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      Man Utd were STUPID to back Erik ten Hag before Liverpool shambles… it was another masterclass in mayhem

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      IT is the club once dubbed the benchmark for brilliance — yet now mocked as a masterclass in mayhem.Maybe not in the stubborn, self-assured world of Erik ten Hag, but most definitely in the wider one of just about everybody else.Erik ten Hag saw Man Utd flounder against Arne Slot’s LiverpoolCredit: AlamyLisandro Martinez, Bruno Fernandes and Co were humbledCredit: AFPFor two decades, Manchester United was a byword for sparkle and style. Now, it has become a guarantee of clangers and cock-ups.No shortage in the opener against Fulham, for all it was a win. Even more in the defeat at Brighton — and an absolute hatful when Liverpool spanked their backsides a week ago.How ironic, then, that for all the on-field howlers, the most baffling blunder of all came from the club’s boardroom.If timing is indeed everything, this was the finest example of getting it wrong. One that brought another adage to mind 24 hours later — about hindsight being 20-20 vision.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAlthough sometimes it doesn’t need a crystal ball. Not when common sense is staring you in the face from the off.A summer that began with United hunting high and low for a new manager ended with Ten Hag still in the  hotseat when the search proved fruitless.Just hours before bitter rivals Liverpool were in town, chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth wanted to hammer home their belief in the Dutchman.He is, insisted Berrada, “absolutely the right coach for us”. Of course he is — definitely there through faith, not default.Most read in FootballSir Jim Ratcliffe looked gutted by Utd’s display vs LiverpoolCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOf course they back Erik because they are convinced he will lead United back to the top, not because saying anything else would be a confession of failure on their part. That was never going to happen, was it? Admitting mistakes clearly isn’t on the agenda at Old Trafford.Erik ten Hag warns Manuel Ugarte could take MONTHS to get fit in further blow to Man Utd fans after Liverpool hammeringWhich is why none of the suits would accept that the timing of their public show of confidence in Ten Hag was so woeful either.Before they faced their fiercest rival? One hell-bent on avenging the two Old Trafford slips of last season? What were they thinking?Given United’s tendency to turn mountains into molehills, it would have been risky against Southampton or Ipswich. But Liverpool?While some will argue one result was never going to change anything, the only thing unjust about Liverpool’s 3-0 win was that it should have been by more. So an intended vow of conviction in the manager instead became a vote of confidence three games in.Not that confidence is something Ten Hag has ever lacked. To him, those who criticise and question do  so through ignorance.He railed when asked if there was now no margin for error. Bragged there had been more trophies at Old Trafford than Anfield in his two years as boss.There was more at Wigan Athletic than Merseyside in Brendan Rodgers’ first two at Liverpool as well.Ten Hag can shout as loud and long as he likes about progress and embarrassingly claim that he feels sorry for those who point fingers at United mistakes.When so many are doing so, perhaps it’s time to stop being arrogant and admit that they have a point.It’s too early to judge his five summer signings. But the previous 16, costing more than £600m, have not exactly been a roaring success.Phil ThomasWhile Ten Hag barely hides his  contempt for media opinions, are  ex-United players such as Roy Keane, Teddy Sheringham and Paul Scholes naive know-nothings, too?Do you feel sorry for them, too, Erik? Do you feel sorry for the  thousands and thousands of fans who cannot see or share your belief?Obviously he has to stay upbeat. After all, if the manager doesn’t keep his head up, there’s no chance the players will.And it is still too early to judge his five summer signings. But the previous 16 — costing more than £600million — have not exactly been a roaring success.Ten Hag, though, remains defiant, insisting: “There are many games to play and I know where we will be at the end of the season.”But as someone who has followed the club for over half a century, that’s the fear — once again United will be as far from the top as the  day he arrived.The question is, will Ten Hag still be around to see it?Not many would put their  house on it — whatever Berrada and Ashworth are saying right now.Mitch’s blame shamePAUL MITCHELL says the transfer strategy he walked into at Newcastle was a mess, pointing out he only had a supporting role this summer.Whether he would have been so quick to say the same if the Toon had pulled a rabbit out of the hat, instead of the shocking window they endured, only he knows.Paul Mitchell might have been better off not speaking outCredit: PAThat aside, whatever grievances he had with the previous regime, did he really have to air them in public?Almost like the kid at school who, when the teacher wants to know the one responsible for the dirty picture on the blackboard, points the finger and says: “It’s him, not me miss.”Was having a pop at Dan Ashworth and those who’d gone before him really the wisest move?I’d suggest not. Any more than his dig at manager Eddie Howe for not having alternatives to top target Marc Guehi.Sometimes you can see a head-on collision coming long before it happens. And this has all the makings . . . Lee gets bookedFRANCIS LEE was a player where the middle ground was never an option.To fans of Manchester City and Derby, he was a hero. To most others, he was a horror.Francis Lee was a legendary Man City player and ownerCredit: Times Newspapers LtdYet whatever your camp, he was a character. As a player, as a racehorse trainer and then the owner of his beloved City.He’s also the man who got me a job on the Racing Post 40 years ago after a word to the wise on one of his nags when I had to do a tipping piece as part of the interview.READ MORE SUN STORIESFranny passed away last year but tomorrow sees the publication of his autobiography. It’s a great read, believe me. Whoever you support…Triumphs, Treachery and Toilet Rolls: The Francis Lee Autobiography, by Pitch Publishing. More

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      Arsenal star Jorginho eyed by Galatasaray after Turkish giants were turned down by Man Utd’s under-fire ace Casemiro

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      ARSENAL’S Jorginho is a target for Galatasaray — but the Gunners are set to resist any bid before the Turkish transfer window closes on Friday.Gala are looking at other options after Manchester United midfielder Casemiro signalled his preference to stay at Old Trafford.Galatasaray are targeting a move for Arsenal star JorginhoCredit: ReutersThe Turks wanted Casemiro but he has decided to stay at Man UtdCredit: GettyAnd they are prepared to test Arsenal’s resolve to hold on to a player who has less than a year left on his current contract.The Italy midfielder, 32, is yet to play for the club this season but is seen as crucial to the strength in depth Arsenal need to compete on all fronts.Boss Mikel Arteta loves what the ex-Chelsea star brings on and off the field.New signing Mikel Merino suffered a shoulder injury in his first training session and will be out for several weeks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Declan Rice misses next Sunday’s North London derby after his red card against Brighton — making it even more unlikely Jorginho would be allowed to leave this week.Galatasaray had initially hoped to sign Casemiro, with an exit seeming more likely in the wake of his disasterclass in United’s 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool.But Erik ten Hag defended the veteran midfielder and insisted he remains a key part of his plans.Meanwhile, Arsenal could be without another player when they take on Tottenham after the international break.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNew signing Riccardo Calafiori was forced off in Italy’s 3-1 win over France after appearing to tackle himself in a freak accident.The £42million left-back appeared to be in agony as he hurt his ankle.Arsenal wages 2024-25 revealedAnd that could see Jurrien Timber keep his spot at the back against Spurs.Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling is pushing for a starting spot.He is the third ex-Blue signed by Arteta after Jorginho and Kai Havertz.Sterling arrived as a deadline day loan signing after being frozen out at Stamford Bridge.But Arteta is likely to keep the faith with Leandro Trossard after rejected a £29million offer for the Belgian from Saudi side Al-Ittihad this week.Changes 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. More

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      ‘If you can’t, the job is not for you,’ says ex-Man Utd keeper as he gives Andre Onana advice on handling pressure

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      ANDRE ONANA has been offered some words of wisdom on dealing with the pressures of being a goalkeeper at Manchester United.Former Red Devils shot-stopper Anders Lindegaard bluntly explained the demands of the job after Man Utd’s Legends lost to former Celtic stars on Saturday.Anders Lindegaard has offered some stern advice to Andre OnanaOnana is currently under pressure at Man UtdLindegaard was overjoyed to be back at Old Trafford as he shared goalkeeping duties with Kevin Pilkington and Raimond van der Gouw in the Legends’ match.After Wayne Rooney’s sublime 25-yard free-kick, Celtic equalised through Gary Hooper and would go onto win 4-3 on penalties.After the charity game, Lindegaard said: “Onana has come back from a difficult start and now he is doing a lot better. “But there’s no magic formula to overcome that pressure. That is the job. The job is to handle that pressure.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”If you can’t do it, or you won’t do it, the job is not for you.”The 40-year-old former Denmark international officially joined the Red Devils in January 2011 before leaving in the summer of 2015.Meanwhile, all eyes are on Onana as he has already conceded five goals this season after Man Utd’s dismal 3-0 defeat to rivals Liverpool last Sunday.The Cameroonian stopper, who has a reputation for the odd howler, again got his footing all wrong for Mo Salah’s goal on the weekend.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGary Neville once said: “Being the Man Utd keeper was the most difficult job in English football.”The Sky Sports pundit was referencing the magnifying glass placed on every single United goalkeeper since the Premier League began.Wayne Rooney reveals club he would have loved to have played for as Man Utd legend says ‘it didn’t work out’After arriving for £47m last summer, Onana has been subject to a mixed reaction from fans, after several embarrassing blunders in the Champions League group stage saw United drop out early last season.He let the ball slip through his gloves against Bayern Munich, often passed the ball to opponents near is own box, and let Hakim Ziyech’s free-kick in against Galatasaray to concede 15 goals in six European games.Onana improved somewhat throughout the season, but still seems slow to react to low shots, after saying he is prepared to take more “risks” .And the spot-light is growing after Man Utd finished a record low eighth last term, and had a minus one goal difference.Erik ten Hag brought Onana in to replace David de Gea, who was out of his £375,000-per-week contract.The Spaniard said goodbye to Old Trafford after 12 years behind the sticks and has since joined Serie A side Fiorentina on a one-year-deal.READ MORE SUN STORIESDe Gea was adorned by United fans for the majority of his time there, picking up the club’s Player of the Year on four occasions.But the 33-year-old fell victim to the same pressure Onana’s now facing, after a few clangers of his own in his later years. More

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      England’s right-back spot is Trent Alexander-Arnold’s to lose – Liverpool star MUST stay there through to World Cup 2026

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD has not always enjoyed an easy relationship with the England team.But here was the ultimate proof that the Liverpool defender must remain at right-back right through to the next World Cup.England’s right-back spot is Trent Alexander-Arnold’s to loseCredit: GettyLiverpool star Alexander-Arnold should hold on to that position until the World CupCredit: GettyKyle Walker did not make Lee Carsley’s squad due to the fact he has not played for Manchester City this season while he suffered a poor Euros. At the last few major tournaments, he has been caught out in big matches.So even if Walker does return to the squad, he needs to remain on the bench as Alexander-Arnold – who won only his 30th cap here in Dublin – is better suited to Carsley’s more flexible, attacking style.Alexander-Arnold set up an early chance for Harry Kane who should have scored. Read More on EnglandAnd the defender then cut apart the Irish defence with a sublime pass through the home defence for Anthony Gordon to run onto.While Gordon should have scored, Declan Rice smashed the ball into the net a few seconds later for the opening goal.As he does with Liverpool, with his team in possession, Alexander-Arnold was given licence to cut inside and play in a central midfield role where he saw plenty of the ball.Apart from a couple of stray passes in the second half, this was one of his best games for England. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd there is no doubt that this spot at right-back is now Alexander-Arnold’s to lose.Walker has previously tried to retire from international football but says now, he wants to keep on playing. But he should now prepare himself for a frustrating couple of years.England Player Ratings vs IrelandDECLAN RICE silenced his Irish critics with a dominant display in England’s Nations League opener.Lee Carsley’s players handed him a debut win as interim manager of the Three Lions.Rice starred in the first half as he netted the opener and then set up England’s second goal.Jack Grealish doubled up for England after being set up by Rice 15 minutes later.Anthony Gordon however faded in the match as he was not able to have as much success as Grealish.SunSport’s Charlie Wyett has rated England’s players’ performance against Ireland…JORDAN PICKFORD – 6Pushed away a half decent shot from Sammie Szmodics at the start of the game but as England took control, he had a stress-free game.After a difficult couple of weeks with Everton, he would have been grateful for this. TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 7Looked more at home at right-back compared to the disastrous midfield experiment at the Euros.Stunning pass in a move that eventually led to the first goal. He has to remain as England’s right-back. MARC GUEHI – 7Enjoyed a decent Euros and switched over to the right of central defence as John Stones was named on the bench.Looks increasingly like a top-drawer defender. HARRY MAGUIRE – 7Was left devastated after failing to make the Euro 2024 squad but he has enjoyed a decent start with Manchester United and looked solid here.When he is not in the team, England do miss his aerial presence. 7LEVI COLWILL – 7Second appearance for England and was deployed at left-back.Unlike the Euros, England have much better balance in defence with a natural left footer in this position. 7DECLAN RICE – 9Enjoyed an absolute stormer in what could have been a difficult afternoon.Booed every time he touched the ball, the former Irish international quietened the boisterous home fans with a brilliant finish although refused to celebrate.He then set up the second for Grealish. KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Fits perfectly into Carsley’s style of play. Some of his passing was excellent, particularly in the final third of the pitch, and this included his part in the outstanding second goal. BUKAYO SAKA – 7Enjoying a terrific start to the season with Arsenal – he has been nominated as their player of the month – and played with plenty of confidence here.Was involved in the second goal.JACK GREALISH – 8Left out of the Euros squad, but loved every minute of this.A decent finish for 2-0 and unlike Rice, celebrated in front of the visiting fans by raising both arms in triumph.ANTHONY GORDON – 6Looked really lively early on but faded.He should have put England ahead when clean through but was lucky that seconds later, Rice hammered his shot into the corner. 6HARRY KANE – 6Missed with a header and despite working hard, did not actually have that many chances despite England having so much possession. SubsGibbs-White (for Grealish 77 mins) 6, Gomes (for Mainoo 77) 6, Eze (for Gordon 77 mins) 6, Bowen (for Kane 84 mins) 6, Stones (for Maguire 85) 6.Subs not used: Henderson, Pope, Lewis, Gallagher, Livramento, Konsa, Madueke. More

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      Todd Boehly will try to take full control of Chelsea as breakdown with co-owner threatening to throw club into crisis

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      TODD BOEHLY is confident he has a £2.5billion fund to end Chelsea’s civil war with a takeover bid.The Blues co-owner has fallen out with majority owners Clearlake Capital, fronted by Behdad Eghbali.Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly appear at loggerheadsCredit: GettyJadon Sancho was the last of Chelsea’s 13 transfer window signingsCredit: InstagramIt looks likely that a takeover from either side will be the only way to solve the boardroom breakdown, but Clearlake are adamant they will not sell and have no need to.Despite that, Boehly is preparing to test their resolve with a takeover attempt by raising £2.5bn through other investors.On the other side, Clearlake are open to having a conversation with Boehly over buying his stake and consider there to be only two routes out of the situation – they either make up or increase their majority shareholding with a takeover.Private equity firm Clearlake, run by Eghbali and co-founder Jose E Feliciano, own a controlling 61.5 per cent stake while the remaining 38.5 per cent is split equally between Boehly and businessmen Mark Walter and Hansjorg Wyss.READ MORE TOP STORIESBoehly has no interest in selling his individual stake meaning any takeover offer from Clearlake would have to encompass the full 38.5 per cent stake.Billionaire Boehly was the face of the Chelsea takeover in 2022 and led sporting decisions during the ownership’s first transfer window.However, Eghbali has now taken a far more hands-on role in the running of the club.The Californian businessman works closely with sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart and was heavily involved in the summer window which saw 13 new players arrive at Chelsea – while Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah and Raheem Sterling all left.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBoth owners have attended games at Stamford Bridge this season and were reported to be in the same box ahead of the Premier League opener against Manchester City.However, the two were both on the club’s pre-season tour of America and were not seen together.Chelsea fans can’t name their OWN PLAYERS after another wild transfer window under owner Todd BoehlyAll decisions made at the club currently have to be signed off by Eghbali, Feliciano and Boehly and there has been huge change on the pitch and behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge since the trio took control.Work on a new stadium, however, has stalled with there thought to have been clashes between the owners over proposals for a new home.All parties are keen to find a resolution to the current situation in the boardroom, which is threatening to only add to the on-pitch chaos Chelsea have suffered under their American owners.Boehly and Clearlake arrived at the club following Roman Abramovich’s forced sale promising a change from the hire-and-fire culture but are onto their fifth different manager with a spend of over £1.2bn and are yet to deliver a trophy.The American ownership have taken a radical approach to ownership, stockpiling expensive young talent on contracts as long as nine years while also sailing close to the wind on the Premier League’s financial rules.Meanwhile, Chelsea fans on social media appear to be backing Boehly over Eghbali – albeit grudgingly – in any power struggle.One said: “Boehly because he has a sporting background and is not rigid with his policy. Not afraid to make (a) big signing.”Another argued that the American was aiming to “be successful, to win everything and sign star players in the process” – whereas “Eghbali / Clearlake took over Chelsea FC to make money, buying young players on low wages, success is secondary”.But supporters are still unhappy at the club’s spending spree under new manager Enzo Maresca reaping mixed rewards so far with the Blues just 11th.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey did win 6-2 at Wolves last time out in the Prem but some fans reckon Chelsea still need “up to three more attackers”.It came after the Blues splashed out more than £220million on their 13 summer newcomers, although Jadon Sancho’s deadline arrival from Manchester United was on loan. More

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      Anthony Martial ‘chooses next club’ after Man Utd release as he snubs ‘biggest contract in team’s history’

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      ANTHONY MARTIAL is “expected to join” Flamengo after leaving Manchester United.Martial, 28, ended his nine-year stint at United after his contract ran out in June and has been a free agent since.Anthony Martial is expected to join Flamengo after leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyMartial also received a record contract offer from AEK AthensCredit: GettyThe centre-forward had offers from clubs in Brazil, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and the US during the summer transfer window.But according to journalist Luca Bendoni, who is part of transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio’s team, the ex-France international has opted for Brazilian outfit Flamengo.Martial is now expected to finalise his move to the Maracana and put pen to paper with Tite’s side.The Frenchman also received a massive offer from Greek outfit AEK Athens.Read More on FootballAEK offered the versatile forward the biggest contract in the club’s 100-year history.That means he would have earned more than ex-Tottenham ace Erik Lamela, who also joined Matias Almeyda’s side as a free agent after leaving Sevilla this summer.While the details of Martial’s exact figures have not yet been released, Lamela nets £2.1million per year in Athens.However, the ex-United ace didn’t seem too keen to move to the Greek Superleague at this stage in his career.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAEK, though, continue to keep tabs on the Premier League as they are pushing to sign Chelsea outcast David Datro Fofana.Fofana has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge and manager Enzo Maresca is looking to reduce his massive squad.Anthony Martial works hard in Sevilla training AEK’s sporting director Panagiotis Kone flew to England to get the deal over the line for the striker.Martial left United with 90 goals and 47 assists in 317 appearances under his belt.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 set for record-breaking new Man City contract but special clause is good news for Real Madrid

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      ERLING HAALAND is poised to sign a new Manchester City contract that will make him the highest-paid player in the Premier League, according to reports.The Norwegian striker, 24, has been sensational since arriving at the Etihad in 2022, scoring 97 goals in 102 games.Erling Haaland is set to pen a deal to make him the highest-paid Premier League playerCredit: AlamyBefore the international break he bagged back-to-back hat-tricks against Ipswich and West Ham to take his tally for the new season to SEVEN in just three matches.According to Marca, he is soon expected to put pen to paper on a new deal – with his existing contract expiring in 2027.And the fresh terms are set to make him the biggest earner in the Premier League.He currently rakes in £375,000 per week, placing him second on the wages list behind team-mate Kevin de Bruyne – who earns £400,000 per week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Real Madrid, who plan to go after Haaland in the future, will be boosted by the make-up of his new Man City contract.That is because it will reportedly include a release clause, although the fee is unknown.Man City triggered Haaland’s £51million release clause when they signed him from Borussia Dortmund two years ago.Real Madrid have no immediate plans to pursue Haaland following the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHaaland’s new contract is set to take him above De BruyneHaaland’s agent Rafaela Pimenta spoke about Real Madrid in 2023, saying: “There’s the Premier League and then there’s also Madrid.”They have something of their own that is also the dream for the players.Fans ask ‘how can you not love him?’ after Haaland’s blunt eight-word response to reporter’s fantasy football question”Madrid keeps this magic going. They don’t have the weekly competitions, but they have the Champions League.”Erling Haaland’s career in numbersAge: 24Club games: 302Club goals: 252International games: 34International goals: 31Trophies: Austrian Bundesliga, Austrian Cup, German Cup, Premier League x2, FA Cup, Champions League, Uefa Super CupIndividual honours: European Golden Shoe, Bundesliga Player of the Season, Bundesliga Team of the Season x2, Premier League Player of the Season, PFA Team of the Year x2, Premier League Golden Boot x2, Champions League top scorer x2, Uefa Men’s Player of the Year x2 More

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      Danny Simpson reunites with Wayne Rooney in charity game as Prem winner eyes boxing fight with Man Utd legend

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      DANNY SIMPSON reunited with Wayne Rooney on the football pitch – after previously eyeing a fight with his team-mate.Simpson – who won the Premier League title in 2016 with Leicester – crossed over to boxing after retiring from football. Wayne Rooney and Danny Simpson during their Man Utd daysCredit: GettyHe drew with YouTuber Danny Aarons over four rounds in a Misfits Boxing main event in Dublin. In the build up to the bout Simpson was probed on facing other potential footballers including Manchester United legend Rooney.Simpson, 37, told iFL TV: “I’m seeing him next Saturday because we’ve got a charity game at Old Trafford against Celtic. “Listen, I’d have a go with Wazza. He’s a boxer, I know he is. He’s been around it, everyone’s gotta back themselves, so why not?”READ MORE IN BOXINGSimpson – who came up the United ranks during Rooney’s Old Trafford prime – lined up with the ex-England captain against ex-Celtic stars.He posed for a picture with Rooney and Phil Bardsley and said: “Getting some boxing tips off these 2 legends before our game.”Rooney, 38, himself was in shock talks to fight in a Misfits bout but instead focused on management after taking the Plymouth job.He used to box as a youngster and was infamously knocked out by Bardsley in a drunken kitchen spar – which he later mocked himself in a celebration.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMisfits – co-founded by YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI and his manager Mams Taylor – welcomes celebrity-style crossover bouts. And Simpson was the first former footballer to make the move – but he revealed others at tempted to do the same. He said: “I’m not going to say the names now, I’ve had a few people messaging me last few days. Hopefully they’ll be more now after seeing that. “I had a lot of lads from Leicester in the WhatsApp group so hopefully everyone’s seen it and hopefully they fancy it and they can all come along.”Danny Aarons and Simpson drewCredit: SportsfileRooney was once knocked out in a drunken spar with Phil BardsleyRooney mocked his KO in an infamous celebrationCredit: Mark Robinson – The SunRooney with Simpson and BardsleyCredit: @dannysimpsonDanny Simpson fought to SPLIT DRAW by YouTuber Danny Aarons with rematch AGREED More