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      Cristiano Ronaldo and Rio Ferdinand in hysterics as they remember Man Utd nicknames from ‘Shrek’ and ‘SatNav’ to ‘J-Lo’

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO and Rio Ferdinand were beside themselves as they recalled their Manchester United team-mates nicknames.It was Ronaldo who first called Wayne Rooney “Shrek” when the Portgual ace and Ferdinand starred in Sir Alex Ferguson’s side in the 2000s.Cristiano Ronaldo and Rio Ferdinand were in hysterics as they recalled Man Utd nicknamesCredit: XThe two were reunited on Ferdinand’s podcastCredit: XRonaldo and Ferdinand won three Premier League titles and a Champions League together among other major honours.But away from all the trophy triumphs on the pitch, United’s team had a humorous side off it.The pair spoke on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast a week after the former defender featured on Ronaldo’s first YouTube show.Ferdinand asked: “Can you remember any of the players nicknames at United?”Most read in FootballA smiling Ronaldo replied: “A few. Wazza. Rat. Shrek”, before the two burst out in hysterics. Ferdinand then responded: “I forgot about that, Wazza won’t be happy.”The former England centre-back hilariously revealed that Anderson was called ‘J-Lo’ or ‘Beyonce’ after his team-mates thought he had a “bum”.Nani was called ‘Naanbread’ by Ferdinand, while everybody called Scholesy ‘Ginger’ or ‘SatNav’ for his outrageous passing ability and Gary Neville ‘Busy’.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJohn O’Shea didn’t have a nickname per se, but Ronaldo used to “kill him in the dressing room”.Ferdinand hilariously coached Ronaldo on: “What did you used to say about O’Shea?”Piers Morgan slams ‘complete idiot’ Erik ten Hag in astonishing rant against Man Utd boss about Cristiano RonaldoThe five-time Ballon d’Or winner cracked up and smiled, before saying: “No bum!”Ronaldo, who also revealed he still “loves United”, also explained how his early years at United changed his perspective and priorities as he developed from a tricky, showboating winger to an out-and-out No9.The Portugal star said: “My mindset changed. Goals became more important than f****** step-overs. “I closed that chapter because I realised goals and helping the team was more important.”Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney formed a lethal partnership during the 2000sThe 39-year-old, who recently notched his 900 career goal, also slammed Erik ten Hag for saying United cannot win the Prem or Champions League.He said: “As Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the League or Champions League. “You have to be, to mentally say, listen, maybe we don’t have that potential, but I cannot say that. We’re going to try. You have to try. But they need to rebuild everything.”Ten Hag since responded to the dig stating: “Ronaldo said that United can’t win the Premier League. He said this if you read the article.”He’s far away in Saudi, far away from Manchester. Everyone can have an opinion. It’s okay.”READ MORE SUN STORIESElsewhere, Anderson has been hit with a string of controversies and a former team-mate claimed the retired midfielder was obsessed with McDonalds.The Brazilian is also reportedly facing jail time over his reported failure to pay child maintenance. More

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      Arsenal ‘snubbed chance to sign Victor Osimhen after Gunners placed price cap on new striker transfer’

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      ARSENAL turned down the opportunity to sign star striker Victor Osimhen in the summer because they thought he was too expensive.Osimhen, 25, has put the whole world on notice the last four years thanks to some stunning performances with Napoli whom he led to their first Serie A title in 33 years.Arsenal turned down the opportunity to sign Victor Osimhen in the summerCredit: RexArsenal opted against Osimhen because of his staggering release clauseCredit: GettyThe Nigeria international attracted immense interest this past summer transfer window and came close to Chelsea who made him their top target.The Blues made a final bid in the dying hours of the transfer market last month but did not hear back from the centre-forward, while there were even reports of club chiefs flying to Naples to hold talks.Osimhen ended up moving to Galatasaray on loan much to the surprise of everyone after he fell out of favour in Naples and new manager Antonio Conte gave his shirt number to Romelu Lukaku.According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal also had the chance to land the Nigerian.Read More on ArsenalHowever, the Gunners opted against meeting his staggering release clause, which is said to have cost £109million.The North Londoners also decided against going for a striker altogether with manager Mikel Arteta placing his faith on Kai Havertz as a false nine.That is despite Eddie Nketiah moving to Crystal Palace and Gabriel Jesus still dealing with fitness issues.Arsenal looked determined to land a centre-forward from the top shelf in the early days of the summer transfer window.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArteta’s side was strongly linked with the likes of Victor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko.But Gyokeres and Sesko ultimately stayed put at Sporting Lisbon and RB Leipzig respectively.How superstar Mikel Merino is the final piece of Arsenal’s jigsaw – City should watch outAccording to The Times, however, Arteta looks set to sign a star forward in the next two transfer windows after penning a new deal at the Emirates which ties him until 2027.That could see Arsenal going back for Sesko, while Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams and Bayern Munich ace Jamal Musiala have also been linked. More

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      Former Man Utd star hints Ten Hag will be SACKED if he loses to Southampton tomorrow with position ‘untenable’

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      ERIK TEN HAG’S job could become “untenable” if Manchester United lose to Southampton on Saturday, according to Louis Saha.Former Red Devils striker Saha, 46, was reflecting on Ten Hag’s latest 3-0 humiliation at the hands of rivals Liverpool.Erik ten Hag could face the sack if United lose to SouthamptonRed Devils cult hero Louis Saha believes his position could become “untenable”United fans are waiting to see a consistent style of play from the Dutchman.Ten Hag’s side have brought last season’s troubles into the new campaign, losing two of their first three games.They were dominated by most opponents, big or small, last term as they faced more than 200 shots on goal – a figure only surpassed by bottom club Sheffield United.And now if Ten Hag does not get his act together against the newly-promoted Saints he could face the sack this weekend, says the former United and Fulham forward.Read more football newsSaha, who was on the United books for four years between 2004 and 2008, was asked if he believes Ten Hag’s job is vulnerable.He told Betfred: “I think so. Against Liverpool, the issue was the performance rather than just the result.”So Erik’s under pressure because the team isn’t playing well. There were no signs during the game that things were going to be fixed.”On Saturday, if Southampton are able to dominate United in the same way that Liverpool dominated last week, then the situation would be untenable for Erik ten Hag.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTen Hag looked set to be sacked prior to last season’s FA Cup final.But United then claimed a 2-1 win over Manchester City at Wembley to save their campaign after placing a record low of eighth in the Premier League table.Erik ten Hag warns Manuel Ugarte could take MONTHS to get fit in further blow to Man Utd fans after Liverpool hammeringSaha also explained that Ten Hag, who was offered a one-year extension, needs to be more tactically versatile.The former Prem striker added: “There’s a lot of people in punditry and the media, as well as the fans, who are seeing things that they can’t understand when they watch United at the moment.”We saw Arne Slot destroy Ten Hag’s tactics in their last game. At this moment, it’s not about personalities, it’s about seeing a plan that the players can identify with and cause damage with.”Saha also revealed that fans need to be more supportive of Marcus Rashford, who needs to do “better”.United travel to Southampton, who have also lost two and won one, on Saturday lunchtime, before hosting Barnsley in the EFL cup on Tuesday.Ten Hag’s last visit to the South coast resulted in a last gasp 2-1 defeat to Brighton last month, courtesy of on-fire Joao Pedro.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Erling Haaland to be allowed compassionate leave by Pep Guardiola after death of Man City star’s ‘chief fixer uncle’

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      ERLING HAALAND has been offered compassionate leave following the death of his father’s best friend and his ‘uncle’, Ivar Eggja.The Manchester City striker shared a touching message for his confidant who passed away on Wednesday, aged 59. Erling Haaland has been offered compassionate late by Manchester CityCredit: GettyFollowing the death of his close family friend and ‘uncle’ Ivar EggjaCredit: erling.haaland/instagramHaaland has been told he is free to take a bereavement break by Pep Guardiola.This means the Premier League’s top goalscorer could be absent for Brentford’s visit the Etihad at 3pm on Saturday. Haaland returned from his Nations League break in Norway to train with Man City on Thursday, but Guardiola stresses that family comes first.In March, Haaland bravely played through the heartbreak of losing his paternal grandmother against Copenhagen.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHer death happened on the same day that he scored a brace against Everton in the Prem.Eggja was best man at Alfie Haaland’s wedding, as they shared a friendship which lasted decades.Seen as a chief fixer for the Haaland family, Eggja was also known as ‘uncle’ to Erling.He became a mentor and adviser to the 24-year-old as he helped him adapt to life at Borussia Dortmund.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe golden boot winner took to Instagram to publicly pay his respects to the late Eggja, posting a photo of himself holding his hand as he lay in his hospital bed.Haaland’s caption read: “You are a legend, Ivar. Words cannot describe how much you meant to me! Fans ask ‘how can you not love him?’ after Haaland’s blunt eight-word response to reporter’s fantasy football question”Words cannot describe how much you will be missed. I don’t give a s**t! I don’t give a s**! That’s exactly what I’m going to do.”Thank you for everything, you madman. We will see each other again. Rest in peace.”Eggja was present for Haaland’s unveiling at the Etihad in 2022 and attended last year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, where Haaland came second behind Lionel Messi.The Norwegian star has enjoyed a sensational start to the season, scoring seven goals in just three games, including back-to-back hat-tricks against Ipswich and West Ham.He bagged the only goal of the game when Thomas Frank’s side last travelled to Man City.Erling paid tribute to Eggja on Instagram this weekCredit: erling.haaland/instagramThe 59-year-old was best friends with Alfie HaalandCredit: erling.haaland/instagram More

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      Wesley Fofana reveals how Chelsea stars treated Enzo Fernandez after racism row with midfielder set to escape FA ban

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      WESLEY FOFANA has revealed how Chelsea stars educated Enzo Fernandez after his racism row this summer.The Blues midfielder was filmed singing a derogatory song about the French national team.Wesley Fofana has revealed how Chelsea stars educated Enzo FernandezCredit: AlamyThe midfielder was filmed singing a derogatory song about the French national teamCredit: AlamyFofana had labelled it ‘uninhibited racism’The vile chant dates back to the 2022 World Cup when Argentina beat France in the final on penalties.Appearing on live TV, some fans from the South American country sang that France’s players were “all from Angola”.Members of the Argentina team including Fernandez sang it after their Copa America triumph and Fofans reacted to the video calling it “uninhibited racism” with Chelsea launching an investigation into the incident.Fernandez also underwent education from his French team-mates including Fofana, who explained how they dealt about the situation.READ MORE ON CHELSEAHe told Free Foot: “It was sorted out in a very good way.“He came back, and we had a discussion with the club, with the manager, we had a meeting.“We explained why we took it badly because it was important for him to understand why it wasn’t a good thing for him to do and why we took it badly. We explained it to him. “We understood in his speech that he didn’t understand that it could have hurt us. He didn’t understand that it was something serious.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFofana continued: “The best thing to do is to educate him to make him understand that certain things, in certain countries, that are perhaps acceptable in that country but that in others it is very serious and that it is punishable by the law. “I think he understood and now we move forward. We are a team and he is a great player. He is an example so I hope that he will be an example in the right way for everybody.”Paris Olympics kicks off with fans BOOING Argentina during national anthem after Fernandez’s racist video about FranceThe FA also launched a probe into the incident and while Fernandez could still be charged, he looks set to escape a ban that could have kept him out for 12 matches. More

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      Premier League manager facing dressing room unrest three games into season with stars unhappy at having too much freedom

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      STEVE COOPER is battling to keep some of Leicester’s senior players on board after just three games in charge.SunSport has learnt a number of the squad have found it hard to adjust to the manager’s hands-off approach.Steve Cooper is facing dressing room unrest just three matches into the new seasonCredit: GettyLeicester players are unhappy at being given too much freedom under CooperCredit: GettyThat is because they were used to being told exactly what to do in almost every aspect of the game by his predecessor Enzo Maresca.Cooper prefers players to think for themselves and make their own decisions, which some Foxes have found difficult.His habit of asking them for input on tactics — and even about potential signings — has also left a few of them nonplussed.Leicester have failed to win in their three games back in the top flight.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDefeats to Fulham and Aston Villa followed a decent home draw against Tottenham.Cooper is relaxed about the situation and accepts it takes time for a new boss to earn the trust of players — particularly given the big differences in style between him and Maresca.The Italian was not universally popular either despite leading Leicester into the Premier League last season — some players feeling he was too bossy and demanding.There is no tension between Cooper and the players other than from those he is not picking regularly — but the squad have not gelled as well as he had hoped.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Foxes’ legal victory over the Prem in escaping a charge for breaking their Profitability and Sustainability Rules last week has given them a huge boost ahead of their return to action at Crystal Palace on Saturday.But Cooper has admitted he was “frustrated” by the decision to clear the club AFTER the transfer window shut.Best ten new Premier League kits for next seasonChanges to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25.He said: “It may have added a bit of frustration in terms of the window and may have affected certain decisions — we could have spent more.“It would have been better if the decision had come early.”Cooper has picked up one point since replacing Enzo Maresca in the summerCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal Invincible backs Mikel Arteta’s men to overcome injury crisis at Tottenham as he recalls 5-1 victory

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      RAY PARLOUR backed injury-hit Arsenal to handle their big-name losses for the North London derby — just as his team did against Inter Milan in 2003.Mikel Arteta’s Gunners have a potential triple whammy of key midfielders out for Sunday’s trip to arch-rivals Tottenham.Arsenal have been backed to beat Tottenham on Sunday despite their injury woesCredit: GettyRay Parlour has called on the Gunners to emulate the 5-1 win over Inter Milan in 2003Credit: ReutersDeclan Rice is suspended thanks to his red card against Brighton last month, while new signing Mikel Merino is sidelined due to an injury picked up in training.And now captain Martin Odegaard is a huge doubt after hobbling off during Norway’s 2-1 Nations League win over Austria on Monday.Odegaard was later spotted on crutches, nursing his injured ankle.Parlour admits the absentee list is a “huge blow” going into this weekend’s powder-keg clash in N17.But he wants a response from Arteta’s side similar to that of Arsene Wenger’s men 21 years ago when they headed to the San Siro in the Champions League group stage without the injured Patrick Vieira and the unavailable Dennis Bergkamp.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSWenger’s men shrugged off the setback and famously ran out 5-1 winners, thanks to a Thierry Henry double and goals from Freddie Ljungberg, Edu and Robert Pires.Gunners Invincible legend Parlour, who captained the side in Vieira’s absence, told SunSport: “We had lost 3-0 at Highbury to Inter and we went to the San Siro.“Patrick was out, Dennis Bergkamp didn’t play because he didn’t fly.“I played in midfield with Edu. That was a time when everyone had to step up.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Everyone thought, ‘They’re missing two key players in Bergkamp and Vieira, do we give them much chance?’.“We always thought we could go there and win the game, no problem. But I didn’t expect us to win it 5-1.Ray Parlour names recent Arsenal kit the worst ever as he claims even the infamous ‘bruised banana’ shirt wasn’t as badArsenal have a tricky start to the season“I always remember after the game with Arsene Wenger, I said, ‘Boss, from now on I’ve got to be captain, surely. “If we lose 3-0 at home and Patrick’s captain and we go to the San Siro and win 5-1, I’ve got to be captain!’.“He started laughing and said, ‘No, Patrick is our captain’.“But that’s the sort of game to emulate. You’ve got to go there and players have got to step up. Edu was brilliant in midfield with me. Henry was unbelievable that night.“You had Pires, Freddie Ljungberg. You had people like Jeremie Aliadiere coming on and playing well.“That’s the sort of game where you needed people to step up and it’s very similar to this weekend.“You can never think that you’re missing players, ‘We’re going to struggle today’.“You’ve got to go out and think, ‘Hang on a minute, there’s another opportunity here’.”It’s a similar situation to this weekend. Jorginho won’t be used a lot but he’s probably a big influence in the dressing room and can come in, when needed, to do a brilliant job for the team.”Parlour captained Arsenal to a stunning Champions League victory at the San SiroCredit: AFPParlour fancies Leandro Trossard to play more centrally if Odegaard does miss the game and thinks the Belgian can interchange with Kai Havertz up top.Arsenal started the season with back-to-back 2-0 wins over Wolves and Aston Villa but went into the international break after a 1-1 draw with Brighton.By the time Sunday’s showdown kicks off at 2pm, they are likely to be five points behind  the top two of Manchester City and Liverpool, who have favourable home games against Brentford and Nottingham Forest respectively on Saturday afternoon.Some might say that is a gap Arteta’s side cannot afford to let open up, even at this early stage of the season — but Parlour disagrees.Speaking via NetBet Online Casino, the three-time Premier League winner added: “You can’t judge the league after four games.“It’s a rollercoaster ride  because you are going to have times when you have key players missing, like Arsenal have now. They’ve got to ride it.“It’s a long, hard slog. I always said, if you’ve got a chance with eight games to go, then that’s when you’ve got to push. You have to stay in the hunt.“Looking at the scenario now, I would say a draw is a decent result away at Spurs. If we win it’s a massive bonus but don’t lose it.”Arsenal will be without the suspended Declan Rice for the North London derbyCredit: ReutersMartin Odegaard will also miss the match after hobbling off for Norway this weekCredit: SplashParlour also feels Spurs can afford to lose this game and still achieve what they want to this season, amid suggestions manager Ange Postecoglou may be under pressure if his side are beaten.One player looking to make an impact will be James Maddison, who was left out of the England squad by interim boss Lee Carsley — despite Jude Bellingham being unavailable.The seven-cap ace now looks well down the pecking order for the No 10 slot, with Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Cole Palmer and  Morgan Gibbs-White all ahead of him too.Parlour, 51, who won ten caps for the Three Lions, said: “He needs to not even think about England.“All you’ve got to do is concentrate on your club football. You don’t sulk or feel sorry for yourself.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He needs to knuckle down, be the main man for Spurs, control midfields week in, week out, be a really important player to win Spurs that first trophy or make the top four.“England will then notice it and he’ll be straight back in that squad.” More

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      Man Utd legend’s son, 17, signs for first club as he looks to follow in Champions League-winning father’s footsteps

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      A FORMER Man Utd Champions League winner’s son has signed his first professional contract as he looks to follow in his footsteps.The player, 17, has joined Zeljeznicar Pancevo as he makes his own way in professional football.The Man Utd legend’s son has signed his first senior contractHe joins the top-flight club from second tier Vozdovac, where he had appeared for their under-19 side.The midfielder made 31 youth team appearances for his former club, scoring once.However, he will now look to make his senior debut after joining Zeleznicar and being handed a first-team squad number.His first chance to feature will come away to Vojvodina on Saturday evening.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSZeleznicar have been on a meteoric rise from the fourth tier to the Serbian SuperLiga with three promotions since 2014.They currently sit fifth in the table after seven matches following a 14th place finish last term.Previously, he had spent time in the academy of his dad’s former club Red Star Belgrade.The player is Luka Vidic, oldest son of Manchester United legend Nemanja.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis dad made 300 appearances during eight years at Old Trafford, scoring 21 goals from centre-back.He also won 15 major trophies with the Red Devils, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealedVidic also had spells with Red Star, Spartak Moscow and Inter Milan during his illustrious career.The defender won 56 international caps, which included three appearances for Serbia at the 2010 World Cup.He retired from professional football aged 34 in January 2016.Nemanja Vidic’s oldest son Luka has signed his first professional contractCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The TimesVidic won 15 major trophies during eight years with Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty More