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      Chelsea ‘freeze out highly-rated academy star, 18, until he agrees new contract’ in unusual move amid standoff

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      CHELSEA have reportedly frozen out a highly-rated academy teenager until he signs a new contract.It is claimed the Blues told defender Josh Acheampong he will not play for the first team or the development squad while he stalls over the fresh terms.Josh Acheampong has been frozen out by Chelsea after reportedly refusing to sign a new contractCredit: GettyAcheampong, 18, is currently tied down at Stamford Bridge until 2026.According to The Athletic, Chelsea are said to have opened talks over an extension to secure his long-term future at the club. But with negotiations stalling, he has been exiled from competitive action. Acheampong established himself as the third-choice right-back during pre-season under Enzo Maresca – after making his senior debut for Mauricio Pochettino in May, three days before his 18th birthday.READ MORE ON CHELSEACaptain Reece James and Malo Gusto are the recognised top two.Although the club showed interest in Pedro Lima from Sport Recife – who eventually joined Wolves – Acheampong looked set to be around the first-team set-up with Maresca in charge.However, his only appearance of the season came as a second-half substitute against Barrow in the Carabao Cup on September 24. Notably, though, he was not included in the matchday squads for the games against Bournemouth and West Ham last month when both James and Gusto were unavailable. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMaresca, instead, opted for centre-backs Axel Disasi and Wesley Fofana to fill in. Even more alarmingly, Acheampong has not played for the Under-21s since September 15.Chelsea Player Ratings vs LiverpoolThat is despite starting four of their first five games of the season.Acheampong was left out of the squad for the Premier League Cup clash at Bournemouth on Monday.But he is not injured – and even featured twice for England U20s during the October international break. The report claims the situation will not be resolved unless he puts pen to paper on a new deal.But Chelsea are hopeful of tying their highly-rated youngster down, especially amid interest from other clubs.The likes of fellow right-backs Tariq Lamptey and Tino Livramento ended up leaving Chelsea to advance their careers.READ MORE SUN STORIESAcademy graduates Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher, meanwhile, were allowed to depart after entering the final year of their contracts.Chelsea declined to comment when approached by SunSport.Acheampong came off the bench for his Chelsea debut against Tottenham in MayCredit: GettyThe young defender shone in pre-season for the bluesCredit: GettyChelsea ratings vs LiverpoolBy Ken LawrenceLIVERPOOL held on to beat Chelsea 2-1 in a thriller as they moved to the top of the Premier League table.Mohamed Salah opened the scoring against his former club from the penalty spot after Levi Colwill tripped Curtis Jones in the box.Chelsea went into the break trailing and it was nearly worse, only for VAR to overturn a second Liverpool penalty after Robert Sanchez’s lunge on Jones.The Blues came out from the break flying and Nicolas Jackson equalised.But they failed to hold on with star of the show Jones netting the winner just minutes later.Here is how SunSport rated the Chelsea players at Anfield.ROBERT SANCHEZ – 5Survived a shocker of a challenge on Jones to not give away a pen and never convincing.REECE JAMES – 6Got through 53 minutes in first start since last December and will surely shake off the rust.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 5  Booked early on for clattering into Diogo Jota and no surprise was hooked for the second half.LEVI COLWILL –  5Got away with one challenge against a diving Salah but a no- challenge penalty after hacked on Jones.MALO GUSTO – 7  Intelligent display and constant threat down the left flank in the first half especially.MOISES CAICEDO – 5At £105m and in Chelsea’s biggest test of the season was found badly wanting.ROMEO LAVIA – 5Got the nod over Enzo Fernandez from the start but failed to show any urgency.NONI MADUEKE – 6Always mobile and was productive playing as a right-sided attacker – giving Robertson a tough afternoon.COLE PALMER – 5  Deployed in central midfield but struggled to show his star quality and blazed over a good chance just before the break.JADON SANCHO  – 4Lacked any real spark and unsurprisingly hooked off at the start of the second half.NICOLAS JACKSON – 7Picked up a typically mouthy booking but the boy definitely has something – as his fine equaliser proved.SUBS:PEDRO NETO (for Sancho 46) – 6Looked a whole lot livelier than the wide man he took over from.BENOIT BADIASHILE (for Adarabioyo 53) – 6Looked a lot steadier than the centre-back he replaced.RENATO VEIGA (for James 53) – 5Got stuck in and was booked.ENZO FERNANDEZ (for Romeo Lavia) – 6Worked diligently to use his passing to make an impact late on.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU (for Noni Madueke 76) – 5Found it difficult to make his presence felt as the Reds dug in to win. More

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      Man Utd fans moan ‘this is so sad’ after finding out which pair they sent scouts to watch in Serie A clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED allegedly sent a representative to watch two Serie A stars in action at the weekend – but fans are not satisfied.The scout flew to Italy on Sunday for Napoli’s clash with Empoli.Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was being watched by a Man Utd scoutCredit: ReutersAlessandro Buongiorno is also a target for the Red DevilsCredit: GettyAntonio Conte’s side clinched a 1-0 win thanks to a penalty from Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.The 23-year-old was one of two players on United’s radar during the match, Italian outlet Tutto Mercato claims.Centre-back Alessandro Buongiorno was also being watched by the scout.However, several Man Utd fans are not excited by the prospect of potentially signing both stars – especially Kvaratskhelia.READ MORE ON MAN UTDOne person took to social media to write: “Watching the wrong players.”Another commented: “Stop this! United don’t need another LW!”A third said: “We already have Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho for the LW. Go for proper RW and a ST.”While a fourth wrote: “This is so sad. You are sending representatives to watch Kvaratskhelia. Send representatives to watch Harry Kane, Messi, Ronaldo ffs the guy is in top 5 wingers in Europe just buy him.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDespite some claims that signing Kvaratskhelia would be unnecessary, other fans believe he would strengthen the squad.One person said: “Khvicha is one of the main ingredients to turn us to a serious consistent team again.”Erik ten Hag slams reports he’s set to be sacked as ‘fairytales’ but admits Man Utd ‘have a mountain to climb’ While another suggested: “Would be a fantastic signing heir to the #7.”Man Utd have endured one of their worst starts to a Premier League season.The Red Devils currently sit 12th in the table with 11 points from eight games. More

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      Nottingham Forest owner Marinakis spat on floor in ‘disgusting display of contempt’ – but gives outrageous excuse for it

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST owner Evangelos Marinakis was handed his five-match stadium ban after spitting on the floor in a “disgusting display of contempt”.But he produced an outrageous excuse for his behaviour.Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was banned after spitting on the floor near the refereesCredit: PAMarinakis was charged following the 1-0 defeat at home to Fulham in September as Raul Jimenez grabbed the only goal from a controversial penalty. The FA confirmed the lengthy stadium ban last week – ensuring he would not take his seats in the stands until the home clash with Ipswich on November 30. But now the incredible written reasons for the verdicts have been released. And it is claimed Marinakis spat on the ground in the tunnel when the referees approached following the full-time whistle. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe disciplinary panel concluded: “The only reasonable inference we can draw from our rejection of EM’s explanation for the spit is that EM deliberately spat in a disrespectful and disgusting display of contempt towards the match officials. “In our view, there is no other credible explanation for his conduct.”We consider that such a ban will have a real impact on [him] and will act as a deterrent to others from behaving in a similar manner.”But Marinkas’ defence left many baffled – suggesting he had simply coughed. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn his witness statement, the Greek businessman – who paid for the club’s multi-million-pound training ground renovation and also owns Olympiacos – claimed his cigar smoking sparked his antics. The report says: “a. He smokes two or three cigars a day. He often needs to expectorate and/or coughs. His coughs contain phlegm.FA hit Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis with STADIUM BAN after furious tunnel blast at officials”b. If he has to spit, he spits in a tissue if one is available or on the floor if he does not have one available. Sometimes when he coughs spit or phlegm can go to the floor.”c. On the day of the incident he was suffering from a hacking cough. He was taking lozenges.”d. As the officials approached he felt a cough coming and he coughed on the floor, down and to his right which was away from the path the officials were taking. He did not speak to the officials.”e. He cannot now remember if any spittle left his mouth but if it did (and he does not challenge that some might well have done) it certainly was not aimed at the referee’s feet and did not hit anybody.TV fixtures in DecemberHere are all the games that will be televised in December…Tuesday 3 December19:30 Ipswich v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Leicester v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)Wednesday 4 December19:30 Everton v Wolves (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Man City v Nott’m Forest (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Newcastle v Liverpool (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Southampton v Chelsea (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Aston Villa v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)Thursday 5 December19:30 Fulham v Brighton (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 AFC Bournemouth v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)Saturday 7 December12:30 Everton v Liverpool (TNT Sports)17:30 Man Utd v Nott’m Forest (Sky Sports)Sunday 8 December14:00 Fulham v Arsenal (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Chelsea (Sky Sports)Monday 9 December20:00 West Ham v Wolves (Sky Sports)Saturday 14 December17:30 Nott’m Forest v Aston Villa (Sky Sports)Sunday 15 December14:00 AFC Bournemouth v West Ham (Sky Sports)16:30 Man City v Man Utd (Sky Sports)19:00 Southampton v Spurs (TNT Sports)Monday 16 December20:00 Brighton v Crystal Palace (Sky Sports)Saturday 21 December12:30 Aston Villa v Man City (TNT Sports)17:30 Crystal Palace v Arsenal (Sky Sports)Sunday 22 December14:00 Fulham v Southampton (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Thursday 26 December12:30 Man City v Everton (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Chelsea v Fulham (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Newcastle v Aston Villa (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Nott’m Forest v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Southampton v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)17:30 Wolves v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:00 Liverpool v Leicester (Amazon Prime Video)Friday 27 December19:30 Brighton v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Ipswich (Amazon Prime Video)Sunday 29 December14:30 Leicester v Man City (Sky Sports)17:15 West Ham v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Monday 30 December20:00 Man Utd v Newcastle (Sky Sports)”f. He fails to see how coughing (where spit or phlegm can come out from any person) towards the floor in a relatively crowded tunnel is misconduct.”But the reasoning prompted various responses from fans.One said: “Gross. Wild defense. Maybe he should learn to cover his mouth when he coughs like the rest of us learned when we were three.”Another wrote: “Disgusting bloke.”Elsewhere, Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo got a three-game touchline ban following his red card at Brighton.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe vented his anger at the officials as Morgan Gibbs-White got sent off. The ex-Wolves and Spurs boss was ordered to stump up a fine of £55,000 while Gibbs-White got a one-match suspension and £20,000 fine. More

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      Fans praise Joshua Zirkzee’s thick skin as struggling Man Utd star ‘likes’ Instagram post ripping into him

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      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Joshua Zirkzee was praised by fans after his classy response to an Instagram clip that was ripping into him.Zirkzee, 23, joined United in the summer after a £36.5million deal with Bologna where he stood out last season with 12 goals and seven assists in 37 appearances.Manchester United ace Joshua Zirkzee ‘liked’ a parody video on InstagramCredit: GettyZirkzee was praised by Man Utd fans for showing a strong characterThe striker had a strong start with the Red Devils as he scored the winner in a 1-0 win over Fulham on his debut in August at Old Trafford.However, the Netherlands international has been unable to build momentum in his next 10 games across all competitions after his impressive bow.That has led to criticism across social media amid United’s worst ever Premier League start.A channel satirised Zirkzee’s positioning on the pitch with a clip on Instagram.Read More on Man UtdOne of the content creators pretended to be the Dutchman and was shown being unable to play at No9 as he instead opted for a deeper role in midfield or down the wing.Zirkzee caught wind of the parody clip and won over a lot of fans by being a good sport and simply “liking” the video.Fans stormed the comments section and praised the centre-forward’s strong character, while some predicted he will soon silence his critics and trolls.One fan tweeted: “He might have a better sense of humour than most of your bunch.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother commented: “Zirkzee is unstoppable.”A third wrote: “Zirkzee is fantabulous.”Watch frosty moment between Liverpool star Van Dijk and Man Utd striker Zirkzee in tunnel before Holland clashThis one said: “His redemption arc is loading.”And that one stated: “He’s scoring on Thursday [in the Europa League at Fenerbahce], watch.”Zirkzee only spent 16 minutes on the pitch during Saturday’s 2-1 win over Brentford at Old Trafford.Stats showed that the forward did float around the Bees’ half and at times was caught deeper than the No9 position, but his career so far shows that he was actually playing to his strengths.The ex-Bayern Munich ace previously revealed that he occasionally drops down to midfield and thus considers himself more of a “9.5”.Zirkzee said: “I occasionally drop down to midfield. I don’t do that for myself but to help the team.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I am what I call a false striker. Not a No 9, not a No 10. I am a 9.5! That’s my game.“Maybe I’m a little different than others. But being different is good, right?”Zirkzee only played 16 minutes for Man Utd against BrentfordStats show Man Utd ace Zirkzee played deep against Brentford More

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      Arsenal cult hero Podolski being investigated by police for ‘forbidden’ way he said goodbye to fans in last-ever game

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      ARSENAL hero Lukas Podolski is being investigated by German police shortly after his final ever match.Podolski, 39, rolled credits on his 18-year career that saw him playing for the likes of Bayern Munich, Germany and of course the Gunners.Arsenal hero Lukas Podolski announced his retirement from football in a testimonial matchCredit: GettyPodolski landed in trouble with the police during the testimonial in CologneCredit: GettyPodolski lit a flare, which is forbidden in German stadiums, and faces a fineThe winger hung up his boots while playing for Polish outfit Gornik Zabrze and bid farewell to football in a testimonial match that was put together in Cologne two weeks ago in front of 50,000 fans.The ex-Germany international put together his own team he dubbed Team Poldi, which beat a Koln XI 5-3 at the RheinEnergieStadion.The ex-Galatasaray star received a standing ovation from the crowd after the match which led to him breaking down in tears.An emotional Podolski then joined the crowd in the stands and was pictured holding a burning pyrotechnic flare as he bid farewell to his fans.Read More on ArsenalAccording to Kolner Stadtanzeiger, as per Bild, that landed the German in hot water with the Cologne police as it is prohibited to set off flares in German stadiums.In fact, that is considered an administrative offence and thus Podolski is facing a pyrotechnics fine.The same source claims the city is responsible for collecting the fine and the Koln legend will probably receive a hearing notice in the mail within the next few days.Former police director and head of operations at the Cologne stadium Volker Lange didn’t mince his words about the forward as he dubbed him a “bad role model”.Most read in FootballLange said: “Firstly, it is forbidden, secondly, he is a bad role model. And thirdly: Someone who will take on responsibility at FC should be a role model – also in such points.”A number of football greats honoured Podolski during his testimonial match, such as Manuel Neuer, Joachim Low, Mats Hummels and ex-Arsenal team-mate Per Mertesacker.Arsenal legend Lukas Podolski looks emotional as he retires from football aged 39 The ex-Inter Milan star enjoyed immense success as he won the Bundesliga with Bayern, the World Cup with Germany and the FA Cup with Arsenal, where he amassed 31 goals and 15 assists in 82 games.And Podolski has proven to be successful off the pitch as well thanks to his ice cream and kebab business.It has been reported that the former Arsenal ace, who spent three years at the Emirates before his departure in 2015, has seen his net worth rise to £177.5million thanks to his investments.I’m a former Arsenal star – now I’m worth nearly £180MILLION after building kebab empire and ice cream brand More

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      Antony’s Man Utd nightmare could come to end as Ajax ‘hold talks over re-signing flop’ but fear for his ‘mindset’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED flop Antony has been linked with a return to Ajax but the Dutch giants are worried about the player’s mindset, reports suggest.United signed the winger for a staggering £85.5million in 2022 after a stunning two-year stint in Amsterdam where he amassed 24 goals and 22 assists in 82 appearances.Manchester United flop Antony has been linked with a return to AjaxCredit: GettyAjax have doubts over a move as they worry about Antony’s mentality after his Man Utd strugglesCredit: GettyHowever, the Brazil international failed to replicate his Ajax success at Old Trafford as he has only managed a mere total of 12 goals and five assists in 86 appearances.Antony’s struggles continue this season as he has made only four appearances across all competitions, in which he scored once.The Red Devils lost the likes of Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood and Omari Forson in the summer and the wideman is still fourth pick behind Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo.United are considering ways to let the Brazilian go out on loan in January so that they can sell him in the summer.Read More on ArsenalThat has led to speculation suggesting Antony could return to Ajax in the January transfer window.According to De Telegraaf, the Dutch club have discussed a potential move for the attacker.However, the same source claims Ajax have doubts about the state of Antony’s mindset after his struggles in Manchester.United are reportedly looking to sell for a cut price of around £40m.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, even that sum might prove to be impossible after a series of disappointing performances on the pitch.United boss Erik ten Hag, who brought Antony to Old Trafford after working with him at Ajax, addressed his situation and insisted he needs to do more to get more gametime.Watch as Antony ‘is used as a CONE’ in Man Utd training as fans lose their minds over awkward footageTen Hag said: “He’s impatient, he wants to play. But in top football there are laws.”You pick the team that has most chance to win the game, the one with the best dynamic, the best chemistry. Players have to fight for their positions.”The other players are doing so well – they’re contributing. He has to get over them. He has to earn the right in training.”Man Utd player ratings vs BrentfordBy Neil CustisMANCHESTER UNITED produced a rousing comeback to beat Brentford at Old Trafford.Goals by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund cancelled out Ethan Pinnock’s first-half opener.The Red Devils’ win will ease pressure on beleaguered boss Erik ten Hag, who this week defiantly blasted reports that he is on the verge of the sack.On a crucial afternoon for Ten Hag and Co, here’s how SunSport rated each United performer.ANDRE ONANA – 6Did not have much to do for a lot of the game but pulled out a good first-half save to deny Christian Norgaard.DIOGO DALOT – 6Good display from right-back and almost capped it with a goal when he stormed forward only to have his effort beaten away by Mark Flekken.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6At the centre of the controversy in first-half injury time as he had to leave the field with a bleeding head wound when Brentford scored from a corner. He was already looking suspect, as was the bandage that was put on his head early in the game in the first place.JONNY EVANS – 7Continuing an amazing end to his career at Old Trafford. Man of the Match last time out in the goalless draw at Aston Villa and looked solid again. Great ovation when he came off towards the end.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Shifted to an unaccustomed left-back spot but without problems and was particularly good getting forward down the flank.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6Chosen alongside Casemiro instead of new buy Manuel Ugarte who was on the bench again, but struggled to get into this game although he was involved for Hojlund’s goal. Thankful for the referee’s whistle in the first period calling play back for a foul after missing a sitter.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like he was off in the summer but back in the team although looking to be missing a yard and often beaten to the ball.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Does not operate as well on the right but Garnacho was so good down the left. Highlight of his first half was an incredible crossfield ball from right to left to set up Garnacho. Then in the second he provided the assist for Garnacho’s leveller.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Tried to orchestrate something from midfield but looked a frustrated figure in the first period. Then he showed his class after the break with that great little flick to set up Hojlund for his goal.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 8Had an all action first half after switching from the right to the left but wasted too many chances. Made up for it in the second with a fine finish from Rashford’s cross in a Man of the Match performance.RASMUS HOJLUND – 7After getting one in Porto to open his season’s account he is now off and running with his first league goal of the campaign. A cool, clever chipped little finish it was too. The hope will be that starts a much needed run of goals but he needs to see more of the ball.SUBSTITUTESJoshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 74) – 5Strange change to make after Hojlund had just scored. His replacement fluffed the one half chance he had.Victor Lindelof (for Evans, 89) – 6A change that largely gave the fans a chance to acclaim Evans’ performance.Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 88) – 6A change that probably should have come earlier. More

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      Man Utd cult hero unrecognisable as he steps up pro career in completely different sport at 45

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      FORMER Manchester United star Diego Forlan is set to make his professional tennis debut next month.The Uruguayan, 45, excelled at both football and tennis while growing up.Diego Forlan has been playing 45+ events on the ITF Tour this yearCredit: Septimo Game via XForlan, now 45, plays tennis left-handed, despite being right-footedCredit: GettyHaving hung up his boots in 2019 following an illustrious football career, Forlan has since turned his attention towards his other great sporting passion.This year, the former striker has competed in three 45+ events on tennis’ ITF Tour and is ranked No108 in that category.He has now been handed the opportunity to play on the professional circuit, after being awarded a doubles wildcard into next month’s Uruguay Open.Taking place in Forlan’s hometown of Montevideo, the Uruguay Open is on the ATP Challenger Tour, tennis’ second tier circuit.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFor the event, the former Uruguay international has bagged himself an impressive partner.Forlan will play alongside Federico Coria, who has extensive experience of playing in tennis’ biggest events, having featured in all four Grand Slams this year.The 32-year-old is currently ranked No101 in the world, and as recently as last year was in the top 50.Earlier this year he beat former British No1 Cameron Norrie.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSForlan is set to play alongside tennis professional Federico CoriaCredit: ATPAnd he has tennis pedigree in his family, with brother Guillermo  having reached the Roland Garros final in 2004.Upon news of his partnership with Forlan being announced, Coria wrote on Instagram: “Uffff, the double of the year.”Ex-Man Utd star Diego Forlan shows off new look as he discusses his role as a FIFA museum ambassadorEarlier this year, Forlan spoke of his tennis exploits with The Athletic.He said: “I need something where I can run. Golf, you play in beautiful places — I like it and I still do it, but I need something different, something more similar to football. I started training and playing tennis and I was getting better and better.”At first, I would play the top players at the club and players from around Uruguay and it was easy for them to beat me. Then it became more difficult. Now I can win. At the club tournaments, I was losing in the first round, now I’m winning a lot of them.”Forlan played 98 times for Man Utd between 2002 and 2004, scoring 17 goals.He went on to excel in LaLiga with both Villarreal and Atletico Madrid – while earning 112 caps for his country, scoring 36 goals.In addition to tennis, Forlan has also tried his hand at football management since hanging up his boots.He took charge of Uruguayan side Penarol in 2020, before a spell with Atenas the following year.Forlan is not the first decorated former footballer to be awarded an opportunity to play on the ATP Challenger Tour.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 2017, Italian icon Paolo Maldini was handed a wildcard to play in a Challenger event in Milan aged 49.Alongside partner Stefano Landonio, Maldini was beaten 6-1, 6-1 by Tomasz Bednarek and David Pel.Paolo Maldini played on the ATP Challenger Tour in 2017Credit: AFP or licensors More

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      Man Utd new stadium update as club reveal plans ahead of possible Old Trafford move

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have shared their plans for a possible move away from Old Trafford.Ineos have envisioned a new 100,000-seat state-of-the-art stadium being built on the current Old Trafford site.Manchester United have released pics of what the regeneration could look likeCredit: https://www.manutd.com/enA new Old Trafford could cost £2billion to buildCredit: https://www.manutd.com/enThe new stadium could seat 100,000 fansCredit: https://www.manutd.com/enThe club released the first pictures of what the proposed new arena could look like last month.And now Man Utd will host several fan focus groups to give supporters their say on the future of Old Trafford, report Manchester Evening News.A fan consultation phase is part of the regeneration project and fans were contacted with a survey last month.Man Utd want thousands of fans to respond so the club understands what supporters want from a world class stadium.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe club are still yet to decide on whether there will be a complete new build or a redevelopment of Old Trafford.Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to build a new ground on the land adjacent to Old Trafford and pics of what the stadium could look like have been released.The computer generated images have a circular “New Trafford” with a huge roof seen from a bird’s eye view.Another snap shows a massive Man Utd badge on the side of the ground as red lights brighten a path full of fans walking to the turnstiles.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhat 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. A closer look from a building next to the arena features a gallery and huge windows that look out to a park and statues of United legends.Foster + Partners, who designed Wembley Stadium, are the architects that have made the latest drawings.Sir Jim Ratcliffe says Man Utd’s ‘Wembley of the North’ could be 100,000-seat mega-stadium if they leave Old TraffordThey have also put together a map of what the area could look like, with the “urban regeneration” spreading across the whole of the Trafford Park region.The regeneration project could cost £2billion with new houses, commercial areas and improved transport links all part of the proposal. More