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      ‘Get rid of the c***s’ – What Man Utd icon Sir Alex Ferguson told Sir Dave Brailsford in one of first meetings

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON once told Sir Dave Brailsford that the secret to a good team was to “get rid of the c***s”.The pair met several years ago, possibly before Brailsford ever considered crossing over from cycling to football.Sir Alex Ferguson once passed on a key piece of advice to Sir Dave Brailsford, rightCredit: GettyThese days he is Director of Sport at Ineos and he has been tasked with identifying the problems at Manchester United by his boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe.Prior to that he was a successful team principal at Ineos Grenadiers, Team Sky and British Cycling, where he first met United legend Ferguson.The pair discussed management and how to deal with big personalities, and former Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas recalled a piece of advice Fergie passed on to Brailsford.He said on the Geraint Thomas Cycling Club podcast: “I remember Dave Brailsford told me a story about it once because Sir Alex came into the velodrome to see Dave when he was still with British Cycling.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”And Dave was picking his brains about all sorts of different stuff and he was asking him about riders and personalities and how he deals with different egos and Alex was like, ‘you’ve got to get rid of the c***s’. “And Dave wrote this up and a couple of weeks later he is doing this talk in front of I don’t know how many, maybe 100-odd people, going through slide after slide talking about his chat with Sir Alex and on the big projector [it read] ‘you’ve got to get rid of the c***s.”Ferguson, 82, never hesitated to get rid of players throughout his tenure at Old Trafford.The likes of Roy Keane, Jaap Stam, and Paul Ince were all kicked out of the club following clashes with Fergie, with David Beckham also having trouble with the former manager before his move to Real Madrid.Most read in FootballInside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United…

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBrailsford, 60, has also had experience dealing with big egos and made the difficult decision to oust Bradley Wiggins as leader of Team Sky a year after he won the Tour de France.Chris Froome was picked as the number one rider instead and the decision paid off as he went on to win the Tour de France four times, the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a Espana.Sir Jim Ratcliffe discusses Bruno Fernandes and Kylian Mbappe transfer in quickfire Q&A More

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      Rashford’s mum reveals Man Utd star has been struggling after two bereavements and warns of ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’

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      MARCUS RASHFORD’S mum has revealed the Manchester United star has been struggling after two bereavements in his life. Rashford has had inconsistent form this season with eight goals in his 35 appearances. Marcus Rashford with his mum Melanie MaynardAnd the England international has found himself in hot water with disciplinary problems off the field. His mum Melanie Maynard opened up on his son’s season in a column in The Times. And Melanie – who worked three jobs to support Rashford and his four other siblings – revealed her son’s secret heartbreak. She wrote: “Marcus lost a second very important person in his life: his cousin Nathan in November, after a very good family friend, Garf, had died a year earlier, which set him back a lot. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”It was a lot for someone so young to deal with. Marcus is United through and through from when he was younger. “He always wanted to play football professionally at his boyhood club. He worked so hard. “He always believed in ‘if you believe, you will achieve’. He’s had to sacrifice a lot to get to where he is today.” Rashford, 26, in January was disciplined by United after phoning in sick for training despite going on a boozy night out in Belfast. Most read in FootballBut he hit back in perfect style by scoring in his very next game, helping his side to a dramatic 4-3 win at Wolves. Rashford’s performances has since improved also with two in his last two league matches and an all-important goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup. Antony rages after he is told to play left-back against Liverpool before Rashford tells Man Utd star to get on with itMelanie says her boy is on the up again but warned to beware of the “wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing”. She said: “Marcus is human, so he will have ups and downs in his life like everyone else. “Marcus is in a very good place, he will never let anyone down. “But you always need to be wary of people’s intentions around you — sometimes people around you can be wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing”After a good win against Liverpool on Sunday and Marcus’s England call-up, things are looking bright again.” Rashford has seven Premier League goals so far this seasonRashford has hit a run of form againCredit: EPA More

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      Ivan Toney at centre of three-club Premier League transfer battle including Chelsea after Arsenal cool interest

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      THREE clubs are set to fight over Ivan Toney – as the player plots an exit should Brentford.A disastrous run of form has left the Bees just five points above the relegation zone.Ivan Toney wants to stay in the Premier League when he leaves BrentfordCredit: RexWith Brentford perilously close to the bottom three, a trio of sides are jostling to get in pole-position to land the striker this summer.SunSport understands Tottenham, Chelsea and West Ham have all expressed an interest in signing the 28-year-old. It comes after Arsenal, who have previously been linked with Toney, cooled their interest.As for Chelsea, the West Londoners know they must sell before they can buy or risk breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules.READ MORE ON CHELSEAOur source said: “If Brentford drop out of the Premier League, which is now looking a real possibility there will be a race to land Ivan Toney. “That’s why some clubs are already taking steps to try and get in pole position to land the player.”“It’s well-known that Chelsea and Spurs both need a number nine and Toney would fit the bill for both clubs. But West Ham are now interested too.“The club think Toney could be a real statement signing and help take the team to the next level. Most read in Football”West Ham are crying out for a centre forward who can help turn them from a good side into one that can genuinely challenge for the Champions League. “Arsenal are now less interested. Mikel Arteta has a system and a way of playing and he doesn’t think a conventional number nine like Ivan Toney is what they need.”Inside Ivan Toney’s Life As A FootballerSunSport can also reveal Toney is “open-minded” to staying in the capital after making it clear to his advisers he doesn’t want to leave the Premier League.Our source added: “Clubs in Italy and Spain have been tracking Toney for ages. He’s one of the most sought-after players in Europe. “But Ivan’s not really interested in moving abroad. He sees his future in the Premier League. “His priority is trying to score the goals that save Brentford and to cement his way into the England squad. “But, after that, there’s a general acceptance he will move on and start next season with a new club in the Premier League. “It will be a fresh start and, at 28, the biggest move of his career.” More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe warns Man Utd fans not to expect superstar signings as he lays out transfer plan

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has told fans not to expect the world’s best players to sign for Manchester United.The British billionaire has purchased 27.7 per cent of the club and is in charge of football operations.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has ruled out buying superstar players and would rather find the up and coming world-class talentCredit: PARatcliffe is first focusing on getting in the correct people behind-the-scenesCredit: GT Cycling ClubThere has been speculation about Man Utd splashing the cash in upcoming transfer windows after Ratcliffe previously told supporters he wants to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.But he has admitted his approach in the market is not to buy big-name superstars.Ratcliffe told the GT Cycling Club when they asked about Jude Bellingham: “He’s a great footballer. But It’s not where our focus is. “The solution isn’t spending a lot of money on a couple of great players. They’ve done that if you look at the last ten years.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe later added: “I would rather try and sign the next Kylian Mbappe, rather than spend a fortune trying to buy success. “It’s not that clever buying Mbappe. Anyone can figure that one out.”Ratcliffe says his first job is to get the correct people making decisions at the club.He revealed that it is the job of right-hand man and cycling chief Sir Dave Brailsford’s to find new chiefs.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThey have already secured the services of ex-Manchester City CEO Omar Berrada and they’re also closing in on a deal for Newcastle director of football Dan Ashworth.Ineos are convinced having good people in these positions is the key to success.Sir Jim Ratcliffe discusses Bruno Fernandes and Kylian Mbappe transfer in quickfire Q&ARatcliffe said: “You have to believe with Man Utd, if we get all the details right, all the right people in the right boxes, doing the right things in the right environment, that sporting elite environment. The results will drop out the bottom. “Those things are not right at Manchester United today as we’ve said very clearly.”It’s not a light switch, it’s a much longer road to travel because there’s so many aspects to it.”On the addition of Brailsford at the club, Ratcliffe said: “Dave would never say buy that player because I think he is a very good player, he would never do that. “That’s not his skillset – but we need that skillset at Man Utd.”Ratcliffe could propose a new venue on the land next to the current groundInside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United… More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe says Man Utd’s ‘Wembley of the North’ could be 100,000-seat mega-stadium if they leave Old Trafford

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has revealed he wants to build a 100,000 seater stadium for Manchester United.United’s co-owner is in charge of football activity at the club but he also has big plans off the pitch.Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to build a ‘Wembley of the North’Credit: PAThe co-owner revealed the new ground could seat 100,000 fansCredit: PAOne of the biggest questions United face is what to do with Old Trafford, with Ratcliffe appearing to favour building a new stadium.He envisions a new state-of-the-art facility that can act as the ‘Wembley of the North’, and host around 100,000 spectators.Ratcliffe said on the Geraint Thomas Cycling Club podcast: “You have got this opportunity if you choose to, to build a completely new ground, because we have got enough space.”If you built a completely new ground it would absolutely be state-of-the-art, world class, 90,000 or maybe even 100,000 that then provides a platform for some of the big competitions in the north of England.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Why do England always play in the south? Why is the FA Cup final always in the south? Why can’t the Champions League final be in the north occasionally?”Football in the north is just as important as it is in the south, arguably more so, and the people in the north pay their taxes, so why do we have Wembley, Twickenham, Wimbledon etc in the south.”What have we got in the north? There’s a strong argument to build a ‘Wembley of the north’.”Ratcliffe pointed to the examples Real Madrid and Barcelona have set with regard to building state-of-the-art stadiums.Most read in FootballRatcliffe wants the new ground to rival the BernanbeuCredit: Twitter @realmadridCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe United chief was impressed by the Bernabeu on his last visit after Real Madrid spent £1billion renovating the famous arena.And he believes United – and the Premier League – are deserving of a ground that can equal the Spanish pair.Sir Jim Ratcliffe says Man Utd’s ‘Wembley of the North’ could be 100,000-seat mega-stadium if they leave Old TraffordHe added: “It [United] needs to have a stadium that is befitting the club and the brand. That might have been the case 20 years ago but it isn’t today.”If you look at what Real Madrid are doing now with the Bernabeu and what Barcelona with the Nou Camp, the Bernabeu now is fabulous, it’s like a cauldron of noise it’s really impressive.”The Premier League needs to have some grounds that are the equal of out European competitors.”A “Wembley of the North” could cost around £2bn and ideas for the new arena have been brought to life by AI.Lord Ping created several new images of what the New Old Trafford could look like, drawing on inspiration from the current stadium.AI has created images of what the new stadium could look likeCredit: Lord PingThe AI drew on inspiration from the current groundCredit: Lord PingRatcliffe could propose a new venue on the land next to the current ground More

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      Man Utd ‘decide to sell Mason Greenwood but get hit with immediate blow as Barcelona opt out of transfer race’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to sell Mason Greenwood – but Barcelona are not interested in a deal, transfer reports say. Greenwood has spent the season on loan with Getafe, hitting a run of good form with eight goals in 27 matches. Mason Greenwood remains linked with a Man Utd exitCredit: GettyHis performances attracted interest from the likes of Barca, who have been linked with a summer swoop for the ex-England international. According to Fabrizio Romano for CaughtOffside, United directors and Barca chief Deco did meet for talks. But it is claimed the Spanish giants are not plotting a move for Greenwood right now. It is said, though, that United are willing to let Greenwood go for good if the right proposal is tabled. READ MORE ON MASON GREENWOODAnd the club are actively looking at ways of offloading the forward. A police investigation into Greenwood, 22, was launched in January 2022.But charges of attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour were later dropped.United still made the decision to send the striker out on loan to Spain though new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe controversially left the door open to a return. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said in February: “We will make a decision. I don’t know if he (Greenwood) could still have a future.“All I can do is talk about the principle of how we will approach decisions like that.Fans spot Roy Keane’s ‘cold’ interaction with Man Utd mascot during FA Cup clash against Liverpool“Is he the right type of footballer? Are we happy with that? Is he a good person or not?“He (Greenwood) is a Manchester United footballer and we are in charge of football. “So the answer is it’s quite clear we have to make a decision. “There is no decision that’s been made. He’s on loan obviously but he’s not the only one. “We’ve got one or two footballers that we have to deal with and we have to make a decision on – so we will do that. “The process will be – understand the facts not the hype and then try and come to a fair decision on the basis of values – which is basically whether he is a good guy or not. “Could he play sincerely for Manchester United well and would we be comfortable with it and the fans be comfortable with it?“I can talk about the principle. The principle is the important one because we will have other issues going forwards. “You are dealing with young people who have not always been brought up in the best circumstances, who have a lot of money and don’t always have the guidance they should have. “What we need to do when we have issues like that is to understand the real effects, not the hype.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Then we need to make a fair decision in the light of the club’s values. That’s what we need to do and that’s how we will deal with it.”New Man Utd owner Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: PA More

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      I’m an ex-Tottenham star but I want Arsenal to win the league more than ANYTHING… even England winning Euro 2024

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      FORMER Tottenham star Darren Bent has admitted he’d rather see Arsenal win the Premier League than England triumph at Euro 2024.The former striker, 40, became Spurs’ record transfer when he joined in a £16.5million deal from Charlton in 2007.Darren Bent played for Tottenham between 2007 and 2009Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdBent, 40, has since revealed himself to be a huge Arsenal fanCredit: YouTube/talkSPORTDespite playing for the Lilywhites for two years, Bent remains a staunch Gooner.Appearing on talkSPORT, Bent was asked by co-host Andy Goldstein whether he’d prefer Prem or Euro 2024 glory later this year.He emphatically replied: “As an Arsenal fan I want the league. I want Arsenal over anything.”Goldstein, 50, then countered: “You don’t want FA Cup – Arsenal, Euros – England?”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBent admitted it would be close but appeared to edge towards the Euros, although he did stress: “Champions League, Premier League over anything.”He then left Goldstein flabbergasted by claiming that even a domestic cup double would have done it for him over the Euros.The 12-cap former England striker added: “FA Cup and League Cup. Nope, I’m not joking you. FA Cup, League Cup. Arsenal.”After having his opinion called “nuts”, Bent continued: “As a fan, I’m club over country.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBent played 79 times for Tottenham, scoring 25 goals and laying on seven assists.After falling down the pecking order at White Hart Lane, he moved to Sunderland in 2009.Luka Modric passed out in a cubicle and had to be carried out by a bouncer on his first Tottenham night out, says Jenas v2He netted four goals in 12 England caps, including three in Euro qualifiers – but never earned a call-up for a major tournament with the Three Lions.Bent had already shown off his love for Arsenal over former club Tottenham this season.Prior to September’s North London derby, he picked 11 Arsenal players in a combined XI.This meant that Gabriel Jesus staggeringly received the nod over Son Heung-min, although the South Korean made Bent eat his words by scoring twice in the 2-2 draw.Bent earned 12 England caps during his careerCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun More

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      Arsenal key man suffers injury blow ahead of huge Man City title clash as statement is released

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      ARSENAL’S Gabriel has withdrawn from the Brazil squad as a precaution.The Gunners defender was expected to start in Saturday’s friendly against England at Wembley Stadium for the Samba Boys.Gabriel Magalhaes will not feature against England on SaturdayCredit: RexHowever, after briefly training with Brazil at their UK training base, Arsenal’s London Colney, it is understood Gabriel has withdrawn from the squad in order to recover fully and not risk a major absence.The injury is not believed to be linked to a pre-existing minor foot issue that Gabriel has recently be dealing with.Brazil boss Dorival Junior said: “I had already communicated previously that we will work with a slightly more extensive list.“A pre-call, we can put it that way, and again, today, we had another casualty.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS”Unfortunately, Gabriel is uncalled. In his place, we are calling Bremer, from Juventus.”Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will want to wrap Gabriel in cotton wool until the end of the international break with a huge Premier League clash against Manchester City on March 31.He has made 26 starts in the Prem this season, and his partnership with William Saliba is the reason Arsenal have the best defence so far with just 24 goals conceded.Gabriel, 26, joins a small list of Arsenal players looking to get back to full fitness ahead of the mammoth trip to the Etihad at the end of the month.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERCompatriot Gabriel Martinelli was not called up to the Brazil squad after suffering a gashed foot in the 6-0 thumping of Sheffield United on March 4.Thomas Partey also did not join up with Ghana as he continues to return to first team fitness having been out since October with a thigh problem.Declan Rice breaks silence on ‘suspicious’ brown mark on shorts during Arsenal’s win over PortoBen White – who opted not to be called up for England this week – and Jurrien Timber – closing in on a return since rupturing his ACL in August – have also trained at London Colney.After the clash with City, Arsenal face Luton and Brighton before the first leg of their Champions League quarter final with Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium. More