Premier League

THE cost to Prem clubs of injuries has more than doubled over just four years.Top flight clubs paid out £266m in wages to players who were NOT available last term.Man Utd were most affected by injuries last seasonCredit: GettyLisandro Martinez spent a long spell on the sidelinesCredit: GettyHarry Maguire also suffered injury problemsCredit: AFPAnd Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag’s gripes about his side’s injury woes WERE justified – as the Old Trafford club came out top of the crocks.With the international players’ union Fifpro having now launched legal action against Fifa in a bid to force the scrapping of next summer’s Club World Cup, the latest edition of the European Football Injury index by insurance brokers Howden could not have been better-timed.Howden found Prem clubs suffered 915 injuries last season, adding up to one every 94 minutes of match action..While that was slightly down from the previous campaign, the salaries paid to injured players rose to a new high – and compares to the £113m cost as recently as the 2020-21 season.Read More on Man UtdAnd the average amount of time players are spending on the sidelines because of injury has ALSO doubled.This season has already seen Manchester City star Rodri ruled out for the rest of the campaign, Liverpool gearing up to be without Alisson for six weeks or more and Arsenal lose Martin Odegaard for over a month.United were the worst-hit in all of Europe’s big five leagues in cash terms, with 75 injury absences seeing £39.81m spent on players Ten Hag could not select.And Newcastle’s return to the Champions League took its toll as well, with Eddie Howe’s men suffering a Prem-high 76 injuries across the season and losing 14 players last December, coinciding with the climax of their Group Stage campaign.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPremier League injury table for the 2023-24 seasonThe report states: “The overall injury severity figure in the Premier League has almost doubled since 2021 from 15 days to 28 days.“That would potentially infer that the Premier League is the most competitive by workload and overall strain on playing squads.Man Utd board’s EIGHT-HOUR London crunch talks and what it means for Erik ten Hag“Across the five major European leagues, the 2023-24 season saw a record high in both injuries and cost as leading clubs and players continue to contend with fixture congestion and the overall effects on injury susceptibility“It will be fair to expect a continuation of this upwards trajectory.“The squad depth of clubs will continue to be tested particularly with the impending introduction of the new Club World Cup“But the cost of injuries in the Premier League has also risen markedly in comparison with the other four ‘Big Five’ leagues.”United’s issue switch injuries hit their height in April with Ten Hag without 16 players at various stages in the penultimate month of the campaign.According to Howden, the Old Trafford side, Newcastle, Chelsea – whose injuries last term came at an average cost of £540,000 – and Liverpool all suffered “above average” issues over the past four seasons.Howden’s James Burrows said: “United have been hard hit in terms of player absences and the impact on team performances. But this has happened to a significant number of clubs.”Transfer fees scrapped Q&A: How landmark ruling could mean NFL-style trades and stars suing for millionsFORMER Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra has won his landmark case at the European Court of Justice.SunSport’s Martin Lipton explains what it was all about – and what it might mean for the future of football…What was the case about?Diarra argued Fifa’s transfer rules were illegal after the world body backed Lokomotiv Moscow’s claim that he had broken his contract by refusing to train with them.Is that it?No. Belgian club Charleroi wanted to sign Diarra but were told they would have to pay the money he was fined by Moscow, while Fifa refused to issue an International Transfer Certificate unless they coughed up.Okay, so what does the ruling mean?Theoretically players will have the right to break their contracts and switch clubs without a fee changing hands – just like any employee in any other industry.Hang on – does that mean the END of transfer fees?Potentially, yes. Although players would have to want to move.We would basically end up with a US-style “collective bargaining” model where players would be free to move within transfer windows without impunity.Clubs might be able to “trade” players – swap deals – but with no extra cash changing hands.Is everybody agreed about this?Absolutely not. Fifa claimed the ruling “only puts in question two paragraphs of two articles” of its transfer regulations.Yet the Judges said the current rules were “prohibited” under EU law and “anti-competitive” as they “limit the freedom of action” of players to change employer.Read SunSport’s full Q&A with football on the brink of the biggest shake-up in 30 years… More

MIKEL ARTETA has completely transformed Arsenal in the past few seasons – taking them to the brink of title glory.The Spaniard’s success in the transfer market and his tactical genius has been credited for their incredible turnaround.Mike Arteta is revolutionising Arsenal’s training drills at the Sobha Realty Training CentreCredit: GettyHowever, there are a lot more subtle reasons for their recent success. Recently released training ground footage has laid bare how the former Gunners player is using morale boosting training drills as he looks to get one over his rivals.Below, we detail the subtle things the 42-year-old is doing that he hopes will fire them to glory this season.SQUAD MORALE DRILLSMany drills in Arsenal training are designed for the sole purpose of improving squad morale rather than honing technical ability.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe effects of this on the pitch are being seen, with the Gunners building a reputation as “mentality monsters” who cope well in high-pressure situations.Take their 2-2 draw with Man City earlier this season, where despite going down to 10-men before half-time, they defended like their life depended on it. It was their fourth match vs their biggest rivals without tasting defeat.While Arteta is putting a huge focus on mentality, he’s built a team of imposing physicality too. Declan Rice, Ben White, Gabriel, William Saliba, Thomas Partey, Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino all measure in above six-feet-tall.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThis combination of dominant mentality and physicality might just be what gets Arsenal over the line in the title race.COACH INVOLVEMENTArteta and his fellow coaches can be seen throwing themselves into the drills such as the rondo.This can be used to boost the relationships between players and coaches, and shows that the coaches have a commitment and passion for their job and the club.It helps feed into the ‘family’ like atmosphere that Arteta is desperate to build. Arsenal’s head of sports medicine and performance Dr Zafar Iqbal said on Twitter: “I think Mikel is just a very special guy. He makes everybody secure… He’s very demanding, but he creates such a healthy environment. From top down, everybody is fighting for him.”Arteta and other Arsenal coach get involved in the drillsCredit: PAArteta shows his love for his playersCredit: AlamyRELAXED ATMOSPHEREAll the players and coaches appear very relaxed. This helps the less experienced academy players to avoid anxiety and fear when interacting with the first team stars – which in turn can lead to better results on the pitch.Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, made a late appearance in the recent Champions League match vs PSG and thrived, while Ethan Nwaneri, just 17, has been coming off the bench in the Premier League this season and immediately looked comfortable alongside more established players.When given a start in the Carabao Cup against Bolton, Nwaneri scored twice. Speaking after that game, Arteta said of the teenager: “Ethan was really good. A really strong performance. He feels part of us and is playing with that confidence and belief.”Arsenal wages 2024-25 revealedRELATIONSHIPSArsenal players always warm up with someone different which shows a strong team bond and encourages relationships across the entire playing staff.This helps to avoid potentially toxic cliques and boosts chemistry on and off the pitch.Arteta is clearly focused on improving relationships within the team. One of his ideologies is that “winning brings togetherness and, when you have beautiful experiences together and you win trophies, then those experiences stay within that group.”TRUST AND INCLUSIONArteta is open to allowing many academy youngsters to take part in training, even before big matches like against PSG.It is a show of Arteta’s trust in the ability of his players and helps increase a player’s confidence knowing they have the boss’s backing.In the video above, the more experienced Arsenal players are including academy prospects, such as Declan Rice who can be seen taking part in a drill with 19-year-old Maldini Kacurri.This training method then leads to results on the pitch.In the 5-1 win over Bolton this season, starting in goal was 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter – the club’s youngest ever player to start a match.Speaking on Porter’s inclusion, Arteta said: “It was a big step for Jack. He was over the moon. His family were nervous. But he coped really well. What a way to break a record.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He’s been training with us. We thought he was ready. We believe he was the right choice. It’s a very positive night. We gave the opportunity to a lot of academy players and they responded really well. To see their faces, their reaction, a great night.”If Arteta’s unique training methods continue to have results on the pitch then many more great nights could be in store this season.Myles Lewis-Skelly made a first Champions League appearance vs PSGCredit: ReutersHale End youngsters were trusted in the Carabao Cup fixture against Bolton – and rewarded Arteta with a 5-1 winCredit: GettyDeclan Rice seen training with Maldini Macurri – a show of Arteta’s policy of experience and youth integrating in trainingCredit: Getty More

SIR ALEX FERGUSON was earning more than five members of Erik ten Hag’s squad as a Manchester United ambassador.The legendary former boss, 82, will no longer be paid for his ambassadorial role beyond the end of this season.Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassadorial role has been slashed by Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: PAShortly after retiring in 2013, Ferguson inked a deal for a new role worth around £2.16million per year.As part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting measures, however, the Scot has been removed from his position.The Ineos chief met with Ferguson in person to relay the decision.SunSport understands that the iconic former United manager accepted the news amicably.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs per Capology, Ferguson’s deal had been worth more than those of five Man Utd players.Among those were England regular Kobbie Mainoo, whose contract, inked in January 2023, is said to be worth £20,000 a week, a shade over £1m per year.It was also worth more than deputy goalkeeper Altay Bayindir’s contract, thought to be £35,000 a week, or £1.8m per year.Amad Diallo’s deal is said to be worth £1.5m a year (£28,800 a week), and is set to expire at the end of the season, although United possess the option to extend it by a further 12 months.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSir Alex Ferguson’s trophy haul at Man UtdAll the trophies Sir Alex Ferguson won as Manchester United manager:Premier League x13FA Cup x5League Cup x4Champions League x2European Cuper Winners’ CupEuropean Super CupIntercontinental CupClub World CupMeanwhile, youngsters Dan Gore and Harry Amass are also claimed to be earning in the region of £5,000 a week, £260,000 a year, far less than Ferguson was on.With Sir Alex set to turn 83 on December 31, his Man Utd ambassadorial role is just one of several time-consuming activities he will be stepping back from.Phil Jones reveals how Sir Alex Ferguson convinced him to sign for Man Utd This will not affect his ability to attend games, however, as he will always be welcome at Old Trafford – where he remains a regular.Last month, it was revealed he Man Utd would be letting go of 250 employees at the club.The cost-cutting measures come amid news that United’s losses over the last five years have totalled more than £370m.Ineos’ cost-cutting methods have also seen private chauffeurs and company credit cards axed.Staff and the players’ Wags even had to pay for their own transport to the FA Cup final win over rivals Manchester City in May.And other perks like lunch, accommodation, extra tickets and a post-match party were also scrapped.Kobbie Mainoo was among those being out-earned by Sir AlexCredit: GettyWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

BENJAMIN MENDY’S Manchester City bonuses have been revealed with their former player earning millions on top of his salary.Mendy launched a legal claim against the champions over £11million in unpaid wages yesterday.Benjamin Mendy’s contract bonuses at Man City have been revealedCredit: GettyThe Frenchman was earning £500,000 a month at City following a £52million move from Monaco in 2017.But the club stopped paying his salary in August 2021 after Mendy was charged with rape and sexual assault.The World Cup winner, who is now at French club Lorient, was eventually found not guilty on all counts following two trials in 2023.And Mendy has now brought forward a claim to an employment tribunal for “unauthorised deductions” from his wages.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut further details of his contract have now emerged in submitted paperwork.As well as his £500,000 a month salary, Mendy, who has made claims about his former Man City team-mates and his sex parties at a tribunal, also received a large number of bonuses.Every time Manchester City qualified for the Champions League, the defender got £1million.And Mendy was also due £900k if he played in over 60 per cent of City’s game.Most read in FootballMeanwhile, his image rights company received an annual payment of £1.2m from the champs.And on top of that, City were also paying a monthly pension contribution which stopped following Mendy’s charges.Mendy now plays for French side LorientCredit: afpA letter was sent to him by the club at the time, which read: “The club has, after careful and anxious consideration, suspended the payment of salary to you. “You will not receive the payment that would otherwise have fallen due at the end of September 2021.“Nor will you receive any further payment until you are ready and able to perform your obligations under the contract of employment.“You are not presently ready and able to perform duties, of course, because you have been remanded in custody and, separately, because The FA has suspended you from engaging in any football-related activity.“Our understanding is that District Judge Garva remanded you in custody because of your conduct whilst already on bail.“Remand, was, therefore, an avoidable impediment to your being able to perform your duties. We understand that a subsequent request to be released on bail was refused. “In those circumstances, the club is no longer obliged to continue to pay you.”Mendy claims under the terms of his contract, the club only had the right to stop his wages for a maximum of six weeks.READ MORE SUN STORIESCity deny breaching employment law and argue Mendy violated his own contract by bringing the club into disrepute and indulging in behaviour which prevented him from playing or training.The club initially continued paying Mendy following his first arrest in November 2020. More