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      Man Utd release major new stadium update with club to make final decision on 100,000-seater plan in summer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have taken a major step forward in their discussions surrounding the future of Old Trafford.A Task Force, set up by minority owner Jim Ratcliffe last March, announced that they have “completed their initial feasibility work into options for a new or redeveloped stadium.”Manchester United have issued a fresh update about their upcoming stadium plansA new Old Trafford could cost £2billion to buildUnited’s current capacity at Old Trafford is just over 74,000Credit: PA:Press AssociationMan Utd could build a state-of-the-art 100,000-seater stadiumMan Utd could draw on inspiration from the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumThe group, which includes Gary Neville, Andy Burnham and Lord Sebastian Coe, were charged with examining whether United should refurbish Old Trafford or build a new state-of-the-art replacement on adjoining land. The Task Force determined that a redeveloped Old Trafford could increase the capacity of the existing ground, which has stood in place since 1910, from 74,000 to 87,000,But a new-build stadium, which would cost around £2billion, would allow capacity to reach 100,000. Both options remain under consideration, with the Red Devils hierarchy set to decide on the preferred approach ahead of the summer.READ MORE ON MAN UTDA club statement read: “An Options Report has been submitted by the Task Force to executive bodies at Manchester United, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Trafford Borough Council.”It sets out a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the historic industrial engine room of Greater Manchester into a vibrant new driver of growth and innovation in sports, entertainment, business, and education.”The vision is for Manchester United to develop a world-class stadium, acting as a catalyst for wider regeneration of a re-energised Trafford Park.”The consensus is that United are leaning towards a new build as the “Wembley of the North” centre-piece of a wider regeneration project.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe planned project could generate £7.3 billion annually for the UK economy and create around 90,000 jobs nationally.A farewell to Old Trafford – and a significant moment in British sporting history – now looks increasingly likely, according to The Mail.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim challenges Amad Diallo to continue to raise his game Man Utd have played at Old Trafford for 114 yearsThe regeneration Task Force is chaired by former Olympian Lord Sebastian CoeCredit: AFPIt is estimated that it would take around seven years for United to have an operational new stadium, which would be the largest in Britain, according to The Telegraph.Sources stress that no final decision has been made and that there is a lot still to work through, including how any project will be funded.But the task force has challenged United to be as ambitious as possible.Lord Coe, who is chairing the Task Force, said the plans would act as a catalyst for “one of the biggest regeneration projects ever undertaken in the UK”.There is the potential for considerable hidden costs and a longer build time trying to redevelop a 115-year-old stadium.United have been cited £50million for associated ground works and will need to build a platform over the railway line next to Old Trafford to facilitate construction.Additionally, there is the threat of severely reduced income streams while United played at a reduced capacity Old Trafford for multiple seasons.As part of the feasibility work, more than 50,000 United fans were surveyed.The survey showed that more than 90 per cent of supporters are positive about the ambition to deliver a world-class stadium at the heart of a regenerated stadium district.The data also showed that a new-build stadium at Old Trafford is the preference for the majority of fans who responded.In fact, 52 per cent declared support for that option.Redevelopment of the existing stadium was preferred by 31 per cent, with a further 17 per cent unsure.Focus groups were also established and open days held at Old Trafford to inform the work of the Task Force. The Mayor of Greater Manchester Burnham said he plans to set up a new body to help drive forward the project before the stadium decision.Burnham told BBC Radio Manchester this would ensure space around Old Trafford could be cleared to “maximise the club’s options”.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s all about removing the freight terminals, and the freight that comes through Manchester city centre right behind Old Trafford.”It’s not going to be just United supporters, every rail passengers in the north west will benefit from removal of that freight from our city centre.”The new arena could seat 100,000 fansIneos envision a ‘Wembley of the North’A leaky roof has epitomised the problems with the ground and the club More

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      Inside Liam Delap’s stunning rise from learning gymnastics as a kid to being BANNED from copying dad’s famous throw-ins

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      LIAM Delap’s size and skill marked him out for greatness by the time he was nine.But his phenomenal competitiveness was the key to turning him into one of European football’s most exciting strikers.Delap has enjoyed a breakthrough debut season in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyDelap joined Ipswich from Manchester City last summerDelap’s hold-up game and brute physicality has shone through this termCredit: RexDelap left City in search for first team opportunitiesCredit: GettyOn Sunday he faces Manchester City – the club that decided to sell him to Ipswich for £20million last summer.Despite Thursday’s 2-0 home defeat by Brighton, the Tractor Boys are hoping Delap’s goals can fire them to Prem safety.The Winchester-born star joined Derby County’s academy in 2009 – the same time Darren Wassall took charge of the youth set up there.And by the time the youngster could register formally as an under-nine, the Rams knew they had something special.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWassall told SunSport: “We had American owners and we had to do a presentation in 2011 or 2012 to say, in each age group, who were the top three players we thought could get through to scholarship.“We’ve still got the slides of when Liam was an under-nine or under-10 and he was one of the three.”All-rounder Delap tried his hands at plenty of sports while at school.Sprinting built his speed. Gymnastics helped make his large frame strong and agile.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd doing a bit of javelin fed into his ability to do impressive long throws like his dad – former Stoke, Southampton and Derby midfielder Rory – until parents of other children complained that his bombs were spoiling games and he stopped doing them.In any case, Delap’s attributes were more valuable in the penalty area than from the sideline.BBC pundit names England’s long-term successor to Harry Kane after Premier League star’s ‘bullying’ performance Liam (second left) appeared on Soccer AM with his family, including dad Rory, in 2014Gymnastics helped make Delap’s large frame strong and agileCredit: ReutersDad Rory is a Premier League cult heroCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe former Stoke player is remembered for his famous long throwCredit: AFPWassall said: “He was always among the biggest and most powerful players in his age group, and probably the age group above.“He could bustle his way through and had a really good strike with his laces. He could put one in from 20 yards, or 30 yards as he grew older.“But what really set him apart was his desire to compete.”Sometimes Delap’s will to win went too far.Wassall said: “Off the pitch he was likeable, so modest and humble and quiet.“The pitch was his stage, it was like a switch being flicked.“He was fearless. He didn’t mind getting hurt. He would go into the six-yard box with goalkeepers and defenders, where the boots were flying.“But his competitiveness was also a challenge for us.“He was so on the edge at times because he was so desperate to win, do well and score goals, that it boiled over.“Mainly he would challenge decisions, mostly in a good way, but there were times when we had to step in and bring him off for his own sake.“We had to show him that you can’t boil over because if you’re playing for the first team and do that, you will get sent off, miss three games and be no good to anybody.”Derby also made sure that Delap did not rely too much on his physical attributes.He would play in higher age groups and worked hard on his technique.Wassall said: “I remember watching him as an under-14 or under-15, playing for the under-16s, and he scored five goals against Sunderland, I think it was.“Every finish was different.”Delap’s former coach Wassall admitted that Delap’s ‘competitiveness was a challenge’Credit: GettyThe Winchester-born star joined England’s under-16s in 20185Delap spent 10 years in Derby County’s academyHe was loaned out to Hull City in 2022-23Credit: RexIn 14 years at Derby, Wassall oversaw the development of more than 40 players who went on to clock up more than 1,200 first-team appearances for the Rams between themBut Delap did not follow the same path as Willl Hughes, Jeff Hendrick and others.He was attracting the attention of clubs across Europe, including Bayern Munich,And one day Wassall had to call dad Rory, by now a coach in the Derby Academy himself, to tell him that Manchester City were in for his son.Wassall, now head of youth development at the EFL, said: “It was bittersweet because we wanted him to go on to the first team.“He was part of the Derby family. His younger brother Finn was there too and Rory was working there.“But it was a no-brainer for him to go.”Delap’s move to City in 2019 was a big step in his football education.Delap signed a contract extension with City in 2021Credit: GettyKevin Betsy, the former Fulham, Barnsley and Wycombe striker, was the teenager’s head coach for four years at international level.And Betsy saw Delap develop in confidence and all-round performance after initially being called up to England’s under-15s .Betsy told Sun Sport: “There were a lot of players in the squad from high-level clubs, your Liverpool’s, Man United’s and Chelsea’s.“Derby is a fantastic academy but they were in the EFL. That can come with a feeling of, ‘Am I good enough to be with this level of player?’“In the initial under-15 camps he probably didn’t show his true level.”But in his final year at Derby and his first with CIty, Delap was part of a stellar England under-16 side featuring Jude Bellingham, Jamal Musiala, Harvey Elliott and Levi Colwill.One of many highlights was scoring in a 4-0 win over Brazil that infuriated the South Americans so much that they had two players sent off.Delap was part of a stellar England under-16 side featuring Jude Bellingham, Jamal Musiala, Harvey Elliott and Levi ColwillCredit: AlamyDelap documented his England youth days on InstagramCredit: Instagram / @liamdelap7Betsy said: “The move to City bumped him up to a different level technically and tactically because of the way they played in their academy.“City would often use the No 9 as a focal point in the build-up. Liam was receiving a lot of balls to feet with his back to goal and dropping deeper than a natural No 9, in order to link up the game.“His hold-up play improved a lot and that was fantastic when he came in to the national team.”But not so fantastic when Betsy moved on to work with Arsenal’s under-23 side and found himself coaching against Delap.Betsy added: “I remember a 3-3 draw against City at the Emirates.“You could tell your players what to expect from the opponents.“But he scored two goals, one of them out of nothing, and set up the other. He was getting too good for PL2.”City thought so, too. Delap scored on his senior CIty debut in the Carabao Cup in 2020 when he was 17 but was sent out  on loan to Stoke and Preston in 2022/3, and to Hull last season.City then shipped him out on loan to Preston North EndCredit: PABetsy said: “A couple of the loans probably didn’t go as well as he would have liked.“But he would have grown stronger from those moments.“He would have understood what it takes to be a first-team player in league football, what that feels like.“Having a chance in front of a huge crowd is a different pressure.“If you see some of the goals, there were flashes of the Liam Delap of the future.”Ipswich saw enough to splash out an initial £15m to sign Delap last summer.But City inserted a buyback clause and Betsy would not be surprised if the 21 year old found his way back to the club that Ipswich face on Sunday.Betsy, now a first-team coach at QPR focusing on individual development, said: “There’s no ceiling to what Liam can achieve.“Liam will be a player for England, a centre-forward, and, if he doesn’t achieve it at Ipswich, at a high-level team in the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIES“For me, he’s good enough for Man City.“As a back-up to  Erling Haaland at the moment, but if he moved on, Liam would be next.”Betsy would not be surprised if the 21 year old found his way back to CityCredit: GettyDelap has scored eight goals in the Prem this seaosnCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd ‘hopeful’ of completing Viktor Gyokeres transfer in bitter blow to Premier League rivals Arsenal

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are optimistic about their prospects of signing Viktor Gyokeres this summer, according to reports.The Red Devils are eager to strengthen their front line ahead of next term.Viktor Gyokeres has been linked with a move away from SportingCredit: RexGyokeres, 26, excelled under United boss Ruben Amorim at Sporting CP.And according to the Independent, Red Devils chiefs are “hopeful” that they can reunite the pair at the end of the season.To do so, United may well have to beat off strong competition from Arsenal.The Gunners are keen to sign a prolific striker and could even try to move for one this month following the ACL injury suffered last weekend by Gabriel Jesus.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGyokeres is admired by figures within the London club, however Sporting would rather sell at the end of the season.The Swede is said to possess a release clause worth under £100million.It’s claimed that he would “love” to work with Amorim again as the Portuguese attempts to take United into a successful new era.In addition to Gyokeres, Arsenal are also said to hold interest in Benjamin Sesko and Evan Ferguson.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSesko, 21, has scored eight Bundesliga goals for RB Leipzig so far this season.While Ferguson, 20, has struggled for game time at Brighton, starting just two Premier League games under Fabian Hurzeler.Inside Viktor Gyokeres’ glamorous life, from dating fellow footballer and actress to luxury holidays around worldParis Saint-Germain star Randal Kolo Muani is expected to join Juventus in the coming days.This could see forward Dusan Vlahovic become available towards the end of the window.Arsenal previously held a strong interest in the Serbian striker.But that interest is said to have cooled in recent years.Evan Ferguson has not had much game time this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Moment mouse is spotted at Old Trafford during Man Utd’s win over Southampton as fans fume ‘this is disgusting’

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      A MOUSE was spotted at Old Trafford during Manchester United’s late comeback win over Southampton.The discovery was made by a fan sitting in the East End, who shared a video to a popular social media account.A supporter posted this video from Old TraffordCredit: X @AmorimBalllA field mouse was stuck at the back of a seat in frontThe video has been viewed more than 4,000 times and countingUnited, who were 10 minutes away from the embarrassment of losing to Southampton at home before Amad Diallo’s 12-minute hat-trick, disgusted fans in more ways than one.During last night’s match, an X account user claimed that a “rat is at Old Trafford. Yes it’s real 😅.”Attached was a video of a field mouse stuck between the concrete floor and the back of a seat in front.It showed an empty pitch, leaving many to speculate that it was taken before the game or at half-time.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe fan didn’t alert those around them in the clip, but thought it was best saved for social media.The video has been viewed more than 4,000 times,with one fan writing: “This is disgusting!”Another fan wrote: “So gross 🤢”, while a third said: “It’s all falling, reset everything from the start.”Meanwhile a rodent was seen scurrying across United’s pitch, with Saints keeper Aaron Ramsdale spotted in the far distance.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSManchester United declined to comment when approached by SunSport.It’s believed the rodent problem stems from Old Trafford being squeezed between a railway line and a canal.OLD TRAFFORD STADIUM VT YOUTUBE masterAmad Diallo’s quickfire hat-trick snatched victory away from SouthamptonCredit: RexIt comes after The Mail reported a mice infestation at Old Trafford in December.Rodent droppings were reportedly found in food kiosks and plush suites during a hygiene inspection.While more were unearthed during checks of a ground-level corporate suite.As a result, United’s hygiene rating dropped from four to two stars at the end of 2024.In November, fans spotted a dead rat in a puddle under a seat.The club have now been ordered to make drastic improvements to bring up their hygiene rating.A club spokesperson previously addressed how they are trying to combat their rodent problem, stating in December: “Manchester United implements a robust pest-control system throughout Old Trafford.”Multiple weekly checks are made in all catering areas and stringent measures are taken to ensure levels of hygiene and cleanliness are high wherever food is stored, prepared and served.”If incidences of this nature do occur at the stadium, immediate and appropriate action is taken.”The shocking discovery comes just one year after the Red Devils were given a ONE-star hygiene ratings by inspectors.United’s hygiene rating has plummeted once againOld Trafford’s plumbing has also been a problemOne game saw a torrent of water stream down from the roofSunSport revealed guests were allegedly served raw chicken during an event at Old Trafford and subsequently became ill.United only gained their recent four-star rating in November.And the rodent incident is a setback in their quest to regain their status as the league’s top club.Fans have long thought the Theatre of Dreams could do with a lick of paint, with the ancient arena even leaking water during a recent press conference with manager Ruben Amorim.It comes after water has been seen flooding down from a damaged roof at recent games.READ MORE SUN STORIESRatcliffe is now hoping to build a new £2billion mega stadium while revamping the surrounding area.The Red Devils sit 12th in the table after just seven wins in 21 games this term. More

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      Chelsea ‘make shock move for Alejandro Garnacho with Man Utd star seen as replacement for outcast Christopher Nkunku’

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      CHELSEA are plotting a move for Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United, according to reports.The 20-year-old winger is reportedly seen as an ideal replacement for Premier League outcast Christopher Nkunku.Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Alejandro GarnachoCredit: AlamyChelsea are open to offloading Christopher NkunkuCredit: GettyAccording to L’Equipe, Chelsea are considering a move for Argentina international Garnacho, who is allegedly open to leaving Old Trafford.Nkunku, 27, is weighing up his options, with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich reportedly planning a swoop.The Frenchman hasn’t been able to cement a place in Enzo Marseca’s starting line-up with Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer ahead in the pecking order.Chelsea are in the market for a consistent winger amid Noni Madueke’s drop off and Mykhailo Mudryk’s provisional suspension, after the Ukrainian provided a positive result on an A-sample drugs test.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAthletic reporter David Ornstein wrote on X: “Conversations surrounding Chelsea’s interest in Garnacho are at an ‘early stage’.”Meanwhile, Napoli, who are set to lose Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to PSG, had a £40million bid for Garnacho rejected by United this week.But it is claimed that the Red Devils are holding out for £60million for their homegrown star and will listen to offers for the entire squad.United are testing the margins of the Prem’s Profit and Sustainability regulations after splashing over £600million in less than three years at the request of former gaffer Erik ten Hag.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGarnacho, whose sale would represent pure profit on the books, came through United’s ranks and has 23 goals in 116 appearances since making his debut in 2022.But this season he has been at loggerheads with manager Ruben Amorim – who dropped the forward for the Manchester derby in December.Man Utd Player Ratings vs SouthamptonHow Garnacho compares to Nknku’s Premier League form this seasonGarnacho has since returned to United’s squad but was challenged to raise his levels by Amorim.He played a full 90 minutes in United’s late comeback 3-1 victory over Southampton last night.But he was disappointed to miss a sitter in the early stages, before Amad Diallo’s late 12-minute hat-trick saved Amorim’s blushes.Before Southampton, Amorim said: “He has talent and he needs to learn to play in a different position.”He needs to play better inside. He improves a lot in the recovering position when he doesn’t have the ball.”But by doing that, sometimes he’s not in the right place to make transitions like he was in the past.”He’s improving during training and started the last game against Arsenal.”Chelsea solved United’s Jadon Sancho conundrum on deadline day last summer.Sancho was shipped out on loan to Stamford Bridge for the season – with the Blues then obliged to buy him for a reported £23milion fee.Chelsea also solved United’s Jadon Sancho conundrum on deadline day last yearThe former Dortmund star, 24, was soon handed regular starts ahead of Nkunku.Nkunku, who joined from RB Leipzig for £52million in 2023, has only scored two goals in 18 Premier League appearances.But he has amassed a total of 13 goals and four assists in 28 appearances across all competitions.Nkunku has been reduced to being a cup player- scoring seven goals in seven Europa Conference League appearances, and one in the EFL Cup and FA Cup.The Blues are also keeping tabs on Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi, who is on Liverpool’s radar.Meanwhile, Garnacho joins Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo as academy products facing uncertain futures.Rashford is yet to play since revealing he is ready for a “new challenge” in December.And as the winter window draws to its cliamx, still no developments have been made for a move.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat is despite his reps meeting with AC Milan in Italy and others like Borussia Dortmund remaining linked.But Mainoo has also attracted attention from Chelsea, as well as Bayern, amid reports he has not extended his contract- set to expire in 2027 – as of yet.Rashford is yet to play since revealing he is ready for a ‘new challenge’ in DecemberCredit: ReutersKobbie Mainoo hasn’t signed a new contract yetCredit: PA More

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      BBC star and former Tottenham chief says he would SACK Ange Postecoglou and gives takeover update

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      TOTTENHAM should sack Ange Postecoglou, claims the club’s former chief executive Claude Littner.The 75-year-old will be most familiar to many football fans as Alan Sugar’s right-hand man on The Apprentice.Ange Postecoglou has overseen a torrid season at TottenhamCredit: GettyApprentice star Claude Littner would fire PostecoglouCredit: PA:Press AssociationDuring Lord Sugar’s ownership of Spurs in the 1990s, however, Littner worked as chief executive at White Hart Lane.He resigned as one of the club’s directors in 2001, around the time that Daniel Levy became chairman.Following Tottenham’s 2-1 North London derby defeat to Arsenal earlier this week, a fan wrote on X: “Well @claudelittner can you please have a word with levy and tell him to fire postocoglou.”Littner responded: “I have no influence over Daniel. I believe he has the best interests of Spurs at heart.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I would dismiss Ange. He is way out of his depth.”Littner then added his opinion on Tottenham’s ownership situation.He continued: “Daniel is no fool & urgently needs a buyer with deep pockets to acquire the Club & invest in top players.”The sooner, the better.”Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYLittner, right, worked as Tottenham chief executive under Alan SugarCredit: Times Newspapers LtdTottenham are languishing in 14th in the Premier League with just 24 points from 21 games.They have won just one of their last nine Prem matches, and are closer to the relegation zone than the European places.SunSports’ Tom Barclay speaks on Tottenham’s current poor form which has led the club to the cup of a relegation battle Postecoglou now has a worse win percentage as Spurs boss than unpopular former managers Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho.But for now at least, it’s claimed that Tottenham chiefs are not planning to make a change.One saving grace for Postecoglou this season has been Spurs’ performances in the cups.Having knocked out both Manchester clubs in previous rounds, Tottenham hold a slender 1-0 semi-final lead over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, ahead of next month’s Anfield second leg.Spurs are ninth in the Europa League league phase and will likely achieve a top eight finish with wins in their remaining two games, against Hoffenheim and Elfsborg.They will travel to Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round, having beaten non-league Tamworth 3-0 after extra time last weekend. More

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      Michail Antonio health update after breaking leg in horror car crash as Graham Potter meets with stricken West Ham star

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      MICHAIL ANTONIO was at West Ham’s training ground yesterday to meet new boss Graham Potter for the first time.The Hammers striker, 34, is out for the season following his horror car crash on December 7.Michail Antonio visited West Ham’s training ground after his horror car crashCredit: GettyThe striker met new boss Graham Potter for the first timeCredit: PAAntonio has been back at the club since being discharged from hospital on New Year’s Eve.But he had previously only spoken to Potter over the phone.Before they met up, the ex-Brighton and Chelsea chief, 49, said: “I was planning to see him today, this afternoon.“I spoke to him on the phone, had a really good chat with him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He’s doing well. But it’ll be nice to see him.”Antonio broke his leg and also suffered a number of minor injuries after crashing his Ferrari FF near Theydon Bois, Essex.The forward was airlifted to hospital after the horror smash.After returning home last month, Antonio thanked the emergency services and football community.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe said: “Every year around this time, I’m asked what I’m grateful for, and every year I’ve struggled to find the right words.”But this year, I know exactly what I’m grateful for: being alive.West Ham fans pay emotional tribute to Michail Antonio with ninth-minute applauseAntonio was airlifted to hospital after smashing his FerrariCredit: Steve BellThe ace broke his leg and was released from hospital on New Year’s EveCredit: Instagram @michailantonio”I’ve spent so many years taking life for granted. I made plans for the next day, the next year, always assuming tomorrow was guaranteed.”What I’ve been through recently has opened my eyes.”Life is fragile, and every single moment matters. I’m so grateful to God for giving me the strength to keep going and for allowing me to still be here.”To the emergency services, the NHS, the Air Ambulance, everyone at the Royal London and Cromwell hospitals and everyone from top to bottom at West Ham United FC.”The medical team, the board, all of the staff, my teammates and the amazing West Ham fans… I honestly could not have got through this without you. thank you from the bottom of my heart.”To my loved ones who stood by my side throughout everything, I can’t express how much you mean to me.”Lastly, to the whole football community thank you for all the love and support you’ve shown me. It has truly meant the world.”I love you all and I am endlessly grateful for every one of you. Happy New Year- and I’ll be back on that pitch soon.”Michail Antonio’s incredible riseBy Jon BoonThe outpouring of love from the football community for Michael Antonio has been massive, with the striker recognised as a big character in the game.The Wandsworth-born forward started from humble beginnings – playing for non-league Tooting & Mitcham United.After impressing in 2008, he was offered a trial at Reading – some five divisions up – and Alan Pardew duly snapped him up.However, he later revealed he got kicked out by Tooting, after he refused to sign a contract.Antonio said: “They kicked me out because I refused to sign a contract.“I was like: ‘If someone comes in for me I don’t want to be tied down. I want to be able to go and not you out price me’.”Following spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, in 2015 he was plucked from the Championship in a £7million deal by West Ham.He’s been there ever since, winning a player of the year award, twice being named Premier League player of the month and lifting a European trophy.Away from football, Antonio has bravely opened up about his mental health struggles in recent times.The Jamaica international was recently asked by Gary Lineker on the Rest is Football podcast what he would like to do when he retires from the game.He revealed: “I want to go into entertainment.”So more on the basis of A League of Their Own, Play to the Whistle…”Read more about Michail Antonio’s incredible rise and life away from the game. More

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      Highest-paid Premier League players revealed as Erling Haaland signs Man City deal worth £26MILLION per year

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      ERLING HAALAND’S mind-boggling new £500,000-per-week deal has made the Norwegian the highest-paid Premier League player EVER.Manchester City have announced that the goal-scoring machine has signed a 10-year-contract worth £26million per season.Erling Haaland has penned a ten-year contractCredit: RexHe has been tied down to the club until 2034The 24-year-old’s record breaking deal, which runs until 2034, has knocked City team-mate Kevin De Bruyne off his perch as the Prem’s top earner.It puts the total value close to £250million and overtakes Chelsea’s nine-year-deal for Cole Palmer to become the longest contract in Prem history.Haaland, who was previously contracted until 2027, has proved a phenomenon at City, scoring 111 goals in only 126 games since signing from Borussia Dortmund for £50million in summer 2022.And now SunSport has taken a look at the revised 10 biggest earners after twice Golden Boot winner Haaland’s mammoth new deal.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS10) Kai Havertz – £280k-per-weekArsenal forked out an initial £60million and an additional £5million in potential add-ons to sign Havertz from Chelsea in the summer of 2023.He usurped Gabriel Jesus as the highest-paid player at the Emirates and his contract also includes an additional £50,000-per-week in potential bonuses.The Germany international silenced his critics in his debut season, but has faced horrific abuse from Arsenal fans for his poor finishing as Mikel Arteta’s men were dumped out of the FA Cup by Man Utd last Sunday.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKai Havertz is the highest-paid full-time Arsenal playerCredit: Getty=7) Jack Grealish – £300k-per-weekJack Grealish, 29, penned a £300,000-per-week contract when he joined City in 2021 in a deal from Aston Villa worth £100million.Most read in FootballHe is the third highest-paid man in Pep Guardiola’s squad, but 15 goal contributions in 145 games is under-par for what many expected.Jack Grealish is the joint-third highest-paid Manchester City playerTop ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spot=7) Bruno Fernandes – £300k-per-weekBefore Amad Diallo’s recent heroics, club-captain Fernandes was one of the only Man Utd players worth their salt.The midfielder has been Old Trafford’s standout performer in recent years, winning the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Season award in 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2023/24.The Portugal international is now earning a base salary of £300,000-per-week, which equates to around £15.6million-per-year. He can also get another £75,000-per-week in bonuses.Bruno Fernandes recently signed a new deal at Old TraffordCredit: Getty=7) Bernardo Silva – £300k-per-weekYou’ll notice City account for a sizeable portion of this list. Silva was offered a £500,000-a-week contract by Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in 2023, but he rejected that lucrative offer and signed a contract extension with City.The Portuguese winger was previously linked with a move away, as his current City contract ends next summer.Bernardo Silva’s current City deal expires next summerCredit: Getty=5) Marcus Rashford – £325k-per-weekMarcus Rashford earns £25,000 more per week than club captain Fernandes, placing him second on Man Utd’s books.But the England international, 27, has been iced out of Ruben Amorim’s squad and is linked with several January moves.The wantaway star has fallen out with yet another United manager and told Henry Winter: “I’m ready for a new challenge.”Marcus Rashford is another player earning in excess of £300,000 per week=5) Raheem Sterling – £325k-per-weekRaheem Sterling’s eye-watering wages are currently split between Chelsea and his season-long loan club Arsenal.Reports suggest that both London clubs pay the former Man City winger, who has scored just one goal this term, around £162,500-per-week.If he’s forced back to Stamford Bridge in the summer, he’ll replace Reece James as Chelsea’s top earner.Raheem Sterling’s wages are split between Chelsea and loan club ArsenalCredit: Getty=3) Mohamed Salah – £350k-per-weekLiverpool legend Mo Salah is into the final year of the £350,000-per-week contract he signed in 2022.It remains to be seen whether the Egyptian, 32, who joined in 2017, will leave in the summer.Liverpool fans are desperate for Salah, who has 38 goal contributions in 29 appearances this season, to pen a new deal as Saudi Arabian clubs step up their pursuits.Mo Salah has the biggest wages of any player at AnfieldCredit: Getty=3) Casemiro – £350k-per-weekCasemiro, 32, impressed after joining United for £70m from Real Madrid, but soon endured a torrid 2023/24 campaign as he received huge criticism.But the five-time Champions League winner has been reduced to just 21 appearances this season – and mostly from the bench. Casemiro is the best-paid Manchester United playerCredit: Getty2) Kevin De Bruyne – £400k-per-weekDe Bruyne’s title as highest-paid Premier League player could was stripped away after Haaland’s new deal this week.The Man City man, 33, will go down as one of the all-time greats in English football if he leaves at the end of his contract in the summer after 10 incredible years at the Etihad.Kevin De Bruyne is now the second highest earner at City and in the PremCredit: Getty1) Erling Haaland – £500k-per-weekNo Prem player has ever earned more than HALF-A-MILLION QUID in weekly wages before Haaland.After signing his record-breaking deal, Haaland said: “I am super happy. I am proud. It is difficult to put into words because it is a big moment. I am happy and that is the right word to use.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In the end, speaking with the people I spoke with, the hunger and the support that I have been getting for the last couple of years from the board, from the bosses and from Pep, it was an easy decision. I am delighted.”The Norwegian superstar, who has the most goals for his country at the age of 24, will earn £71,000-PER-DAY. More