m enjoying the work with the players.“I love the group that we have, I really do enjoy coming into work to plan training and to execute training with them.“I think we are on a journey together. I hope that journey can stay.”And he also maintained that the most important thing at any football club is the players as he looks to get them playing consistently at a high standard.Howe added: “I’m always the first one to say that the players are the most important people. For me, my direct work is always about the players and trying to get them in the best frame of mind to win matches.“The tighter the group, the more we come together, the better for everybody. I include the supporters in that, because they can directly affect the players on the pitch.“So creating the best environment, the whole club united on that front, is basically all we need to get results.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Now the other stuff is hugely important, boardroom level and behind the scenes. But that’s more for the transfer windows and those kind of things. At the moment, we can’t affect that.“So let’s come together, and I think the players really have. We’ve got a really good team spirit, a tight group. Now, it’s about getting us to consistently play well.” More

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      Chelsea Champions League winner, 39, comes out of retirement to join second tier club… as player AND director

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      CHELSEA Champions League winner Salomon Kalou is set to play for a second-division club in the IVORY COAST.Winger Kalou spent six years at Stamford Bridge, scoring 60 goals in 254 games.Chelsea hero Salomon Kalou has come out of retirement for a surprise clubCredit: Getty Images – GettyChelsea hero Kalou is set to play for a second-division club in the Ivory CoastHe played in the Blues’ 2012 Champions League final win over Bayern Munich.A £9million buy from Feyenoord in 2006, Kalou also won the 2010 Premier League title, four FA Cups and a League Cup with the west Londoners.The 93-cap Ivory Coast international went on to play for Lille, Hertha Berlin and Brazilian club Botafogo.He made a surprise move to Djibouti club Arta Solar 7 two years ago, where he lined up alongside ex-Arsenal midfielder Alex Song.Read More on FootballArta’s Ivorian chairman Tommy Tayoro Nyckoss took charge of home-country club SC Gagnoa earlier this month.And the businessman convinced Kalou, 39, to join as both a director and a player. Gagnoa paraded him at a ceremony earlier this week.The southern club was relegated from the Ivory Coast’s Ligue 1 last season.They are based 40 miles from the Chelsea hero’s birthplace Oume, north-west of the African country’s capital Abidjan.Most read in FootballKalou said: “I am going to get a player’s licence, so that I can be part of coach Bernard Casoni’s squad.”And maybe if SC Gagnoa play against ASEC Mimosas or Africa Sports in the Ivorian Cup, I will take part in the game.”Chelsea boss Maresca aims cheeky dig at Erik ten Hag after Jadon Sancho makes dazzling debut after Man Utd transferKalou began his career with ASEC before landing his move to Feyenoord in 2003. More

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      Alan Shearer snubs Rice, Havertz and Raya and picks just four Arsenal players in combined XI with Man City

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      ALAN SHEARER picked only four Arsenal stars in his combined XI with Manchester City.City host the Gunners in what poses as a battle for the Premier League summit that could determine the eventual title winner this Sunday at the Etihad.Alan Shearer picked his combined XI ahead of Manchester City’s clash with ArsenalCredit: GettyAnd it seems like Shearer, 54, believes that the Citizens hold an advantage in terms of star quality as he picked seven of Pep Guardiola’s aces in his combined line-up.The Newcastle legend opted for Ederson over Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya between the sticks – despite his midweek double-save heroics.Kyle Walker made it at right-back with the Gunners’ comeback hero Jurrien Timber on the other side, while his team-mates William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes partner up at centre-back.The BBC pundit then went for a full City midfield with Rodri teaming up with Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne, while the Gunners’ superstar Declan Rice was left out.Read More on FootballArsenal star Bukayo Saka earned a spot in the right wing up front with Phil Foden on the other side and Erling Haaland spearheading the attack.Kai Havertz was omitted despite a bright start to the campaign with two goals and one assist in four Premier League matches.Many expect an entertaining encounter between the two biggest favourites to lift the Premier League trophy in May.However, Shearer has a different opinion as he expects Arsenal and City to draw in the weekend.Most read in FootballShearer left Arsenal stars Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and David Raya out of his Combined XIAnd the Premier League’s record goalscorer is adamant that wouldn’t be a bad result after Liverpool’s loss to Nottingham Forest last week.Shearer told Betfair: “I am going for a draw in this one.What Arsenal and Mikel Arteta must do to topple Pep Guardiola’s Man City”It’s a long week with both teams having played in the Champions League as well, so a draw for both teams isn’t a bad result, even though Man City are at home.”Liverpool have dropped points already, Arsenal have dropped two points already at home to Brighton, but I don’t think a draw would be a disaster for either team.”Arsenal ratings vs Atalanta as Raya saves uninspiring Gunners in ItalyARSENAL had some David Raya heroics to thank for a points in the Champions League opener.Raya’s stunning double save just after the break spared Thomas Partey’s blushes after the midfielder gave away a penalty.And that was the closest either side came to a goal in the 0-0 draw.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…David Raya – 9Produced a simply stunning double save to stop Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then flung himself across to push away the follow-up rebound header – even better than his effort to deny Ollie Watkins.Robbie Savage labelled it the “best save I’ve ever seen” while Gunners fans lauded their Spanish hero, who has conceded just once in five games so far this term.Ben White – 7Given the daunting task of trying to keep Ademola Lookman quiet inside a rocking Gewiss Stadium but completed the job with his classic relaxed, languid demeanour.William Saliba – 8One of the world’s top centre-backs but did not need to be anywhere near his best – solid enough when called upon, including excellent late sliding tackle in own box.Retegui showed great movement but Saliba will have far sterner tests this season, none more so than up against Erling Haaland on Sunday.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Like his partner Saliba, Gabriel helped ensure the Arsenal defence came out on top.Starting to run out of words to say about this pair who just concede so few chances.Jurrien Timber – 7Adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side – showing just how much he was missed when sidelined last season.Arguably had the easiest evening’s work of the four defenders.Thomas Partey – 4Martin Keown described the Gunners’ retraction en masse during the transition as Arteta putting up his own “Thames Barrier”.But Partey nearly allowed the floodgates to open by giving away the penalty three minutes into the second half – only to be rescued by Raya’s heroics.Declan Rice – 6Top awareness to sniff out the Atalanta danger and help control midfield.But squandered a great chance to drive Arsenal forward when he won the ball on the halfway line and could have launched a potent counter.Kai Havertz – 6With Jesus starting up front, Havertz dropped into a deeper role – but he is perfectly comfortable there, too, and can carry the ball forwards.Little to show for his evening, though, but continued to put a shift in defensively until the final whistle.Buakyo Saka – 6Drew the foul from Ederson who collected an early yellow and from the resulting free-kick almost squeezed a low effort into bottom corner but for top save.Given a breather for final 20 minutes with an eye on Sunday.Gabriel Jesus – 5Captain on the night was his typical busy self early on getting himself around but virtually all of his involvement was outside the Atalanta penalty area.Withdrawn before the hour mark.Gabriel Martinelli – 4Struggled to get in the game and then when he did get in, squandered a really good chance when he blazed over.Definitely not hitting top form so far this season and may well find himself among the subs against Manchester City. More

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      Inside the incredible rise of Yankuba Minteh, from playing on sand in The Gambia to £30m Brighton star in two years

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      THE only thing quicker than Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh is his rise to the top.From playing on a sand pitch in The Gambia to becoming a £30m seaside star for the Seagulls in barely two years, the 20 year old is a young man in a hurry.Yankuba Minteh’s incredible rise has taken him to the Premier League with BrightonCredit: GettyHe had been playing on sand in The Gambia before joining Danish side Odense in 2022Credit: GettyTonny Hermansen is the experienced academy director at Danish side Odense Boldklub, who signed the teenager in the summer of 2022.Hermansen, who has worked with Christan Eriksen and other star names, said: “From zero to a hundred in two years in this way – I’ve never seen anything like it.“But right from the beginning, he said, ‘I will be here for just a little while then I will go to the big leagues’. And he was right.”Minteh grew up a football-crazy Barcelona fan in Bakoteh, a village near The Gambia’s biggest city, Serrekunda.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is one of the seven children of Buhari Minteh, a chef, and Mam Jassey, a vegetable seller, who all lived together in a rented two-room house.A life-changing moment arrived when Bakary Bojang, a Gambian footballer who had settled in Odense after playing in the lower leagues in Denmark, visited his old village during a holiday back home.Bojang explained: “The football academy in Bakoteh is run by my former coach Abdou Touray.“He was telling me, ‘We have a kid here, he’s really good – everyone calls him Messi’.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I don’t remember the date that I watched Yankuba for the first time, but I remember the feeling.“He was playing with older boys but the way he was driving with the ball on a sandy pitch was amazing.Premier League panel reveal why referee was right to send off Arsenal star Declan Rice against Brighton“I knew the standard in Europe from my playing days.“I told the coach: ‘This kid is really special. I will do whatever I can do to help him out of Gambia.’”Bojang set up an agency and in summer 2021, took Minteh and another player, Dawda Darboe, for a trial at Odense, one of his own former clubs.But it was Darboe who made the better impression.Bojang said: “The first two training sessions, he was really good. Then he started slacking.“The attitude and mindset were not 100 per cent. I had some really tough fights with him.“I said: ‘You know the struggles you have had to get here. You know your family background. “‘This is what you want and love. You have it now and you want to give it all away?“I had to push for Odense to invite Yankuba the second time with Dawda. I told them: ‘Dawda will not come if Yankuba is not coming.’”Newcastle beat Brighton to the signing of Minteh in the summer of 2023Credit: Instagram / @1v1s.f.mThe winger starred in the Eredivisie after being sent on loan to FeyenoordCredit: GettyThis time it was Minteh who shone.Bojang said: “He had a second chance and did not want to waste it. It’s a mentality that he still has now.”But in a friendly match for Odense’s under-19 side during his second trial, Minteh was sent off after earning two yellow cards for strong challenges.Bojang said: “He thought he had blown his chance.”Yet Hermansen pushed for Minteh to play for Odense’s reserves a few days later and the young winger did not let him down, playing well enough to earn a contract to be signed when he turned 18 in July.And that’s when things really accelerated.Hermansen said: “In his first game for the Under-19s, he scored just before half time.“Minutes later the head coach of the first team, Andreas Alm, came and said: ‘Tonny, you must take him off.’“‘Why?’ ‘Because he is in the first-team squad tomorrow.’”Terrible startMinteh remained on the bench for that match but made his Super Liga debut as a late substitute less than two weeks later.Hermansen said: “His first three touches were so bad. He was of course nervous – the stadium was full, FC Copenhagen was a big team.“Then something magic happened. Our striker closed the ball down and the goalkeeper tried to hit it away.“He kicked it out of the penalty area and there was Yankuba.“He ran on to the ball and, I can remember like it was yesterday, I said to myself: ‘What’s going to happen now? The ball could go in the coffee shop because the first three touches were so bad.’“He took a touch and then put it into the net. The stadium goes crazy amok and we win the game 2-1.“Because of this goal, by 10 minutes after the game, everyone in Denmark knew about Yankuba.”Newcastle forced to sellMinteh progressed so well that Newcastle were among those to approach Odense about a January 2023 deal.The club resisted, wanting the winger to help them avoid relegation.But in the summer Newcastle beat off competition from Brighton to sign the 18-year-old for £6m.Minteh, unable to get a work permit, was immediately loaned to Feyenoord where he made the step up look easy.He provided 11 goals and six assists for the Dutch club, but Newcastle reluctantly sold him to Brighton in June as they scrambled to meet Premier League financial rules.Minteh, who recently married, has already been impressive for the Seagulls but has promised there is much more to come.Bojang said: “I spoke to him a few days ago about the Premier League and not to think about the high expectations from people in Gambia who want him to score 10 goals in every game.“He said to me, ‘Baks, you always worry too much.’“He told me: ‘You haven’t seen anything from me yet. As soon as I get used to the tempo and physicality, you will see what I can do in the Premier League.’READ MORE SUN STORIES“Nothing he does on the pitch surprises me anymore.“Everything that is happening now he told me he would do, even before he came to Europe.”Brighton finally landed Minteh for £30million this summerCredit: GettyHe has already made five appearances and picked up an assist for the SeagullsCredit: Getty More

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      Inside Man Utd’s Old Trafford architects’ incredible projects from entire futuristic desert city to strange dog kennels

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have enlisted help from a global architecture group to develop a ‘masterplan’ for the Old Trafford area.The Red Devils are looking to build a new stadium that will act as a ‘Wembley of the North’.Man Utd have appointed an architect group to help with the development of a new stadiumCredit: RexNew co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has ambitious plans for the build, including a 100,000-fan capacity.He also wants to regenerate the club-owned land surrounding the stadium by incorporating mixed-use developments that will benefit the local community.With Man Utd intent on building a “world-class football destination and home” for supporters, club officials have appointed world-renowned group Foster + Partners.The company has been involved with a number of huge projects, including the redevelopment of Wembley Stadium in London.Read More in FootballIt also helped to build the Lusail Stadium, which hosted the final of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.But Foster + Partners do not just operate in sport…South Sabah Al-AhmadLord Foster, the group’s founder and executive chairman, is currently helping to develop South Sabah Al-Ahmad – a brand-new city located 80km south of Kuwait City in the Middle East.It will be a home to around 280,000 people and create 145,000 jobs in a diverse range of industries.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe new futuristic desert city, which spans 22,000,000 square metres, is expected to be completed by 2040.It is also anticipated to cost £7.6BILLION ($10bn).The group is currently helping to develop a huge city in the Middle East named South Sabah Al-AhmadCredit: Foster + PartnersIt will be a home to around 280,000 peopleCredit: Foster + PartnersInside the SoFi Stadium as Man Utd look for inspiration for new Old Trafford Dog kennelsFoster + Partners is also in the dog kennel market having created two innovative designs.One of the products, the Dome-Home, features a geodesic shell structure with a removable fabric liner.It received a gold at the International Design Awards.The company also developed the Barc kennel, which is made up of a few components that can be easily put together and taken apart.The Company has also helped with the development of dog kennelsCredit: Foster + PartnersOne Beverly HillsAmong several other projects, the group is also helping to transform 17.5 acres of land in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles.The masterplan will introduce 10 acres of open space and breathtaking gardens, which will be a sustainable oasis of wellness, encouraging exploration and relaxation.The landscape architect, RIOS, has curated over 200 species of California native plants and trees including palms, oaks, sycamores and succulents to be integratedSome parts will be open exclusively for residents, club members and hotel guests with the remaining areas accessible to the public.It is set to be completed in three years.An area in Beverly Hills is also under developmentCredit: Foster + PartnersHuaxing New TownHuaxing New Town is located at the centre of the Suzhou Creek CBD in Shanghai.Foster + Partners was tasked with developing the 253,000 m2 area back in 2018.The new development consists of two office towers and a connecting retail podium. The tallest tower – around 320 metres high – is set to offer spectacular views of Huangpu River Bay, West Bund and Suzhou Creek.Huaxing New Town consists of two office towers and a connecting retail podiumCredit: Foster + PartnersThe OneThe 80-storey structure in Toronto will become Canada’s tallest building and its second tallest man-made structure after the CN Tower.The first 18 storeys will include restaurants, event spaces, two major retailers and a luxury hotel.Toronto’s Apple store is also expected to move into the building.It is set to be completed next year.The One is a new skyscraper set to open in Toronto next yearCredit: Foster + PartnersBattersea Roof GardensDeveloped as part of the Battersea Power Station masterplan, the garden has 23,000 plants and 55 trees.The mixed-use building features 436 apartments and a hotel.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt sits alongside 50 Electric Boulevard, a wellbeing-centred office building with 200,000 square feet of new workspace.Battersea Roof Gardens opened last year.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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      ‘What’s that?’ – Chabuddy G actor left stunned by what’s in Fulham’s trophy cabinet during Craven Cottage tour

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      ACTOR Charlie Cooper showed Newcastle-supporting pal Asim Chaudhry around his beloved Craven Cottage ahead of Fulham’s meeting with the Toon this weekend.This Country star Cooper, 35, gave Chabuddy G actor Chaudhry a behind-the-scenes tour which even included a glimpse at the Cottagers’ trophy cabinet.Fulham fan Charlie Cooper gave Newcastle-supporting pal Asim Chaudhry a tour of Craven CottageCredit: YouTubeThe pair were left stunned by Fulham’s trophy cabinetCredit: YouTubeWhile Fulham have earned plenty of promotions down the years, major silverware has largely eluded them.They finished as FA Cup runners-up in 1975, while they agonisingly lost the 2010 Europa League final to Atletico Madrid following an incredible run under Roy Hodgson.Taking pride of place in their cabinet is the Intertoto Cup, which they earned under Jean Tigana 22 years ago.While Cooper and Chaudhry both got to hold and kiss the actual Intertoto Cup trophy, the latter’s eyes had been drawn by two more unusual cups.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLooking confused, he asked: “What’s that?”It was pointed out by their guide that Chaudhry was looking at The Algarve Trophy, to which Cooper cheekily responded: “Of course! How could I forget? I shed a tear when we won that.”Fulham earned the pre-season trophy last month, beating Benfica 1-0 courtesy of an Alex Iwobi goal.It wasn’t their first triumph in the Algarve Cup, having also beaten Nice to win it in 2022.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIronically, Chaudhry’s beloved Newcastle have also won the pre-season competition, having beaten Braga 2-1 to take it in 2012.Chaudhry then put on an American accent as he pointed out the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup.Fans to finally get first look at Premier League club’s new VIP experience – with rooftop bar and SWIMMING POOLCooper joked: “You know you haven’t won many trophies when you have to get the Dallas Cup to fill it out.”His pal quipped that the “massive” trophy probably had Fulham chiefs fuming at “travel charges” on the way home due to its heft.The Dallas Cup is actually a prestigious youth team tournament featuring teams from all over the world.Fulham were one of four European teams to enter in 2013, alongside Manchester United, Eintracht Frankfurt and Danish side AaB Fodbold.In group play the West Londoners defeated Brazilians Coritiba and Americans LA Galaxy, before thrashing Frankfurt 5-0.They then beat Brazilians Fluminense 2-1 in the semis before overcoming Japanese outfit Kashiwa Reysol 5-1 in the final.Fulham’s Dallas Cup-winning Under-19 side featured several players who would go on to play for their first team – including Cauley Woodrow, Marek Rodak and Emerson Hyndman.Fulham proudly displayed their 2013 Dallas CupCredit: YouTube More

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      Wolves U21s match abandoned with England wonderkid carried off on stretcher as probe launched into how it happened

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      WOLVES have launched an investigation into an injury sustained by an England wonderkid during an abandoned Under-21s clash.The young Sheffield United star was carried off on a stretcher in an match against Wolves U21s.Wolves are investigating the broken leg suffered by the young defenderCredit: RexThe defender suffered a broken leg and was taken to hospital with the match abandoned.Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder confirmed Wolves have launched a probe into the incident, which could rule the 19-year-old out for the season.Blades star Sai Sachdev is highly regarded and has featured for the Three Lions Under-19 side.Wilder said of the incident: “They’re [Wolves] doing an internal investigation into what went on, which is exactly what we would have done ourselves. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I want to thank Matt [Hobbs, Wolves sporting director] for calling and full credit to him for doing that because I think it says a lot about him and Wolves as well.“They’ve gone about things exactly as we would have done, because we are proper people too.“I’ve passed on his thoughts to Sai. That was important. It’s good to know they are treating the situation seriously and it’s important we thank them for doing that.”Sachdev has featured twice for the Blades this season and Wilder revealed his injury has dampened the mood around camp.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe continued: “The mood around the place has been pretty sombre. We are a family club and Sai is their brother.”Wolves shared their well wishes, saying: “Sending our thoughts to Sai Sachdev. We wish him a full and speedy recovery.”Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese model More

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      Man Utd appoint group who designed Wembley Stadium and incredible World Cup arena to develop Old Trafford ‘masterplan’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have appointed a world-renowned architecture group to design a new stadium for the Old Trafford area.Foster + Partners will be tasked with developing a “masterplan” for the club-owned land.Man Utd have appointed a global architecture group to design a ‘masterplan’ for Old TraffordCredit: RexUnited want to build a ‘world-class football destination and home’Credit: GettyOfficials want to build a “world-class football destination and home” for Man Utd fans.They also wish to incorporate a wider plan comprising mixed-use developments that will benefit the local community, attract new residents, increase job provision, and make it a vibrant destination for visitors both from the UK and across the world.United have promised to remain engaged with fans, community members, local authorities and the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force throughout the process.The design of the actual stadium, which will sit at the heart of the area, will be completed when wider plans are determined.Read More in FootballDiscussing the new partnership, Lord Foster, founder and executive chairman of Foster + Partners, said: “As a proud Mancunian, I am passionate about the chance to rebuild on Manchester’s great industrial heritage, creating a vibrant new mixed-use community, served by highly sustainable and improved transport links, providing homes and jobs for the local community, all catalysed by a world-class stadium for the world’s most famous football team – Manchester United.”Lord Foster is already involved with the £50million refurbishment of Man Utd’s Carrington training complex.Foster + Partners assisted with the development of Wembley Stadium in London, widely regarded as the home of English football.The company also helped to develop the Lusail Stadium, which hosted the final of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhat 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. New United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been desperate to transform the club’s home into a “Wembley of the North” since taking over at the start of this year.Collette Roche, the club’s chief operating officer, said: “We have a clear vision to transform and revitalise the club-owned land around Old Trafford and we know that Foster + Partners is the best partner to help us develop the plans.Inside the SoFi Stadium as Man Utd look for inspiration for new Old Trafford “This is an area of Greater Manchester ready for major new investment so that it can thrive once more, and we are determined to help deliver those outcomes. “We want this area to become a true destination, that not only provides an unbeatable matchday experience for our fans, but also supports other forms of entertainment, leisure, business and residential facilities surrounding a world-class stadium.”Lord Foster has unrivalled experience in delivering projects of this scale and ambition.”The group were involved in the delivery of Wembley StadiumCredit: GettyThe Lusail Stadium, which hosted the 2022 World Cup final, was also among their projectsCredit: Reuters More