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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

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

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

LIVERPOOL’s search for a heir to Jurgen Klopp’s throne may be over.New reports suggest that Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim has verbally agreed to join the Anfield club.Rúben Amorim has been tipped to take over the hot seat at AnfieldThe fashionable Amorim cuts a fine figure on the touchlineAmorim is married to well-connected Maria Joao Diogo, leftHis sporting success is known – restoring Sporting Lisbon to the top of the tree in his homeland.On the touchline he cuts a well-dressed figure, often matching jeans with a hip sweatshirt and fashionable trainers.While a hoodie and chinos combo is also a go-to look for the trendsetter.Away from the game, Ruben married stunning missus Maria Joao Diogo in 2013, in front of an audience of famous footballers.Most read in FootballBut, intriguingly, interior designer Maria is very well-connected in the game herself.Cutting his teethAmorim played for Benfica until he was 32, when a career-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury changed his life.Forced into a change of direction, he began his coaching badges.Initially, he was labelled a Jose Mourinho fanboy – dazzled by The Special One’s tactics that scored success at Porto, Chelsea, and Inter, and citing him as an inspiration.Most read in FootballIt was fitting in the 2018 edition of High Performance Football Coaching that Amorim did his internship under Mourinho.Jurgen Klopp manages to savage both Man Utd and his own Liverpool team with astonishing comment about ArsenalHis first taste of glory as a manager came with Braga, where he won the Portuguese Cup after just half a season in charge in 2019.He was immediately head-hunted to become Lisbon boss the following season, where within two seasons he delivered their first league title in 19 years.Instant success saw him named The Special One 2.0. But the ever so modest Amorim played down the comparison.”It has nothing to do with it, it makes no sense and I have no illusions about it,” he said.“I still remember last year everyone was speculating about whether I was going to leave Sporting. There are no comparisons between the great José Mourinho and the Sporting coach.”Back in 2018, Amorim did an internship under Jose MourinhoCredit: Twitter @Mourinho_XtraAmorim has made no secret of his admiration of MourinhoCredit: Gettyread more sport featuresA wife with footballing connectionsIn 2013, in a beautiful ceremony at the Palácio de S. Marcos church in Coimbra, Amorim said his ‘I do’ to the love of his life, Maria.The groom was the first to the event, and as is tradition the bride arrived 30 minutes later.160 guests witnessed the beautiful moment, including members of the football world.Players like Nuno Gomes, Miguel Vítor, Hugo Viana, Luís Filipe and Quim were all present. As was Maria’s brother, Antero Henrique.Antero was famously the former Sporting Director at PSG – and was a Man Utd target, before the Red Devils switched their attention to Dan Ashworth.He was responsible for the most expensive transfer ever – bringing Neymar to the Ligue 1 giants in a record-breaking £198million from Barcelona.Antero also managed to convince Kylian Mbappe to snub Real Madrid, when he moved from Monaco.While Dani Alves, who was fielding several offers from Premier League clubs, was persuaded that his future belonged in the French capital in 2017.Before his tenure at PSG, Antero modernised Porto’s academy and introduced handball and basketball to the organisation.A club museum and TV channel were also insisted upon by the ambitious football director.Maria Joao Diogo, left, has serious sporting connectionsCredit: Instagram @doistons_designinterioresHer brother Antero Henrique was once the Sporting Director at PSGCredit: AFPMaria Joao Diogo boasts her own interior design company and shows off the looks on InstagramCredit: Instagram @doistons_designinterioresMaria’s sister is also married to a footballer. Inês Diogo is married to a former  Braga, Sporting Lisbon and Benfica footballer, Luís Filipe.Despite her footballing connections, she doesn’t work in football.Instead, she runs her own interior designer firm called Dois Tons.On their Instagram, she showcases plenty of homes she has given makeovers.Fashionable coachHer expertise also begs the questions if she has any influence on Amorim’s wardrobe.The Reds target will give the likes of Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta and Roberto De Zerbi a run for their money in the fashion stakes.Amorim has shown off a variety of looks as his reputation has grown.In the warmer months, he keeps it casual in the dugout – wearing a t-shirt with chinos.When it’s cooler, a trendy sweatshirt might be added.But when the occasion calls for it, Amorim can look dapper in a light suit with a tee underneath.One thing that is a given is he will most likely be wearing trainers.Smart Amorim is set to give the Premier League’s most fashionable managers a run for their moneyCredit: AlamyGiven the occasion, Amorin will don a designer suitCredit: GettyAmorim can also go casual in a t-shirt and chinosCredit: RexBut always Amorin wears expensive trainers on the sidelinesCredit: EPAOver the years, he has sported a variety of brands – but favours Nike.READ MORE SUN STORIESReports have suggested Amorim is an avid Yeezys collector too, and boasts an impressive collection. However, this has never been confirmed.Surely, though, Liverpool fashionista Trent Alexander-Arnold will approve. More