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      Arsenal stars fighting for their futures as Mikel Arteta faces crucial summer to catch Man City – so who will be axed?

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      IT was another season of so close yet so far for Arsenal.The Gunners believed this was the year they were going to end their 20-year wait for a league title – but inevitably Manchester City fought back to make history as the first team to win it four times in a row.Mikel Arteta could axe several stars this summerCredit: GettyAaron Ramsdale could be on the way out amid interest from two clubsCredit: GettyThomas Partey has also been tipped to leaveCredit: GettyBoth Arsenal and Pep Guardiola’s machines failed to win just ten games in the Premier League this season.But with two points in it, the title will stay at the Etihad for another year.Mikel Arteta bolstered his side last summer with the arrival of Declan Rice and perhaps Arsenal are just a few more key signings away from ending City’s dominance.Ahead of a huge transfer window, SunSport take a look at which members of the squad should stay or be sold this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDAVID RAYA – STAYInitial doubts arose when he replaced Aaron Ramsdale, but he has since proven himself to be a world-class keeper with all the attributes needed for Arteta’s way of playing.Arsenal are expected to make his initial £3m loan spell permanent for £27m this summer with a view to him being their long-term No.1.AARON RAMSDALE – GOMost read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUnfortunate to be cast aside for Raya, but is now looking for a move to become a regular No.1 elsewhere, especially with his aspirations of one day starting in goal for England.Chelsea and Newcastle are interested, but negotiations over the 26-year-old’s valuation are ongoing, with him having joined from Sheffield United in 2021 for £30m.’They took it away from us… next year we’ll be even more determined’, says Arteta after Arsenal title heartbreakTactics Exposed: Why Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s most important playerBy Dean Scoggins

      KAI HAVERTZ endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates after his big-money move from Chelsea.
      But has now well and truly found his feet.
      The German, 24, has found his scoring boots in recent weeks, including his double against his old club.
      But Havertz has been providing much more than goals in recent months.
      In fact he has become Mikel Arteta’s most important player as Arsenal go for the title.
      That’s after the Spanish boss made a genius tactical switch.
      Read more on how Mikel Arteta is using Kai Havertz.
      Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube.

      KARL HEIN – STAYUnlikely to take Ramsdale’s spot as No.2 should the Englishman depart – but the club cannot afford to lose two keepers in one window.However, the 22-year-old could do with a loan move in the near future.WILLIAM SALIBA – STAYSaliba is of the best young defenders in the world right now, Arteta should be building his team around him. A vital part of the side’s spine that conceded just 29 Prem goals this term.Signed a new four-year deal until 2027 last July.BEN WHITE – STAYAnother solid member of Arteta’s impressive back four. Has the flexibility to play on the right or as a central defender, but has made right-back his own this term.Also extended his stay at the Emirates until 2028 back in March.GABRIEL – STAYWas on the outskirts at the start of the campaign but forced his way back in and has forged an almighty partnership with Saliba in the middle of the defence.One of Arteta’s most important signings back in September 2020 for around £23m and is under contract until 2027.JURRIEN TIMBER – STAYYet to see the best of the Dutchman in an Arsenal shirt due to injury but he is set to take the Prem by storm next season.Arteta views him as a real game-changing full-back with his ability on the ball.JAKUB KIWIOR – STAYThe Polish international has struggled to break up the duo of Saliba and Gabriel but has impressed when called upon, especially in a stint at left-back.A vital squad player that provides real depth and assurance.CEDRIC – GOLeaving the club with his contract expiring. Never really convinced Arteta he could be relied upon and spent most of the season warming the bench.TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU – STAYAnother flexible and reliable figure that Arteta adores, which is why he signed fresh terms until 2026 with the option of a further 12 months earlier this year.Can play as a full-back or centre-back and adds real presence at set-pieces.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO – GOWith Timber in line to be Arteta’s first choice at left-back, it is hard to see the Ukrainian starting many games for Arsenal next season, something he may find tough to accept.A valued member and a good £35m signing from Manchester City in the summer of 2022 but has shown to be limited defensively at times.THOMAS PARTEY – GOInjury prone and has looked leggy when finally back from his thigh issues that kept him out from October until March.Interest from Saudi means Arsenal could cash in on the 30-year-old with his contract running out next summer.MARTIN ODEGAARD – STAYCaptain fantastic. A real leader amongst men at such a young age. The 25-year-old is on course to lift the Prem at Arsenal sooner rather than later.EMILE SMITH ROWE – STAYSidelined for most of the term and struggled to make an impact when called upon, but Arteta still sees something in him.A decent squad option but you get the feeling he is running out of time to prove to the club he is a player worth sticking with.JORGINHO – STAYArteta’s experienced general that often has Arsenal playing better with him in the team. Signed a new one-year rolling deal recently, rewarded for his influence on the squad.FABIO VIEIRA – GOPerhaps harsh to judge him based on just 16 appearances in all competitions this season but still looks out of place in English football since signing from Porto in June 2022 for £34m.A loan move away could help if Arsenal are struggling to recoup what they paid for him Saliba’s development away from the club a good example of how things can turnaround.MOHAMED ELNENY – GOAnother player departing with his contract expiring. The right call by both parties. A good servant from the Arsene Wenger days.KAI HAVERTZ – STAYSeems a bargain now at £65m from Chelsea following his barnstorming end to the season. Arteta bought him as a midfielder, yet now leads the line as a first-choice No.9.Interesting to see how Arsenal’s pursuit of a striker this summer will impact that.DECLAN RICE – STAYArsenal’s most important and influential signing in years. Enough said.BUKAYO SAKA – STAYAn undroppable superstar for club and country right now. Will undoubtedly get even better in seasons to come.GABRIEL JESUS – STAYFighting for a starting spot but right now but would be foolish to let him go given how much he can impact games and his winning mentality inside the group.Would take a ridiculous offer for Arsenal to consider selling him, and Jesus is more than happy in North London right now.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – STAYA dip in form this term but Arteta has huge faith in him. The added competition with Leandro Trossard will only make him better.EDDIE NKETIAH – GONketiah’s career is at a crossroads right now and he needs to leave to turn that around.The only issue are his six-figure wages which could put potential suitors off. Crystal Palace and West Ham have been interested in the past.LEANDRO TROSSARD – STAYCan bring his qualities as a starter or from the bench – a brilliant option to have when you are going for a title, evidenced by his 12 Prem goals this campaign.READ MORE SUN STORIESREISS NELSON – GOArteta has often spoken of Nelson’s potential and likes having him around the squad, but his impact has withered over the past 12 months. More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘obsessed’ with winning trophy more important to him than Man Utd lifting Premier League

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      MANCHESTER UNITED chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to win one of the most “elusive” trophies this year.Ratcliffe, 71, took over a 27.7 per cent stake of United back in February in a deal that also saw him take up the reins on all sporting operations at Old Trafford.Manchester United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to win the America’s CupCredit: PASir Jim will be hoping to combine his arrival with a trophy in his first year in charge of the Red Devils on May 25 when Erik ten Hag’s side faces rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley.However, the British billionaire has his fingers in a lot of other pies with INEOS who are looking to make history in one of the most historic competitions.Ratcliffe is “obsessed” with winning the America’s Cup, which kicks off on August 22 and runs until October 20.Sky News reporter Rob Harris tweeted: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe is obsessed with trying to win a prize more elusive for Britain than the Premier League trophy for Manchester United.”Read More on Man UtdThe UK has never won the prestigious sailing trophy and the INEOS chief is looking to make history with Britannia, the boat he created in his bid to conquer the competition dubbed the F1 of the oceans.Ratcliffe told Sky News: “Manchester United is another sporting challenge and it’s a very big one obviously, probably one of the biggest ones in the world.”But this, I think for the UK, this is one of the biggest sporting challenges you could find.”Whilst the UK has won just about every international sporting competition there is in the world, the one and only it has never won has been the sailing one.”Most read in FootballRatcliffe has his hands full at United after a hapless campaign that saw the team finishing eighth in the Premier League table.The minority shareholder will have to decide on Ten Hag’s future, who has come under immense scrutiny throughout the campaign.’I’m in a rush,’ Sir Jim Ratcliffe says live on BBC after running London Marathon before Wembley dash to watch Man UtdRaphael Varane has also announced his imminent departure from the club once his contract runs out at the end of the season.More players could follow Varane, such as Anthony Martial whose deal also expires in June.Why Man Utd must win FA Cup
      ERIK TEN HAG says Manchester United must pay back their world-class fans with an FA Cup triumph after their awful league season, writes Tom Barlcay.
      United came eighth which was their lowest-ever finish despite winning 2-0 on the final day at Brighton.
      They also came away from a miserable campaign with a negative goal difference – but still can win a trophy when they take on Manchester City in next week’s cup final.
      The away fans roared themselves hoarse just as they have done all term despite the poor results.
      Boss Ten Hag said: “We have the best fans in the world and I mean this. 
      “I have never had this experience when you have a season like us, which is by far not good enough, that the supporters are with us. 
      “They are with us in the bad season and in bad times they are there. I think also they know why the bad times are there. 
      “But we have to pay them back and we have to do everything to give them a trophy next week but also for the future, we have to perform better.”
      United won thanks to late goals from Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Hojlund.
      But for the second game running, Hojlund began the match on the bench as United opted for a false nine – in a hint over how United will set up in the cup final.
      That was how they played in March’s 3-1 defeat to City at the Etihad in the league, too.
      Ten Hag added: “It’s a luxury problem. Both formations can be a success because we can set up like we did at the Etihad where we were a threat with movement in behind.
      “But of course with Rasmus Hojlund in this form it’s absolutely a consideration and a thought that we have to consider. 
      “You need not only 11 players in a tough final but a bench as well.”
      Hojlund’s tally now stands at 16 goals in his maiden season after the 21-year-old arrived from Atalanta for £72million last summer.
      Reflecting on the Dane’s campaign, Ten Hag observed: “It could always be better but don’t forget he had three injuries this season. 
      “He came in with the injury, missed the start, then he got injured before winter and then he got injured after winter. So every time that broke his rhythm and if you then shoot 16 goals for the first season it’s OK. And it’s not over, we have to play the FA Cup final.” More

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      Watch Jurgen Klopp rap on stage with John Barnes as Liverpool boss enjoys boozy farewell party with Reds players

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      JURGEN KLOPP rapped with John Barnes on stage as the outgoing Liverpool boss showed he’s a mover and shaker in more ways than one.The German looked a natural as he shimmied on the floor at a boozy farewell bash with his squad.Jurgen Klopp’s dancing talent is no longer hiddenCredit: Instagram @KloppoThe German has pointed the way to a bright future at Anfield, despite his decision to leave this summer after nine years in chargeCredit: Instagram @KloppoThe Reds confirmed Arne Slot will become manager from June 1Credit: PALiverpool stars and icons like Sir Kenny Dalglish were later spotted strolling in the city centre as Klopp went out in the same style he arrived, winning the Champions League and Premier League along the way.Ex-Reds and England winger Barnes famously rapped on New Order’s No1 hit World in Motion, the Three Lions’ anthem for the 1990 World Cup.And Klopp modestly suggested his own efforts at singing over the weekend were merely playing second fiddle to the former Celtic manager.Bowing out after nine years in charge at Anfield, Klopp recovered from his night of partying to post a clip of his rapping on Instagram.READ MORE TOP STORIESHe added the words: “John Barnes – what a legend… not only in football!”Klopp’s video on Monday afternoon came as the club confirmed Feyenoord chief Arne Slot, 45, will become his successor on June 1 – “subject to a work permit”.The 56-year-old wore his cap backwards, topping off a casual look of black shirt and jeans, as he danced on a stage in front of a crowd.Klopp’s men had faded in the closing weeks, finishing a distant third, seven points off Arsenal and nine behind champions Manchester City.Most read in FootballKlopp looked to be enjoying a long night of goodbyesCredit: Instagram @KloppoCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut a 2-0 final-day defeat of 10-man Wolves at Anfield helped re-ignite the party atmosphere.Klopp continued to lift spirits with a rousing goodbye speech on the pitch.He said: “It doesn’t feel like an end. It just feels like the start, because I saw today a football team playing full of talent, full of youth, full of creativity, full of desire, full of grit.”That’s one part of development, that’s what you need obviously, but obviously since a few weeks I got absolutely too much attention, it’s really uncomfortable, but in this time I realised a lot of things.”Players like Virgil van Dijk , Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah were later seen at Liverpool’s Titanic Hotel.  And after a sit-down meal, it was time for Klopp to produce his Barnes-storming duet.He also produced a lengthy farewell address on the club’s X’s account.Klopp added: “I just want to say, I love you. It was absolutely outstanding. Thank you for the ride, I’m so proud of you and I’m so proud that I have been allowed to be part of this. “Thank you very much, and the sky is the limit for you boys.” More

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      Liverpool confirm when Arne Slot will start as manager after Jurgen Klopp announced appointment live on TV

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      ARNE SLOT has been officially announced as Liverpool manager.The Feyenoord boss will replace Jurgen Klopp in the dugout following his emotional farewell at Anfield yesterday.Arne Slot has been announced as Liverpool’s new bossCredit: AlamyKlopp has been in charge for nine years but revealed earlier this season that he was stepping down at the end of the campaign.He confirmed Slot was replacing him last night as he gave a speech to Liverpool supporters.The Dutchman will begin work on July 1 – subject to a work permit. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Gary Lineker says ‘I’ve heard a little rumour’ about Jurgen Klopp’s next job despite ex-Liverpool boss’ retirement hint

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      GARY LINEKER “heard a little rumour” that Jurgen Klopp could become president of Borussia Dortmund after leaving Liverpool.Klopp, 56, rolled credits on a glittering nine-year stint with the Reds that saw him winning all major honours, including a first league title in 30 years.Gary Lineker heard a wild rumour about Jurgen Klopp’s next job after leaving LiverpoolCredit: GettyLiverpool legend Klopp could become president of Borussia Dortmund, claims LinekerCredit: RexThe German tactician led the Merseysiders to a 2-0 victory over Wolves during his last ever match in charge of the Premier League giants at Anfield on Sunday.The Liverpool legend announced his departure in January as he revealed he is running out of energy and cannot continue in the job year after year.Lineker expects Klopp to take some time off but is confident “there will be a battle” between the world’s biggest clubs to sign him in “a year or so’s time”.But the Match of the Day host also revealed there’s been speculation about him returning to Dortmund in a different capacity that would see him taking charge of the entire club.Read More on FootballKlopp burst onto the scene back in 2008 when he was appointed to the Bundesliga giants’ dugout and led them to two consecutive league titles as well as the 2013 Champions League final.Lineker told the Rest is Football podcast: “I will be interested to see what Jurgen Klopp does next. “I think he will definitely take some time out because I think he’s genuine when he says he has run out of energy.“You can see why that job is so demanding. There will be a battle for him in a year’s time. Or they’ll be lining up for a year or so’s time.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I heard a little rumour that he might end up being president of Borussia Dortmund, which would be amazing.”Klopp appeared to have hinted towards managerial retirement after leaving Liverpool.Moment Pep Guardiola is brought to tears and struggles to speak as he pays respects to Jurgen Klopp after Liverpool exitHowever, the ex-Dortmund boss set the record straight after the victory over Wolves and insisted he is not done just yet.Klopp said: “I will work. I have just finished this job. I don’t know exactly why nobody believes I will probably not be a manager again, but I understand because obviously it seems to be a drug.”It looks like that as everybody comes back and everybody works until they are 70-something. I have always had the idea I won’t do that. “Other people are smarter and do it in different ways, but I have to be all-in. I have to be the spark, I have to be the energiser, I have to be all these kind of things. And I am empty. That’s it.”My biggest worry today was that [goalkeeping coach] John Achterberg was coughing all the time next to me, and I thought I’d wake up tomorrow and I’ll be ill because he’s coughing in my direction! I have to start with the rest now and then we will see.”It’s not that I’m looking outside for the next opportunity and which clubs are available and stuff like this. There will be opportunities but I’m not thinking, ‘Maybe in a year’s time I’ll take that’. In this moment, see you later.”I have no clue [what I will do tomorrow]. Packing probably. I have enough things to do, private life must be planned as well but I’ve been here doing things and probably Ulla [Klopp’s wife] will update me where we go. I have no clue what’s coming up. We have a party tonight.”Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
      But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
      In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
      Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
      But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
      These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
      Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
      But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
      Klopp got it wrong.
      Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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      Relegated former Chelsea star Ross Barkley ‘set for immediate return to Premier League with Champions League side keen’

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      ROSS BARKLEY is tipped to rejoin Aston Villa – despite Manchester United also showing interest in Luton’s star man.After qualifying for the Champions League, Villa are reportedly in “advanced talks” over recruiting the 30-year-old ex-Chelsea midfielder.Aston Villa have reportedly made the first move for Ross BarkleyCredit: GettyBarkley’s inspirational season failed to keep the Hatters up but led to calls for a place at Euro 2024, five years after the last of his 33 England caps.The Merseysider has arguably produced his finest football since 2018 – when Chelsea paid Everton £15milion for the then-prodigy.Barkley’s four years at Stamford Bridge proved to be a massive frustration, with poor form and then limited opportunities.He spent 2020-21 on loan at Villa before departing Chelsea permanently a year later to spend a single campaign with Ligue 1 club Nice.READ MORE TOP STORIESLuton pounced for him in August 2023 after squeezing back into the Premier League via the play-offs.Now The Guardian reckon negotiations on a switch to Unai Emery’s Villa are already at a serious stage – with Barkley keen on the move.United have also been linked to the all-round ace, not least as he impressed Red Devils’ minority owner Sim Jim Ratcliffe while at Ineos-owned Nice.Barkley said last month: “I want to play in the Premier League. I want to play in Europe again.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I feel like for the next three years maybe I’ll still be in my prime years.”Villa are thought to be in the market for two midfielders in all, plus a full-back and a forward.Aston Villa stars and wags go wild as Emi Martinez soaks team in champagne after Haaland goal secures Champions LeagueChelsea’s England workhorse Conor Gallagher is a known target for Emery.It’s understood Villa might be willing to include Jhon Duran in a swap deal.Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues have long admired the 20-year-old Colombian. More

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      What happened to the Premier League Player of the Year winners including flop managers and legendary BBC pundit

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      PHIL FODEN has been named the winner of the 2023/24 Premier League Player of the Year.The Manchester City midfielder has enjoyed his best-ever campaign with 19 goals and eight assists.Phil Foden is the 2023/24 Premier League Player of the YearCredit: ReutersHis tally includes hat-tricks against Brentford and Aston Villa, with Erling Haaland the only City player to score more league goals this term.And, of course, he crucially scored the first two in the 3-1 win over West Ham at the weekend that clinched City’s fourth consecutive title.Foden – who also won the Football writers’ award – becomes the 26th different player to win the Premier League Player of the Year since it was first presented in the 1994/95 season.Previous winners have gone on to find varying success both as managers and pundits.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHere is what happened to the other winners of the Premier League Player of the Year award.Alan ShearerThe first winner, Alan Shearer’s 34 goals had powered Blackburn to the title in 1994/95.He retired in 2006 after scoring a record 260 Premier League goals and has since become a beloved Match of the Day pundit, alongside a brief stint as Newcastle caretaker manager in 2009.Peter SchmeichelAnother title winner, Peter Schmeichel remains the only goalkeeper to win the award.Most read in FootballThe legendary Manchester United keeper won two more titles and the Champions League before leaving the club in 1999.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollowing spells with Sporting, Villa and City, he retired in 2003.JuninhoJuninho claimed the Player of the Year award despite Middlesbrough’s relegation in 1997 and was subsequently sold to Atletico Madrid.Three reasons why Phil Foden is world-classHe returned for two more spells at the club before retiring in 2010 aged 37 and most recently worked as a coach for the Brazilian national team.Michael OwenMichael Owen won his only award in 1998 aged just 18 after claiming the golden boot, which he secured again the following season before winning the Ballon d’Or in 2001.The former England international went on to play for Real Madrid, Newcastle, United and Stoke prior to becoming a pundit after retiring in 2013.Dwight YorkeUnited’s treble-winning campaign included Dwight Yorke claiming the Premier League Player of the Year after scoring 18 league goals.Yorke has had just one managerial role since retiring in 2009, though, spending eight months in charge of Australian side Macarthur.Dwight Yorke won the award in 1999 as Manchester United completed the trebleCredit: GettyKevin PhillipsSunderland striker Kevin Phillips scored 30 goals for the promoted side in 1999/2000 to pick up the award.As well as winning eight England caps, he also represented Southampton, Birmingham, Villa and Crystal Palace in the Premier League before retiring in 2014 aged 40.Now 50, Phillips left his role as Hartlepool manager last weekend after his contract with the National League side expired.Former winner Kevin Phillips recently left his role as Hartlepool managerCredit: GettyPatrick VieiraLike Phillips, former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has yet to match his playing success in the manager’s dugout.The Frenchman is currently in charge of Ligue 1 side Strasbourg after spells with New York City, Nice and Palace.Patrick Vieira is currently managing Strasbourg following his Crystal Palace exitCredit: AFPFreddie LjungbergFreddie Ljungberg was rewarded in 2002 for his role in Arsenal’s title triumph.He has also gone into coaching since retiring in 2015, with spells as assistant and caretaker manager at the Gunners in the past.Ruud van NistelrooyRuud van Nistelrooy spent a further three years at United after winning the award in 2003.He went on to play for Real Madrid, Hamburg and Malaga before embarking on a managerial career.Van Nistelrooy won the Dutch Cup with PSV last season but has been out of work since his departure in the summer.Thierry HenryOne of four players to win the award twice, Thierry Henry was honoured in 2003/04 and 2005/06.A member of Arsenal’s Invincibles, Henry has balanced coaching and punditry since his retirement in 2015.Following spells in charge of Monaco and Montreal, he has been France under-21 boss since August last year.Frank LampardFrank Lampard won the first of his three league titles as he picked up the award in 2005.He later made a strong start to his managerial career with Derby but has since been sacked by both Chelsea and Everton before returning to Stamford Bridge as caretaker boss last season.Frank Lampard has struggled as a manager after a glittering playing careerCredit: GettyCristiano RonaldoA two-time winner alongside Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo won back-to-back awards in 2007 and 2008.Still playing aged 39 with Al-Nassr, Ronaldo is a five-time Ballon d’Or winner after a glittering nine-year spell with Real Madrid and even returned to United in 2021.Cristiano Ronaldo is one of four players to twice be named Player of the YearCredit: GettyNemanja VidicUnited’s dominance of the award continued with Nemanja Vidic as he claimed the title in 2009 and 2011.The Serbian defender left the club in 2014 after winning five Premier League titles. He retired two years later aged 34.Wayne RooneyWayne Rooney won his only award in between Vidic’s double as United players claimed the honour five years in a row.The forward retired in 2021 as United and England’s record goalscorer, although Harry Kane has since overtaken him for the Three Lions.Alongside appearing as a pundit, Rooney has also managed Derby, DC United and Birmingham, who sacked him in January after just three months.Vincent KompanyCity’s title-winning captain in 2012, Vincent Kompany won the league three more times in his 11 years at the Etihad Stadium.Since retiring, Kompany managed Anderlecht before switching to Burnley in 2022 and winning promotion to the Premier League last season. He will be looking to bounceback next season after getting relegated.Gareth BaleGareth Bale earned a move to Real Madrid off the back of his stunning 2012/13 season with Tottenham.The Welsh talisman won 16 trophies in Spain, including five Champions Leagues, but retired last year aged 33 after years of injury woes.Dave Kidd: Why I’ve voted for Cole Palmer to be Footballer of the Year despite Chelsea woesBy Dave Kidd
      THE voting for the Footballer of the Year award closes on Tuesday and, unlike many, I’ve gone for Cole Palmer.
      Most Football Writers’ Association members vote by starting with the likely Prem champs and work backwards. So the winner will be Phil Foden, Rodri, Declan Rice or Martin Odegaard.
      There is dissent if a player from a less successful team wins, like David Ginola from mid-table Spurs in Manchester United’s ’99 Treble- winning year.
      But enjoying a superb individual season in a poor team is a greater achievement.
      And for Palmer — just 21 and in his first season as a regular starter — to have chalked up 23 goals and 13 assists in such a basket-case team as Chelsea, makes him this season’s outstanding player.
      Read Dave Kidd’s full column here
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles.

      Luis SuarezLuis Suarez also left the Premier League after winning the award as he swapped Liverpool for Barcelona in 2014.He formed a formidable attack with Lionel Messi and Neymar at the Nou Camp and reunited with the former at Inter Miami in January.Eden HazardChelsea’s 2014/15 title win owed much to Eden Hazard’s performances, with the Belgian becoming a beloved figure by fans across seven years in West London.Hazard joined Real Madrid in 2019 but was hampered by injuries across his four years in Spain and retired in October aged just 32.Jamie VardyJamie Vardy and Leicester shocked the Premier League by winning the title in 2016.The former non-league striker is celebrating again this season after helping the club secure an immediate return to the top-flight in his 12th season with the Foxes.N’Golo KanteN’Golo Kante was also a part of Leicester’s title-winning squad before lifting the trophy again with Chelsea the following season.The midfielder later won the Champions League with the Blues and the World Cup with France.Kante is now playing in Saudi Arabia after joining Al-Ittihad last summer.N’Golo Kante was honoured after helping Chelsea win the title in 2017Credit: PA:Press AssociationMohamed SalahMohamed Salah won the first of his three golden boots in 2018/19 alongside the Player of the Year trophy.He has not won the award since but finished as Premier League top scorer again in both 2018/19 and 2021/22.Virgil van DijkDespite narrowly missing out on the title, a Liverpool player won the award again in 2019 as Virgil van Dijk starred in defence.The Dutchman remains at Anfield and is the current club captain, having won both the league and Champions League during his six-year stay.Kevin De BruyneLiverpool’s run of winners ended in 2019/20 despite their title triumph, with Kevin De Bruyne winning his first of two awards.The City star repeated the feat in 2022 and, despite missing four months injured, ended with four goals and ten assists in the league this term.Ruben DiasCity players have now claimed the last five awards thanks to Foden’s win, with Ruben Dias the recipient in 2020/21.His successful debut season in England has been followed by six more trophies, including last year’s historic treble and this year’s title.READ MORE SUN STORIESErling HaalandFoden follows directly in the footsteps of Haaland, who broke multiple records with his 36 league goals after signing for City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.Despite not reaching the same heights this season, the Norwegian still plundered 27 goals. In doing so, he made history as the first player to win back-to-back Golden Boots in his first two Premier League seasons.Foden succeeds his Manchester City team-mate Erling Haaland by winning the awardCredit: AFP More

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      Rio Ferdinand reckons Man Utd WILL sack Erik ten Hag even if he wins FA Cup as ‘performances have been so bad’

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      RIO FERDINAND believes Erik ten Hag will be sacked by Manchester United even if he guides the club to FA Cup glory.The Red Devils face local rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final this weekend.Rio Ferdinand is convinced that Erik ten Hag will be sackedCredit: GettyFerdinand believes he will leave even if Man Utd win the FA CupCredit: AlamyHaving ended the season eighth in the Premier League, United’s lowest-ever position in the top flight, Ten Hag and his players are eager to take some silverware from Wembley.Should Man Utd win, they will also secure a spot in next season’s Europa League.However, club legend Ferdinand is not convinced that would be enough for under-fire Ten Hag to keep his job.Speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel, Ferdinand said: “The more and more I think about it, win or lose, I don’t think Ten Hag will be there come next season.Read More on Football”I’m not saying that’s what I want, I’m just saying what I believe is going to happen, and I believe that the club are going to look elsewhere I think.”I don’t think [winning the FA Cup] changes anything in the eyes of INEOS. I’ve not spoken to anyone there, this is just an assumption, this is what I think.”Discussing Man Utd’s season overall, he continued: “Put injuries aside, the performances of the team have been so bad. Most teams have had injuries, maybe not to the same extent as Man United.”I keep saying this, I sound like a broken record: performance level can drop but your style of football should be there to identify. It’s not.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I don’t know what we are. I don’t know who we are. Who are we as a team? What are we?”New Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is yet to publicly back Ten Hag, casting doubt on the Dutchman’s future. Andre Onana offers to ‘take bullets’ as he names himself among four Man Utd stars who should face criticismFormer Chelsea managers Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel have both been linked with a move to Old Trafford.England boss Gareth Southgate is also understood to be on the shortlist of potential successors. More