Premier League

ZINEDINE ZIDANE has named the only three clubs that he’d choose to manage, according to his former team-mate Thomas Gravesen.The 51-year-old has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid in 2021 but still remains popular in Europe – with Man United reportedly keen to sign him.Zinedine Zidane has named the only three clubs he would manage forCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe who recently purchased a 27 per cent stake in the club – wants to make Zidane United’s next boss.Despite Ratcliffe’s wishes, United may have to look elsewhere after a former Real Madrid team-mate of Zidane revealed his three-club wishlist. Former Denmark ace Gravesen spoke to Discovery+ about the Frenchman and recalled a chat they had two years ago.He said: “I spoke to Zidane in Madrid two years ago and he told me that there are only three roles that he would like to accept. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”And they are Marseille, Madrid and the French team. We were in Madrid two years ago and he told me exactly that. “I also asked him if ‘I was willing to train again. And there he told me that there were possibilities only for those three.”Gravesen then responded to the rumours that Zidane could move to Old Trafford and suggested it would not be an easy move with the current United team. He continued: “I would say that the team he had in Madrid was fantastic, and he was prepared from the beginning. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”In the United the situation is different, it is very difficult to do something with the team that Ten Hag has at the moment.”Ratcliffe’s right-hand man Jean-Claude Blanc, at INEOS, is in regular contact with Zidane, according to the Independent. I won iconic Treble at Man Utd… but I fear I’ll have to BUY a football club to ever land another managerial jobMadrid remains the only team Zidane has managed since retiring from his legendary playing career in 2006 after that year’s FIFA World Cup.He led Los Blancos to countless silverware including two La Liga’s, three Champions League, two UEFA Super Cups and two Club World Cups.And the European and national success is exactly what INEOS is aspiring to do at Manchester United. More

CHELSEA fans have slammed Sheffield United after their clash at Bramall Lane was moved to a tea-time kick-off – because of the city’s half marathon.Mauricio Pochettino’s side had already seen the Bramall Lane visit switched to a 1.30pm start on Sunday April 7.Sheffield United vs Chelsea will kick off at a different timeCredit: GettyBut Prem fixtures chiefs announced it would now kick-off at 5.30pm as the result of a “home club request”.That is due to the Sheffield Half-Marathon, with a field of more than 5,000, with a 9.30am city centre start and finish due at noon – a fact which passed both Prem and Blades officials by.And the Chelsea Supporters Trust, still furious with broadcasters and Prem bosses after their game at Wolves was played on Christmas Eve, vented their anger once again.The Trust said: “This is just another kick in the teeth to loyal match going supporters.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“This is the latest occasion of supporters being treated with disrespect, especially as this issue was totally foreseeable.“Our message to all parties involved with fixture scheduling is clear: stop treating match going supporters with total disrespect – or risk stadiums becoming lifeless, soulless and without passion.”The Trust also asked fans who are out of pocket for train ticket price changes to get in touch ahead of a claim on their behalf being made to both the League and Sheffield United.Prem bosses, who were only informed of the clash this week, are understood to have sympathy for the fans’ plight as it is accepted that Sheffield United have taken full responsibility for the late change.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChelsea played Sheff Utd in December and beat Chris Wilder’s side 2-0.Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson got on the scoresheet as Mauricio Pochettino’s team bossed the match with 78 per cent possession.Sheffield United face a battle to stay in the Prem after picking up just 13 points from 26 games.They could be all but relegated by the time the Blues visit Bramall Lane, with games against Arsenal, Bournemouth, Fulham and Liverpool coming up before Chelsea.Chelsea’s forgotten wonderkids – Where are they now? (1) More

ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER says he and Mohamed Salah taunt Virgil van Dijk every day with a Lionel Messi-inspired tease.Van Dijk was a part of the Netherlands team who lost the 2022 World Cup quarter-final to Messi’s Argentina.Alexis MacAllister and Mo Salah tease Virgil van Dijk every day over World Cup 2022 defeatCredit: GettyThe game ended in a competition record of 18 yellow cards and one red card with Messi calling VVD’s team-mate Wout Weghorst a “fool” after the game.After a 2-2 draw, Argentina won 4-3 on penalties, making it a match Van Dijk would rather forget.However, Argentine Liverpool team-mate Mac Allister will not let him do so, and has roped in Salah to help.Mac Allister told DSports: “With Salah we are telling Van Dijk all day, ‘Go ahead, stupid’ [‘Anda pa’lla, bobo’].READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We drive him crazy. We also do it with each other with Mo when something happens.”Messi has since said he regrets what he said to Weghorst after he saw a picture of him shouting at the Dutchman.The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “I don’t like this picture. I don’t like what I did. “There was a lot of tension and it came out naturally.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt’s clear Messi’s international co-star Mac Allister does not feel bad and is keen to use it against Van Dijk for some fun. But the midfielder has probably kept quiet recently as there has been nothing to fault about Van Dijk’s recent performances.Mohamed Salah ‘agrees Saudi contract’The Dutch sensation scored their extra-time winner against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final last weekend to win his eighth trophy at the club.The 32-year-old then kept a clean sheet in Liverpool’s FA Cup fifth-round win over Southampton.Argentina beat the Netherlands on penalties at the 2022 World CupCredit: AP More

KOBBIE MAINOO has been a rare bright spark for Manchester United this season – but he was nearly snatched away by rivals Manchester City.The midfielder joined the Red Devils at the age of six and progressed through the academy at The Cliff.Kobbie Mainoo picked United over City at a young ageCredit: GettyHe broke into the first-team this season and has made 20 appearances this season, scoring twice.Mainoo, 18, has caught the eye with his impressive performances and there is even talk of Gareth Southgate calling up the youngster to the England squad.But his career could have played out very differently if he had made a different choice as a youngster.With Mainoo already training at United, he had the option to switch to City after having sessions at their academy base.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut after around a year playing at both clubs Mainoo picked United because of the freedom he was given in his football, according to The Athletic.The club fostered a culture that allowed players to make mistakes on the ball – an environment that appealed to Mainoo.Mainoo’s ability to play without fear has propelled him into the limelight this season with a number of pundits tipping the wonderkid to get an England call up.Ian Wright pointed to his bravery under pressure as one of the reason why he deserves to be in the next Three Lions squad.Most read in FootballThe youngster has impressed since breaking into the first-teamBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “Kobbie Mainoo has to be in the next England squad.”Such maturity in chaotic conditions that we’ve not seen from a England player in a long time. Impressed every time I watch him.”Gary Lineker labelled Mainoo “remarkable” and claimed he could sneak into the Euro 2024 squad.Roy Keane blasts ‘frightened to death’ Man Utd stars and highlights Harry Maguire as reason why they can’t press More