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      Man Utd fans face being STRANDED in London for TWO DAYS as Premier League clash hit by travel nightmare

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans face travel hell for Saturday’s Premier League clash at Brentford.Supporters relying on the train could be stuck in London until Monday – thanks to a huge Easter shut-down.Red Devils’ followers traveling to Brentford by train might not be so happy as they must deal with a much-reduced timetableCredit: GettyA rail shut-down for improvement works has hit Saturday night’s return to Premier League action at Brentford Community StadiumCredit: GettyIt’s also an annoying side-effect of a bizarre feature of United’s kick-off times.Erik ten Hag’s sixth-placed side resume action after the international break by visiting the Bees for their FOURTH 8pm start this season.And United have seen their KO switched to that late Saturday slot on more occasions than any Prem rival over the campaign so far.To make things worse for travelling supporters, all four such matches have been away.READ MOE TOP STORIESHowever, this journey is far longer than the other three.Before Brentford, trips for 8pm clashes were made to Newcastle, Sheffield United and Burnley.This weekend’s match starts two minutes before the last scheduled service from London St Pancras International to Manchester Piccadilly.No trains will go to or from London Euston due to improvement works.Most read in FootballIt leaves travellers without any direct trains to Manchester on Sunday.Saturday’s match has been given added spice as the Red Devils are being linked with Brentford’s main man Ivan Toney.Inside Sir Alex Ferguson’s Biggest Bust-UpsChelsea and Arsenal were thought to be the frontrunners for the striker.But on the day Toney netted his first England goal, a confident penalty in a 2-2 Wembley friendly with Belgium, United were said to have added him to their summer wish-list. More

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      Man Utd ‘want to hold talks with Gary O’Neil’ over shock new role – but Wolves boss could be offered different job

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      MANCHESTER UNITED want to talk to Wolves boss Gary O’Neil about a coaching role at Old Trafford, according to reports.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 27 per cent takeover of the club has sparked a significant change in personnel, led by Ineos’ director of sport Dave Brailsford.Manchester United are eyeing talks with Wolves boss Gary O’NeilCredit: RexSir Jim Ratcliffe, left, is spearheading a change in personnel at Old TraffordCredit: GettyOmar Berrada has left Manchester City to become the Red Devils’ chief executive.And Dan Ashworth, who has been placed on gardening leave at Newcastle, is expected to assume the role of sporting director at Man Utd.Now, as reported by ESPN, Ratcliffe and Co are “attempting to build a new coaching structure led by a head coach”.And while the specific role O’Neil could be offered has not been revealed, the 40-year-old manager is understood to be aware of Man Utd’s interest.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, he signed a three-year deal with Wolves in the summer, so compensation would almost certainly need to be paid to steal him away from Molineux.O’Neil impressed as Bournemouth boss following Scott Parker’s exit as he safely kept them in the top flight.He was then somewhat harshly relieved of his duties, but has guided Wolves to ninth place since succeeding Julen Lopetegui in August.Meanwhile, the future of Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag remains unclear.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHis side sit sixth in the Premier League and look set to miss out on Champions League qualification.But they are still in with a chance of silverware as they will face Championship side Coventry in the FA Cup semi-finals.Inside Sir Alex Ferguson’s Biggest Bust-UpsCome through that and they will set up either a rematch of last year’s final against Man City, or a clash with Chelsea. More

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      Chelsea ‘actively trying to sell Conor Gallagher in summer transfer window with Blues desperate to avoid FFP hit’

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      CHELSEA are reportedly “actively trying to sell” Conor Gallagher this summer.The 24-year-old midfielder has come through the Blues’ academy and is now a first-team regular.Chelsea are ‘actively trying to sell’ Conor Gallagher this summerCredit: RexHe has played 38 times under Mauricio Pochettino so far this term.He is also now a member of Gareth Southgate’s England squad and started the 1-0 defeat to Brazil on Saturday.Gallagher will be looking to win his 19th cap tonight against Belgium at Wembley and secure a place on the plane for the Euros this summer.However, he could also be on the move domestically, according to the Daily Mail.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey state that “sources at rival Premier League clubs tell us that Chelsea are actively trying to sell their academy graduate this summer”.That is because he only has just over a year left on his deal and any transfer fee generated would count as “pure profit” with regards to FFP rules.We revealed before that he is still yet to be formally offered a new one.Speculation claimed that there had been “little sign of negotiations progressing” on an extension to stay at Stamford Bridge and he could thereforebe off come the end of the season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERGallagher came close to joining Tottenham last summer but has gone on to be handed the armband on several occasions by Pochettino.Spurs are still thought to be interested in buying the ex-Crystal Palace loanee should he become available.Conor Gallagher apologises live on Sky Sports in interview after Chelsea’s win over Crystal PalaceChelsea have sold off a host of home-grown aces over recent years, with nearly £200m raised, which has enabled them stay within financial rules.And they are reluctant to get involved in long, drawn-out contract discussions.That was the scenario that unfolded with Mason Mount before he eventually departed for Manchester United following a lengthy stand-off for £60m. More

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      I’m ex-Arsenal star who won four trophies under Wenger, now I’m richer than Stan Kroenke thanks to biochemicals

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      MATHIEU FLAMINI used to be one of Arsenal’s top midfielders with a host of trophies to his name.But now he’s richer than Gunners owner Stan Kroenke after striking it big in the world of biochemicals.Mathieu Flamini has gone from being an Arsenal star to CEO of a biochemical companyCredit: Getty – ContributorThe Frenchman now has a net worth in the billionsCredit: Ian TuttleFlamini, 40, had two spells at Arsenal, with the first coming between 2004 and 2008.After five years at AC Milan, he rejoined the club in 2013 and spent a further three years at the Emirates before seeing out his career with Crystal Palace and Getafe.Flamini played a total of 246 games for Arsenal, scoring 13 goals in the process.He also won three FA Cups and a Community Shield under Arsene Wenger, while scooping their Player of the Season award in 2008.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSBut after retiring from football in 2019, Flamini’s life took a very different turn.Having founded start-up GF Biochemicals in 2010, the Frenchman began to take a hands-on role in its development.The company’s aim was to provide a green alternative to petrochemicals.And after becoming CEO with a 60 per cent stake in GF Biochemicals, Flamini is now worth a reported £10billion — around £2bn more than Arsenal owner Kroenke.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHis team became the first to produce levulinic acid, which reduces CO2 produced from manufacturing products like detergents and skin care by 80 per cent.And Flamini now also runs a separate health business called Unity Performance Lab with ex-Arsenal teammate Mesut Ozil.Mathieu Flamini delighted for Nicklas BendtnerFlamini’s company looks to protect the environment while helping manufacture productsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/mathieuflamini/Flamini had two spells with Arsenal in the Premier LeagueCredit: Ian TuttleHe also played for AC Milan and GetafeCredit: GettyHe said: “As a child I had two passions: football and sustainability. “I grew up in Marseilles near the sea, and was aware of the environmental questions around ocean plastics and chemical pollution from a very young age.“We didn’t know if it’d be energy, chemical or urban recycling, and we just ended up meeting with a team of scientists in Milan and started moving in that direction.”On juggling his football commitments with the business, Flamini continued: “When you’re a footballer and you’re in a meeting talking about chemicals or sustainability, there is even more pressure on you.“People really want to test you and see if you’re going to be able to deliver — because you’re not a businessman. I had to prove myself more than anyone else in the room.”On his new busy schedule, Flamini added: “Now the question is when do I not work.“When you’re an entrepreneur you have to be dedicated and you don’t count the hours. I’m not working when I sleep, but for the rest of the time I’m available.”Mathieu Flamini’s career statsAll the numbers from his amazing career

      Marseille, 2003-2004: 24 games, 0 goals

      Arsenal, 2004-2008: 153 games, 8 goals

      AC Milan, 2008-2013: 123 games, 8 goals

      Arsenal, 2013-2016: 93 games, 5 goals

      Crystal Palace, 2016-2017: 13 games, 0 goals

      Getafe, 2017-2019: 21 games, 0 goals

      France, 2007-2008: 3 games, 0 goals

      Trophies: FA Cup x3, Community Shield (Arsenal); Serie A (AC Milan) More

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      Nottingham Forest ‘approached former Chelsea manager to take over just months after appointing Nuno Espirito Santo’

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      FORMER CHELSEA boss Maurizio Sarri allegedly rejected an approach from Nottingham Forest this month.The Italian, 65, quit as Lazio manager on March 11 after a dismal run of form left them ninth in Serie A and dumped out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich.A shock report claims that Maurizio Sarri has snubbed Nottingham ForestCredit: ReutersIt says the Italian was wanted to replace Nuno Espirito SantoCredit: PAHowever, now a sensational report from journalist Alfredo Pedulla claims that he was allegedly offered an almost instant return to the dug-out.Despite having Nuno Espirito Santo at the helm, he says that Forest called Sarri and tried to make him their head coach just days after he had decided to leave Lazio “with the request to immediately take over” from the Portuguese tactician.Forest, who are deep in relegation trouble after being hit with a four-point deduction for breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, are said to have offered him a three-year contract.And they also threw in the added incentive of the promise to have “a major transfer next season if they avoided relegation” this term.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis shock report says that the ex-Napoli and Juventus chief turned down the proposal due to wanting to take some time out ahead of getting another job next season.SunSport have contacted Forest for comment regarding the shock claims.And Sport Italia have now stated that Sarri, who lifted the Europa League in his one season at Chelsea, could be heading to Fiorentina as Vincenzo Italiano is reportedly going to depart the club at the end of the season.  Espirito Santo was appointed by Forest on a two-and-a-half year contract on December 20 after the much-loved Steve Cooper had been sacked.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut the old Wolves and Tottenham chief’s arrival has failed to transform the club’s form as he has recorded just three wins from his 11 games in charge.That dire run, and the points sanction, have seen Forest drop into the relegation zone and they go into the weekend a point behind Luton.The Premier League’s Top 10 sexiest managers according to AIThe City Ground outfit did admit that they overspent by £34.5million across a three-year period, which led to their punishment being less severe due to their cooperation.But they have vowed to appeal that punishment.A short club statement read yesterday: “Nottingham Forest can confirm that it has today lodged an appeal against the four point sanction imposed by the Commission in relation to the Club’s breach of the Premier League’s Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR).“The club will not be making any further statement at this time.”Premier League is now full of asterisksTHE last time Leicester were promoted to the Premier League, they provided English football with its most wondrous miracle.
      An improbable relegation jailbreak was followed by a fantastical 5,000-1 Jamie Vardy party, dilly-ding-dilly-dong title-winning campaign, and the entire sporting world marvelled at it.
      Except for the Premier League’s elite clubs, who decided this could never happen again.
      If the Foxes win promotion from the Championship this season — and they are level on points with leaders Leeds with a game in hand — they are likely to start next season with a points deduction. And possibly a punishment substantial enough to make survival a 5,000-1 shot.
      In the era of football’s asterisk invasion, nothing surprises us any longer, as the world’s richest and ‘most competitive’ football league ties itself in knots through Profitability and Sustainability Rules designed to reduce competition.
      Everton were deducted ten points, reduced to six on appeal, but are currently immersed in a three-day hearing which might end with them losing more points.
      Nottingham Forest are four points down but that figure could be greater or lesser after their appeal.
      Luton boss Rob Edwards — whose team are significantly affected by all of this hokey-cokeying — says he works off a different league table, without points deductions, to determine where his side are in the relegation battle.
      But in fact, you would need five or six potential league tables to try to work out all potential scenarios.
      Read more on the points deductions fiasco from SunSport’s Dave Kidd here. More

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      Brentford vs Man Utd: United return to Premier League action with a tricky test against Toney and Co – stream, team news

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      MANCHESTER UNITED return to Premier League action with a tough trip to Brentford – but Erik ten Hag’s men should be full of confidence following their last two results.Amad Diallo scored a 120th-minute winner in what turned out to be an FA Cup classic against Liverpool before the international break.Manchester United left it late to beat Liverpool in the FA CupCredit: EPAAnd it was the perfect way for United to build on their last Premier League encounter where they comfortably beat Everton 2-0 However, the Red Devils still have their work cut out if they are to catch top-four rivals Aston Villa who are currently nine points ahead of them on the leaderboards.But they’ll be expected to reduce the gap to just six as Brentford could be wounded from recently losing 2-1 to Burnley.When is Brentford vs Man Utd
      Brentford vs Man Utd will take place Saturday, March 30th.
      Kick off will be at 8:00pm GMT.
      Gtech Community Stadium will host.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhat TV channel is Brentford vs Man Utd on and can it be live streamed FREE?
      Brentford vs Man Utd will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.
      Team newsUnited defender Luke Shaw sustained a thigh injury and is expected to be out for an extended period. Lisandro Martinez is stepping up his fitness as he returns to Manchester after a knee injury. Elsewhere, head coach Thomas Frank confirmed that Brentford could see the return of Ethan Pinnock after the international break.Most read in FootballThe defender sustained an ankle injury during the 2-0 victory over Wolves in February. But Joshua Dasilva and Rico Henry are out for the season with knee injuries. Frank said: “Josh had a very successful surgery two days ago and he’s good.” What are the odds?
      Brentford to win 2/1
      Draw 27/10
      Man Utd to win 23/20
      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication More

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      Liverpool should consider Gareth Southgate to replace Klopp and stop him going to Man Utd, says former club star

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      GLEN JOHNSON has urged former club Liverpool to replace Jurgen Klopp with Gareth Southgate.The German, who guided the Reds to Carabao Cup joy last month, shocked the Kop in January by announcing that he would leave the club this summer.Glen Johnson has tipped Liverpool to replace Jurgen Klopp with Gareth SouthgateCredit: GettyThe England manager has also been linked with a sensational move to Man UtdCredit: GettyWhile he looks to sign-off with a treble by winning the Premier League title and Europa League, Liverpool are still searching for his replacement.Xabi Alonso is a leading contender after his stunning season in charge of Bayer Leverkusen while Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi is another to have been linked.However, ex-Liverpool full-back Johnson believes that the current England manager would be an ideal choice if he becomes available.He told Betfred: “If he’s available in the summer, then you’ve got to look at all the options.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“He’s done a brilliant job with England, so there’s no reason why he can’t be successful with a club like Liverpool as he’d be dealing with a similar standard of players.“You’d need to have the chat because you can’t just dismiss him if he’s available.”The England boss, 53, has recently been mooted as a potential successor to Erik ten Hag if Manchester United give him the boot – something Southgate has refused to discuss.However, Johnson says that he does not believe that United’s players would react as well to Southgate as his trusted lieutenants do for the Three Lions.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “I’m not sure because despite being a top bloke and great manager, I believe Gareth gets more respect from the players in the England squad because he’s English.“Foreign players in Manchester United’s squad are initially not going to have that same level of respect for Gareth as the English players do.Gareth Southgate admits ‘we don’t like losing’ but takes positives from Brazil loss“It would take a bit of time for him to win them over and if he can, then he’s more than capable of being successful.”When pressed on whether Southgate could deliver success at Old Trafford, Johnson added: “There have been a number of good, successful managers that have gone into the job at Manchester United and have struggled, so it wouldn’t be guaranteed success for Gareth if he was to take the job.“Manchester United are a huge club, with great support and on paper, they have a very good squad too.“A top manager like Gareth could come in, get rid of a lot of the deadwood, provide that team with a good backbone and make Manchester United successful again.”However, there’s been a lot of good managers that have taken that job in recent years and have failed.” More

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      Man Utd will bring in England’s entire coaching staff if they sack Ten Hag and replace him with Gareth Southgate

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will look to bring England’s entire coaching staff to Old Trafford this summer, SunSport can reveal.Gareth Southgate is now the red-hot favourite to replace Erik Ten Hag if the Dutchman is axed at the end of the season.Man Utd will move for England coaches like No2 Steve Holland if Gareth Southgate becomes bossCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe could axe Erik ten Hag at the end of the seasonCredit: AFPAnd United insiders say the club wants the England manager, his assistant Steve Holland and coaches Paul Nevin and Martyn Margetson.A source said: “There is a huge amount of admiration within Old Trafford for the job Gareth and his coaching staff have done with England in recent years.“They recognise that success is not just about Southgate, it’s also about the DNA he’s built within his coaching squad at England.“So any move for Gareth would also mean a move for his lieutenants as this would help ensure he has the best chance of making a success of things at Manchester United.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“Jim Ratcliffe and his team are determined that the club really returns to its roots which is why there is a massive focus on young players and recruiting the best of British.“The club also thinks Gareth has shown in his job with England that he can handle big characters and big personalities, so he wouldn’t be phased by managing at a club like United. “One of the biggest draws for United is that Southgate would immediately have the support of the spine of English players running through the club – Maguire, Shaw, Mainoo and Rashford, which would give him a solid base from which to build. “They think Southgate could turn Rashford back into the world class talent everyone at the club believes him to be.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“It’s for all those reasons that, at the moment, he is seen as the outstanding candidate should they decide to change direction in the summer.”Southgate’s England contract expires at the end of the year.Scott McTominay reveals two strict rules implemented by Erik ten Hag at Man UtdMan Utd will move for coach Paul Nevin to assist SouthgateCredit: GettyGoalkeeper coach Martyn Margetson is also in United’s sightsCredit: GettyHe has not ruled out staying with the Three Lions through to the 2026 World Cup.But an offer from United could change all that.Southgate said last month: “There’s a fair chance half the coaches won’t be here after the Euros. That’s international football.”You’ve got to see how the summer goes – it’s as simple as that. “I know what we’re capable of achieving in the summer, I know what my own benchmark of success would be, after that I’m not really thinking about anything else.”We’ve got to deliver a performance and you’ve got to make the best decisions for everybody. I won’t be in a position to make that decision before the tournament.”Meet Gareth Southgate’s teamThe three men United are ready to take from England to seal a deal for Southgate…
      STEVE HOLLAND
      A familiar name to Chelsea fans, he served as the Blues’ No2 between 2011 and 2017.
      Working with the likes of Roberto Di Matteo, Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, he helped deliver several trophies including two Premier League titles and the club’s first-ever Champions League.
      He has been by Southgate’s side since 2013 after the pair worked together with England’s U21s and would be a key ally at Old Trafford.
      PAUL NEVIN
      One of England’s main coaches, Nevin first linked up with the Three Lions in 2018 as part of the FA’s BAME initiative.
      He then departed to join West Ham in 2020 before returning in a dual role with England a year later.
      Nevin is now assistant manager at Strasbourg, Chelsea’s sister club, under Patrick Vieira, and juggles the position with his England role.
      MARTYN MARGETSON
      One-time Wales international has been England’s goalkeeping coach since 2017.
      He has also held roles at Cardiff, West Ham, Crystal Palace and Everton after becoming a loyal Sam Allardyce devotee.
      Margetson was most recently at Swansea with Steve Cooper until 2021, and has been solely committed to England ever since. More