Premier League

MANCHESTER UNITED have been branded “shameful” and “a total disgrace” over raising season ticket prices by up to 57% for OAPs.On the day Old Trafford legend Paul Scholes accused his former club of “begging a little” for funds to help pay for a new £2billion 100,000- seater stadium supporters raged over the increases hitting pensioners.Man Utd fans have been left furious with the changesCredit: AFPPaul Scholes has made scathing commentsCredit: GettyMan Utd confirmed that the age at which senior fans receive a 25 per cent discount will now be 66 – with supporters who previously received 50 per cent off seeing their discounts halved.One posted on social media: “My mum is 77. Her ticket has gone up from £494 to £840.1975.”Another complained that her mum, also aged 77, would from the next campaign have to pay £612.75, up from £389.50, saying “It’s disgusting.”Amidst the online storm following a cut of 50 per cent on concession rates for the elderly, another fumed: “I can’t believe what I’m reading.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Supporters over 70 who’ve been watching United for 60-plus years saying their season tickets have gone up over 50 per cent – what has happened to our club when we are treating the most loyalist of fans like this? Shameful.”Fan group the 1958 piled into the controversy after United this week announced a five per cent price increase and as well as well as advising some fans that they would be forced to change seats to accommodate a new hospitality area near boss Rubin Amorim’s dug out.In a statement the group condemned what it called “stealth” rises, saying: “Our seniors are facing effectively a 57 per cent increase on next season. Our most loyal generation of fans who have supported the club for decades.“This is the first phase of reducing the amount of season ticket holders.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“We have always campaigned that the club are trying to marginalise match going fans.“Cutting the 50 per cent OAP concession to 25 per cent for those who had it is a total disgrace.”Paul Scholes says ‘it’s about time Manchester United caught up’The 1958, who staged a 15,000-strong demonstration against owners the Glazers before the recent home clash with Arsenal, stressed: “The fans are now directly paying for years of Glazer greed and generational damage they have caused to our club.”The group also warned the rises, although prices for under-16s remain frozen, were a sign of things to come should part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe succeed in building the new ground.It warned : “This also paves the way for there never being any new season tickets issued now.”It is also a stay of execution to put them up to whatever they want to if we ever move to a new stadium.“These are all stealth increases to change the optics of the 5 per cent increase across all season ticket holders. Again, penny-wise and pound foolish.”Meanwhile Scholes says Ratcliffe, who last week warned the club could have gone bust by Christmas without a series of swingeing cuts including job losses that are likely to total 450 shouldn’t be asking for outside cash to complete the new stadium.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordUnited will pay for the actual ground but are asking for public funds for the rest of the project that would include a wider regeneration of the Old Trafford area with  Chancellor Rachel Reeves backing the plans.Scholes, speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate brought by Sky Bet said: “You can be gullible at times, and believe what he [Sir Jim Ratcliffe] says, just because you’ve never heard anyone say anything before.“You don’t know how realistic it is, it’s all up in the air.“Words are cheap, and we could say anything about anyone, you can say in 10 years we’ll have the biggest and best stadium in the world, you can say anything.READ MORE SUN STORIES“For a long time we’ve been called the richest club in the world.”But I feel like we’re begging a little but, coming out and asking for the stadium and that we need £2billion, and selling players to buy players.”Sir Jim Ratcliffe has again come under fireCredit: PAMan Utd ratings vs LeicesterMANCHESTER UNITED leapfrogged Tottenham into 13th in the Premier League by beating Leicester.Rasmus Hojlund was left to run in behind and shoot low into the bottom corner from an angle to open the scoring on 28 minutes.The Danish striker had not found the net since December 12 – a run of 21 matches.Alejandro Garnacho saw a goal chalked off for offside but there was no taking his snap-shot finish off him on 67 minutes.And skipper Bruno Fernandes rounded off the comfortable 3-0 win in style in the closing stages.Here’s how SunSport’s Graham Hill rated the Man Utd stars. More

PAUL SCHOLES feels like Manchester United are “begging” in how they have gone about their business under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.The Red Devils co-owner, 72, performed several interviews last week.Paul Scholes had his say on Man Utd’s Old Trafford plansCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe unveiled Man Utd’s new stadium plans last weekCredit: AlamyMan Utd also confirmed their intention to build a new 100,000-seater stadium to replace Old Trafford, having received Government backing to fund the wider regeneration project.Under-fire Ratcliffe said: “Today marks the start of an incredibly exciting journey to the delivery of what will be the world’s greatest football stadium, at the centre of a regenerated Old Trafford.”Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport.“By building next to the existing site, we will be able to preserve the essence of Old Trafford, while creating a truly state-of-the-art stadium that transforms the fan experience only footsteps from our historic home.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLScholes, 50, remains sceptical over Ratcliffe’s promises.Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet, the club legend said of the Ineos chief: “You can be gullible at times, and believe what he says, just because you’ve never heard anyone say anything before. You don’t know how realistic it is, it’s all up in the air.”Words are cheap, and we could say anything about anyone, you can say in 10 years we’ll have the biggest and best stadium.”For a long time, we’ve been called the richest club in the world, but I feel like we’re begging a little, asking for the stadium and that we need £2billion, and selling players to buy players.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Red Devils released imagery of their proposed new stadiumThe £2bn project will be part of a wider regenerationSpeaking to the BBC, Ratcliffe also made a huge claim about United’s finances.The United co-owner said: “Manchester United would have run out of cash by the end of 2025.Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains his plans for the new Man Utd Stadium “Where do you want to spend the money? Do you want to spend it on operating the club or do you want to spend it on the squad?”Because if you spend it on the squad, you get better results. At the end of the day, what is Manchester United here for if not to win trophies?”What we want to do is invest in the best players in the world, if we can. Rather than spend it on, I’m afraid, free lunches.”Man Utd signed two players during Ruben Amorim’s first transfer window at the helm.Teenage centre-back Ayden Heaven arrived from Arsenal, while 20-year-old left-back Patrick Dorgu was recruited from Serie A side Lecce.Ratcliffe last week gushed over the job Amorim is doing at Old Trafford, despite United being entrenched in the bottom half of the Premier League.The British billionaire said: “If I actually look at the squad which is available to Ruben, I think he is doing a really good job to be honest.”I think Ruben is an outstanding young manager. I really do. He’s an excellent manager and I think he will be there for a long time.”You are beginning to see a glimpse of what Ruben can produce. I think you saw a glimpse of it against Arsenal.READ MORE SUN STORIES”How many players against Arsenal on the bench did you recognise? How many have ever worn a Manchester United shirt for [the first team]… as there’s no squad left.”We are down to the last 10 or 11 men in the squad really, of proper first-team players. Ruben is doing a super job.”Ruben Amorim’s side defeated Leicester City last weekendCredit: EPA More

ARSENAL goalkeeper Alexei Rojas has given an incredible behind-the-scenes look at the life of a Gunners player.The Colombia youth star, 19, was promoted from Arsenal’s academy to their senior side this season.Alexei Rojas has revealed his day-to-day business as an Arsenal playerThe Colombia youth goalie joined Arsenal from Chelsea in 2019Rojas makes sure he is at London Colney by 8.15am each morningAnd the Basildon-born stopper has now provided fans with a glimpse at his day-to-day life with a brilliant video.Rojas, who joined Arsenal in 2019 from Chelsea, leaves his house at 8am sharp and arrives at the London Colney training ground just 15 minutes later.He explained: “Here is what a day in my life looks like as a professional footballer at Arsenal football club.“I left my house at 8am to get to the training ground for quarter past eight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I always know it’s going to be a great day when the sun is out.”Before a ball is kicked, Rojas makes sure he fuels up with a huge breakfast.He continued: “I then have my usual pre-training breakfast which is an egg omelette, sourdough bread, avocado on top, accompanied by yoghurt with berries.”This way I’m able to hit my protein to help maintain and build muscle and have the carbohydrates to fuel myself for training.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesThe work soon begins, with Rojas going through a number of movements before joining Arsenal’s first-team stars for a training session on the pitch.He explained: “I then headed down to the gym to do my prep and activation where I replicate movements that I’m going to do out on the pitch.’He’s got a sense of humour’ – Sky Sports panel in stitches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s stunt in live TV interviewArsenal ratings vs ChelseaARSENAL collected three points at the Emirates with a comfortable display as they fight to keep their fading title hopes alive.“I train with the first team every day so it’s a great environment for me to learn and develop as a young goalkeeper.”But Rojas still has energy left and follows things up with a gym workout before tucking into a protein-rich lunch.He said: “After training I go back to the gym to do an upper body strength session which is so important for us goalkeepers.“After gym I head up to have lunch where we have a wide selection of proteins, carbohydrates and salads.“Today’s lunch was spaghetti with salmon and beetroot. This way I’m able to refuel with carbohydrates and hit my protein with the salmon every single day.”Rojas makes sure he eats a protein-rich breakfast straight awayHe does a pre-workout session before joining teammates for outside trainingRojas then hits up the gym for another workoutBy this point, Rojas’ body has taken a battering and needs a rest.He revealed he relaxes with an ice bath before eating a snack while studying a new language.Rojas noted: “After training I head to the ice bath so that my legs are feeling fresh and ready to go for the next session.“Here is a clip from my Portuguese lesson which is a language that I’ve been studying since September.“After that I have another snack which includes granola, yoghurt and berries because it’s so important to keep protein intake high throughout the day.”Rojas tucks into more snacks throughout the dayRojas still finds time to hit up a David Lloyd’s for extra recoveryRojas makes sure he’s home and in bed by 10pmRojas’ time at London Colney ends at 4pm, but he doesn’t just crash out at home for the evening.The ace still found the energy to head to a local gym where he made use of the sauna and hot tub.He said: “I finish my day at the training ground by heading down to the changing room to get showered to leave at 4pm. I then go home to spend some time with my family.“In the evening I went to my local David Lloyd’s leisure centre where I used the spa facilities.“I went to the sauna, steam room and finished off in the outdoor hot tub. This is a great way to disconnect and clear my mind.”Rojas ended his video by insisting that sleep is the best form of recovery.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd he makes sure he hits the hay by 10pm sharp after munching another meal.Rojas concluded: “At the end of the day I headed home and had dinner before getting to sleep at 10pm which is the best way to recover.” More

JACK WILSHERE knows all about being an Arsenal prodigy and making an England debut at 18.And he reckons Myles Lewis-Skelly will follow in his footsteps — then potentially become a World Cup star.Jack Wilshere knows all about coming through the ranks at ArsenalCredit: RexMyles Lewis-Skelly with Arsenal team-mate and close pal Ethan NwaneriCredit: GettyThe Gunners’ left-back sensation will still be a teenager at next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.Yet Wilshere believes Lewis-Skelly has the ability and mental toughness to immediately become a key player for Thomas Tuchel.England’s new boss staged his first training session at St George’s Park yesterday ahead of Friday’s World Cup qualifier at home to Albania.With the Three Lions struggling with left-backs, Lewis-Skelly has an excellent chance to make his debut then, or against Latvia on Monday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe youngster played for Wilshere when Arsenal Under-18s reached the FA Youth Cup final two years ago — alongside Ethan Nwaneri, 17.And Wilshere, 33, reckons it is not a problem if a rising star leapfrogs the England Under-21s set-up to go straight into the senior team.He said: “With Myles, it is not a case of, ‘Is he too young?’.“He just wants to be in a team, wants to lead and has an incredible family around him — and that’s important as well. He’d be able to handle playing at the World Cup.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I remember my journey coming through and I was in the first team at Arsenal, then I was called into the U19s at England.“Don’t get me wrong, at that point I was just happy to represent my country and wasn’t thinking, ‘Oh, now I’m ready for the first team’.’He’s got a sense of humour’ – Sky Sports panel in stitches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s stunt in live TV interview“But I was going from training with the first team, playing in the Champions League, playing in the Premier League, to then playing U19s.“But we can be braver as a nation and Jude Bellingham has shown that as he went quickly into the senior team.”Wilshere — who made his Lions debut against Hungary in 2010 — admitted Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri stood out when he was working with Arsenal’s youth team.He only left in October to become Norwich’s first-team coach.And Wilshere, taking his Uefa Pro Licence at St George’s Park with the FA, said: “In U15s, U16s and U18s football, those two could always make something happen but they are very different people.“Myles is more of a natural leader and wants to bring everyone with him.“Ethan is just really driven and asks, ‘What do I need to do?’ He would come and seek advice and feedback from coaches. “In the world we live in, with social media, there are other distractions for players.“It’s harder and you see players get distracted by that — but Ethan and Myles were never like that.”He just wants to be in a team, wants to lead and has an incredible family around him — and that’s important as well. He’d be able to handle playing at the World Cup.Jack Wilsher on Myles Lewis-SkellyWilshere played 34 times for England but would have had many more caps if not for injury issues.Yet now he is loving life as a coach after being inspired by former Arsenal team-mate Mikel Arteta when he became Gunners manager.Wilshere, now working under Johannes Hoff Thorup at Norwich, said: “I was nervous when I started my coaching journey.“Then I saw Mikel coach and I’d never seen someone coach that way. Watching him inspired me to do it. I want to be a head coach.”I’m in a good environment at Norwich with a head coach who sees the game in a really similar way to me.”Yet Wilshere feels football is now too rigid — with players not being encouraged to express themselves.He said: “I was taught to play in a certain way. “Arsene Wenger gave a lot of responsibility and the academy played the same as the first team.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But it wasn’t, ‘This is how we play, this is what you need to do’. It was like, ‘Your own understanding of the game, your own insight, will create moments for you’.“Now everyone plays the same way. Let’s see if the game changes where players have to take more responsibility and get more freedom as it’s very structural now.”Wilshere made his England debut in 2010Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More