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      Fans convinced Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand is secret fan of European giants after telltale sign live on TNT Sports

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      FOOTBALL fans are convinced Rio Ferdinand is a Real Madrid fan after footage of his reaction to their winning goal against Bayern Munich showed him celebrating wildly.The 14-time European champions booked their place in the Champions League final on Wednesday night as Joselu scored two late goals to clinch a 3-2 aggregate victory.Rio Ferdinand was loving Real Madrid’s winning goal against Bayern MunichFerdinand initially grabbed Antonio Rudiger when the goal was ruled offsideCredit: X/footballontntLaura Woods laughed at Ferdinand for celebrating the goal despite the offside flag going upCredit: X/footballontntFerdinand then celebrated wildly with the Real Madrid fans after VAR gave the goalCredit: X/footballontntTheir victory was marred by controversy after Bayern Munich had the ball in the back of the net deep into stoppage time, but the referee had already blown for an incorrect offside call.As a result, Joselu’s second goal proved to be the decisive moment of the match.And Manchester United legend Ferdinand, 45, could not contain his excitement at pitchside.Working for TNT Sports, the former England and Manchester United centre-back’s celebrations were momentarily cut short when he realised the offside flag had been raised as Antonio Rudiger stormed towards him and the fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis left presenter Laura Woods in stitches as she laughed at Ferdinand for prematurely going wild.Everyone inside the Bernabeu then waited as the decision went to VAR, before the goal was given.And Ferdinand proceeded to go mad when it was confirmed, jumping up and down and pumping his fists.He then locked eyes with a Real Madrid fan in the front row and gave him a hug.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFerdinand could then be seen looking on in astonishment, applauding and shouting: “Wow.”TNT Sports shared a one-minute clip of the reaction on social media which sparked many responses from fans suggesting Ferdinand is a secret Real Madrid supporter.Thomas Tuchel accuses referee of breaking ‘EVERY RULE’ to deny Bayern Munich last-gasp equaliser in Real Madrid clashOne said: “So we can all agree that you are, in fact, a Madridista, @rioferdy5?”Another added: “@rioferdy5 is a madridsta, you can’t tell me anything else.”A third replied: “Rio is a closet Madrid fan. I have an inkling that if he wasn’t a United legend, he’d have denounced his support for them to follow Madrid.”While a fourth responded: “Has Rio no filter or loyalty?”And a fifth, possibly referring to United’s dismal form since he hung up his boots, said: “Man Utd have never made him this happy as a fan 😞.”Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
      Michael Owen – He has to go
      “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
      Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
      “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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      Premier League club considering abandoning iconic stadium for brand new 50,000-seater arena

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST could be set to leave the City Ground for a new 50,000-seater stadium, according to reports.Forest chairman Tom Cartledge has been attempting to push through plans to expand the club’s existing ground from 30,445 to 40,000.Nottingham Forest could leave the City Ground for a new stadiumCredit: AFPForest owner Evangelos Marinakis has plans to build a new stadium and training groundCredit: ReutersHe plans to achieve this through two new stands funded by owner Evangelos Marinakis.However, according to The Athletic, Forest have failed to agree a new lease with Nottingham City Council – who own the land where the City Ground is situated.This has led the Premier League side to consider their options, one of which is to build a brand new 50,000-capacity stadium.The move would see them leave what has been their home since 1898.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCartledge has revealed Toton, six miles south west of the city of Nottingham, is a potential location for this project.He said: “That (Toton) is one of several potential spots.”It’s not as easy as to say, ‘Here’s a piece of land, go and build a stadium’. There are highways, transport and connectivity issues.”But it’s fair to say we are progressing due diligence on different sites.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSForest, who were deducted four points earlier this season for breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules, insist Marinakis has the funds to move ahead with infrastructure projects for both a stadium and training ground.This comes after a deal to purchase land for a new training ground off the eastbound A52 recently fell through due to “a financial disparity between what we believe the land is worth and what the land-owners are asking”.Abandoned stadium bigger that the Emirates left to rot just four years after club ‘offered Gareth Bale ÂŁ1m per week’Nottingham-born Cartledge, who has urged the fans to believe “something amazing” could be built, added: “Mr Marinakis is incredibly ambitious. If we did something with those two things together — the training ground and the stadium — you do that only once.”When it comes to these big decisions, he takes an enormous amount of pride and responsibility in getting it right.”Forest’s uncertainty over their long-term home has led to the club pausing work on the “corner boxes” of executive suites that were set to be erected either side of the Trent End.Work began in February as Forest moved one of the floodlights as part of the ÂŁ7million project.But the club now want more clarity from the council “before we spend significant money on capital projects”.Forest have 33 years left on their lease of the land the City Ground is built on.They also still face the prospect of being relegated back down to the Championship after two seasons in the top flight.READ MORE SUN STORIESNuno Espirito Santo’s men sit just three points above the drop zone with two games remaining.They host Chelsea on Saturday, before heading to Turf Moor to take on Burnley on the final day. More

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      Man Utd fans say Tuchel has ‘passed his audition’ after bizarre Kane sub against Real Madrid sparks ‘disasterclass’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans joked Thomas Tuchel had “passed his audition” after a “disasterclass” against Real Madrid.The German coach, 50, has announced that he is leaving Bayern Munich at the end of the season.Thomas Tuchel is facing questions after his late tactical changesCredit: ReutersHarry Kane was subbed off just before Real Madrid equalisedCredit: GettyAs pressure continues to mount on Erik ten Hag after a dire campaign at Old Trafford, Tuchel has found himself linked with the job at United.Despite missing out on the Bundesliga title for the first time in 11 years, the ex-Chelsea manager was hoping to bow out of Bayern by leading them to Champions League glory.However, that dream went up in smoke as he and his side suffered heartbreak in the Spanish capital.Real Madrid snatched an incredible victory at the death to seal their place at Wembley.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBayern looked to be going through after a rocket from Alphonso Davies put them ahead with just 22 minutes to go.They looked to be comfortable heading towards full time and holding Madrid at bay until disaster struck.Real sub Joselu grabbed an 88th-minute equaliser after latching on to a mistake from Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.Then seconds later the ex-Stoke City and Newcastle flop finished from six yards to win it 2-1.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe 34-year-old Spaniard’s introduction proved to be a masterstroke – but that was not the only substitution that proved to be a major talking point.Firstly, Tuchel brought on Kim Min-jae for attacker Leroy Sane on 76 minutes despite the South Korean’s nightmare in last week’s first leg, switching to three at the back.Watch Harry Kane speak German for first time in Audi advert with Muller as fans say ‘does a Bafta count as a trophy?’But it was the decision to replace 44-goal top scorer Kane, who is still waiting for his first-piece of silverware, with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting on 86 minutes that left everyone baffled.Ex-Real Madrid star Steve McManaman was commentating on TNT Sports and said: “The best number nine around is off the pitch.”Winger Jamal Musiala was also replaced by Thomas Muller at the same time – and those decisions completely backfired.Speaking on TNT Sports, ex-Bayern and Man United ace Owen Hargreaves said: “I’ll tell you what was unexpected, Harry Kane going off the pitch.“That’s one of the biggest subs I’ve ever seen in a game of football of that magnitude.“To take off a guy that’s scored 44 goals, who is the most durable player pretty much anywhere and you bring on another striker in Choupo-Moting. Maybe he wanted height for corners, I don’t know.“You cannot take him off. There’s five minutes left in the game, there’s ten minutes of extra-time, 15 minutes. I said to Scholesy straight away, they’re going to score.“That’s one of the biggest calls. I love Thomas Tuchel. I don’t know why they made that call. Kim came on ten minutes before that and they were quite comfy.“They went from a back four to a back three. Bayern had it in their hands and they let it go. The mistake from Neuer obviously but everybody’s going to be talking about the subs, you cannot take Harry Kane off.”United legend Scholes then added: “It ended up a game of substitutions. Good ones for Real Madrid. Joselu with the two goals, brilliant. Wins his team the game. Neuer makes a huge mistake which he’ll be disappointed with.“I thought Tuchel’s substitutions were strange. Kane was strange. Even if they get one goal, there’s still extra-time, penalties to come as well, you know how strong he is.“Kim was the stranger one. I thought they looked quite comfortable in the game up until that point. They go to three at the back. Kim coming off last week was a disaster for him and again he looked a little bit all over the place.”And, amid the recent speculation linking him with Old Trafford, it did not take long for fans to start sticking the boot in online.One joked: “Thomas Tuchel doing his best Manchester United 23/24 impression by conceding 2 in quick succession.“This guy has passed the audition.”Along with a laughing emoji, another post read: “Manchester united fans watching This Tuchel disaster class & there are linked to him.”A third commented: “Tuchel has completely thrown away that game with his poor subs.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Quite typical for Utd fans to get gassed in the moment and lose the plot. He is far from what this club needs moving forward.”While a fourth added: “Tuchel taking off Kane and Musiala only to lose his lead within minutes is so banter-ish that he can only be heading to Man Utd this summer.”Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
      Michael Owen – He has to go
      “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
      Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
      “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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      Rashford, Sancho and Greenwood were all set to be Man Utd’s front three for years
 that dream is now dead

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      MARCUS RASHFORD, Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood.It was the triumvirate that was going to fire Manchester United back to the Treble years.Marcus Rashford has been unable to replicate his form of last seasonCredit: GettyMason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho have both been out on loan this seasonCredit: GettyA young, exciting, quick forward line with the potential to strike fear into teams at home and abroad — boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was convinced of it.With an average age of just over 21, the three were not only ready for the challenges of being a Red Devil now but would grow and reach their peaks together.That was the dream at the start of the 2021-22 season as Solskjaer finally landed Sancho for ÂŁ73million from Borussia Dortmund after nearly two years of negotiations.At the time, Ole said: “Jadon is a signing that we expect to stay at Man United for many, many years, so it’s also that part of it that we have a young, up-and-coming forward line.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDFast forward and now one won’t play for United, one can’t and a third can’t remember how to.How on earth did one of the world’s biggest clubs get into such a position? Well, the first thing that derailed it all was the return of Cristiano Ronaldo, just a few weeks after Sancho arrived.At first it was to much fanfare as he scored twice in the 4-1 win over Newcastle on an incredible afternoon at Old Trafford back in September 2021.Then it quickly became apparent CR7 was the square piece Solskjaer had to fit into a round hole and the whole jigsaw began to fall apart.Most read in FootballAs the Norwegian admitted recently: “The right thing to do was to sign Cristiano but it would have been better for him and for us if he hadn’t signed.”What his arrival did was curtail the progression of the three youngsters, all of whom were switched around to accommodate the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.Solskjaer reveals Cristiano Ronaldo demanded to skip games… but then kicked off when he was benchedThe trio, rather than be inspired by the United legend, ended up retreating into their shells when it soon became clear it was all about him. Then, in January 2022, came that bombshell social media posting making serious allegations against Greenwood.The forward was immediately suspended by United.He was subsequently charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.In February last year, all charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Services after key witnesses withdrew.The club then conducted their own investigation and were ready to bring Greenwood, who was still just 21-years-old, back into Erik ten Hag’s squad.But the public backlash when the news leaked was so huge that United were forced into a hasty U-turn.There is no way back for Greenwood at Old Trafford.He joined LaLiga side Getafe on a season-long loan in September and has won rave reviews with ten goals and six assists in all competitions.United hope his form in Spain will have clubs knocking on their door as they prepare to cash in. But potential suitors know the Red Devils’ predicament and will not pay anything near what the 22-year-old is actually worth.There are so many sad things about this sorry tale, including the fact Greenwood really could have gone on to be as good as Wayne Rooney.Next up, Sancho, a player who arrived with stats of 50 goals and 64 assists from 137 games for Dortmund.He could never replicate that form for United and his questionable attitude — which has effectively put paid to his England career — soon led to problems at Old Trafford.It was last September when manager Ten Hag dropped him for the 3-1 defeat at Arsenal, publicly citing poor performances in training in the run up to the match.No problem with that, it was probably the kick up the backside Sancho needed. But as Solskjaer recently said, there are too many “snowflakes” in football nowadays. With some, like 24-year-old Sancho, listening to questionable advice.After being dropped for the Gunners clash, the forward took to X to effectively call Ten Hag a liar.He then refused to apologise and is now back at Dortmund on loan.They paid United ÂŁ3m to take Sancho, with the Red Devils possibly banking another ÂŁ3.4m if the Germans win the Champions League final at Wembley on June 1.Ten Hag says the club have spoken to Sancho and watched him in action with a view to him returning.It won’t happen.As for Rashford… the man who could do no wrong, seemingly can’t do anything right.Rashford’s partying has seen him hauled into ETH’s office twice now.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe pair barely speak and after 30 goals last season, the 26-year-old barely scores any more — and now gets booed by his own fans.If only everyone could go back to the future and start again. More

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      Man Utd outcast Jadon Sancho silenced Kylian Mbappe and critics of his attitude with heroic display for Dortmund vs PSG

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      JADON SANCHO upstaged Kylian Mbappe for the second time in as many weeks – but this time for his defensive work.Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League semi-final was supposed to be Mbappe’s stage to stake his claim as the best player in the world.Sancho putting the hard yards in to KO Kylian Mbappe in the Champions LeagueCredit: EPAJadon Sancho helped Dortmund’s defensive effort by doubling up on Kylian MbappeThe winger did not show the same defensive side to his final game at Old Trafford back in August.Sancho, on loan from Manchester United, robbed the French superstar of that chance.His skills were constantly clipped up on social media during his first spell with Dortmund and a big part of the reason United forked out ÂŁ73million to sign him.But not many noted his hard work and graft and even from his highlights reel from the first leg – where he was impressive – the reaction to his display focused on his attacking play.During a miserable time at Old Trafford which ended with his public falling out with Erik ten Hag last September, Sancho’s character has been questioned.READ MORE IN football Yet Dortmund star Sancho has thrived in an environment where he is loved and encouraged.His performances, on the biggest of stages, are making things all the more awkward and frankly embarrassing for United.Sancho is now delivering on all the promise that was bundled up in his move three years ago – just back in the yellow and black of Dortmund.In last week’s first leg, Dortmund forward Sancho showed every aspect of his attacking arsenal, mazy runs, intelligent passing and quick feet as the Germans gained a crucial 1-0 lead.Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThat was still on display in the second leg but the England attacker also stood up and took responsibility by shackling Mbappe in the cauldron of the Parc des Princes.Everyone knows Sancho has the flicks and the tricks in his back pocket.Jamie Carragher agrees to new CBS Sports role after downing eight pints and interviewing Jadon Sancho on live TV But no Dortmund player won possession more often than Sancho’s seven on Tuesday night, even though he was withdrawn after 67 minutes following an almighty shift in Paris.In fact, Sancho topped the charts for winning the ball back among the Dortmund squad across both semi-final legs – doing so on 14 occasions.Trailing to Niclas Fullkrug’s winner in Germany, PSG looked for an early route back only for Sancho to get on the ball, drive forward and get his side into the game.He successfully took on more players than anyone else on the pitch in the first half, drew fouls and took the pressure off to remarkable effect.Sancho led the celebrations in the dressing roomCredit: X @BVBSancho sung from the table with a speaker to his earCredit: X @BVBBut, as well as providing an outlet in attack, Sancho’s work off the ball was noticed.He supported full-back Julian Ryerson efficiently in the effort to stop Parisian wonderboy Mbappe.There will of course be encouragement at the player United may get back.But settling back into Manchester seems a complicated process, especially if boss Ten Hag stays in post.Dortmund want to offer an easy solution, though there will be complications over the finances.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd with this form may nudge the price back up from what could have been a bargain.For now, they will just enjoy the talents of a player back at his absolute best – working tirelessly on and off the ball. More

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      Chelsea ‘reach verbal agreement’ over first summer signing as they close in on £27.5m transfer of wonderkid

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      CHELSEA have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Estevao Willian.The 17-year-old winger has been strongly linked with the Blues in recent months.Chelsea have reportedly reached a verbal agreement on personal terms with Estevao WillianCredit: RexReports in his native Brazil last week even claimed Chelsea were preparing an opening transfer bid for the teenager.Although an official offer has been tabled, the club are interested in signing Estevao.According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement on personal terms with the player.Talks are now planned with Palmeiras and a bid of ÂŁ27.5million is expected, the report adds.READ MORE ON CHELSEAHowever, a bid has yet to be submitted and nothing is finalised, but the Blues remain the clear favourites to sign Estevao.Chelsea have been chasing a deal since January, according to Romano.The youngster, who has been nicknamed “Messinho”, made his debut for Palmeiras back in December whilst still aged 16.He has since scored three goals and provided one assist in 14 first-team appearances for the club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCapable of playing behind the striker and in attacking midfield as well as on the right wing, he is already a Brazilian youth international.All of his appearances for Brazil’s under-17s came at the under-17 World Cup last year.Chelseas midfield struggles with Moises Caicedo and Enzo FernandezEstevao scored three goals and added three assists in five matches as his side reached the quarter-finals.He would be the latest promising South American youngster to move to Stamford Bridge if Chelsea can complete a deal.Ecuador international Kendry Paez has already agreed to sign from Independiente del Valle.The 17-year-old will arrive in West London in 2025, with his move held up until he turns 18 in May next year.Chelsea are preparing to launch a ÂŁ27.5million for the Palmeiras wingerCredit: AFP More

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      Armando Broja could be first Chelsea star to leave this summer with Champions League giants in advanced transfer talks

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      ARMANDO BROJA could be the first Chelsea star through the exit door this summer – with Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund hoping to snap up the striker.Talks between the two clubs are at an advanced stage and Broja is also believed to be keen on the deal.Armando Broja is expected to leave Chelsea this summerCredit: GettyThe striker has barely featured for Fulham since joining on loanCredit: PAThe player has been on loan at Fulham since January but has barely featured, with just three sub appearances.Chelsea have been trying to offload the Albania centre forward permanently but their price tag of ÂŁ50million has been rebuffed by potential customers.Dortmund want Broja but won’t pay anywhere near that fee and are set to pay around half that.But they believe he can do the business for them next season. He is under contract until 2028.READ MORE ON CHELSEABy finishing fifth in Germany’s Bundesliga they have secured Champions League football for next season, even if they fail to win the competition this season.Germany has been awarded an extra place by UEFA in next season’s tournament following the success of their teams in Europe.Dortmund have shown interest in Broja before but no deal materialised.It now looks as if the one-time Chelsea academy graduate will finally be on his way.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBroja spent the first half of the season with Chelsea before being loaned outThe Blues also need to start offloading players to comply with Profit & Sustainability Rules.They posted a loss of ÂŁ90million for 2023 to go with a ÂŁ121m loss the year before.Chelseas midfield struggles with Moises Caicedo and Enzo FernandezSporting director Paul Winstanley is now tasked with flogging ÂŁ100m worth of talent to bring the figures back into line.Being home grown, Broja is considered pure profit in accounting terms because technically he cost nothing to buy as a one-time youth team player.He has scored only two goals this season – one in the Premier League for Chelsea and one in the FA Cup. But he also spent nine months out previously with a serious knee injury. More

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      Ex-Premier League star who boasts one of football’s funniest chants in line for Reims job after leaving league champions

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      FORMER Premier League star Habib Beye is reportedly in line to become the new manager of Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims.The 46-year-old recently decided to leave French side Red Star FC after helping the club earn promotion to Ligue 2.Habib Beye is in talks to become new Reims managerCredit: GettyBeye formerly played for Aston VillaCredit: GettyHowever, Ouest-France claim he could be set for an immediate return to the dugout.Beye allegedly held talks with Reims following Will Still’s departure.Still, who wants to manage in the Premier League one day, had been in charge of the Red and Whites since October 2022 after taking over from Oscar Garcia.Before then, the 31-year-old had been Garcia’s assistant.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis brother and deputy coach, Nicolas Still, also left.Beye has emerged as a top target for Reims in recent weeks.Before becoming a manager, the former Senegal international enjoyed a playing career that spanned 15 years.Having started at Paris Saint-Germain, he moved to Strasbourg and made 154 first team appearances.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe then spent four years with Marseille before moving to England.Beye played for both Newcastle and Aston Villa during his time in the Premier League.Huge changes being made to English football schedule next seasonHe was also the subject of what many fans claim to be one of the funniest chants of all time.Newcastle fans used to sing: “Sunday, Monday, Habib Beye. Tuesday, Wednesday, Habib Beye. Thursday, Friday, Habib Beye. Saturday, Habib Beye, rockin’ all week with you,” to the ‘Happy Days’ theme tune.Beye ended his career with Doncaster Rovers and retired in 2012.Habib Beye’s Newcastle chantTo the ‘Happy Days’ theme tune, fans sang:
      “Sunday, Monday, Habib Beye.
      “Tuesday, Wednesday, Habib Beye.
      “Thursday, Friday, Habib Beye.
      “Saturday, Habib Beye, rockin’ all week with you!” More