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      Man Utd Class of 92 legends look glum as they meet up for coffee days after embarrassing FA Cup semi-final

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      PAUL SCHOLES and Nicky Butt struggled to raise a smile as the Manchester United legends met up this morning.The Class of ‘92 icons enjoyed countless successes under Sir Alex Ferguson back during their playing days for the club.Man Utd legends Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes looked glum as they enjoyed a catch-upCredit: ZenpixThe pair were spotted meeting upfor a coffee in Cheshire this morningCredit: ZenpixThe two were team-mates for both Man Utd and EnglandCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdNeither Utd or Salford have provided any joy for Butt or Scholes this termCredit: ZenpixHowever, currently the Red Devils are a million miles away from those glory days.Erik ten Hag’s side narrowly avoided disaster by beating Coventry on penalties to secure a showdown with Man City in the FA Cup Final last weekend.The Dutchman won the Carabao Cup during his first term at the helm but this season he has failed to build on that.They are seventh in the Premier League, 16 points off the top four, and speculation continues to mount over whether part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will stick with Ten Hag this summer.READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited have produced a series of underwhelming displays and embarrassments, including Champions League elimination at the group stage.The pressure is still mounting on the Dutchman ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash at home to Sheffield United despite setting up that date at Wembley next month.And it looked like Scholes and Butt, who both lifted the FA Cup three times with United, had little to laugh about as they were spotted having a catch-up in Cheshire earlier.The 49-year-old Scholes, dressed in jeans and a dark top and coat, has made no secret about feeling that Ten Hag’s time at the club will soon be over while working as a pundit.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd there was little on display on Sunday to suggest that he might have changed his mind.Even though neither are officially still tied to United, they are both co-owners at League Two side Salford City along with fellow Red Devils icons Gary and Phil Neville, David Beckham and Ryan Giggs.Arsenal fans say they ‘live rent free in Ten Hag’s head’ after watching video of Man Utd boss’ FA Cup press conferenceButt is also the club’s chief executive officer – but they have had little to celebrate at Moor Lane this term either.They have stuck down the lower reaches of the fourth tier for most of the campaign but Karl Robinson’s arrival as manager in January has resulted in them beating the drop back to non-league.Meanwhile Roy Keane, who lined-up regularly alongside both Scholes and Butt in the 1990s and early 2000s, claimed United’s players looked “embarrassed” after the win over Coventry.He said: “I think from the United players and the supporters they weren’t really going over the top with the celebrations.“Because they know that they were quite lucky today. They had the game won at 3-0 and they are almost embarrassed to win in the end.”Keane added: “Every time I see this United team I don’t like what I see.Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
      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.”

      “They’re hard to like and they just play in moments.“We keep talking about leadership and characters – I don’t see any of that in this United group.“The team management when you’re 3-0 up… you don’t give a Championship team any sort of hope that they can get back in the game.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But that’s what they do, they give up chances, they give up goals.“We’ve seen it all season so I don’t know why we’re that surprised, but my goodness they rode their luck in the end.”Victory his never been less glorious than this for Man Utd, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      PROBABLY only Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United could book a place in an FA Cup final while hanging their heads in shame.
      Minutes after the final whistle of this ridiculous semi-final, Coventry’s magnificent underdogs were performing a lap of honour to their cheering fans — while most of United’s players and supporters had disappeared.
      Then the Wembley PA system started blaring out ‘Glory, Glory Man United!’ and everybody started laughing out loud.
      Victory has never been less glorious.
      As a party-starter, it fell flat. As a stab at dark humour, it was sensational.
      Even by United’s standards of low farce this was ridiculous.
      Now even the unlikely scenario of a final victory over City is unlikely to save Ten Hag’s job.
      After all, Louis van Gaal was axed days after United last won this competition in 2016 and his side were never as bad as this current lot.
      Read Dave Kidd’s thoughts on the game in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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      Fans say Martin Odegaard ‘winning on and off the pitch’ as stunning Wag dances in stands while Arsenal batter Chelsea

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      FANS reckon Martin Odegaard is “winning on and off the pitch” after his stunning Wag danced in the stands following Arsenal’s thrashing of Chelsea.The midfielder was in imperious form as his Gunners side demolished their London neighbours 5-0 at the Emirates.Martin Odegaard’s Wag danced in the stands after Arsenal’s 5-0 win over ChelseaCredit: TikTokHelene Spilling showed off her moves to Shakira’s hit song ‘Waka Waka’Credit: TikTokThe 27-year-old proved she can boogie with the best of themCredit: TikTokFans reacted with delight to Helene’s dancing skillsCredit: TikTokLeandro Trossard opened the scoring before Kai Havertz and Ben White each bagged a brace.The result sent Arsenal three points clear at the top of the table.And it also their biggest Premier League win over Chelsea, who remain stuck in ninth place.At the final whistle, Gunners fans wildly celebrated the victory.READ MORE ON WAGSSome set off fireworks, much to the annoyance of Joe Cole.While others settled for a dance in the stands, with one couple catching the eye.But it wasn’t just supporters who were in the mood for a boogie as Shakira’s hit song ‘Waka Waka’ blared from the speakers.Odegaard’s girlfriend Helene Spilling, who is also from Norway, delighted onlookers as she grooved to the post-match music.Most read in FootballThe 27-year-old and Odegaard, 25, are believed to have been dating for just over a year after they were first spotted together at the London Football Awards in March 2023.Helene rose to fame in Norway’s version of Strictly Come Dancing, which she won in 2021.Arsenal star’s twerk queen Wag shakes her booty in barely-there trousers as she snubs husband’s big match vs Chelsea The model and pro dancer boasts 141,000 followers on Instagram.And supporters were delighted with her latest moves in the Emirates stands.One said: “Odegaard winning on and off the pitch.”Another declared: “Wow love it.”One noted: “As long as she is happy we’re all good.”Another added: “I’m the happiest man today.”See more of Helene’s glamorous life belowHelene always shows her support for OdegaardThe pair have been dating for over a yearCredit: Instagram / @odegaard.98They were seen for the first time together at the London Football Awards in March 2023Credit: Instagram / @odegaard.98Helene is two years old than OdegaardCredit: Instagram / @odegaard.98The pair have become inseparableCredit: Instagram / @odegaard.98Helene is a dancer and model who won Norway’s version of Strictly Come Dancing in 2021Credit: Instagram / helenespilling More

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      Roy Keane tipped for stunning Man Utd manager job to replace doomed Erik ten Hag and perform huge overhaul

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      A FORMER Manchester United forward believes Roy Keane is the ideal man to bring the glory days back to Manchester United.Erik ten Hag’s side narrowly avoided disaster to beat Coventry on penalties and set-up a showdown with Man City in the FA Cup Final on Sunday.Roy Keane has been tipped to make a shock return to Man Utd as managerCredit: PAPressure continues to mount on Erik ten HagCredit: PABut the pressure is still mounting on the Dutchman ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash at home to Sheffield United.He won the Carabao Cup last season during his first term at the helm but this season has led to a series of underwhelming displays and embarrassments, including Champions League elimination at the group stage.They are seventh in the Premier League, 16 points off the top four, and speculation continues to mount over whether Sir Jim Ratcliffe will stick with Ten Hag this summer.Ex-United and Italy international Giuseppe Rossi, 37, spent three years at United under Sir Alex Ferguson.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd he believes that United’s former captain Keane, now famous for his rants as a pundit, is the ideal person to take over from Ten Hag.He told  DAZN: “When I think about potentially having Roy Keane as manager at Old Trafford, that sounds like it could be really great. It would be something very cool.“The club should definitely think about it if they have a change in management.“A man who is a legend of the club and helped build their culture, that’s exactly what is needed.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“Maybe some of the players that are not playing for the shirt would understand it more.“Maybe you need someone to go into Manchester United and clean the house so to speak and build from there. It could be a great situation.”Roy Keane reveals only sport that relaxes him as hothead pundit describes lifelong passion for itKeane enjoyed success at Sunderland, leading them to the Premier League, in his first job in management.He failed to replicate that at Ipswich and has since had coaching stints at Aston Villa, Republic of Ireland and Nottingham Forest, where he left in 2019.Whether or not he would be interested in returning to Old Trafford remains to be seen, but Rossi is adamant that the current manager can transform the club.He added: “I really don’t know if Erik ten Hag is the right man to bring glory days back to United because there has been too much inconsistency.“For me it’s of course about the results but more because of the playing style. There doesn’t seem to be an identity to his team.ROY KEANE’S COACHING CAREERCheck out the stats from his time in the dug-out:
      Sunderland (Sep 1, 2006 – Dec 4, 2008)
      Championship title (2007)
      Premier League – 15th (2008)
      Total matches: 100
      Points per game: 1.45
      Ipswich Town (April 23, 2009 – Jan 6, 2011)
      Championship – 15th (2010)
      Total matches: 81
      Points per game: 1.37
      Other coaching roles:
      Republic of Ireland (Assistant manager)
      Aston Villa (Assistant manager)
      Nottingham Forest (Assistant manager)

      “The best teams always have an identity no matter who they are playing or who is on the pitch.“We see a different Manchester United against Luton Town to the one we see against Bournemouth.“Losing to the big teams now and again is normal but the identity of Manchester United has been lost.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He’s clearly very knowledgeable and understands the game, we saw that at Ajax, but you have to look at the facts. We get glimpses and then it’s back to square one.“He deals with the stuff off the pitch very well and all respect to him for that, but we need to see the United identity on the pitch.”Former Man Utd striker Giuseppe Rossi says Keane could bring the glory days backCredit: GettyPundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future

      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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      Liverpool ‘have £8million offer for Arne Slot REJECTED as Reds make Feyenoord chief their No1 target to replace Klopp’

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      LIVERPOOL have reportedly seen an £8million offer for Arne Slot rejected by Feyenoord.The Dutch boss has emerged as the favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp this summer.Feyenoord have turned down £8million from Liverpool for Arne SlotCredit: GettyLiverpool were thought to be looking at Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim before Slot moved into pole position.And the Eredivisie-winning manager is keen on taking charge at Anfield, just a year after snubbing Tottenham.However, Feyenoord are reluctant to let Slot go and are demanding a tasty fee in return.Liverpool will remain respectful as they look to negotiate a fair price.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the Athletic claims they have already suffered a blow in their attempts to bring Slot to Merseyside.The Reds have been locked in talks with their Dutch counterparts over the past 24 hours.And earlier today they offered £8m to release Slot from his contract.However, this has been turned down by Feyenoord, who lifted the Dutch Cup at the expense of NEC on Sunday.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERDespite the setback, Liverpool remain keen on thrashing out a deal.Slot’s attacking football and preference to play 4-3-3 makes him an ideal candidate to replace Klopp.Awkward moment Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp confronts journalist in press conferenceThe tactician is widely credited with utilising a “sexy” style of play.And implementing this at Anfield is sure to quickly win over any doubters.Should Liverpool fail to land Slot though, it remains to be seen where they would look next.Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi is thought to be on their shortlist.While Amorim remains an option despite falling down the pecking order.He flew to London for talks with West Ham this week, having been linked with Chelsea too.But Amorim is thought to have turned down West Ham’s advances and returned to Sporting Lisbon the following day.Arne Slot’s managerial statsThose numbers in full:

      Cambuur, 2016-2017: P34 W21 D6 L7

      AZ Alkmaar, 2019-2020: P58 W32 D16 L10

      Feyenoord, 2021-2024: P146 W94 D29 L23

      Trophies: Eredivisie, Dutch Cup (Feyenoord) More

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      Mauricio Pochettino claims Chelsea are ‘not Cole Palmer FC’… but stats show they’d be in RELEGATION ZONE without him

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      DAMMING stats show Chelsea would be in the relegation zone if it wasn’t for Cole Palmer.The 21-year-old has been the Blues’ bright spark during a dismal season for the club. Cole Palmer has had a hand in 47.5 per cent of Chelsea’s goals this seasonCredit: APMauricio Pochettino claims they are not ‘Palmer FC’Credit: AlamyPalmer has scored 20 Premier League goals and is in the running to win the Golden Boot.He has also registered nine assists, meaning he has had a hand in 47.5 per cent of Chelsea’s league goals so far.In comparison, Nicolas Jackson has netted ten, Raheem Sterling six, Mykhailo Mudryk four and Noni Madueke three.England star Palmer missed the trip to title challengers Arsenal through illness as manager Mauricio Pochettino called on his other stars to step up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAhead of the game, the boss said: “It is a good challenge. I would be motivated to go there and show that this is Chelsea Football Club, not Cole Palmer Football Club.”But perhaps the “Palmer FC” allegations are true as the shambolic Blues were demolished 5-0 by the Gunners.Pochettino accused his players of “giving up” and a sign held up by a young supporter read: “I don’t want your shirt. I want you to fight for ours.”Chelsea also set an unwanted record, having now conceded 57 league goals this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERTaking away Palmer’s goals and assists, Chelsea would be in relegation dangerIt is the most the club have let in during a campaign since the formation of the Prem in 1992/93.Looking at the stats with Palmer in the starting XI, Chelsea have won ten, drew six and lost 11 games.Pep Guardiola reveals why he sold Cole Palmer with Chelsea star topping Premier League scoring charts amid amazing yearIn the eight without him, they have won three, drawn two and lost three.The former Manchester City wonderkid is responsible for 32.8 per cent of Chelsea goals.And he has won 13 points for the West Londoners – only Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins have salvaged their team more often with big goals.With Palmer’s eye for the back of the net and creativity, Chelsea average net 2.2 strikes per game when he is in the side.But that number drops significantly to 1.3 when he isn’t playing.The win ratio also plummets from 45.5 per cent down to 37.5 per cent.Points per match suffer too, going from 1.57 to an underwhelming 1.38 without their star.And taking Palmer’s 29 goal contributions out the team, Chelsea would be in the relegation zone with 20 fewer points.They would have just 27 points on the board and sit 18th in the table – ahead of just Burnley and Sheffield United.The only improvement without Palmer is Pochettino’s men concede just 1.1 goals every 90 minutes compared to the 1.9 they ship when he plays.In the real table, Chelsea sit ninth – three points behind Manchester United and Newcastle in the race for a European spot.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut they face an uphill battle to qualify with a horror run-in to the end of the season.They face Aston Villa (A), Tottenham (H), West Ham (H), Nottingham Forest (A), Brighton (A) and Bournemouth (H). More

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      Phil Jones already achieving success as coach as former Man Utd star oversees incredible double in first season

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      PHIL JONES was celebrating today after he helped Manchester United return to winning ways.The Red Devils narrowly avoided disaster to beat Coventry on penalties and set-up a showdown with Man City in the FA Cup Final on Sunday.Phil Jones pictured with Sir Alex Ferguson after winning the 2013 Premier League titleCredit: GettyThe former England star is now helping Man Utd’s youngsters to achieve successCredit: GettyBut the pressure is still mounting on boss Erik ten Hag ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash at home to Sheffield United.However, there was cause for celebration at the club yesterday as Man Utd’s U18s celebrated a league and cup double.Adam Lawrence’s young guns had already secured the Premier League North title last week with a victory at Wolves.They had gone unbeaten in the league until March only for neighbours City to end that incredible run.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, their season got even better as United claimed revenge on City to lift the Premier League Cup at Leigh Sports Village with a 2-1 win in front of Wayne Rooney.Head of the academy Nick Cox, Lawrence and United’s U21 boss Travis Binnion have all been widely-praised for their work in transforming the club’s academy around.But Jones, who was part of United’s last Premier League title-winning side, has also played his part.The ex-England international retired last summer after his contract at Old Trafford expired.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe 32-year-old then started a global football sport directorship course but has also been back on the training pitch at United as part of the U18s’ coaching staff this term.Lawrence, who took over the U18s last summer, spoke earlier this term about the impact Jones was having on the group of players while he studied for his coaching badges.Phil Jones presented with amazing memento by Man Utd after announcing exit but fans demand ‘proper sendoff’ for ‘legend’He told the Manchester Evening News: “It’s been great with Phil, he is with us weekly.“He spends time with the under-14s and under-18s as well so he gets to experience like the different age groups of the academy.“But for us, he’s been great. He’s obviously from the club in terms of his background and what he’s done here and I think as well for the players, to not just learn from him in terms of the areas of his game and his knowledge, but also some of the off the field stuff and what they’re going through – whether it be team selection, how you prepare for games, diet, nutrition.“He’s added some real value from a different way.“Hopefully, we’ve given him the opportunity to start coaching on the field with players. I know he’s been of massive value and he’ll continue to do that as well.Jones spent 12 years at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson signed him from Blackburn in 2011.He was plagued by injuries in his final years, making just five appearances since the start of the 2020/21 season until hanging up his boots.Jones made 229 appearances for Man Utd, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also racked up 27 caps for England between 2011 and 2018.Jones turned down a testimonial and explained he did so because “there’d be only my mum and dad who would turn up”. More

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      Supercomputer predicts final Premier League table with shock champions crowned after Arsenal’s demolition job on Chelsea

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted how the Premier League season will end – and it’s good news for Arsenal fans. The Gunners extended their lead at the top of the table after hammering Chelsea 5-0 at the Emirates. So in the latest crunching of numbers, it’s looking good for Gooners. BonusCodeBets’ SuperComputer works as a probability model, predicting the outcome of every Premier League match. It estimates the outcome of each remaining fixture based on a team’s current strength based on factors such as table position and form. In their latest reading, it has Arsenal finishing the league top on 85 points with defending champions City a point behind in second. READ MORE IN football Liverpool would also miss out by the same margin while Aston Villa would get their first taste of a top four finish and Champions League football. Missing out on Europe’s elite would be Tottenham and Newcastle.Manchester United are predicted to finish in seventh, which would surely seal manager Erik ten Hag’s sacking. Look away Chelsea fans as the Blues come in at 11th, not far off their worst-ever Prem finish of 14th in 1994. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt would mean West Ham, Fulham and Brighton all finishing above the West Londoners. Facing the drop is Sheffield United, Burnley and Luton with Nottingham Forest just about surviving. That is despite being hit with a four-point deduction in March after breaking financial rules.Mauricio Pochettino accuses Chelsea players of ‘giving up’ in gutless 5-0 loss to Arsenal saying ‘there is no excuse’ More

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      Chelsea ‘make contact’ to sign Champions League star with two huge release clauses just hours after Arsenal thrashing

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      CHELSEA have reportedly made contact with RB Leipzig for star defender Castello Lukeba after shipping five goals against Arsenal.The Blues put in a shambolic display at the back as their rivals ran riot at the Emirates.Chelsea are chasing a deal for RB Leipzig defender Castello LukebaCredit: GettyAxel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile could not cope with Arsenal’s forwards.And Chelsea have now conceded 57 goals this season – the most in their Premier League history.Mauricio Pochettino is facing a huge issue this summer with Thiago Silva set to quit Stamford Bridge.Trevoh Chalobah is also set to be sold as Chelsea look to comply with FFP.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill remain long-term injuries.It means the Blues are in desperate need of at least one new centre-back.And Lukeba has reportedly emerged as Chelsea’s top target.Foot Mercato claims the Blues have reached out to Leipzig in the hope of striking a deal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERLukeba only joined the Germans from Lyon last summer in a £30million move.The 21-year-old has already clocked up 37 appearances in all competitions.Chelsea influencer Astrid Wett leaves nasty ‘surprise’ for Mikel Arteta at Emirates before huge clash with ArsenalAnd Lukeba’s fine form saw him rewarded with his first France cap last year.It’s reckoned he could be interested in a Premier League move.But there are currently two stumbling blocks in Chelsea’s way.The first is that Leipzig do not want to sell Lukeba at any cost this summer.Should they keep hold of him, the Germans will still be in a strong position in 2025 when a £77m release clause kicks in.And in 2026, it will only drop to £60m.Secondly, it’s added that Manchester United are also interested in striking a deal.READ MORE SUN STORIESLike Chelsea, they too will be in need of defensive reinforcements this summer.And if they gain European football at the Blues’ expense, it could swing the pendulum in their favour. More