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      Premier League cult hero offers to fly to Spain to tempt Jurgen Klopp to take new job just weeks after Liverpool exit

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      FORMER Premier League star Tim Howard believes he can convince Jurgen Klopp to become the next USA national team manager.Klopp ended his nine-year spell with Liverpool in May and revealed his intention to take a break from football.A former Premier League star wants Jurgen Klopp to become the next USA managerCredit: GettyEx-Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard has offered to fly to Spain himself to persuade KloppCredit: AFPThe German has since been enjoying his free time, attending Euro 2024 and a Taylor Swift concert at Anfield.But now ex-Everton star Howard wants him to get back to work – on the international stage.The 45-year-old is even prepared to fly out to Spain to hold talks with Klopp himself.In a piece for the Daily Mail, he wrote: “After the disappointment of Copa America, after the United States lost to Uruguay and exited at the group stages, I will personally fly to Spain. I mean it.Read More in Football”I know Klopp has only been retired a few weeks and I know he wants a break. But if we sat around his villa in Spain, I think I could lure him over here. 100 percent.”The money is certainly there. So my pitch would be simple: he has a young group of players who can play progressive, front-foot soccer – exactly like his Liverpool teams. And in two years’ time he can go to the biggest World Cup in history.”The Stars and Stripes were knocked out of the Copa America last week following a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay.Fans now want manager Gregg Berhalter to be sacked.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFormer US international Clint Dempsey believes the team’s “golden generation” is being wasted.He told Fox: “It’s so frustrating to see. You have a team that you’re rooting on and you want to do well. And at the same time, where have we come since 2022?Ex Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp dances with club legend John Barnes”You qualify for the World Cup, you get out of the group. And then where have we progressed? And we haven’t.”That’s the most frustrating part. This is our Golden Generation and it looks like we’re wasting it.”With 2026 coming up, you’re never going to get this opportunity again. … When are you going to have a better chance to do something special in the World Cup?” More

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      Erik ten Hag does NOT have a new Man Utd contract and Sir Jim Ratcliffe may have already hired his replacement

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      SO LET’S cut through all the you-know-what and get to the nub of the situation.However this appears to have been painted, Erik ten Hag does not have a new Manchester United contract.Sir Jim Ratcliffe with manager Erik ten HagCredit: GettyThere are no new assurances and nothing has changed.Yesterday’s grand announcement left the Dutchman on the same thin ice he was negotiating before winning May’s FA Cup final against rivals City.Ten Hag has effectively agreed to stay and work with the new controllers of football operations who, not long ago, were hunting someone else for the job.All that has happened is that the extra year in his original contract has been triggered to take it to 2026.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt is not the ringing endorsement of a new four or five-year deal.The 12-month pay-off will stay the same if what seemed inevitable at the end of the last Premier League season is delayed until the next one if things do not start well.Ten Hag said: “I am very pleased to have reached agreement with the club to continue working together.”In other words: “OK, I’ll stay.”Most read in FootballErik ten Hag is no safer now than before FA Cup winBy Neil CustisAfter Manchester United announced Erik ten Hag was staying on, they tried to explain why it has taken over two weeks since the Dutchman paraded the FA Cup at Wembley to actually tell him he still had the job.A thorough review of the season was needed even though Ten Hag said before the Cup final that this had been done.The club said that they had ‘considered all eventualities’.In other words ‘which manager would be best for us, and not necessarily the bloke we have got?’.And the club were also at pains to make it clear how much they admired Ten Hag’s ‘dedication, dignity and professionalism’.In other words he did not publicly flip his lid at the appalling way he was being treated despite asking Ratcliffe for a public vote of confidence months before the end of the season.Let us remember Ratcliffe did not even namecheck Ten Hag in his ‘congratulations message’ after the FA Cup was won, despite the fact it was all down to him and the way he outthought Pep Guardiola on the day.Read the full column from Neil Custis on Manchester United.Elsewhere he claimed: “We have found complete unity in our vision.”Meaning they all want to win trophies — well that is a relief.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowHe added: “We are strongly committed to making that journey together.”How they manage that is another thing because right now the strings are being pulled from different directions, with Ten Hag in danger of being the puppet.After all, the coaching team he put together has been dismantled and replaced, with Go Ahead Eagles boss Rene Hake and club goalscoring legend Ruud van Nistelrooy coming in.Or the future manager and assistant, if you listen to more cynical watchers of what is going on at the club.Striker coach Benni McCarthy has gone and Ten Hag’s former Ajax right-hand man Mitchell van der Gaag looks to be on his way too.Why has Ten Hag agreed to all this? Leaks from inside Old Trafford say it is because Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s word is law.On leaks, a recent email — apparently warning staff to stop leaking what was going on at the club — was LEAKED.Ratcliffe has put people in place in Sir David Brailsford, new sporting director Dan Ashworth, CEO Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox to do his bidding.Newcastle released Ashworth this week and he said: “Erik has reinforced his record as one of the most consistently successful coaches in Europe.”If that is the case why were talks held with Thomas Tuchel, as the hierarchy admitted to a dismayed Ten Hag?Ashworth added that “the club’s review of last season highlighted areas for improvement”. Cheers, Sherlock.While these words were being penned ahead of yesterday’s 11am release, none of the big names was on show as the devastating news was given to a staff meeting that 250 of 1,100 were out of a job.It is fair to say that morale is not at an all-time high at Old Trafford right now.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile players who have not been on international duty return to training on Monday.Roll-up, roll-up, the circus is still very much in town. More

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      Brains behind Chelsea’s famous academy for 20 years QUITS in ‘insane blow’ with Blues fans ‘worried’

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      CHELSEA fans are devastated amid news academy director Neil Bath has left the club.Bath, 58, has been manager of the Blues’ academy set-up since 2004.Neil Bath, centre, is leaving Chelsea after 20 years as academy managerCredit: GettyMason Mount and Reece James are among the players brought through by Bath at ChelseaCredit: GettyHe played an integral part in bringing through the club’s young stars – a host of whom broke through into the first team.They included Reece James, Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah, Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.This helped at a critical time for Chelsea as they had a transfer ban imposed on them, increasing the importance of academy talent.Jim Fraser, who joined Chelsea’s academy as a director shortly after Bath, is also set to leave.READ MORE ON ENGLANDAn official announcement is expected in the coming days.And fans are beside themselves after learning of club legend Bath’s departure.One passionate supporter said: “Neil Bath leaving Chelsea is an insane blow.”Look around the whole of Europe for the last decade, at the sheer amount of top level professional footballers that have come through his ranks.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I thought his promotion a year ago was a positive thing, now I am worried.”People can argue about their differing views on ‘the project’ moving forwards, and everyone is entitled to their position. But this is just categorically a loss.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall posts goodbye video to Leicester fans and says ‘it’s time for me to go’ ahead of Chelsea transfer “The consistent evidence of success in Bath’s work is there for all to see. We don’t know the story yet, but damn.”While another added: “Nothing surprises me anymore. These clowns are tearing the club apart.”A third said: “A massive, massive loss. Possibly marks the end of Chelsea being a destination for elite scholar development.”Yet I fully expect the people who have been brainwashed by BlueCo’s empty promises to try and rationalise it as a good thing.”And a fourth responded: “Systematically removing all the components that made us worth £3bn is quite something.”Chelsea’s academy trophies over the last decade include five FA Youth Cups, two Under-18s Premier League titles, an U21 Premier League title and two UEFA Youth Leagues.Speaking about the Blues’ youth success, Bath previously said: “I will always say it is a wider effort from everybody involved.”There is a particular focus around scouting and coaching, and the coaches won’t succeed if the talent is not of the right level.”That is why the likes of Jim Fraser, Darren Grace and their recruitment team deserve credit for bringing in such talented players from a very young age.”That is a huge part of our development programme. On the other hand, you need the right coaches.””Fundamentally, it is about having good staff in all areas who work as a team.”READ MORE SUN STORIESEx-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard credited Bath for his impact when Mount and Abraham scored in the Premier League.Lampard said: “We had a couple of pints with Neil Bath!” More

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      Man Utd prepared to sell Marcus Rashford after fallout with Ten Hag… and could drop £80m transfer valuation

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will listen to offers for Marcus Rashford after the breakdown of his relationship with Erik ten Hag.The future of the manager was tied in with the Red Devils forward, 26.Marcus Rashford and Erik ten Hag do not see eye-to-eyeCredit: RexThe academy graduate is no longer a guaranteed starterCredit: RexRashford was not called up for Euro 2024Credit: ReutersNow Ten Hag is staying, the club will look to cash in on the academy graduate who became one of United’s brightest stars.They will want £80million for their No10 but may have to accept nearer £60m following his drop in form last season.Rashford and Ten Hag were barely on speaking terms by the end of it after he defied the manager by partying until the early hours in Belfast when he was due to train at Carrington later that day.Ten Hag had already warned him about his off-field conduct after he partied at a city centre nightspot following a derby hammering at home to Manchester City on October 29.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe manager said that was “unacceptable” but was enraged when just a few months later he was out until the early hours of Friday January 26 ahead of that Sunday’s FA Cup tie at Newport.He rang in sick later that day and missed training. He was axed from the squad as Ten Hag learned the full extent of what had happened.That shattered their relationship although the manager had to continue to use the speedster forward.Rashford thought there would be a fresh start when it looked like Ten Hag was getting the boot.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat was before the Dutchman guided the club to a shock FA Cup final victory over Champions Manchester City, which saw new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe make a U-turn.Rashford went from posting career best figures of 30 goals in 2022-23 to just eight last season as he lost his automatic spot in the starting line-up and place in the England squad for Euro 2024.Erik ten Hag STAYS at Man Utd – so now what?He is due back in training next Monday but unless he can have successful clear-the-air talks with Ten Hag, his future looks likely to lie elsewhere.United are already lining up new players, with Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt set to be first through the door for £40m after his stay in Euros with Holland comes to an end.Ten Hag worked with the 24-year-old at Ajax.Off the field Ratcliffe is axing staff with around a quarter of United’s 1,150 workforce informed in a staff meeting that they will be made redundant.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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      Watch bizarre moment Virgil van Dijk BEATBOXES while forgotten Premier League star RAPS during Euro 2024 coverage

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      A BIZARRE moment during Swedish Euro 2024 coverage unveiled Virgil van Dijk’s beatboxing for ex-Premier League star John Guidetti.The former Manchester City and Stoke ace cringed as he watched his younger self rap with the Holland captain.An old clip was shown during the Swedish Euro 2024 coverage with Virgil van Dijk’s beatboxing for ex-Premier League star John GuidettiGuidetti played for Manchester City from 2010-2015Credit: PA:Press AssociationPrior to his success at Liverpool, Van Dijk spent two seasons, 2013-2015, at Celtic.Joining the Dutchman in Glasgow was Guidetti who played for the Bhoys on loan from City during the 2014-15 season.However. the Swedish star has gone off the radar in recent years.While he never kicked things off at City after leaving the club in 2015 the 32-year-old is still a rather big name in Sweden after returning to his homeland in 2022 to join AIK.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd this summer Guidetti joined Swedish broadcaster SVT Sport to cover the Euros as the Allsvenskan has been put on hold for their summer.On Tuesday night, before Holland thrashed Romania 3-0, Guidetti was shown an old clip of him rapping back at Celtic with Van Dijk beatboxing for him.In the video the Holland captain was asked to make a beat on the mic for Guidetti and the striker began to rap in Swedish for 20 seconds.While he cringed back in the studio watching his younger self, fans were impressed with the former Burnley star’s musical talents.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAs one said: “That’s really good, actually. I wouldn’t be embarrassed if I could whip out something like that.”Another added: “Honestly, Swedish rap is underrated. The language has a really nice flow to it.”BBC accidentally show Netherlands star stripping off live on TV in awkward blunder during Euro 2024 coverageA third then put: “Lol this is good TV. I’ve never had a soft spot for John Guidetti but I gotta say he’s been quite pleasant as a pundit these Euros.”Van Dijk and his Holland squads’ victory in the last-16 clash will see them take on Turkey in the quarter-finals on Saturday.Turkey took the lead against Austria after 57 seconds thanks to Merih Demiral’s goal and the former Juventus man doubled their lead in the second half.Austria pulled one back late on but failed to grab an equaliser.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Jeff Whitefoot dead at 90: Last-surviving Busby Babe passes away as Man Utd lead tributes

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Jeff Whitefoot has died at the age of 90.United confirmed the sad news with a long tribute to Whitefoot, who was the last-surviving Busby Babe.Man Utd great Whitefoot was the last-surviving Busby BabeCredit: RexManchester United legend Jeff Whitefoot has died at the age of 90Credit: RexHe was part of arguably the most talented crop of kids in football history alongside the likes of Eddie Colman, David Pegg, Billy Whelan and the great Duncan Edwards.The Cheshire-born great joined the Red Devils straight from school in the summer of 1949.And the unforgettable midfielder became the club’s youngest league debutant in April 1950 when he faced Portsmouth at Old Trafford at the age of 16 years and 105 days.Whitefoot spent seven years with United and won the First Division in 1956.Read More on Man UtdThe popular athlete surprisingly decided to swap Sir Matt Busby’s star side for Grimsby Town in 1957 as he wanted more minutes – a decision that probably saved his life.Three months on, Whitefoot was hanging curtains with wife Nell in their new home when news came through of the Munich Air Disaster.Seven of his pals — 15 days later, Edwards became the eighth — were among the 23 fatalities on a plane that crashed in the runway slush.Speaking exclusively to SunSport in February, he recalled: “When we heard the terrible news, my wife Nell and myself were hanging curtains in our new home.Most read in Football“We had only just moved, it was just weeks since we had left United and it shook me to my bones. I could not believe what had happened — absolutely devastating.The star, circled, was part of the legendary Man Utd Busby BabesCredit: REX
      Jeff Whitefoot (bottom right) celebrates after Nottingham Forest beat Luton in the 1959 FA Cup FinalCredit: REX“Losing Mark Jones was a major blow, both personally and to the team. He was a tall Barnsley lad, a good player and friend.Former Manchester United goalkeeper Harry Gregg talks about the Munich air crash“His wife June was expecting their second child, Lynne, at the time. Their son Gary lost his father. It was heart-breaking for everyone.“It wasn’t possible to go to all the players’ funerals. I went to Mark’s and left-back Geoff Bent’s.“Talking about it is bringing it all back and it is still upsetting. But it’s a good thing to remember those times shared and the friends lost.“It wasn’t about money. It was about the joy of playing — and playing for United. But it was my choice to leave. It was a decision which probably saved my life, at least my career.”A year after joining Grimsby, Whitefoot left for Nottingham Forest and was part of the team that won the FA Cup in 1959 before his retirement in 1967.He was the last surviving member of that famous Forest team.Jeff later helped Nell to run a bookmaker’s while still playing, before enjoying a spell as a greengrocer and then taking over The Wheatsheaf pub in Oakham, Leicestershire,United released a lengthy tribute on their official website and tweeted the following on X: “Sending our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Jeff Whitefoot, a former Busby Babe, who has passed away at the age of 90.”Forest also posted the following: “Everyone at Nottingham Forest is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jeff Whitefoot, at the age of 90.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Jeff spent nine years at The City Ground between 1958 and 1967, and was the last surviving member of the side which famously lifted the FA Cup in 1959.”Our thoughts are with Jeff’s family, friends and all who knew him.” More

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      I’m a former Premier League star who became an Evangelist – I’m keeping myself in church all the time

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      FORMER Premier League star John Mensah has swapped penalties for pulpits … by becoming an EVANGELIST.The ex-Ghana international captain spent two top-flight seasons on loan to Sunderland between 2009 and 2011.Former Premier League star John Mensah became an EvangelistCredit: PA:Empics SportThe ex-Ghana captain spent two top-flight seasons on loan to Sunderland between 2009 and 2011Credit: EPACentre-back Mensah made 35 Black Cats appearances, scoring once against Manchester City before rejoining parent club Lyon.He shone at two World Cups and his other clubs included Genoa and Rennes.Mensah, 41, hung up his boots in 2016 after a spell with Swedish side AFC Eskilstuna.He has since kept a low profile, devoting himself to spreading the gospel at a church at Kasoa, near Ghana’s capital Accra.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMensah said: “My church is the Resurrection Power New Generation Church.  I’m just worshipping there.”But I keep my faith in God Almighty to worship Him well, advise my people, and do evangelism to help others know God very well.”I’m just keeping myself in the church all the time.”Since I am no longer on the field, that’s how I’m keeping myself cool.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Having retired from the game, I think it is time to spread the word of God to others.”Mensah won 86 caps for Ghana’s Black Stars, appearing at the 2006 and 2010 World Cup finals.Sunderland fans ranked him among the club’s best Premier League defenders of recent times.However, then-boss Steve Bruce declined the option to sign him on a permanent deal amid concerns about Mensah’s injury record. More

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      Ben Chilwell returns early to Chelsea training after Euro 2024 snub as England struggle with left back crisis

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      BEN CHILWELL is back in Chelsea training amid England’s huge problems at left-back.The 27-year-old, who has been capped 21 times by the Three Lions, was not chosen by Gareth Southgate for Euro 2024.Ben Chilwell is back in Chelsea trainingCredit: © Jim BennettThe left-back was pictured at Cobham preparing for the new seasonCredit: © Jim BennettChilwell was not chosen for the England squad after a season plagued by injuryCredit: © Jim BennettChilwell featured just once in Chelsea’s last ten Premier League gamesCredit: © Jim BennettChilwell was snubbed after struggling with injury throughout the season.He managed just nine starts in the Premier League and last made an appearance for just two minutes back in April.Chilwell featured in just one of Chelsea’s last ten games as an illness and a knee problem kept him in the treatment room.But the ex-Leicester star is now back in training ahead of a comeback in the new season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was spotted at Chelsea’s Cobham training base alongside Trevoh Chalobah and new signing Tosin Adarabioyo. Meanwhile, England are dealing with a crisis on the left-hand side of defence at the Euros.Kieran Trippier has started all four games there as a makeshift option, while Luke Shaw continues his recovery from a hamstring issue.In the dramatic 2-1 win over Slovakia, Southgate made radical changes as Bukayo Saka filled in at left-back.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSTrevoh Chalobah trained with ChilwellCredit: © Jim BennettTosin Adarabioyo enjoyed his first session in a Chelsea shirtCredit: © Jim BennettAnd in the bore draw with Slovenia, Kyle Walker finished the game on the left flank after Trippier was substituted. But there is hope that Shaw will return for the quarter-final against Switzerland on Saturday.He was named on the bench for the win over Slovakia and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford revealed after the final whistle: “He was ready to come. But I’m not the manager. He’s ready, Luke says he’s ready.”SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesEngland’s five-point penalty shootout planEXPERT football psychologist Professor Geir Jordet has told Gareth Southgate and his players what they can do to give themselves the best chance of victory in any shootouts.And he has even thrown in a rogue, bold suggestion for the Three Lions manager…1. START PLANNING LAST YEAR “It’s about planning for the opposition’s penalty takers but also ‘how do we win the psychological game against each opponent?’2. SMART SOUTHGATE LEADERSHIP”Southgate will have two minutes to influence his players as effectively as possible, show he has a plan and get confidence across.”3. DICTATE AS A TEAM”A shootout is really a team performance. Have the goalkeeper walk with the penalty taker into the penalty area to basically create a two-versus-one against the other goalkeeper. Dominate the centre circle, support the players who missed.”4. ‘BULLETPROOF’ INDIVIDUAL ROUTINES “Have really good, individualised and rehearsed pre-shot routines that are bulletproof and polished so they’re more likely to be able to resist the stress and more likely to score.”5. SHOOT YOUR SHOT  “Practise the shot itself, trying to simulate penalty shootouts in training. Even recreating 20 per cent of a Euros final penalty shootout is going to have a benefit for your performance.”AND A JOR DROPPING IDEA…Jordan Pickford is the No1 but Dean Henderson actually has a far better penalty record – saving 8/22 (36 per cent) compared to Pickford’s 8/62 (13 per cent).Jordet said: “One could consider making a late substitution for a penalty shootout. I doubt that they dare to do it in case it fails and the pressure is even higher but it would be a very ballsy move.” More