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      Sir Alex Ferguson’s gift to me on my 18th birthday changed my life forever – I’ll never forget it, says ex-Man Utd ace

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      A FORMER Manchester United star admits an 18th birthday present from Sir Alex Ferguson changed his life forever.The Red Devils icon won 13 Premier League titles during his time as United manager.A former Man Utd star has revealed the 18th birthday present Sir Alex Ferguson gave himCredit: Getty – ContributorAnd he even led the club to a historic Treble in 1999 before cementing his place as arguably the greatest gaffer ever.Fergie loved to splash out on superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.But he took even greater pride in nurturing the incredible talents from United’s academy.The Class of ’92 remains possibly the best group of youth players in history.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd another former prodigy has revealed that a gift on his 18th birthday from Fergie was a life-changing experience.Kieran Richardson, 39, joined United’s academy from West Ham in 2001 when he was just 17 years old.A year later the midfielder was given his first-team debut in a Champions League clash against Olympiacos.Richardson won a Premier League and Carabao Cup during 81 appearances at United.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut his debut against Olympiacos remains his biggest highlight thanks to Fergie’s kindess.At the time, Richards was not yet on a pro contract, having told United he wanted to wait until he had broken into the first team.Moment ex-Man Utd star was given bonus over 100 TIMES his salary after Sir Alex Ferguson’s incredible birthday gestureKieran Richardson was in the money when he made his debut on his birthdayCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe former star now sells luxury watches after retiring in 2017Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzFa2Ax9z8UAs a result, he was pocketing just £180-a-week at Old Trafford while team-mates of a similar age stepped up to the big bucks.However, any player – senior or pro – who featured in the win against Olympiacos was set for a £12,000 bonus.It also happened to be the day of his 18th birthday.And Fergie chucked on Richardson, who retired in 2017, in the dying minutes to ensure he’d get a bumper birthday present.Richardson, who now sells luxury watches, told the Broadtalks podcast: “I never signed a pro contract until late. I went in on £90 a week and the next year I doubled it.“United want to give me a pro contract but I never wanted to sign. Me and my father always thought I don’t want to be a pro until I’m worthy.“I’ll never forget it was my 18th birthday. I was on the bench in the Champions League and Sir Alex knew I hadn’t signed as a pro.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It was extra time and he said ‘Kieran, get on the pitch now, no warming up’, because he knew the bonuses United were getting for winning.“I’m like ‘s**t, get on quick’, and while I’m going past he said ‘happy birthday son’. Bang, £12,000. Sick.”Man Utd ratings vs PortoMAN UTD ended up with a 3-3 draw after throwing away a 2-0 lead away to Porto.Here’s how SunSport’s Dylan Terry rated the Red Devils’ stars performances in PortugalAndre Onana – 6/10Reacted brilliantly the first time he was called into action with a flying save, only for Porto to score the rebound.Porto then scored with their next shot on target too – Omorodion’s header – and Onana could do little about the excellent finish for Porto’s third.Made two great stops to keep Man Utd in the game.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Looked fairly stable in the first 45 minutes but waned as the game went on.All at sea at the start of the second half as Porto cut through the right-hand side of Man Utd’s defence with ease.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Looked imposing in the air as he dealt with Porto’s crosses from both sides, but then failed to get in front of Omorodion for the hosts’ second goal.Like most of the Man Utd side, his performance dropped as the game went on and he was bullied by Porto’s No9.Lisandro Martinez – 4Should have reacted quicker for the first Porto goal as Pepe got ahead of him to nod into an empty net – with Martinez static on the six-yard box.There is clearly not much of a partnership with De Ligt as Porto pulled them apart all evening.Diogo Dalot – 4Porto enjoyed a lot of success down Man Utd’s left-hand side and Dalot looked all at sea on several occasions.Had little help from Martinez but still looked exposed.Casemiro – 3Anonymous yet again in Man Utd’s midfield – the ball just passes him by.Could not even manage one of his customary fouls.Christian Eriksen – 5Looked leggy out of possession but produced an impressive run before laying it off to Hojlund for Man Utd’s second goal.Then failed to make much more of an impact and his delivery from wide areas left a lot to be desired.Bruno Fernandes – 4A damning indictment of Man Utd’s current predicament as Fernandes was shown a red card for a second successive game.Two high boots, two yellow cards, and another early bath for the Portuguese playmaker – who had worked tirelessly prior to his dismissal.Amad Diallo – 5Very quiet aside from one burst through the middle as Rashford received all of the ball over the other side.Replaced by Antony who arguably created even less.Rasmus Hojlund – 7Made his case for starting ahead of Joshua Zirkzee with a goal, firing beyond Costa at the near post.Held it up and then showed his strength and pace to run at Porto before the break – showing little rustiness in his first start of the season.Marcus Rashford – 8Rashford showed his directness for the opening goal, driving at the Porto back line and forcing the error from Costa.A constant threat in the first half as he assisted Hojlund’s strike.But he was then surprisingly hooked at the break, a decision that will need an explanation from Ten Hag.See how the Man Utd subs rated here More

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      Why is Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest not on TV?

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      CHELSEA host Nottingham Forest in a blockbuster match at Stamford Bridge TODAY – but fans won’t be able to watch any of the live action on TV.The Blues are hoping to make it four consecutive Premier League wins having previously dispatched Bournemouth, West Ham and Brighton.Chelsea beat Gent in their midweek Europa Conference League clashCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca’s side haven’t been shy in front of goal either as they put three past the Hammers before scoring four against Brighton.They also hit Barrow with five without reply in the Carabao Cup and four more recently in a Europa Conference League contest with Gent.However, Chelsea’s matchup with Forest is far from a foregone conclusion as Nuno Espirito Santos’ men have already pulled off a huge scalp this season by beating Liverpool at Anfield.But one thing for certain is that the game will NOT be televised, and SunSport can explain why.Read more on ChelseaWhy is Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest not on TV?Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest will not be shown on TV as it hasn’t been selected to be broadcast in the UK.It was originally scheduled for a 3pm kick-off on Saturday so therefore cannot be shown live.The match was subsequently pushed back a day following Chelsea’s progression into the Europa Conference League.Enzo Maresca’s side beat Gent 4-2 in their European opener which meant it would have been too soon for the Blues to play on Saturday.Most read in FootballManchester United’s thrilling match against Aston Villa will be the game shown live on TV instead.What Chelsea games are on TV this month? The international break has reduced the number of Chelsea games broadcast live in October.However, Blues fans will get to see their team on TV again when they travel to Anfield towards the end of the month.Liverpool vs Chelsea – Sunday, October 20 – 4:30pm BST – Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier LeaguePanathinaikos vs Chelsea – Thursday, October 24 – TNT Sports 1Chelsea vs Newcastle – Sunday, October 27 – Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier LeagueNewcastle vs Chelsea – Wednesday, October 30 – Sky Sports+ More

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      Bayern Munich chief takes swipe at former Premier League star ‘like tinnitus’ after stinging attack on Harry Kane

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      BAYERN MUNICH director of sport Max Eberl lambasted Liverpool hero Dietmar Hamann after his stinging criticism of Harry Kane.Hamann, 51, slammed Bayern superstar Kane, 31, after Wednesday’s 1-0 loss at Aston Villa in the Champions League, claiming the England captain is unable to perform in big games.Dietmar Hamann lambasted Bayern Munich star Harry Kane’s performances in big matchesCredit: GettyHamann tore Kane’s performance against Aston Villa to shredsCredit: GettyBayern director of sport Max Eberl slammed Hamann’s criticism of KaneCredit: GettyThe star striker’s performances have come under scrutiny after he failed to score against Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga last week and then at Villa Park.And Hamann claims Kane has yet to justify the blockbuster £104million the Bavarians splashed to sign him from Tottenham last year.The ex-Germany international wrote on his column published by Sky Germany: “Harry Kane had a personally sobering evening in Birmingham – in addition to the defeat.”I said after the European Championship in the summer that he still has to prove that he is worth the 100million – even though he scored over 30 goals last year.Read More on Football”He wasn’t brought in to score a hat-trick against Darmstadt.”He was brought in to score against Leverkusen and Aston Villa and to score in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.”He hasn’t done that yet. I remain sceptical about the star striker.”However, Eberl would have none of it as he lashed out at Hamann shortly after the Champions League loss.Most read in FootballThe Bayern chief went as far as to compare the ex-Manchester City ace to “tinnitus in the ear”.Eberl said: “Didi Hamann is like a tinnitus in the ear. It comes up every three days.”Emi Martinez reveals Unai Emery’s genius pre-match preparation that inspired Aston Villa to win over Bayern MunichKane, though, has been a success at Bayern since his arrival last summer as he notched a staggering total of 44 goals and 12 assists in 45 appearances in his maiden campaign in Germany.And the England international has already registered 10 goals and five assists in just eight appearances across all competitions this season.Harry Kane reveals his favourite England goalsHARRY KANE is already England’s all-time record goalscorer.But the Three Lions skipper will NOT be stopping there.To mark his 100th cap for his country, Kane spoke to SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT about some of his special England goals….FIRST ENGLAND GOAL“My debut v Lithuania. March 2015.”There was a lot of talk in the build-up to that camp because I was playing well for Spurs.“I got a great reception and within a couple of minutes I scored a goal.“I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better.“My friends and family were there. That was a really special night.”FAVOURITE ENGLAND GOAL“It’s between two, for me.“Against Germany, the one at Wembley in Euro 2020.“Also, the header against Tunisia at the World Cup in 2018.“That moment of scoring a last-minute winner at my first World Cup was special.”BEST ENGLAND GOAL“The one I scored in Poland away in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It was from 25 yards.”(Kane picked up the ball from Kyle Walker, advanced towards goal and put his foot through it.)“It kind of drifted away and it was a good strike, probably my furthest-out goal for England.” More

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      Man City player ratings: Mateo Kovacic steps up to fill Rodri-shaped void as Jack Grealish kept quiet by Fulham defence

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      MANCHESTER CITY kept ground on Liverpool with the help of a double from Mateo Kovacic. Former Manchester United man Andreas Pereira opened the scoring at the Etihad. Manchester City celebrate victory over FulhamCredit: EPABut Kovacic’s double and a late Jeremy Doku goal separated the sides despite Rodrigo Muniz’s consolation. Here is how Martin Blackburn rated City’s stars. EDERSON – 8 No chance with the goals but two brilliant saves to deny Traore on one on ones and they proved vital as City hung on for a win. RICO LEWIS – 7 Reverted back to full-back – out-muscled by Traore on one occasion but baled out by his keeper. Looked more the part when he pushed into midfield READ MORE IN footballMANUEL AKANJI – 6 Lost track of Perreira as Fulham took a shock lead. Must have had an injury as he was hooked on the hour and replaced by Walker. Manuel Akanji lost track of Perreira as Fulham took a shock leadCredit: ReutersRUBEN DIAS – 6 Superb block to deny Jiminez as the visitors searched for equaliser. Busier afternoon than he expected as Fulham posed a real threat.  JOSKO GVARDIOL – 7 Low shot saved by Leno in the first half but proved his worth at the other end with brilliant tackles to deny Traore then Jiminez. MATEO KOVACIC – 9 Pep needs people to step forward after Rodri’s injury and the Croatian did it here. Pulled City level via a deflection then fired home a beauty to put them in front.  Most read in FootballMateo Kovacic scored a double for CityCredit: ReutersKovacic was instrumental in ensuring Man City won on Saturday afternoonILKAY GUNDOGAN – 6 Fluffed a couple of first half chances that could have changed the game. Ex-skipper did supply the corner to get his team back in it. BERNARDO SILVA – 6 Off colour in the first half – better after the break and his super lay off for Kovacic’s second goal while he could have had one himself.  PHIL FODEN – 6 First Prem start of a season that has yet to catch fire. Had a hand in the second goal then blazed a shot over the angle but subbed late on. Jack Grealish had a quiet afternoonCredit: ReutersFulham had a significant share of the match and could have stolen a pointJACK GREALISH – 5 Quiet first half apart form a nice cross for Bernardo who missed with his header.  Brighter after the break but could have no complaints at being replaced by Doku on the hour. ERLING HAALAND – 6 Failed to make the most of a series of first half chances – his blistering start to the season Unselfish lay off for Bernardo but the Portuguese could not make the most of it. SubsDOKU for Grealish 61 – What a sensational strike to put City two clear  7WALKER for Akanji 61 – Outpaced for once – by Traore – but rescued by Ederson. 5STONES for Foden 78 – Brought on to tighten things up with the game in the balance 6NUNES for Gundogan -89 – Too late to make much impact. 5Doku helped seal the winCredit: PA More

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      Arsenal player ratings: Bukayo Saka tears Southampton to shreds but team-mate Gabriel Jesus drained of all confidence

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      ARSENAL came from behind to beat Southampton 3-1 in front of a temporarily anxious Emirates crowd.The Saints, who sit 19th, were full of concentration in the first half, and saw themselves go 1-0 up through Cameron Archer.Kai Havertz drew Arsenal level within THREE minutes of Southampton’s openerGabriel Martinelli came from the bench in the 60th minute to put the Gunners in frontBukayo Saka bagged a goal and two assists as he ran rampant down the right hand sideFernandes’ diagonal after robbing Raheem Sterling, on his full Prem debut, set substitute Archer away in the 55th minute.But an immediate reply from Arsenal saw Kai Havertz cancel out Saints’ shock opener with a fantastic finish past Aaron Ramsdale – to score in his seventh home game in a row.Gabriel Martinelli completed the turnaround after no-one was close to tracking his far-post run as Bukayo Saka picked him out with a lovely deep cross to the back post.The visitors hit the post late on, before Saka built on his two assists to make it THREE – to leave Arsenal third and level on points with Manchester City in the Prem.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHere’s how SunSport’s Ivan Speck rated every Arsenal player…David Raya – 6 A spectator for most of the game. Could do anything to keep out Cameron Archer’s curling opener.Cameron Archer put the visitors 1-0 up in the 55th minuteDavid Raya couldn’t keep out Archer’s bullet finishThomas Partey – 6 Swapped his usual defensive midfield role for right-back, though given the one-way traffic, he barely had any defensive duties. But he supported Saka at every opportunity.Most read in FootballWilliam Saliba – 6 Dependable as always when he was needed, which was mostly in the second half. Could have closed down Archer more quickly for the Southampton goal, but not alone in that.After a quiet first half William Saliba was called upon plenty in the second 45Gabriel – 6 Spent more time in the Southampton box trying to get his head on corners than in his own area, especially in the first half.Handled the giant Paul Onuachu well when Southampton threw him on.Antonio Rudiger instantly wins over Arsenal fans as former Chelsea defender pays Gunners stars huge complimentRiccardo Calafiori – 5Given a couple of uncomfortable moments by Tyler Dibling.Did not seem to know which way the St Mary’s youngster was going half the time.Riccardo Calafiori struggled with Tyler Dibling at timesJorginho (c)  – 6 Inches wide with a searing low shot late in the first half. Probed but rarely found an incisive pass through the yellow shirts. Taken off after an hour.Declan Rice – 6 His usual solid self and tried to take on a more creative role with Southampton camped out in front of their own area, but prefers an open game to showcase his box-to-box talents.Raheem Sterling  – 7 A freedom about his play. Happy to take on defenders at pace with his dancing feet.Unlucky not to finish off one dazzling run and even more unfortunate to be taken off after an hour.But was robbed of the ball for the Saints opener.Sterling was pushed off the ball for Southampton’s openerBukayo Saka – 9A game of two halves. Had to cope with being double-teamed every time he picked up the ball in the first half and there was disbelief around the Emirates when he launched one shot high into the stands.The second period was a different story. Tore Southampton to shreds time and again. A brilliant floated cross for Gabriel Martinelli to put Arsenal ahead, then a typically clinical finish for his side’s third.Kai Havertz – 8 Proved his worth again as a scorer of important goals with the crucial equaliser just as nerves were beginning to jangle around the Emirates.Gabriel Jesus – 4Too long in the shadows has drained him of the belief he had when he first arrived at Arsenal as the main man up front.Two tame shots summed up his current ineffectiveness.SubsGabriel Martinelli (Sterling 60) – 8Three weeks ago, his role in the Arsenal side was in question. His form has returned in spades with a second Premier League goal in successive weeks.Gabriel Martinelli put Arsenal in front from the benchLeandro Trossard (Jesus 61) – 7Like Martinelli, welcomed as a hero when he came on. Has become an important player in this Arsenal team. His run led to the third Arsenal goal.Mikel Merino (Jorginho 61) – 6A first Premier League appearance in Arsenal colours. Introduced just as the games was opening up and will benefit from the taster.READ MORE SUN STORIESTakehiro Tomiyasu (Partey 84) – 6Back from injury. Given a run out towards the end to ease him back into first team duties.Jakub Kiwior (Calafiori 90) – 6Introduced late on when the game was won. Not much to do. More

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      Everton vs Newcastle LIVE SCORE: Latest Premier League updates as Toffees host the Toon at Goodison Park

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      EVERTON host Newcastle United hoping to make it a second successive win after their poor start to the season.The Toffees had lost their first four games in a row but have now collected four points in two matches after a 1-1 draw with Leicester and a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace to ease pressure on Sean Dyche.Newcastle, who currently sit seventh, will be hoping to build on last week’s impressive draw with Man City.Kick off time: 5.30pm BSTTV/Stream: Sky Sports Main Event / NowTVEverton XI: Pickford; Garner, Tarkowski, Keane, Young; Doucoure, Mangala; Harrison, McNeil, Ndiaye; Calvert-LewinNewcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Burn, Schar, Hall; Joelinton; Guimaraes, Tonali; Murphy, Gordon, BarnesFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below… More

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      Leicester vs Bournemouth LIVE SCORE: Buonanotte fires Foxes to their first win of the season

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      LEICESTER host Bournemouth in a huge Premier League clash at the King Power this afternoon.The Foxes are still searching for their first win of the season, while the Cherries go into the match after a 3-1 win over fierce rivals Southampton.Kick off time: 3pm BSTTV/Stream: Not available in the UK due to the 3pm blackoutFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below… More

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      Leicester 1 Bournemouth 0: Foxes secure first win of Premier League season to pull clear of relegation zone

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      LEICESTER won their first Premier League game of the season after their return from the Championship.The Foxes were relegated two years ago but came back to the top flight immediately under former boss Enzo Maresca.Leicester won their first Premier League match of the seasonCredit: GettyFacundo Buonanotte scored Leicester’s winner against BournemouthCredit: GettyThe 2016 Premier League champions struggled to hit the ground running under new manager Steve Cooper as they lost three of their first six league matches heading to Saturday’s encounter.However, Leicester finally broke their duck this term with a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth at the King Power Stadium.And it was Facundo Buonanotte who netted the winner for the hosts after just 16 minutes.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More