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    Meet Arsenal and Tottenham’s stunning Wags, as the Premier League giants go head-to-head in the North London derby

    IT’S a North London derby with everything to play for.Arsenal make the short trip to local rivals Tottenham on Sunday – knowing a victory will maintain their title charge.Vlada Zinchenko will be watching all the action in the North London derbyJournalist Vlada is a regular at the Emirates – cheering Oleksandr onBut Spurs have high aspirations themselves – and are still in the hunt for a Champions League top four finish.Watching all the action unfold will be the players’ wives and girlfriends.From a Ukrainian TV presenter who questioned Pep Guardiola’s tactics to a mum who bravely addressed her post-pregnancy stretch marks after having twins, here’s North London’s finest Wags.Vlada ZinchenkoStunning Vlada, 27,  is a sports TV presenter and journalist who has worked in the Ukraine for their Premier League coverage.Read more football newsBack in 2020, she earned notoriety after criticising Pep Guardiola’s tactics following a shock Champions League elimination to Lyon.But since her husband Oleksandr Zinchenko swapped City for Arsenal, she’s not had any complaints about Mikel Arteta.And she has been seen in the stands wearing the jersey – matched with a red mini skirt.Kennedy AlexaStunner Kennedy lived in Los Angeles before she was swept off her feet by Tottenham’s James Maddison.Most read in FootballThey have since had three children together – Leo Cruz in 2021, and twins Rome and Delilah.The model was then championed on social media by mums for showing off her stretch marks from her last pregnancy, admitting they were tough to embrace but how proud she was to give birth to three healthy children.Fans say Martin Odegaard ‘winning on and off the pitch’ as stunning Wag dances in stands as Arsenal batter ChelseaKennedy has since returned to fashion photoshoots and is more in demand than ever. Brave Kennedy Alexa revealed her stretch marks after having twinsCredit: InstagramSpurs playmaker James Maddison poses with missus KennedyCredit: InstagramMilly WhiteMilly and Ben White have enjoyed a whirlwind romance.The Gunners right-back got together with the Instagram model in 2022.White wasted very little time before popping the question on a luxury holidayThe happy couple shared pictures of their engagement, including one of their matching ‘I love you’ wrist tattoos.Then, in May 2023 the pair said their ‘I do’s’ at a private ceremony at the Old Marylebone Town Hall in London.Milly and Ben White have enjoyed a whirlwind romance since meeting in 2022Credit: Instagram @milly_adamsThe pair got married at the Old Marylebone Town Hall in London a year after meetingEldina AhmicBosnian beauty Eldina began dating Dejan Kulusevski in 2020, when the Spurs ace played for Serie A giants Parma.Football must have been a hot topic for the pair, because at the time she played for Swedish side, IF Brommapojkarna.Back in December, Kulusevksi scored in the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest and dedicated the goal to his wife and future child.Stuffing the ball underneath his jersey, he then proceeded to make the heart sign with his hands.Eldina Ahmic played professional football in SwedenCredit: Instagram @eldinaahmicEldina began dating Dejan Kulusevski in 2020, when he played for Serie A giants ParmaCredit: Instagram @dejan.k10Claudia KiwiorStunning blonde Claudia is the flamboyant twerking wife of Arsenal’s Polish defender Jakub Kiwior.She goes under the stage name Redheaded and has her own clothing label aimed at dancers.Kowalczyk is a competitive twerker –  and won the Queen of Twerking Competition in Germany in 2017, and was a semi-finalist in the European Twerk Champions in 2018.She is a regular in the stands at the Emirates – cheering her beau on.Claudia Kiwior is a professional twerker – winning competitions around Europe for her dancingThe glam dancer goes under the moniker Claudia RedheadCredit: Instagram / @claudia.redheaded_babeJakub Kiwior and Claudia cut a fashionable pair togetherCredit: Instagram / @claudia.redheaded_babeEstela BragaThe Brazilian beauty is married to Spurs left-back Emerson Royal.They met in 2020 and are now madly in love, with the Spurs star occasionally posting sweet messages to her on social media.Estela has been seen at Spurs games showing her support for Royal and the club.Earlier this season, she welcomed their son the day after Royal was in action against Sheffield United.Estela Braga is a stunning Brazilian beauty cheering on SpursCredit: Instagram @bragaestelaEmerson Royal and Estela have settled into London life wellCredit: Instagram @bragaestelaSophia WeberGerman beauty Sophia has been with Arsenal’s in-form Kai Havertz since they were lovestruck teenagers.She joined Instagram at the end of 2020 and already boasts over 390,000 followers.In recent months, she has become close to Martin Odegaard’s partner (more on her later) and they go to games together.She also loves to travel and took in a break to Paris recently.Sophia Weber cheered on her man at the 2022 World Cup in QatarCredit: GettyKai Havertz and Sophie are childhood sweetheartsJosephine HojbjergLove is still in the air for Josephine and Pierre Hojbjerg.The lovebirds are so enamoured with each other, they married twice.They first walked down the aisle in 2019 at Copenhagen City Hall in a ceremony that was so low-key even Hojbjerg’s mother was not invited.But in 2021, the occasion in Osterbro was much more lavish. It was attended by family and friends, including Leicester City defender Jannick Vestergaard.Josephine Hojbjerg is so loved up with her Spurs footballer husbandCredit: Instagram @josephinesiwJosephine and Pierre Hojbjerg enjoyed two weddings in 2019 and 2021Credit: Instagram @josephinesiwHelene SpillingHelene began dating Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard during the 2022-2023 campaign.She is a dancer who has featured on ‘Skal vi Danse’, Norway’s version of Strictly Come Dancing.She went on to win the competition in 2021.READ MORE SUN STORIESHelene has over 145,000 followers on Instagram, where she posts updates on her dancing and pictures of herself enjoying the good life life.They recently added a puppy to their home, needless to say it’s probably a Gooner.Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard and Helene Spilling began dating last seasonCredit: Instagram / @odegaard.98Gorgeous Helene is a dancer who appeared on Norway’s version of Strictly Come DancingCredit: Instagram / @odegaard.98 More

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    Man Utd best XI of academy graduates would walk the Premier League and boasts two Ballon d’Or winners

    MANCHESTER UNITED reached the historic milestone of handing 250 academy graduates their debuts last night.With his late introduction in the 4-2 win over Sheffield United, Ethan Wheatley landed the honour of being the club’s 250th homegrown player.Ethan Wheatley became the 250th Man Utd academy graduate to make the first team when he came on against Sheffield UnitedCredit: GettyThe club has a rich history of bringing through talentCredit: GettySome 117 of these debuts have come at Old Trafford, with Wheatley’s bow being the 35th in the Premier League era.The club’s two greatest managers, Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson, built dynasties off the back of the Red Devils academy.Busby famously said “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough”, while Ferguson said: “Giving young people an opportunity is a fantastic thing and they very seldom let you down.”These lads never let me down when they put that jersey on.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDSince 1937, every single Man Utd matchday squad has featured an academy graduate.The Class of 92 and Busby Babes are the most famous generations of recruits, but across the club’s illustrious history there have been some real titans of football emerging from the youth ranks.Below we take a look at the best XI of academy players to play for the club… and some of the massive names who didn’t quite make the grade.GK – David GaskellDavid Gaskell won two league titles with Man UtdCredit: Rex FeaturesDavid Gaskell, 83, stood in goal for Man Utd over a 13-year career, making 113 appearances for the club and becoming the the youngest-ever player when he made his debut in 1956.Most read in FootballGaskell played largely as a deputy to the likes of Alex Stepney under Busby but won a Community Shield and FA Cup before retrospectively being awarded medals for the 1965 and 1967 Division One titles. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRB – Gary NevilleGary Neville was one of the club’s famous Class of 92Credit: PA:Empics SportOne-club man Gary Neville was of the Class of 92 and was a stalwart at right-back for almost two decades at Old Trafford, making more than 602 appearances.With a CV including 12 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues and four FA Cups among other accolades, it’s little surprise he has found talking about the game on Sky Sports so easy.Inside Sir Alex Ferguson’s Biggest Bust-UpsCB – Duncan EdwardsDuncan Edwards looked set to become an all-time great before his death in the Munich air disasterCredit: PA:Press AssociationDescribed by Busby as “the most complete player I’ve ever seen,” Duncan Edwards looked destined to become one of the all-time great defenders for both club and country.But the Munich Air Disaster of 1958 robbed Edwards, who had made 151 league appearances for United and won 18 England caps by the age of just 21, of forging a legacy like no other.CB – Bill FoulkesBill Foulkes, left, survived the Munich Air Disaster and went on to star for 17 years at Man UtdCredit: PA:Press AssociationLike Edwards, Bill Foulkes is a name synonymous with the club’s tragic past. He was one of the lucky few to survive Munich and went on to define the club’s resolve and determination to be the best in Europe.Foulkes starred at the club for 17 years and played in 688 matches, scoring only nine goals – though one of those put Man Utd into the 1968 European Cup final. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 81.LB – Phil NevillePhil Neville won six Premier League titles with Man UtdCredit: GettyThe younger of the Neville brothers, Phil made 383 appearances for United. He won six Premier League titles and was a key part of the Treble-winning team of 1999.Neville swapped Old Trafford for Goodison Park in 2005, where he developed into a central midfielder and made more than 300 appearances. CM – Nobby StilesNobby Stiles was a 1966 World Cup winner and 1968 European Cup winnerCredit: PAMaking his debut in 1960, Nobby Stiles went on to make 395 appearances for the Red Devils as a key part of Busby’s engine room.Stiles, who could also play centre-back, won two Division One titles, the European Cup in 1968 and was a member of England and Sir Alf Ramsey’s 1966 World Cup winning team. He died in 2020 aged 78.CM – Paul ScholesPaul Scholes was one of the best passers the Premier League has seenCredit: Getty – ContributorAnother graduate from the Class of 92, Paul Scholes made 718 appearances for the club up to his full retirement in 2013, scoring 155 goals and winning 11 league titles, two Champions Leagues and four FA Cups.The 49-year-old’s quality can perhaps best be summarised by Ballon d’Or winner Zinedine Zidane, who said: “One of my regrets is the opportunity to play alongside him never presented itself during my career.”CM – Bobby CharltonBallon d’Or winner Sir Bobby Charlton is the club’s all-time leading academy goalscorerCredit: GettyThe first Ballon d’Or winner on this list was another member of the Busby Babes. Over a 15-year career at United, Charlton scored 249 goals.There is no higher praise from a club than to name a stand after you, and with the “Sir Bobby Charlton stand” opening in 2016, the 1966 Ballon d’Or and World Cup winner achieved that goal. He died aged 86 in October 2023.RM – George BestGeorge Best was football’s first rock-and-roll superstarCredit: PA:Empics SportThe second Ballon d’Or winner on the list, George Best was arguably football’s first true superstar and defined the rock-and-roll lifestyle.When he was found by Man Utd scout Bob Bishop, he wrote to Busby saying: “I think I’ve found you a genius.”He wasn’t wrong, and the Belfast Boy landed Busby two English titles, the European Cup and the FA Cup. He died in 2005.LM – Ryan GiggsRyan Giggs is the Premier League’s all-time assist leaderCredit: Getty Images – GettyAnother of the Class of 92, Ryan Giggs’ trophy cabinet in English football is second to none, with his longevity in moving from an exciting winger to cultured midfielder showing his quality.He is miles clear in the all-time Premier League assists with 162. He also leads the charts for trophies won, with 13 titles to his name. In all he played 961 games for the Red Devils.ST – Mark HughesMark Hughes, left, was the ace that led Man Utd to the first two Premier League titlesCredit: Getty – ContributorMark Hughes graduated from the club’s academy but did not earn his status as a club legend until he had returned to Manchester from spells with Barcelona and Bayern Munich.Hughes played 435 times for United and scored 151 goals to help the Red Devils land their first two Premier League titles, as well as three FA Cups, the European Cup Winners’ Cup and the Uefa Supercup.Man Utd’s best academy graduates on paperA number of big names missed out on places in our xi, but that is not to diminish their standing as Man Utd greats.Two members of the Class of 92, David Beckham and Nicky Butt, who a raft of trophies with the club.There were also steady stars from the mid 2000s such as John O’Shea, Wes Brown and Darren Fletcher, not to mention the likes of Gerard Pique who went on to be a dominant defender for Barcelona.Arthur Albiston only narrowly missed out on a spot at left-back, but we opted to for Neville’s trophy record despite Albiston’s years of faithful service to the Red Devils badge in the 1970s and 1980s.The likes of Sammy McIlroy and Norman Whiteside are other stars from the 1980s who do not get the recognition they deserve due to Man Utd’s relative struggles in the period.Then there are the modern ballers of Man Utd’s academy. World Cup winner Paul Pogba could not restore Man Utd to it’s glory days after returning to the club in a club-record £89million transfer deal, though his talent was undeniable.Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford is the face of the club’s academy today.READ MORE SUN STORIESA poor season for him has hindered peoples impression of him, but not many players can boast 399 games and 131 goals for the club at the age of 26.Stars such as Kobbie Mainoo are billed as the club’s next generation who fans hope will lead them back to the top of the game. More

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    Meet Jude Bellingham’s stunning girlfriend Laura Celia Valk, who is a Dutch fashion model with a love for Chanel

    JUDE BELLINGHAM is football’s hottest property and has amassed a huge female following.His incredible success at Real Madrid in his first season has put him in squarely the reckoning for the Ballon d’Or.Beautiful Laura Celia Valk is Jude Bellingham’s new girlfriendStunning Laura is a model who has charmed the Three Lions starLaura, 25, lives in Amsterdam – but has been visiting Jude at his Madrid homeWhile off the pitch, the Three Lions star, 20, is becoming one of the game’s most fashionable icons.The Sun exclusively revealed on Wednesday that the Brummie sensation is now dating stunning Dutch fashion model Laura Celia Valk, 25.As we revealed, the £113million midfielder has invited the blonde bombshell to his Spanish home on a series of dates.A source told The Sun: “Laura was quite loose in telling all the make-up artists about seeing him during her latest job.Read more Jude Bellingham news”Practically everyone on set knew about it by the end of the day.”She’s been staying at his place in Madrid over the past few weekends and is completely smitten.”The pair follow each other on Instagram, and she recently shared a number of photos on a dinner date at the Madrid EDITION hotel alongside a mystery companion.But, who is the beauty who has stolen Jude’s heart?Most read in FootballInfluencing thingsLaura is an influencer who works with a host of brands on social media.Jude Bellingham interview after winning Laureus Sports Breakthrough of the Year awardFrom underwear modelling with Lounge or Gooseberry Intimates to showing off Pretty Little Thing’s latest wear, she regularly collaborates with fashion houses around the glove.She is also the owner of her own social media consultancy agency and studied creative business at the Amsterdam University of Applied Science.She is a hot commodity thanks to her huge following on social media.Laura boasts 350,000 followers on Instagram, while her TikTok page has 310,000 fans and over six million likes.Many will be entranced by her amazing lifestyle.She regularly travels the world, with trips to Paris, St Tropez and Italy documented online.Wherever she is, Laura makes sure to drop into Chanel – her favourite designer.She owns several handbags by the iconic French designer, and shared a snap in front of the flagship store in Paris back in March.Glam Laura lives a lavish lifestyle and travels the worldLaura’s Instagram page features many collaborations with lingerie designersLaura’s favourite designer is Chanel – and she recently visited the flagship store in ParisPretty Little Thing invited Laura for a collaboration to show off their new rangeSavvy Laura also owns her own social media consultancy agencyOn Instagram Laura boasts over 350,000 followers, while her posts on TikTok have scored six million likesFoodieFashion, relaxing on the beach and enjoying the plush surroundings of a five-star hotel are important to Laura.And she is also quite the foodie too.On Instagram, the stunner shows off the many dishes she eats.Her favourite meal appears to be pizza, with several snaps showing chomping on a slice.While she also has a fondness for desserts, with strawberries her go-to.READ MORE SUN STORIESA girl of sophistication, she also loves coffee – regularly sharing photos all dressed up clutching a cup.You imagine it won’t be long before we saw her tucking into the prawn sandwiches at the Bernabeu.Laura is a total foodie and often shows off what she eats on social mediaPizza is seemingly Laura’s favourite, tucking into a slice in her undies in this snapNot just a pretty face, Laura studied creative business at the Amsterdam University of Applied ScienceFashionable Laura shows off her favourite leather Chanel handbagBellingham is said to be smitten with Laura’s charmsExpect Laura to be a welcome guest at the Bernabeu cheering Jude on soon More

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    I scored the fastest goal in World Cup history but was exiled for being a traitor, now I drive for Uber

    MENTION Hakan Sukur to Turkish football fans and their faces will light up.Revered for his goals and brilliance, he scored 295 times across three spells with Galatasaray.Turkish football legend Hakan Sukur lives in exile in CaliforniaSukur was forced to give up his life in his homeland after he was charged with being a member of a terrorist groupCentre forward Sukur celebrates scoring the fastest ever World Cup goal in 2002Credit: AP:Associated PressBetter still, he plundered 51 goals for the national team – so think Turkey’s answer to Gary Lineker.Hakan also held the accolade for netting the fastest ever goal in a World Cup finals – when he scored against South Korea in 2002 after just 11 seconds.However, despite the adulation in his homeland, if he was to step foot in his own country it’s likely he would would be sent to prison, or worse, face the death penalty.The former footballer now lives in exile in California in the wealthy area of Palo Alto, on the outskirts of San Francisco.Read more football newsBut don’t be fooled into thinking he works for one of those tech giants in Silicon Valley.For Hakan now makes ends meet as an Uber driver, as well as a football coach.He formerly ran a bakery in the area, but was forced to close it down after his identity became an issue.Serving coffee and cake”I moved to the United States, initially running a cafe in California, but strange people kept coming into the bar,” the 52-year-old told German outlet, Welt am Sonntag.Most read in Football”Now I drive for Uber and I sell books.Fenerbahce WALK OFF pitch after two minutes and forefeit Turkish Super Cup final with bitter rivals Galatasaray”Nobody seems able to explain what my role in this coup was supposed to be.”I never did anything illegal, I am not a traitor or a terrorist.”He used to run a popular bakery called Tuts, where the house specials were dishes like Turkish sausage and eggs, and Greek-style pancakes.It received rave reviews on rating website Yelp, with comments such as: “Oh my gosh. This is the best place in the Bay Area to eat delicious food with your friends.”The staff is so kind and friendly.”But none of the customers mentioned that one of the men behind the cafe is the Turkish legend.In the 1990s, Hakan was one of the most prolific marksman in European football.Despite Ill-fated spells overseas in Italy with Torino, Inter Milan, Parma, and in the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers, it was at Galatasaray where the goals continued to flow.In 2008, Hakan hung up his boots for a different life.Sukur parked outside his former bakery, TutsCredit: Getty – ContributorTuts Bakery and Cafe in the Bay Area was a big hitHowever, Sukur quit the catering world because he felt he was being spied onCredit: Instagram @tutsbakeryPolitical careerIn 2011, he was elected as an Istanbul MP for the Justice Development Party, a conservative political group that has ruled over Turkey since 2002.The Bull of the Bosphorus was making strides and friends in government.He aligned himself with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as well as maintained a friendship with cleric Fethullah Gulen.In 2013 an alliance between Erdogan and Gulen, who was keen for Turkey to become an Islamic state, was destroyed when a government corruption scandal erupted.Erdogan blamed Gulen for the disruption, and given Hakan was seen as a disciple of the Gulen movement, it all started to go wrong.That same year, the government closed all schools run by Gulenists and Hakan resigned from the governing party in protest to run as an independent.Shortly after, Hakan gave a university speech where he told an audience of bemused students: “I am Albanian, as such I am not a Turk.”Given the political climate in a country that was aiming to regain its national identity, those comments weren’t well-received.Galatasaray legend Sukur scored 295 goals for the Turkish giantsCredit: Getty – ContributorAfter he hung up his boots, Sukur turned to politics and became an MPCredit: Getty Images – GettyIn 2016, Hakan was charged with insulting President Erdogan on Twitter.That summer, a trial began in absentia. Hakan claimed it wasn’t his intention to insult Erdogan, but prosecutors disagreed.Gulen coupIn July that year, hell broke loose when a coup, organised by Gulen with the aid of a small fraction of the Turkish Armed Forces, attempted to overthrow Erdogan.The coup was defeated, but more than 300 people had lost their lives, 120,000 people lost their jobs and 50,000 were arrested.Anyone who had Gulen links was deemed a terrorist and labelled a member of FETO (Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organisation).A warrant was issued for Hakan’s arrest and he was charged with being a member of an armed terrorist group.The charges carry a hefty jail sentence or the death penalty.Sukur was charged with being a member of an armed terrorist group and threatened with the death penaltyCredit: instagram @hakansukur9Sukur fled Turkey and moved to the US with wife BeydaCredit: instagram @hakansukur9Hakan was given the opportunity to renounce his beliefs and love for the Gulen movement, but passed on the chance.His father Selmet wasn’t so lucky. The authorities arrested him at a mosque in Adapazar and he was charged with financial coup support.Somehow, Hakan managed to flee to America, but it was reported his father passed away in prison after battling cancer.Fled to the USAHakan moved to California, where he built a new life for himself.He had everything taken from him in Turkey, including his businesses, his houses and bank accounts, as well as his nationality.The ex-pro now lives in exile, unable to return home.Sadly, Hakan’s name is so sullied in Turkey that when a commentator working for state-ran broadcaster TRT at the 2022 World Cup mentioned him during a game they were sacked at half-time.READ MORE SUN STORIESTo make ends meet, Sukur drives for Uber and is a football coach in the USCredit: instagram @hakansukur9Sukur hasn’t given up on his country just yet and hopes to return one dayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    However, he does hold hope for the future of a return to his country.”It’s my country. I love my people, even though their ideas about me are distorted by controlled media,” he told the New York Times back in 2018. More

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    Diogo Dalot has gone under radar as Man Utd’s player of the year and is living up to Cristiano Ronaldo’s expectations

    DIOGO DALOT has been a rare point of stability amid a turbulent season for Manchester United.The 25-year-old has stood out as a soild performer at right-back this season, with a string of consistent displays.Diogo Dalot put in another solid display for Man Utd against CoventryCredit: GettyHe has been one of the club’s most consistent players this seasonCredit: GettyOn a relatively humble £85,000-a-week wages, Dalot is far from the most glamorous player in team. Yet what he offers is certainly worth the price.He shifts between being an anchor point in build up play by moving into midfield to offer a passing option and then providing an option out wide with an overlapping run.His durability has also been a key factor for Erik ten Hag this season, with just two Premier League games missed – one for being an unused sub and the other being down to suspension.Only Bruno Fernandes can boast more league minutes than Dalot among outfielders at the club, while he has started 41 of his 43 games in all competitions.READ MORE ON MAN UTDFans have now highlighted Dalot’s efforts after another reliable display amid a shocking collapse against Coventry in the FA Cup semi-final.An assist for Scott McTominay’s opener and a crucial block at the far post to prevent a first-half equaliser for Coventry saw one fan label him: “One of the players of the season.”He was also the star in earlier rounds, being the pick of the bunch when Man Utd beat Newport 4-2 in the FA Cup fourth round.While some players have blown hot and cold throughout the season, looking at Dalot’s league numbers it is hard to disagree with the “Mr consistent” tag.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDalot ranks fifth among defenders in the Premier League for tackles won. He is also sixth overall for tackles in the defensive third and for tackles against dribblers, even if his success rate (68.3 per cent) is not as high as team-mate Aaron Wan-Bissaka (72.7 per cent)The Portuguese defender also has 91 clearances, 35 interceptions and 41 blocks made this season, all while having no errors made. Diogo Dalot shows his skills in football tennis in Man Utd trainingGoing forwards, Dalot has also proven to be a valuable asset.He has managed 100 progressive passes (bettered only by Fernandes), 16 completed crosses into the penalty area (sixth highest among PL defenders) and a total pass completion percentage of 80.6 per cent.It is not just his performances and numbers which separate him from his peers, but also his mentality.Bruno Fernandes should be embarrassed by this… United fans were, says Neil CustisBy Neil Custis
    BRUNO FERNANDES ended the FA Cup semi-final a man bemused as to what he had been a part of.
    No doubt knowing it would be he would have to try and explain it all again.
    Rarely have a team slunk away from this stadium with a feeling of embarrassment having just reach an FA Cup Final.
    The next time Fernandes turns up at the home of football he wants to be heading up those metal steps and picking up silverware.
    Nothing less will do for the captain of Manchester United.
    But he knows they have not got a hope of gaining revenge on this cross town rivals Manchester City if this is what they are going to deliver.
    This was an embarrassment, plain and simple, for Ten Hag, for Fernandes, for every player in red.
    After the skipper finished his TV interview he turned around to the end that had housed the United fans to clap them in thanks.
    There was barely anyone left.
    Read Neil Custis’ opinion in full here.
    Or click here to read all of Neil’s article.

    Moments before kick-off in the FA Cup semi-final Dalot was seen hyping up Red Devils wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo.Following a win over Aston Villa in February, Ten Hag highlighted Dalot as a “fantastic player who is developing well”.He added: “He can play in so many positions and he is improving on crosses. He can score and his defending is improving so I am very pleased with him.”Dalot has been a consistent performer throughout the season for Man UtdDalot has also earned the praise of Man Utd legend Gary Neville, who made the right-back position his own with two decades of consistent displays for the club, and suggested he may be the long term player for the position.In February he said: “Dalot is someone that people say about [when they discuss] the right-back for the future for Manchester United. They might have the right-back for the future there. “There is a lot there: he’s six foot; he’s strong, he’s powerful, he’s good on the ball, he’s not a bad defender. I think he defends his back post really well. He opens up his shoulders.”I think if he can start playing in a really confident back four and a settled back four [then he could be the right-back for the future]…”It’s (the back four) always changing, and he’s never really got a constant presence outside him on that right-hand side. I had that for years, where I could build a relationship.”It’s an assessment likely backed by Cristiano Ronaldo, with Dalot being one of the few players to earn praise from him in his interview slamming the club before his unceremonious exit.Dalot has become an all rounder at right-back for the Red DevilsHe proved a valuable asset down the right wing as Man Utd beat Coventry in the FA Cup semi-finalAsked which players he admired at the time, he said: “In Manchester United I can mention Dalot.”He’s young, but very professional but I don’t doubt that he’s going to have longevity in football because he’s young, he’s smart, intelligent and he’s very professional. “Probably [Lisandro] Martinez, Casemiro is in his 30s, but I will say Dalot.”Dalot is tied down until 2028 after signing his latest Man Utd contract last summer.The ex-Porto star made his Red Devils debut under Jose Mourinho back in 2018.After a 2019 match in the Champions League, Mourinho declared Dalot can be a player who “has more than ten years to play for Manchester United”.READ MORE SUN STORIESSix years into his Man Utd career, Dalot has played 150 times for the club and gone from strength to strength, and still has his best years ahead of him.While all the talk for Man Utd’s Player of the Season is about the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Mainoo, Dalot certainly deserves to be in the conversation.Cristiano Ronaldo named Dalot as one of the few ‘professional’ players at the clubCredit: ReutersGary Neville said Dalot may be the ‘long term’ solution for Man Utd at right backCredit: Getty More

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    How Liverpool would play under Ruben Amorim next season and three key changes the Sporting Lisbon manager will make

    SPORTING Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim is one of the most highly-rated young coaches in football today.  The former Portuguese international midfielder has, to this point, shown patience and self-belief in terms of building his career and making choices in terms of when to move clubs to give himself a greater platform. Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim is favourite to replace Jurgen KloppCredit: GettyRuben Amorim’s Sporting Lisbon are dominant in PortugalNo wonder he is now the outright favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool when the German leaves the club at the end of the season.Now that Xabi Alonso has revealed he will be staying at Bayer Leverkusen for at least one more season, it seems Amorim is Klopp’s heir apparent.Liverpool are known to use a data-generated model to rate and evaluate coaches from around the world.And Amorim is one of the top names on that model, along with Alonso, Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton and the current Bologna coach Thiago Motta.read more on footballAmorim has always shown real personality in terms of believing in himself and believing in his model of play. He has shown a clear history of being willing to back himself in terms of stepping up levels as he moves clubs but his style of play has remained largely consistent.Which means we have a good idea of what Amorim’s style of play and game model would mean for Liverpool next season if he lands the big job.Three at the back and building the attackOne of the biggest things changes Amorim would make at Liverpool will be that he favours a three-at-the-back system with three central defenders. Most read in FootballRuben Amorim is likely to stick to his tried and tested formula if he moves to AnfieldCredit: GettyRuben Amorim favours a 3-4-3 system at Sporting LisbonHow Amorim could play with Liverpool’s existing squadHe is likely to do the same at Liverpool and introduce the 3-4-3 that we have seen Amorin use almost exclusively at Sporting Lisbon.This does not mean in any way, however, that the Portuguese coach is defensive minded and the three central defenders for Liverpool would be expected to be brave and comfortable on the ball when looking to play out from the back.There are actually similarities in the way that Amorim likes his team to build with the way that we see Brighton build their attack under Roberto De Zerbi. The central defenders, and goalkeeper, at Sporting Lisbon almost pause at times in possession to force the opposition to come and press the ball.Three reasons why Phil Foden is world-classTwo wide centre backs for Sporting split and sit deep while the central of the three will step forward, almost like a midfielder to give more options to play through the press.The positive news in this regard for Liverpool fans is that they already have the makings of an interesting back three in the current squad. Virgil van Dijk is now 32 but his game intelligence and dominance would translate extremely well to playing as the central defender in a back three system. Equally, Ibrahima Konate has all of the traits needed to be an absolutely dominant player on the right of the back three system. They also have the youngster Jarrel Quansah who has broken through this season and who is showing promise. With that said, however, we would expect this to be an area where Amorim would want the squad to be strengthened in order to provide more depth and balance .The Reds have already been linked with taking the likes of Goncalo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande from Sporting Lisbon. Both would represent sensible targets for Liverpool if they do appoint Amorim given that they already understand the system of play that Amorim favours.Centre half Ousmane Diomande often sees more possession than any other playerThe goalkeeper passes to Coates who then immediately pings it wider to Inacio. The ball then comes out to the left-sided wingback and Sporting are outIf Liverpool fans want to understand the coaching ability of Amorim then they have to look now further than the performances of the Uruguayan international central defender Sebastian Coates at centre back this season. Coates is, of course, a former Liverpool player and his emergence as a dominant and comfortable ball-playing defender will surprise fans of Liverpool who remember his disappointed spell at Anfield.Changing from a three man midfield to a twoIf Ruben Amorim does become the new Liverpool coach after this season then we will also see a change to the midfield unit at the club. Under Jurgen Klopp we have seen Liverpool consistently use a three-man midfield with one sitting No6 and then two midfielders who have more licence to push forward and play as No8’s in the opposition half of the pitch. Under Amorim we see Sporting Lisbon use a double pivot in the midfield with two players who are expected to be able to play either as the No6 or as the No8 from that position.For the most part this season we have seen Amorim favour the use of the Japanese international Hidemasa Morita and the Danish star Morten Hjulmand in these positions. Both players are comfortable when asked to play as the deepest of the two midfielders and both have the ability to sit and dictate the tempo or look to defend and break down opposition attacks. Both are also, however, capable of pushing forward and contributing to the play in the final third.Hjulmand plays as the deeper midfielder and hits a longer pass to access space. Trincao and Pedro Goncalves stay narrow with Morita pushing into space between them.The change to the midfield should Amorim take charge at Liverpool could well be bigger than the changes to the defensive line. Liverpool have been so used to having a No6 sitting in front of the midfield and the change to having two players who essentially take turns doing this would be an adjustment. The other question, of course, is which players Amorim would use in these roles from the current Liverpool squad.Both Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are capable of performing these roles from the current squad although the former is more comfortable in deeper areas than the latter. It would likely mean a reduced role though for the Japanese international midfielder Wataru Endo. It would also be interesting to see whether Amorim wanted to use Trent Alexander-Arnold in a central role.The England star’s passing range and ability on the ball would be interesting in the model of play that Amorim favours.This time Morita sits deeper in front of the defensive line and Hjulmand pushes up and splits the two attacking midfieldersLiverpool have options within their squad in terms of finding players to suit the midfield structure that is favoured by Amorim. Those players would, however, have to adjust to new roles within the squad.But according to Portuguese news outlet Jornal Noticias, Amorim is keen to bring some of his key players with him to Merseyside.The top targets are Goncalo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande, who could help bolster the Reds’ heavily injury-ridden defence.It is also said that Amorim wants to bring Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand – who has been linked with a move to Tottenham – to Liverpool.Inacio and Diomande have formed a sensational centre-back partnership, having lost just two games in the league this season.Amorim is reportedly keen to have them both involved at Anfield alongside captain Van Dijk.Narrow wide attackersWhen Klopp led Liverpool to win the Premier League in 2020, one of the main features was the way that his wide attackers came inside and attacked centrally. The attack of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah in the wide areas and Roberto Firmino centrally worked perfectly.The Brazilian international Firmino wanted to come deep to link with the midfield and the other two wanted to make diagonal movements from wide to attack in the channels or central areas.The front three of Sporting under Amorim works slightly differently.The central striker – the highly-rated Viktor Gyokeres for the most part – stays central and pushes the opposition central defenders deep.And the two attacking midfielders play more centrally or in the channels, almost acting like No10’s as opposed to playing as traditional wingers. As Sporting attack into the final third the movement of these two attacking midfielders is key as they drift deep or into space to create areas in which they can receive the ball.Trincao comes deep to get on the ball and then play the ball wide to combine with the right wingback. He then makes a quick forward run.At the moment Liverpool are playing with their wide attackers in more traditional wide positions as they build the attack. Mohamed Salah, on the right, and Luis Diaz, on the left, play as traditional wingers in the areas that they receive the ball – although they do still make movement from outside to in when in possession. This would change under Amorim and while we know that Salah would be comfortable receiving and playing in these pockets would the same be true of Luis Diaz? The new role for the wide attacking midfielders would require some adjustment for the Colombian international.Liverpool do also have the likes of Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo in their squad, however, and these players would be comfortable playing as the narrow attacking midfielders and receiving in pockets of space in more central areas. Liverpool also have a striker in Darwin Nunez who would play the No9 role perfectly under a coach like Amorim.Marcus Edwards is the right-sided attacking midfielder but he comes back towards the ball in the channel to receive a pass that moves the ball quickly into attacking positions.The change to a more narrow role for the wide or attacking midfielders under Amorim would be an adjustment.Given the fact that Salah’s contract is expiring relatively soon could we see Liverpool decide to cash in on the Egyptian forward? ConclusionYou cannot help but be impressed when you watch a side coached by Ruben Amorim play. READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim may decide to bring with him some stars from Sporting LisbonThere is a clear plan in everything that he wants his team to do and his players are well coached and put into roles that they are comfortable in. If the Portuguese coach is the man chosen to replace Klopp at Liverpool then the Premier League could well be gaining another great young coach. 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    The sky-high cost of an F1 car, from the £15million engine to a £2million hybrid system and £500,000 gearbox

    TO own a F1 team, you have to be minted.So, it’s no surprise teams like Mercedes-AMG Petronas, Ferrari, Red Bull and more are owned by billionaires.Inside the amazing cost of an F1 carBuilding a F1 car is an expensive task costing millionsCredit: PAAn engine can cost as much as £15mCredit: GettyThe power unit is the most important part of the jigsaw of the building of an F1 carCredit: mercedesamgf1.comTo make a successful team, you need a great racing car. And that means having to spend millions assembling it.Figures for how much a Formula One car vary, with some saying a ballpark figure could be around the £16million mark.But with the budget cap set at around £106million-per-team each season, there’s plenty of wiggle room to spend even more money perfecting your car.With the help of experts at ALA Insurance, we look at the most expensive components of a F1 car, starting off with the most expensive.Read more F1 newsIt’s worth noting, though, these costs are estimates.Power unit (Engine) – £5m-£15mObviously, the engine is the most important piece of the jigsaw.Therefore, it’s no surprise they cost a pretty penny – and can set manufacturers back as much as £15million.The power unit consists of a combustion engine and the associated hybrid systems.Most read in MotorsportThey are tasked with recovering and deploying energy.Lewis Hamilton reveals why he turned down Top Gun 2 role despite begging Tom Cruise for a part in movie It is a highly advanced and meticulously engineered piece of machinery.The extensive research, development, and manufacturing processes, along with the utilisation of cutting-edge materials and technologies, contribute to its high cost.Carbon fiber monocoque – £200k- £500kA car’s frame is vitally important to its success.The monocoque serves as the structural chassis of an F1 car, and it is usually constructed using carbon fibre composites.Carbon fibre is used because of its strength and is very light, meaning it won’t take away any speed.Again, complex manufacturing techniques, meticulous quality control, and high-grade carbon fibre materials mean it’s not a cheap process.Up to half a million pounds could be spent on the monocoque.The monocoque serves as the structural chassis of an F1 carCredit: Gettyread more sport featuresAerodynamic components – £50k – £200kWhen it comes to optimising performance and handling, aerodynamics play a vital role.This covers the design and development of intricate aerodynamic components, such as wings, diffusers, and bargeboards.It also involves extensive wind tunnel testing, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, and continuous refinement.The complexity of these components, along with the costs associated with research and development, contribute to their higher price tags.The aerodynamic components of a race car are crucialCredit: GettyWings, diffusers, and bargeboards cost serious moneyCredit: APGearbox – £200k- £500kThe gearbox in an F1 car it’s an extremely complex component.Its job is to withstand immense force and transmit power efficiently for the best drive.F1 gearboxes are typically built to withstand rapid gear changes and extreme torque, requiring high-performance materials, precision machining, and stringent quality control.With a minimum figure of £200,000 spent, it’s a little pricier than fixing up your souped up Supra.The engine, gearbox and electronic system in the garage in all its gloryCredit: RexHybrid systems – £500k – £2mF1 cars employ advanced hybrid systems to capture and deploy energy for improved performance.Such systems include the Energy Recovery System (ERS) and associated electronics, incorporate cutting-edge technology and components.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe development and integration of these complex hybrid systems, along with the necessary research and testing, contribute to them costing as much as £2m.If you had the money, would you launch an F1 team and pay this much for a car?The Hybrid Energy System can cost up to £2mCredit: Formula1.comThe rough estimate for the cost of an F1 car is as much as £16mCredit: AFP More

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    Man Utd legend, 67, who grew up on council estate now financial advisor after getting sick of watching pals go bankrupt

    WHEN Bryan Robson was the elder statesman of the Manchester United squad in the early 1990s, Sir Alex Ferguson set him a task with the Class of ’92.The England legend was asked by the iconic boss to help the incredible youngsters coming through at Old Trafford with their financial matters.Man Utd ambassador Bryan Robson has co-founded a business offering financial adviceRobson played 465 times for the Red Devils during a storied careerSir Alex Ferguson leaned on Bryan Robson to help the Class of ’92 with their contractsHe told SunSport: “Sir Alex always wanted to protect the Class of ’92 when they were coming through.”On occasions, he would pull me in his office and just say, ‘I can’t keep up with all these young lads. Try and give them good advice, because they may be getting new contracts with the club’.”The boss didn’t want them tying themselves up with agents who were going to take big fees.”I went in and negotiated for a few of the boys, which they were really happy with.”Read more on Man UtdFast forward 30-plus years, Robson, now 67, is embarking on a new business venture that could be crucial in today’s world, and echoes back to that experience.He has co-founded High-Performance Individuals alongside former Manchester United apprentice Simon Andrews – with the aim to give high earning sports, media, music and entertainment stars financial and investment advice.You get fed up of seeing teammates going bankrupt or losing a lot of money in investments.”In recent times, footballers Wes Brown and Chris Smalling have spoken about being badly advised with their money.While TV personality Katie Price is bankrupt again, after reportedly blowing a £45million fortune.Most read in FootballRobson admitted it’s heartbreaking seeing former teammates suffering, which prompted him and friend Andrews into action.He explained: “Simon Andrews, who was in the financial world and a former apprentice at Manchester United, approached me with the idea.Robbo talks about Man Utd’s current woes and situation”You get fed up of seeing teammates going bankrupt or losing a lot of money in investments.”I just thought someone’s got to do something about it because it’s just not right that the education system doesn’t get to some of the lads.”That’s why we have set this company up. We don’t want to be an agent. All we want to do is do reports for people who are in financial difficulties or people who might just want a report to see if everything’s in place.”We have professional people in every walk of the financial system, so really it’s like a financial plan.”We aren’t telling them what they have got to do. It’s up to the individual person what they want in life, and whether they want to invest in anything.”And it’s also about educating people about knowing about tax, are they getting the right mortgage, or the right lease for their car – all these sort of things we want to cover.”HPI won’t take commission, nor will they take money from their clients in the future.They provide a report, work alongside agents or mum’s and dad’s of the talent, depending on who works as the advisor.”They have to be educated as well to make sure they are doing the right thing for the individual,” Robson added.Alongside his incredible football career, Captain Marvel launched several business interests.In the past Robson has been successful in businessSimon Andrews has co-founded High Performance Individuals alongside RobsonAndrews is a former Man Utd apprentice and now works in financeHe scored success with greeting cards, but lost money investing in schemes which aimed to take advantage of tax breaks for film productions.Today he manages various properties with his wife, Denise.He continued: “When I got into the England team, then I signed for Manchester United everybody wants to chat to you.”Everybody is a millionaire and tells you this is how they made their money… you’ve got to be wary of that person.”I’m not saying I was perfect. I came from a council estate, went to a decent school, my mum and dad were good parents, but I lost money on the film schemes, like many other footballers did in the 1980s and 1990s.”My advice is, if you are going to invest in something make sure you can afford to. If it goes pear-shaped, you’re not then missing that money and it’s not affecting your life.”I was lucky with another business which I went into with my best mate for greeting cards when I was with Manchester United.”What it did was take me away from other things, I just wanted to concentrate on the business doing really well. Fortunately for me it was successful.”The pitfalls were definitely there when I was playing, the players have just got to be aware of that.”Explaining how the reports work, Robson admitted “trust” was a key part of the process.All we want to do is try to help and advise, what to stay away from, what is a good investment.”Robson admitted there are plenty of pitfalls footballers have to be wary ofCredit: GettyFootball legend Robson revealed he was sick of seeing former teammates struggles financiallyread more sport features”All we want to do is try to help and advise, what to stay away from, what is a good investment,” he told us.”When we do this report, we ask the individuals if they want to stay in football, if they want to be a coach or work in the media world.”It’s really just a matter of finding out what the individual wants to achieve when they wrap up their playing days.”Even in my days there was a lot of players that went bankrupt, and their financial situation caused divorce. You just don’t want to see that, and if you can help them that’s what myself and the company want to do.”Wes Brown breaks silence on bankruptcyBy Dylan Terry
    FORMER Manchester United defender Wes Brown has opened up about going bankrupt.
    The ex-Red Devils defender, 44, was earning £50,000 a week at one stage during his 15-year stay at Old Trafford.
    He also once had a property in Cheshire up for sale for £4.5million.
    Yet the five-time Premier League winner still managed to lose all his money, with the HMRC filing a bankruptcy petition in February 2023, before it was signed off at the High Court two months later.
    It came after he split from Real Housewives of Cheshire star Leanne in 2022 following 20 years of marriage.
    Now the father-of-three has spoken about how his financial crisis occurred.
    He told the Ben Heath podcast: “I think the main thing is when you are making a lot of money, you need the right people, don’t you? And I would say that’s one of the things I didn’t have.
    “It was a little bit different. It wasn’t lots of people you go and speak to and you maybe meet people and do this do that. I wasn’t interested in any of that. You said yes and got on with it.
    “It’s a long story and I won’t go into the detail, but it’s stuff that happened a long time ago with certain investments and getting into stuff that as a young kid, a lot of people go into, [but] don’t really understand it.
    “It’s what a lot of people are doing and then it came to a head last year, and that’s how it went.
    “It’s happened and I’m just getting on with it but it’s one of those things where you hope people, especially this generation, don’t get involved in.”
    Brown’s ex-wife Leanne spoke about their financial situation a few years ago when they were still together.
    She said: “Yes we’ve got a lovely life and all this money and I’m not saying the money isn’t great but when you’re in it you’re living in this bubble.
    “Although the fans can be amazing they can also be very cruel.
    “It must be hard [for footballers] to deal with to be on top one minute and hated the next for a bad kick or missing the goal.
    “We are the ones that are left to pick up the pieces and bear the brunt of whatever is left at the end of their careers.”
    Brown, who won the Champions League with Man Utd in 1999 and 2008, earned 23 England caps.
    He also had spells with Sunderland, Blackburn and Kerala Blasters.

    But, despite many suffering with financial woes, plenty are also switched on when it comes to their finances. Robson explained: “Recently, we did a report for one player who was very honest with us and told us everything about his family and what he’s got in place.”To be fair, we went away, we spoke about it, and there wasn’t really anything we could do.”We told the player, ‘you’ve done really well, you’ve got everything in place and it looks good.’READ MORE SUN STORIES”He said, ‘this is fantastic, all players should have this because it’s like an audit.”They might have something wrong, but it’s great to hear everything is in place too.”Former Man Utd star West Brown recently revealed all about his spiralling debtsCredit: PAKatie Price has also declared bankruptcy More